Quill Connolly Day an Irish Celebration of our Founder, Mike Quill

MARCH 15 -- Quill Connolly Day celebrates our founders: TWU Local 100 honored the memory of Irish martyr James Connolly, a hero of the 1916 Easter Rising, and the man he inspired, Mike Quill, the Founder of the TWU. A festive evening with traditional Irish fare was enlivened by speeches from TWU International President John Samuelsen, who spoke of the cause of a united Ireland, and from RMT Assistant General Secretary Steve Hedley, representing the transit workers of Britain. Hedley gave an impassioned defense of Irish Republican socialism and industrial unionism. RMT President Sean Hoyle also spoke, recalling the words of the great Bob Crow, who helped cement the longstanding friendship between the RMT and the TWU and who was sorely missed at this event.

Performing at the event was the Irish string band, the Murphy Beds, and the Niall O’Leary Irish Dance Studio. Local 100 Director of Communications Jim Gannon acted as MC for the evening, introducing President Tony Utano, who in turn introduced John Samuelsen. Enjoy the photos and the music.