| |
What was the Connolly Column?
Named after the trade unionist and rebel James Connolly, the Connolly Column was the division of Irish Anti Fascists who fought as part of the 15th International Brigade in what is
commonly referred to as the civil war/revolution in Spain 1936-39.
These brave Anti Fascist Volunteers came from all over Ireland. They joined 55,000 men and women volunteers from 54 other nations in order to defend the democratically elected
Centre Left coalition government of Spain against the rebellious Fascist armies of Franco,
Mussolini and Hitler during that era.
With the exception of the U.S.S.R. and Mexico, the governments of the rest of the world chose not to intervene in defence of the democratically elected government in Spain. The fact that the rest of the world chose to 'turn their backs'
on the Republican government of Spain prevented Madrid from becoming the tomb of European Fascism and thus paved the way for world War II, it's agonies and the horrific massacre of millions that ensued.
Members of the
XV International Brigade
on the march
Who were the Connolly Column?
They were working class Protestants, Catholics, trade unionists, community and political activists who volunteered
to physically challenge the merciless rising tide of Fascism in Europe during the 1930s.
(From left-right) Connolly Column veterans
Micheal Levitas, Mícheal O'Ríordán, Peter O'Connor
and Bob Doyle meet Mary Robinson, President of Ireland.
Why is it important to remember them?
They bore the brunt of the struggle against Fascism and many gave their lives in the hope that their efforts would secure the birth of
a new world, a better future for generations to come... A future free from Fascism!
What were their names and where in Ireland did they come from?
Click HERE for more information.
|
|