Wexford lockout heroes remembered at annual commemoration ceremony

A wreath was laid and an address delivered at the 1911 Lock-out Gate in The Faythe to commemorate those who fought for better conditions for workers. The annual ceremony remembers the hardship of over 3,000 townspeople locked out of foundry jobs for joining a union of their choice. A bitter dispute developed, and workers relied on support from friendly societies, local newspapers, and shopkeepers who provided credit through winter months. The local GAA also raised funds through challenge matches. James Connolly brokered the settlement to end the Wexford Lockout in February 1912. President Michael D Higgins linked the workers’ achievement to constitutional guarantees for citizens’ rights to form associations and unions, and emphasized the enduring benefits of their courage and solidarity.

"The achievement of the Wexford foundry workers in securing the right to have their own union anticipated the guarantee later enshrined in Bunreacht na hÉireann, our 1937 Constitution, for the right of citizens to form associations and unions."

"The Wexford Lockout is an important chapter of Irish labour history. The struggle required great courage, commitment and solidarity from ordinary, hard-working people. We should never forget that as Irish people we benefit, to this day, from the changes that these people fought so bravely for."

"Each year, a ceremony takes place to remember the hardship that over 3,000 townspeople were subjected to after being locked out of their jobs in the town's foundries for daring to join a union of their choice. A bitter and prolonged dispute developed. The workers received support from friendly societies, local newspapers and shopkeepers upon whom they depended for credit through the winter months."

"The local GAA also supported the workers, staging challenge matches to raise funds. James Connolly would broker the settlement to end the Wexford Lockout in February 1912. Also speaking at the intimate ceremony were Helen Corish Wylde and Cllr Davy Hynes, both founder members of the 1911 Wexford Lockout Committee. And Phil Ní Sheaghdha, president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions."

Read at Irish Independent