The labour movement in Kerry and Limerick, 1914-21

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation of the economic and political role of the labour movement in Counties Kerry and Limerick during the years 1914-21. Topics discussed include: -- 1) economic and social condition, especially wage and price movements; 2) industrial relations, including disputes and conciliation mechanisms; 3) trade union organisation; 4) labour’s intervention on social and political issues, including its relationship to the British state; the competing wings of Irish nationalism; as well as the Catholic hierarchy; 5) the rural labour movement. The Limerick sections also include a discussion of the role of women in the local labour movement. The most important source used is local newspapers. Other primary sources include trade union and official records, the latter comprising both records of the British administration as well as local authority minutes.