Crossakiel and Navan to host Jim Connell Festival

Meath Council of Trade Unions and Red Flag Festival 2026 announce full speaker line-up and musical programme

The Red Flag Festival 2026 has unveiled its full programme of speakers and musical performances for this year's event, taking place from Friday 29th May to Sunday 31st May in Navan and Crossakiel, Co Meath.

The festival celebrates the legacy of Jim Connell, the Crossakiel-born author of the socialist anthem "The Red Flag," alongside the wider history of Irish radicals who have fought for democracy, workers' rights and social justice.

Hill of Tara Visit

This year's programme includes a guided visit to the Hill of Tara on Sunday 31st May at midday. The ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland is one of the country's most sacred and historically significant sites, offering an opportunity to connect with Ireland's deep heritage before turning to more recent radical history.

Historic commemoration of Jim Connell, James Bronterre O'Brien and Tommy Grimes to take place in Navan and Crossakiel from 29th-31st May

Speaker Line-Up

The festival will bring together an extraordinary group of trade unionists, historians, activists and community voices at the Balreask Arms function room in Navan.

Saturday 30th May

•10.30am – Eva Gore-Booth Lecture: Leo Leydon on the remarkable poet, suffragist and trade union activist Eva Gore-Booth.

•11.30am – James 'Bronterre' O'Brien Lecture: Professor Fergus D'Arcy on the life and legacy of James Bronterre O'Brien, the forgotten Irish Chartist leader.

•12.30pm – Lunch

•1.30pm – Tommy Grimes Memorial Lecture: Francis Devine, renowned labour historian and author.

•2.15pm – Question Time: A panel discussion on housing, industrial relations and the European Union, featuring Meath Young Members Tiernan Murray, Darragh Ó Dúil, Carol MacSherry and Seamus Farrell, moderated by Leonie Cooper.

Sunday 31st May 14:30 – Jim Connell Monument, Crossakiel

•Monument Speaker & Tribute to Tommy Grimes: Jim O'Brien, a lifelong friend of the festival's founding member, will pay tribute to Tommy Grimes.

•Keynote Speakers: John King, General Secretary of SIPTU, and Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union (BFAWU).

Musical Performances

This year's festival also features an impressive line-up of musical talent.

Briana Corrigan – Saturday evening at Lockie's in Navan. Best known as a former vocalist with the acclaimed band The Beautiful South, Corrigan brings a powerful, soulful voice and a deep commitment to music that speaks to the heart of social justice.

Niamh Parsons – Sunday at the Jim Connell Monument in Crossakiel. One of Ireland's finest traditional singers, whose voice has been described as "a national treasure," Parsons will perform poignant, beautifully crafted songs, including her rendition of the Red Flag as Jim Connell authored it, to the tune of the White Cockade.

CWU Band – A stalwart presence at the festival for many years, the band's music has lifted spirits, brought colour and life to the commemoration, and reminds everyone present that our movement has a culture worth celebrating.

Navan Samba Band – Returning for the third year running to add rhythm and energy to the proceedings.

Community Thanks

Organisers pay tribute to the many voluntary contribution of the festival's unsung heroes through the years, who organise, fundraise and tend to the Jim Connell Monument.

"Without them, this event would never be the free event that Ireland can be proud of," said Paul McDonnell, Festival Director.

Event Details

•Dates: Friday 29th May to Sunday 31st May 2026

•Location: Navan and Crossakiel, County Meath

•Admission: Free

•Full schedule: www.redflagfestival.com