Jim Larkin Statue

Big Jim, as he was known, was especially known for his activism, and his role in the 1913 great strike of Dublin.

James Larkin was an Irish politician and socialist who defended workers' rights against exploitation.
Participated in the most tragic industrial conflict in the country, a strike and lockout.
His statue depicts how he understands his hands to the sky and thereby praises the workers to rise up against oppression.

"There must be freedom for all to live, to think, to worship, no book, no avenue must be closed."J.L.

It's free and honors a man who fought for workers rights. I didn't think the statute of the man himself was that well done. Also, needed cleaning badly when I was there. Great location. Perfect opportunity to learn more about him if you weren't already familiar with his accomplishments.

James Larkin (21 January 1876 – 30 January 1947), sometimes known as Jim Larkin, was an Irish republican, socialist and trade union leader. He was one of the founders of the Irish Labour Party, Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, Workers' Union of Ireland (the two unions later merged to become SIPTU, Ireland's largest trade union) and the Irish Citizen Army (a paramilitary group which was integral to both the Dublin Lockout and the Easter Rising).

Larkin was born to Irish parents in Liverpool, England. He and his family later moved to a small cottage in Burren, southern County Down. Growing up in poverty, he received little formal education and began working in a variety of jobs while still a child. He became a full-time trade union organiser in 1905. Larkin moved to Belfast in 1907, but is perhaps best known for his role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout. Not long after the lockout, Larkin assumed direct command of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA), and would later travel to America to raise funds for the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU). During his time in America, Larkin became involved in the socialist movement there, becoming a member of the Socialist Party of America. After being jailed in 1920 in the US for 'criminal anarchy', he was pardoned in 1923 and later deported, and returned to Ireland where he again became involved in Irish socialism and politics both in the Labour Party and the Irish Worker League. Larkin served as a Teachta Dála on three occasions and died in 1947. The ICA escorted his funeral procession through Dublin in its last public appearance.

Larkin was respected by some commentators during and after his lifetime, with George Bernard Shaw describing him as the "greatest Irishman since Parnell", and his friend and colleague in the labour movement James Connolly describing him as a "man of genius, of splendid vitality, great in his conceptions, magnificent in his courage". "Big Jim" Larkin continues to occupy a position in Dublin's collective memory and streetscape, with a statue of him unveiled on O'Connell

This statue is a tribute to the Irish politician and socialist who championed the rights of workers against exploitation.

This statue features Larkin atop a plinth arms outstretched in front, palms of both hands facing up, extolling workers to rise up against oppression. The statute is also in a poor state, having rusted badly, especially the face.

There's a QR code on the statute which you can use to hear a speech by the man.

Monument located at O'Connell Street and built in memory of James Larkin , a known union's leader. See his special position and attitude due to his skills of talking to big crowds.

Iconic statue commemorating 'Big Jim' Larkin of 1913 Lockout fame. His most historic speech was given from the balcony of the adjacent Clery's department store. Ironic, that a century later Clery's own workers would themselves be victims of a lockout.