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Liverpool remembers inspirational Irish author
By Tony Birtill
RoyLE Family actor Ricky Tomlinson was among those who turned out in Liverpool
over the weekend to honour an inspirational Dublin-born author.
Robert Noonan, who was born in Dublin in 1870, wrote his novel The Ragged
Trousered Philanthropists in 1905.
It went on to become an international best-seller and is credited with
helping Labour win the 1945 British General Election.
Noonan died in poverty in 1911 before his book was published.
But a blue plaque has now been erected in his honour which was unveiled
at the Old Royal Liverpool Infirmary last Sunday in front of a huge crowd
which included actor Ricky Tomlinson.
Dennis Dunphy, originally from Omagh but now President of Liverpool Trades
Union Council, led the proceedings.
He said: “Robert Noonan was born in Dublin but Liverpool has been
twinned with Dublin since 1995.
“It is also European Capital Of Culture 2008 and it is important
to remind people of the great contribution Robert Noonan made to literature.”
He explained that a series of events, including stage productions of The
Ragged Trousered Philanthro-pists, would be taking place during the year.
The plaque was unveiled by Noonan’s last living relative Reg Johnson
— he was married to the author’s late granddaughter Joan and
it was her mother Kathleen who helped get the book published in 1914.
Mr Johnson, who now lives in West Essex, read out a moving letter written
by Noonan to his daughter shortly before he died in poverty.
Afterwards he was congratulated by Tomlinson — himself a former
building worker who was jailed for two years in 1974 as one of the Shrewsbury
Two flying pickets and was given a copy of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
whilst in Leicester Prison.
He said: “It changed my politics.
“I was a latecomer to The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists and that’s
why I am here today.”
Liverpool-Irish councillor Sharon Sullivan said she had bought her first
copy of the book in 1974 for £1.50.
She said: “It’s the trade unionist’s bible. It’s
become more relevant as I’ve got older and wiser and more in tune
with what’s happening.”
Writer Dave Harker — whose book Tressell, The Real Story is based
on Noonan’s archives — also spoke at the unveiling.
He said: “I must have bought around 10 copies of the Ragged Trousered
Philanthropists over the years and lent them to others never to be returned.
“The book is passed from hand to hand amongst working people and
has a huge influence.”
Other planned Robert Noonan events include a dramatisation of the novel
at the Casa Club, Hope Street, Liverpool on May 7 and 8 followed by the
unveiling of a plaque at 6.30pm at the gates to Walton Cemetery where
Noonan was buried in a pauper’s grave. |
