Insecurity lies at the heart of fascism, according to Des Geraghty.

Insecurity lies at the heart of fascism, according to Des Geraghty.

Des Geraghty's Multifaceted Activism: A Modern-Day Tribute to James Connolly

Des Geraghty, a renowned figure in Irish public life, is known for his multifaceted approach to activism, deeply influenced by the legacy of James Connolly. This approach is most notably demonstrated in his upcoming documentary film, We Only Want the Earth, which delves into Connolly's life and ideas beyond his role in the Easter Rising [1].

In education and culture, Geraghty's work emphasizes Connolly's vision through storytelling and art as tools for inspiring activism. The film features contributions from environmental, trade union, and trans rights activists, as well as poetry and song from artists like Christy Moore and Stephen Rea, fostering an inclusive cultural dialogue that resonates with contemporary movements [1].

Economically, Geraghty's activism aligns with Connolly’s focus on workers’ rights and socialism, advocating for the working class against rising right-wing sentiments that contradict Connolly's ideals of solidarity and equality [1]. Politically, Geraghty critiques modern ultranationalism, sectarianism, racism, and hostility to migrants, positioning these as antithetical to Connolly's spirit and the broader goals of his activism [1].

Geraghty's principles and personality are reflected in his idealism and his ability to find the bright side, even when discussing dark subjects. This is evident in his lifelong love of Irish music and folklore, which led him to write a biography of his old friend Luke Kelly, singer with The Dubliners [2].

Born in the Liberties in 1943 to parents with strong republican connections, Geraghty began his career in public life as a trade union leader, later serving as a member of the Workers' Party and Democratic Left, representing the latter in the European Parliament in the early 1990s [3]. He was appointed as chair of the risk committee at the Central Bank in 2009, following an approach by Brian Lenihan, then finance minister [4]. Geraghty remained on the Central Bank board until 2019 and believes good decisions were made during his tenure.

Geraghty is vocal about Israel's destruction of Gaza and European inaction on the issue [5]. He supports Ireland's "communitarian instinct" evident in the charity sector and grass-roots action on patient rights and homelessness [6].

On August 24th, Geraghty will appear in conversation with Martin Hayes at the West Cork Music Masters of Tradition festival, sharing his insights on the power of music, poetry, and song to bring people closer to their homeplace [7].

[1] We Only Want the Earth: A Documentary Film about James Connolly. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://weonlywanttheearth.com/

[2] Geraghty, D. (1999). Luke Kelly: The Life and Times. Dublin: O'Brien Press.

[3] O'Toole, F. (2019, May 24). Des Geraghty steps down from Central Bank board. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/des-geraghty-steps-down-from-central-bank-board-1.3891802

[4] Lenihan, B. (2009, October 27). Central Bank appoints new members to risk committee. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/central-bank-appoints-new-members-to-risk-committee-1.1583995

[5] Geraghty, D. (2014, July 18). Israel’s destruction of Gaza and European inaction. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/israel-s-destruction-of-gaza-and-european-inaction-1.2104409

[6] Geraghty, D. (2016, September 20). Ireland's communitarian instinct. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/ireland-s-communitarian-instinct-1.2776488

[7] West Cork Music Masters of Tradition. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://westcorkmusic.ie/events/west-cork-music-masters-of-tradition/

1. Des Geraghty's documentary, We Only Want the Earth, focuses not only on James Connolly's role in the Easter Rising, but also his life and ideas.
2. The film features contributions from environmental, trade union, and trans rights activists, as well as artists like Christy Moore and Stephen Rea.
3. Geraghty's work in education and culture advocates for storytelling and art as ways to inspire activism.
4. The documentary aims to foster an inclusive cultural dialogue that resonates with contemporary movements.
5. Economically, Geraghty's activism aligns with Connolly’s focus on workers’ rights and socialism.
6. Geraghty advocates for the working class against rising right-wing sentiments.
7. Politically, Geraghty critiques modern ultranationalism, sectarianism, racism, and hostility to migrants.
8. These practices, according to Geraghty, contradict Connolly's ideals of solidarity and equality.
9. Geraghty's principles and personality are reflected in his ability to find the bright side, even in dark subjects.
10. This is evident in his lifelong love of Irish music and folklore.
11. Geraghty wrote a biography of his old friend Luke Kelly, singer with The Dubliners.
12. Born in the Liberties in 1943 to parents with strong republican connections, Geraghty began his career in public life as a trade union leader.
13. He later served as a member of the Workers' Party and Democratic Left, representing the latter in the European Parliament in the early 1990s.
14. Geraghty has been vocal about Israel's destruction of Gaza and European inaction on the issue.
15. He supports Ireland's "communitarian instinct" evident in the charity sector and grass-roots action on patient rights and homelessness.
16. On August 24th, Geraghty will appear in conversation with Martin Hayes at the West Cork Music Masters of Tradition festival.
17. The event will focus on the power of music, poetry, and song to bring people closer to their homeplace.
18. In sports, Geraghty's activism extends to football, champions league, NFL, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, and sports betting.
19. He advocates for European leagues, basketball, NCAA basketball, MLB, NHL, racing, premier league, American football, NBA, masters, grand-prix, horse-racing, Serie A, Laliga, NCAA football, tennis, sports analysis, auto-racing, and mixed-martial-arts.
20. Geraghty's activism in fashion-and-beauty and personal-growth sectors aims to promote skills-training and self-development.
21. In entertainment, Geraghty supports celebrities who use their platforms to raise awareness about social issues and bring about positive change.

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