Funeral of Micheal O'Riordan, Born 12th November 1917 Died 18th May 2006

by Sant Jordiet Mon Nov 20, 2006 21:01

Quantes coses us devem, camarades. Continuem la teva lluita

So many things you deserve, comrades. Will keep fight alive

by JK Mon May 22, 2006 18:52

Members of Sligo County Council have passed a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Michael O'Riordan, the former Chairman of the Communist Party of Ireland, who died last week.

Mr O'Riordan was accorded a civic reception by the Council back in 1986, when he visited the town to mark the 50th anniversary of the Spanish civil war.

On that occasion, the Council was chaired by Cllr Declan Bree, and it was the Labour councillor who proposed today's vote of sympathy.

Cllr Bree said O'Riordan was an Irish patriot, a Marxist in the tradition of James Connolly and an internationalist.

He said he was a leading figure in the fight for social justice over the decades, and a man of courage and of outstanding principle.

(Ocean FM News Monday May 22)

by Gracias - La XV Brigada Mon May 22, 2006 13:04

Gracias, compañero.

Pasionaria's speech, farewell address to the International Brigades:

"It is very difficult to say a few words in farewell to the heroes of the International Brigades, because of what they are and what they represent. A feeling of sorrow, an infinite grief catches our throat - sorrow for those who are going away, for the soldiers of the highest ideal of human redemption, exiles from their countries, persecuted by the tyrants of all peoples - grief for
those who will stay here forever mingled with the Spanish soil, in the very depth of our heart, hallowed by our feeling of eternal gratitude.

From all peoples, from all races, you came to us like brothers, like sons of immortal Spain; and in the hardest days of the war, when the capital of the Spanish Republic was threatened, it was you, gallant comrades of the International Brigades, who helped save the city with your fighting enthusiasm, your heroism and your spirit of sacrifice. - And Jarama and Guadalajara, Brunete and Belchite, Levante and the Ebro, in immortal verses sing of the courage, the sacrifice, the daring, the discipline of the men of the International Brigades.

For the first time in the history of the peoples' struggles, there was the spectacle, breath taking in its grandeur, of the formation of International Brigades to help save a threatened country's freedom and independence - the freedom and independence of our Spanish land.

Communists, Socialists, Anarchists, Republicans - men of different colors, differing ideology, antagonistic religions --- yet all profoundly loving liberty and justice, they came and offered themselves to us unconditionally.

They gave us everything --- their youth or their maturity; their science or their experience; their blood and their lives; their hopes and aspirations --- and they asked us for nothing. But yes, it must be said, they did want a post in battle, they aspired to the honor of dying for us.

Banners of Spain! Salute these many heroes! Be lowered to honor so many martyrs!

Mothers! Women! When the years pass by and the wounds of war are stanched; when the memory of the sad and bloody days dissipates in a present of liberty, of peace and of well being; when the rancors have died out and pride in a free country is felt equally by all Spaniards, speak to your children. Tell them of these men of the International Brigades.

Recount for them how, coming over seas and mountains, crossing frontiers bristling with bayonets, sought by raving dogs thirsting to tear their flesh, these men reached our country as crusaders for freedom, to fight and die for Spain's liberty and independence threatened by German and Italian fascism. They gave up everything --- their loves, their countries, home and fortune, fathers, mothers, wives, brothers, sisters and children --- and they came and said to us: ``We are here. Your cause, Spain's cause, is ours. It is the cause of all advanced and progressive mankind.''

Today many are departing. Thousands remain, shrouded in Spanish earth, profoundly remembered by all Spaniards. Comrades of the International Brigades: Political reasons, reasons of state, the welfare of that very cause for which you offered your blood with boundless generosity, are sending you back, some to your own countries and others to forced exile. You can go proudly. You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic example of democracy's solidarity and universality in the face of the vile and accommodating spirit of those who interpret democratic principles with their eyes on hoards of wealth or corporate shares which they want to safeguard from all risk.

We shall not forget you; and, when the olive tree of peace is in flower, entwined with the victory laurels of the Republic of Spain --- return!

Return to our side for here you will find a homeland --- those who have no country or friends, who must live deprived of friendship --- all, all will have the affection and gratitude of the Spanish people who today and tomorrow will shout with enthusiasm ---

Long live the heroes of the International Brigades!

Comrades of the International Brigades! Political reasons, reasons of state, the good of that same cause for which you offered your blood with limitless generosity, send some of you back to your countries and some to forced exile. You can go with pride. You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic example of the solidarity and the universality of democracy… We will not forget you; and, when the olive tree of peace puts forth its leaves, entwined with the laurels of the Spanish Republic’s victory, come back!

Dolores Ibàrruri, La Pasionaria. Barcelona, November 1, 1938
Dolores Ibàrruri. Asturias, Spain, 1895 - Madrid, 1989

by pat c Mon May 22, 2006 11:11

The Tricolour was there because Mick was a Republican and former member of the IRA. Red flags, Starry Ploughs and the International Brigade flag were also flown. To get rid of nations and borders you first have to get rid of Colonialism and Neo-Colonial mindsets. A Stateless World doesnt drop from the trees. People who still suffer under the Imperialist yoke will notice who supports them and will also notice who downplays the role of the Imperialist occupier.

by marxist Sun May 21, 2006 21:02

Why the tricolour on the coffin? What is the CPI view on Bertie Ahern 'leading tributes' to O'Riordan? I would hope he was jumping on bandwagon and would not be supported one inch by them (have they still got the 'progressive beogeois' line on FF?)

Was there a 21 gun salute? If not, there should have been, as it's deserved for all that have put their lives on the line for their beliefs.

Viva la Quinte Brigada.
Long live socialism!

by dunk Sun May 21, 2006 18:29

rte news put a good piece together about him the other night,including a tv piece:
Six One News: Conor Mark Kavanagh reports on the life and political career of Michael O'Riordan

Michael O'Riordan Pictured in uniform, 1936

by Martin Sun May 21, 2006 02:42

Could not make the funeral for Michael, but I have fond memories of a "man you don,t meet every day". Farewell comrade, your race is run and you left your indelible mark on the plains and streets of our old rolling earth. An inspiration you were to many good people, I am reminded of the maxim " If I am not for myself who will be? If I am only for myself what am I ?" "..our own right hand the chains must shiver, chains of slavery, chains of fear... Then comrades come rally and the last fight let us face, the International unites the human race."

Farewell good man, you will always be a part of us.

by republican Sun May 21, 2006 01:10

May he Rest In Peace, never forgotten.

A hero of the working class.

No pasaran!