Support for bridge to be called after Connolly

THERE has been a wave of support to name the new bridge under construction across the River Liffey after James Connolly.

High profile names from the arts and culture world have rowed in behind the push to have the trade union organiser and 1916 leader immortalised in the structure.

The new Liffey Bridge will connect Marlborough Street at Eden Quay to Hawkins Street at Burgh Quay.

According to a statement from the James Connolly Bridge Campaign, the suggestion has got the backing of politicians and numerous prominent cultural figures such as singers Christy Moore and Frances Black, actors Bryan Murray and Gabriel Byrne, comedians Brendan Grace and Brendan O’Carroll, as well as artist Robert Ballagh and Dublin GAA star Alan Brogan.

James Connolly Bridge Campaign coordinator, Brendan Carr of SIPTU, said it is hoped that support for the campaign will be garnered from all political persuasions so that the proposal can be adopted in a

“non-partisan manner

?.

“The campaign has met with members of all the political groups in Dublin City Council and the proposal received a very positive response from all the groups,

? stated Mr Carr.

“What we are trying to do is remember the struggle of the people of Dublin 100 years ago and the link we have between 1913 and 1916 is James Connolly.

?

The bridge over the Liffey is due to open next summer, during a year of special significance to the trade union movement as it marks the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Lockout and comes just three years before the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

Speaking to Southside People, James Connolly Heron, great-grandson of the Irish Republican, said that although no representative from the Connolly Bridge Campaign group approached him, he fully supported the idea.

“Of course it would be an honour and a very fitting tribute,

? he said.

“It makes sense in terms of the history that next year will be the centenary of the Lockout which James Connolly played a large part in.

“James Connolly belongs to the people so it is up to anyone to put forward proposals to honour his name.

?

It’s the second name suggestion for the bridge as representations have also been made to have it named after Independent TD Tony Gregory, who passed away in 2009.