IRELAND’S “GREAT LOCK-OUT OF 1913” CENTENNIAL COIN LAUNCHED

The Central Bank of Ireland have officially launched their latest collector coin on the 24th September marking one of the country’s most pivotal anniversaries, that of the Great Lock-out which occurred one hundred years ago and paved the way for better working conditions for many laborers – not only in Ireland but eventually all around the industrialized world. Attended by many guests from the Irish numismatic & art community – including several previous designers of Irish collector coins, as well as the grand-daughter of Jim Larkin – the proceedings got under way at an unusual but nonetheless very interesting venue in the center of the city.

Held at one of Dublin’s most historical locations, that of the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the cemetery itself being the final resting place of the Lock-out’s organizer, Jim Larkin (1876 – 1947).

Opening the event on the day was John Green, Chairman of the Glasnevin Trust who spoke of the importance of the anniversary, as the protest for better working conditions and its aftermath affected directly those grave-diggers who eventually won the right of one guinea (21 shillings) a week and the right to sick days off when needed. Mr. Green handed proceedings over to the next speaker, The Central Bank of Ireland’s Governor Patrick Honohan.

Mr. Honohan commented on both the significance of the anniversary to the Irish State as well as those historic figures who were involved in the lock-out and the impact it would eventually have in Ireland. The Governor continued, “The story of the lockout, the fascinating personalities involved, the distress and hardship suffered by workers seeking to organize themselves in the early days of broad-based trade unions - All of these things deserve to be known and remembered.” After the Governor’s words, he presented low-numbered strikes of the coins to the Chairman of the Museum’s trust, Mr. Green as well as to the designer of the coin itself, Mr. Rory Breslin.

The coin, while not dedicated specifically to the memory of Jim Larkin, who was instrumental in organizing this historic event, is featured prominently but, not in a manner one would usually think to be utilized. Larkin’s likeness is actually seen from the back, as though one were looking through the symbolic (and in many cases very real) locked gates while Larkin is addressing the masses of crowds who gathered to hear his speeches of encouragement and support for their actions. The coin’s innovative design was created by Irish sculptor Rory Breslin, the Lock-out coin was his first-ever numismatic project.

To read the complete article, see: Dublin’s “Great Lock-Out of 1913” Centennial Coin Launched (news.coinupdate.com/dublins-great-lock-out-centennial-coin-launched-2166/)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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