Michael O'Riordain

by Labour - Labour Thu May 18, 2006 12:58

It was with profound regret that I learned this morning of the death of Michael O’Riordan.

Michael O’Riordan was a leader of the struggle against fascism in Europe and a heroic veteran of the International Brigade that fought on the side of Republicanism and Democracy in the Spanish Civil War between1936 and 1939.

As Leader of the Labour Party I had the honour of ensuring he received a special citation at our 2001 National Conference.

Michael O’Riordan stood out against the tide of Irish conservatism and clerical domination that kept Ireland backward and isolated in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

He remained loyal to his labour roots and socialist values throughout his life. Although a committed member of the Communist Party he urged generations of young Irish socialists to join the Labour Party and to work democratically for a prosperous Ireland free and fair compassionate and tolerant. The fact that such sentiments are now taken as normal is a measure of the change brought about by the courage of the likes of O’Riordan.

by ali la pointe - jack white's flying column Thu May 18, 2006 14:00

I had the honour of meeting the man on a couple of occasions. True enough, he didn't hold our political differences against me, although after we watched Ken Loache's 'Land and Freedom' I didn't get into any discussion with him!

What beats me is how 2 members of the Coalitionist wing of the Labour Party (coalition that is with FF, PDs or FG, but not with the left), have managed to turn the sad news of this comrade's death into a party electoral broadcast for themselves!

by Jonah Thu May 18, 2006 14:05

Second comment in and people are taking digs at each other.

One can leave aside their political analysis of those people who have chosen to post about his death and simply acknowledge in this small way Michael O'Riordan's commitment, determination and ferverent belief in revolutionary politics and the republican and socialist struggles in their broadest sense.

by pat c Thu May 18, 2006 14:06

I dont think I would have discussed Land & Freedom with Michael O'Riordan either! But I am saddened by his passing. Whatever political differences I have with the CP, Michael was someone who fought for Socialist politics in the dark days of the 30s, 40s & 50s. He didnt just have to face black-listing and verbal abuse: he and his comrades also faced physical attacks from the criminal Animal Gang.

Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;
Dream of battled fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.
In our isle's enchanted hall,
Hands unseen thy couch are strewing,
Fairy strains of music fall,
Every sense in slumber dewing.
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more:
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Morn of toil, nor night of waking.

by Roger Cole - Peace and Neutrality Alliance Thu May 18, 2006 14:15 pana at eircom dot net 17 Castle Street, Dalkey 01-2351512

Michael O'Riordan opposed Imperialism all his life. He will be
missed. My I offer my condolence to his family, friends and comrades in the Communist Party of Ireland.

by John Thu May 18, 2006 14:42

He supported the invasions of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan and every other act of imperialism carried out by the USSR.

by Dermot Lacey Thu May 18, 2006 14:49

I am not going to engage with Ali la pointe ( or whatever his name is) in relation to Michael O'Riordan. Of course I had differences with him. However I had huge respect for his courage, committment and integrity. He served Ireland and the world well. Use other threads if you want to to attack me but let those who knew and liked Michael O'Riordan simply acknowledge our respect here. My respect for Michael is not new and I was particularly proud of commentsa he made about me in his speech to the Labour Party Conference at which he was awarded the citation.

by Ciarán Ó Brolcháin Thu May 18, 2006 15:00

Regardless of whatever differences there may be amongst the left, it must be recognised that Michael O'Riordan played a magnificent role as a soldier on behalf of the Irish and international working class, as an anti-fascist, a socialist and a republican in a time when the forces of reaction were in the ascendant.

Michael in Waterford, 9th July 2004

by Ciarán Thu May 18, 2006 15:28

Gerry Adams expresses condolences to family and friends of Micheal O'Riordan
Published: 18 May, 2006

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has expressed his deep condolences to the family and friends of Micheal O’Riordan who died this morning. Mr. Adams said Michael was an inspiration to all those who knew him and will be sadly missed.

Mr. Adams said:

“Born in the West Cork Gaeltacht, Michael O’Riordan was politically active his entire life and an inspiration to all those who knew him. He was an active republican, internationalist and communist and a committed Gaelgeoir. A member of the IRA in his youth, he was interned in the Curragh Internment Camp in the 1940s. But he will be remembered best by many for joining the International Bridage and risking his life in the fight against facism in Spain. He lost close comrades there and worked diligently to ensure that the story of their struggle is widely known today and their memory cherished. As a leader of the Communist Party of Ireland he continued to fight against injustice and for social change until very late in his life.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend condolences to Michael’s family and friends. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh sé.”

by ali la pointe - jack white's flying column Thu May 18, 2006 15:37

It ought to be clear from my comment that I both liked and respected Micheal ORiordain, even if I had my differences with him, and that I was not seeking to engage you or anyone else in a row here about his ideas.

What I was objecting to, and still do, is the opportunism exhibited in your party colleague's post in its attempt to put a Labour party political spin on Micheal ORiordain's anti-fascism, and this coming from the hug-a-blueshirt wing of Labour!

by Darren Cogavin - Socialist Party (pc) Thu May 18, 2006 15:49

My heartfelt condolences to Micheal's immediate family, extended family and his comrades in the Communist Party. The world is a better place for Micheal having lived.

Salud Michael!

by Dermot Lacey Thu May 18, 2006 16:18

Quite simply what Ruairi Quinn and I posted was simply the truth. That is the last comment on this issue I am going to make.

by pat c Thu May 18, 2006 16:26

The Political Pygmies are crawling out from beneath their rocks to attack Michael O'Riordan. I had differences with him but I recognised what he was: someone who spent his entire life fighting for what his understanding of Socialism was. Michael O'Riordan will be remembered in Irish Labbour history, you poltroons dont even have the guts to put your names to the abuse you post here.

by John Thu May 18, 2006 17:07

DEATH OF
MICHAEL O'RIORDAN
1917 - 2006

The Communist Party of Ireland would like to inform the Irish people of the death of Michael O'Riordan, our former General Secretary, who fought in the Spanish Anti-Fascist War in Spain 1936 - 39. He was one only two surviving members of the International Brigade. He died this morning in Dublin after a illness. He was a towering figure in the Irish Labour movement.

He died peacefully in his sleep.

I recieved this message by e.mail this morning and it made me think of the man and his contribution to our little nation and what he meant to me. I suppose we can all focus on the differences we had with him but I don't see the point. Mick was a product of his time. Born in the year of the Russian revolution into a country controlled by the catholic church and 'gombeen' politicans all rabidlly anti communist he took the side of the downtrodden and chose to organise for a society that put people first. He organised the unemployed, solidarity with trade unionists particularly when they were on strike, was an internationalist in word and deed. He defended uncritically the attempts to develop communism in the USSR and other countries. He was loyal to international communism and sympathetic allbeit critical of Irish republicanism. He made his mark.

I am happy to learn he died peacefully

The struggle continues

by Publo Thu May 18, 2006 17:24

Just want to add my couple of words. Back in February 1999 I attended a talk given by Michael at UCC on the Spanish Civil War. At the time the spirit of resistance exemplified by the Spain Days seemed to be little more than the romantic daydreaming of students when the height of Irish action seemed to buying SWP newspapers on student marches against college fees.

Later that year the events in Seattle signified that the time for regret that we were not around to have joined with the internationale gave way to a time for action. Michael and his comrades, whatever their positions on particular issues played a key role in keeping the embers of direct action alive while the wider community often seemed to be in hibernation.

My regards to his family and friends.

by ('',) - AY - Pers Cap Thu May 18, 2006 17:40

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael O'Riordain.

~ no pasaran ~

by Con Carroll Thu May 18, 2006 18:06

many times I was in Mick o Riordans company in Connolly books we had a good laugh
Mick once addressed a AFA meeting in Dublin
there was no comprimises from MIck towards the fascists

we can continue where Mick left off
no platform for fascists
solidarity with people who are asylum seekers
be proud off working class left history
Slan Michael

by Tom O'Driscoll Thu May 18, 2006 18:12

First time I met Michael O'Riordan I related to him about the nuns in Cork at primary school in the sixties had us praying for the 'conversion of Russsia and the Red O'Riordan' ; his response to me was 'You didn't pray hard enough!'

He used to say that 'Bad socialism is still 1000 times better than good capitalism'. There is no doubt, in hindsight, that 'bad socialism' was practiced during the 70 years existence of the Soviet Union but it still beats the latter day degradation of the working class under Russian capitalism.

It cannot be denied that the Soviet Union saved the world from fascism nor can it be denied that the International Brigade contributed to this eventual victory. We owe Mick O'Riordan a lot.

Slan abhaile, Micheal.

by Oisín - ÓSF Thu May 18, 2006 18:35

Never met the man, though I always meant to. A true giant of the Irish left, and there's not too many. Despite political differences, which I and many of us here had with him and his party, no one can deny he was a tireless fighter for freedom and socialism. He will be missed.

by Davy Carlin Thu May 18, 2006 19:10

He will be missed but always remembered by those who knew him with pride,

Farewell - D

by CM Guerin Thu May 18, 2006 20:30

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasail.

by By Any Means Necessary Fri May 19, 2006 00:04

Rest in Peace comrade.

His politics were about liberation and working class solidarity, no compromise to fascism and racism and internationalism.

For a 32 county Irish Workers' Republic.

by OTR Fri May 19, 2006 00:30

I had a number of arguments with him about Spain, the anarchists etc, about which he was quite unapologetic. We never got around to discussing Budapest, Prague etc. Notwithstanding these differences, he was a brave and sincere man who, as Pat C notes, fought reaction at a time when most people kept their mouths shut. Activists need to learn that you can reject a person´s ideas while respecting the individual.

My condolences to his family and friends.

by Int Brigade supporter - IBCC Fri May 19, 2006 01:12 irelandscw at yahoo dot co dot uk

Some material by and about mick o'riordan is collected together here.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

I'm sure Mick would agree, remember the dead, but keep the struggle going on!

Salud!

by Justin Morahan - Peace People Fri May 19, 2006 01:26

Sincere condolences to Michael's family and friends.
Met him only once at the GPO when I was selling LPJ (pacifist) pamphlet.
We had a very long chat, still managed to discuss not differences, rather how many things we agreed on.
I thought of him as a sincere, honest and brave person who had suffered for his beliefs but had no bitterness.
I am very saddened by his passing

by Dermot L - Labour Youth Fri May 19, 2006 04:17

It is heartening to see those on the left leave our differences aside for a moment and concentrate on the legacy Michael O'Riordan leaves behind.

Given that the contemporary Irish school history curriculum makes no note of the brave Irishmen who fought on the Republican side - instead only learning of the Blueshirts' pathetic involvement in Spain - I first came to know of the struggle fought by Michael and his comrades through the music of Christy Moore. While history books will come and go and be rewritten ad nauseam, the folk songs will continue to tell the tale of 1936 and the likes of Michael O'Riordan a long time after all of us have passed on.

All those who strive for a better, fairer, more equal world must never forget their heroic fight against fascism.

"Viva La Quinte Brigada,
¡No Paseran! the pledge that made them fight
¡Adelante! is the cry around the hillside,
Let us all remember them tonight."

by Ronan in Germany - German Communist Party Fri May 19, 2006 10:05

I was a comrade and a friend of Mick's and he thought me so much. He will be sadly missed by so many. It is a sad time for us all. Mick was a very bright man and as witty as Oscar Wilde. A very likable man indeed.
He was like a grandad to everyone in the CYM and always had time for young people. All this aside Mick was a great leader of the CPI, a brillant trade unionist and moreover a real revolutionary not an 'internet' malcontent.

To his family and and to all my comrades back home condolances to you all.

Love and peace

Ronan Harte
DKP Essen

by bysshe in exile Fri May 19, 2006 10:51

It is with respect I note the passing of a hero of the irish left.

My contact with Michael was buying lenin's collected works off him one volume at a time out my dole. Our weekly chats in connolly books were both brief and amicable.

Whatever the failings of the Irish Communist Party (strategic and tactical) the generation who fought both facism and the carnival of reaction north and south should be remembered as laying the basis for the building of an irish left.
Ireland would be a worse place were not for those that kept a socialist thread going.

Regards,
Bysshe

by Graham Ó Maonaigh - Labour Youth Fri May 19, 2006 11:40 www.labouryouth.ie

Death Notice and Funeral Arrangements

Ó RÍORDÁIN (Micheál) (Corcaigh agus Baile Átha Cliath, de mhuintir Bhéal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh) -- 18ú Bealtaine, 2006, fear céile agus comrádaí ionmhuin dílis Kay (nach maireann), athair grámhar do Mháire (nach maireann), Mánus agus Brenda, seanathair grámhar do Jessica, Neil, Dara, Caitríona agus Luke. Méala mór a bhás dá ghaolta go léir a thug grá dó, go mórmhór a bhean mhic Annette agus a chliamhain Tony, agus dá mhórchuid de cháirde is comrádaithe ar fud na Éireann agus thar lear. Scíth á ligean aige i measc a chlainne i 13 Bóthar Fhionnghlaise. Sochraid go dtí Crematorium Ghlasnaíon, Satharn ag 12 pm.

O’RIORDAN (Micheál) (Glasnevin, late of Victoria St., Dublin and Pope’s Quay, Cork, of Ballingeary people) – May 18, 2006, dearly beloved husband and comrade of the late Kay, loving father of Mary (deceased), Manus and Brenda, much-loved Grandad of Jessica, Neil, Dara, Caitríona and Luke, beloved father-in-law of Annette and Tony, veteran of the Connolly Column, Fifteenth International Brigade, fought and wounded on the Gandesa front, battle of the Ebro, Spanish Anti-Fascist War, veteran member and former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland, honorary citizen of Spain, life-long Republican and internationalist. Deeply mourned by all his relatives and his many friends and comrades throughout Ireland and internationally. At rest among his family at 13 Finglas Road, Hart’s Corner, arriving late afternoon, Friday. Family and friends welcome from 7 pm onwards. Funeral on Saturday to Glasnevin Crematorium, arriving at 12 pm.

by john throne - labors militant voice Fri May 19, 2006 18:13 loughfinn at aol dot com

Micheal O'Riordan was a man of politics all his adult life. In death I am sure he would want to be judged politically. There is no doubt Micheal O'Riordan was a determined man who stood in general on the left. I was active in the Irish labor movement for many years and on occasion saw and heard his account of things.

However this is not all that needs to be said. Micheal O'Riordan was a leading activist in the stalinist movement. The policies of this movement led to the disasterous defeat of the working class movement in its war against fascism in the Spanish civil war. The methods of this movement included the monstrous slaughter of their rivals on the left especially the trotskyists. This slaughter took place in Spain, the former Soviet Union and internationally.

I have never heard that Micheal O"Riordan ever separated himself in any way from these crimes of stalinism. And as others have said he supported the invasions of the former Soviet Union into countries such as Hungary and Czechslovakia.

Yes. A man is dead. That is to be regretted. But we should not hide the political reality from ourselves and the new generations that are now coming into politics. Stalinism was a catastrophe for the international working class movement. Micheal O'Riordan was a participant of stalinism and a supporter of stalinism his entire life. And anybody who questioned stalinism he went out of his way to crush such questioning.

John Throne.

by Archivist Sat May 20, 2006 00:35

I agree entirely with John Throne's postings above. MOR fought against fascism in Spain. But he did so tethered to stalinism, which was directly implicated in the eventual defeat of the Spanish Republic. His political programme was false. He never questioned the role of stalinism in blocking the united front of workers parties in Germany that might have prevented Nazism; he never queried the brutal purges in Russia, in which millions perished; he stood four square behind the state sponsored repression against real workers' revolts in Hungary and other places. In doing so, he failed to realise that social justice and democracy were indissolubly linked, and therefore contributed to the marginalisation of socialist ideas in Irish society. The challenge today is to learn the lessons of these past events - and I am afraid that glossing over Michael's grevious failings as an activist over many years does no service to that need.

by Eoin Sat May 20, 2006 01:56

Slán leat Michael is trua nach raibh níos mó daoine ar do dhéanmhsa. Cumannachas Abú!

by universalist Sat May 20, 2006 09:53

Michael O'Riordain has been described as an anti-imperialist. How about his retrospective support for the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968? What was his attitude to the Soviet intervention in Hungary in 1956?

by Frank Grimes Sat May 20, 2006 10:49

couldn't wait until he was buried to get the blows in, lads? The funeral's in two hours. I suppose you'd boo during a minute's silence as well. How about a little bit of dignity, if not for yourselves at least for his family.

by Nin Sat May 20, 2006 12:26

Here is MOR's view on the defeat of the Spanish Republic:

'Then of course but we had internal problems in the Spanish government, principally due to the anarchists and the POUM. That did also obstruct, I mean the POUM rose up in Barcelona. The result was that on the Front where they were meant to have gone (was wide open), and so the Fascists just walked in through it. And they were there side by side then with the POUM people and they had a very good relationship together, they played football together, like gentlemen, like British gentlemen, Jesus Christ Almighty I mean! That didn’t last too long.'

It is based on completely false stalinist propaganda and would not be accepted by any objective historical observer today. It is a sad but true fact that while MOR was undoubtedly a brave fighter he justified the oppression of millions of workers throughout his political career, starting with the murder of the brave militants of the POUM by Stalins agents, the same militants who also fought so bravely against fascism.

by Paul O'Connell Sat May 20, 2006 13:08 pauloconnell81 at yahoo dot co dot uk

I didn’t know Michael myself, but I knew of him. From what I gather he was someone who struggled his whole life for what he intuitively believed to be the right thing. Like many others he supported Russia in the belief that it held out some promise of an alternative to the anarchy, barbarism and inhumanity of the capitalist world.

I make no excuses for the Stalinist aberration that became ascendant in Soviet Russia, however, at the same time I will not judge a man who fought his whole life for what he believed was right, and suffered for it.

We who struggle for the transformation of our world today should never forget the horrors of the Stalinist era, but that does not mean harshly judging a brave and committed revolutionary, even if we believe he erred. It most certainly does not give licence to toads, who won’t even use their own names, to stand on the moral high-ground of twenty-twenty hindsight vision and pass judgment on a brave and committed comrade.

Unfortunately, I can’t attend Michael’s funeral today, but I mark it in my own way; by remembering a committed, and like the rest of us fallible, comrade. Slan go fol Michael, and when we have turned this country on its head we will remember with gratitude comrades such as you who struggled their whole lives for change.

My sincerest sympathies to all of his family and friends; Viva la quinta brigada!

by Charles Atlas - Body like Mine Sat May 20, 2006 14:31

Georger Orwell's eye witness account "Homage to Catalonia" was the first to tell it all. (Orwell was injured by a bullet from the Francoists.) Joe Stalin told the communist-led militias to liquidate the anarchists, POUM and other anti-fascist fighters not under Moscow direction. The British Left establishment, such as Kingsley Martin of the New Statesman, and the editors of the the Left Book Club and other leaders of influence, all declined to publish, publicise or fairly review Orwell's book. Stalin stabbed the republican fight against Franco in the back, the mass murderer of humanity and truth. Stalinism betrayed the social humanist ideal and, as Orwell said in a subsequent essay, the trotskyists would have done some of Stalin's murderous deeds too if they rather than he had succeeded Stalin. (Remember theKronstadt massacres of 1919.) Llareggub to all ideological psychopaths. Read poetry and stay sane.

by Michael Mullan Sun May 21, 2006 16:20

I just want to express my gratitude to this man. In 1937 my grandfather told my mother, a teenager at the time, that the war in Spain was about the rich fighting the poor. O'Riordan was on the right side. I am proud that the Irish made a distinguished contribution to the Spanish Republic and that O'Duffy's pro-fascist crew ended up a laughing stock. I didn't share O'Riordan's views on many things but he absolutely earned the respect of everyone on the Irish left.

by P.Mac Adaim - International Brigades Commemoration Committee Thu May 25, 2006 04:09

I was deeply saddened last Thursday morning when I heard the news that Mick O'Ríordán had passed away.
The Irish and International working class have indeed lost a true hero.
I read some of the abuse on this site about Mick and have to say it is quite sickening.
Maybe one day all the back biting will cease and then we can finally get down to building Socialism on this wee Island of ours.

Comrade Mick, you will be deeply missed.

Salud!

Pól

by Brigadist Thu May 25, 2006 15:57

Hello form Spain.
I belive I am talking in the name of millions of youth spaniards when I say THANKS to Michael and the irish IB heros.
You are one of the most great things in our history.
We never forget you.
Again, many thanks.