Peadar O’Donnell Autumn School On Sovereignty In An Imperialist World
On Saturday past in Donegal, the Betty Sinclair Branch of the Communist Party of Ireland held the annual Peadar O’Donnell Autumn School, the school centred on the theme “Sovereignty in an Imperialist World.”
On Saturday past in Donegal, the Betty Sinclair Branch of the Communist Party of Ireland held the annual Peadar O’Donnell Autumn School, the school centred on the theme “Sovereignty in an Imperialist World.”
The day began with a fitting commemoration at the monument in Machaire, honouring the internationalists from the local area who gave their lives in defence of the Spanish Republic. The commemoration was addressed by local anti-imperialist councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, who paid tribute to those who stood in solidarity with the Spanish people in their struggle against fascism.
Proceedings then moved to Anagaire, where Cuban guest Yas Rodriguez opened the Autumn School. Yas spoke passionately about the resilience and determination of the Cuban people in defending their revolution despite decades of the US blockade, which continues in an attempt to undermine and isolate the Cuban Revolution. Yas highlighted how imperialism fears the example that a socialist society can provide to people across the world.
Yas also spoke about Cuba’s revolutionary healthcare system and its commitment to international solidarity, highlighting the role Cuban medical workers have played in providing assistance to people around the world in times of crisis. She also discussed Cuba’s willingness to provide healthcare to US citizens who are unable to access adequate treatment within the capitalist healthcare system in the capitalist US.
Tommy McKearney of the Peadar O’Donnell Socialist Republican Forum delivered an excellent critique of the workings of imperialism in the world today, while outlining the necessity of building a movement for socialism in Ireland.
Eoghan O’Neill of the Communist Party of Ireland addressed the realities facing working-class people under capitalism, discussing the exploitation experienced by workers and the importance of building within working-class communities. He stressed the need to organise and unite around the issues that workers face in their daily lives.
Tyrone native Ferghal MacBhloscaidh, drew important parallels between the struggles faced by Peadar O’Donnell and other revolutionary predecessors and the challenges confronting us today. He emphasised the need for our generation to rise to those challenges and continue the struggle for a world free from capitalist exploitation.
The school was very well attended, with comrades travelling from across the country to take part. The day was marked by lively discussion, political debate, and, above all, great camaraderie among those in attendance.
The school was chaired by lifelong Communist Eddie Glackin, whose contributions throughout the day added greatly to the discussion, with many insightful interventions and points raised from the floor.
The legacy of Peadar O’Donnell and those internationalists who fought against fascism remains as relevant today as ever. Their example reminds us that the struggles of the past are connected to the struggles of the present and that the fight for national sovereignty, workers’ rights, and socialism must continue.
Local musician Darragh Power finished proceedings with revolutionary songs of resistance.
