Ireland 1912 - 22

“I feel that a greater knowledge of the often neglected aspects above will help us understand 100 years later events which still have a resonance in Ireland today”.

Luton Irish Forum is presenting the latest in a series of free cultural seminars entitled Ireland 1912 – 22 at their Centre this November with guest speaker Dr Ivan Gibbons, Programme Director of Irish Studies at St Mary's University College, London.

This informal and interactive seminar will cover Ireland in 1912, the significance of the Ulster Covenant, when and why did nationalist Ireland move from Home Rule to Sinn Fein and why was a revolutionary independent Ireland so successful as a parliamentary democracy.

Tom Scanlon, Public relations Officer Luton Irish Forum said ‘This is a marvellous  opportunity to refresh our thoughts and views regarding the most momentous period in relations between Ireland and Great Britain culminating in the formation of the Irish Free State, later to become the 26 county Republic of Ireland.

We are honoured to receive a presentation by Dr Ivan Gibbons an adult education organiser and history lecturer in modern Irish and British history. I am confident this presentation will stimulate and encourage debate enabling us to fully understand, and pass on to future generations the cultural significance of the events that took place from 1912 to 1922.

There is an interest here for everyone. Students studying history will receive a modern and refreshing presentation covering the role of Irish men and women in the Great War and also the leading and historic role taken by women in securing Irish Independence.

Trade Unionists will be informed of the important role played by Jim Larkin and James Connolly in forming the Irish Transport and General Workers Union.  Organising the working classes in Dublin and other cities, who were among the poorest and worst paid in Europe, ultimately leading to a tram workers strike, and lock out which had a profound effect on attitudes towards the ruling classes.

Having regard to the current relations between both Countries the planned commemoration of the centenary of the 1914 World War, demonstrates the changed political climate in 2012. 

Dr Ivan Gibbons said “I feel that a greater knowledge of the often neglected aspects above will help us understand 100 years later events which still have a resonance in Ireland today”.