Well, finally, in 2012, I actually went to my first anarchist bookfair, in Liberty Hall. And very interesting it was. Looking at the wares on display and the programme of talks that accompanied them, I suppose I would describe it more as a Socialist Alternative Bookfair rather than an Anarchist one as such. Certainly the themes were of resistance to the current power elites and rampant capitalism, but they seemed, for the most part, to stop short of total anarchy.
Anyway, the reason I was there this year was to check out the Come Here to Me bloggers in person. I have been reading this fantastic Dublin blog since its inception and it is going from strength to strength.
The lads were talking about under the radar activities, so to speak, and their event was described thus in the official programme.
Sam McGrath will present his research on the life and death of English revolutionary socialist Arthur 'Neal' Wicks who was killed in action in the Easter Rising. Donal Fallon discusses the problems and potential in marking history from below, and how we should commemorate our past. Ciaran is looking at Dan Donnelly, a boxer in the 1700s who fought the English champion in front of 30,000 in the Curragh. He was born around the corner from where our meeting takes place, in the Dark Horse Inn, Georges Quay
The lads did a great job and delivered what it said on the tin.
Below are a few general shots from the day. You can click on any of the pictures in this post to see larger versions.
While I was there I checked out the mural (below) of the tax protest (1979-80?) on the restaurant wall. Click image for larger version or here for larger version still.
Very interesting. Thanks for the pointer to Come here To Me - fascinating stuff - I've signed up to them for future updates.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a great blog. I extol it at every opportunity.
ReplyDeleteAs I said in the post, the reason for me going into town was to meet the lads in person. I had corresponded online with Donal but didn't know the others at all. Great bunch.
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