William O'Brien (trade unionist)
Irish politician and trade unionist (1881–1968) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Labour activist. Not to be confused with his contemporary, the nationalist MP William O'Brien. For similarly named people, see William O'Brien (disambiguation).
William O'Brien (23 January 1881 – 31 October 1968) was a politician and trade unionist in Ireland.[1] While rarely dominating the political spotlight, O'Brien was incredibly powerful and influential behind the scenes, maintaining a firm grip over Ireland's trade unions for many decades. Besides his leadership in the trade unions, O'Brien was a founder, alongside James Larkin and James Connolly, of the Labour Party of Ireland.[2] In later years a rift formed between Larkin and O'Brien that would last the rest of their lives and often divide the labour movement in Ireland.
Quick Facts Teachta Dála, Constituency ...
William O'Brien | |
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Teachta Dála | |
In office July 1937 – June 1938 | |
In office June 1927 – September 1927 | |
Constituency | Tipperary |
In office June 1922 – August 1923 | |
Constituency | Dublin South |
Personal details | |
Born | John William O'Brien (1881-01-23)23 January 1881 Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland |
Died | 31 October 1968(1968-10-31) (aged 87) Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland |
Resting place | Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin |
Political party |
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Occupation | Trade union leader |
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