This year marks the centenary of the execution of trade union activist Joe Hill in the United States. He is perhaps better known on this side of the world as the subject of the folk ballad sung by Luke Kelly.

The war economy in Ireland between 1914 and 1918 changed the lives of many women as well as providing key skills for republicans, according to historian Hugo McGuinness.

Despite the small number of active communists in 1930s Ireland this did not prevent the emergence of mass anti-communist movements and politicians whipping up ‘red scares’, reports Donal Fallon

Historian Brian Hanley examines the politics and legacy of one of Ireland’s most iconic Left organisations

Brian Hanley on the politics of the First World War and its commemoration.

Alexander O’Fhailghigh on the politics of the Irish working class in early 19th century Scotland.

In November 1913 the worlds of class struggle and nationalism collided in dramatic fashion at the launch of the Irish Volunteers, writes Brian Hanley

Even after 100 years the 1913 Lockout still overshadows the Irish Labour movement and progressive politics in Ireland, argues Brian Hanley.

Guess who’s back? Historian Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh considers the life and ideas of Irish socialism’s most important thinker, whose legacy is crucial to shaping the new Ireland: This year marks the centenary of James Connolly coming back to Ireland from the US, the start of six hectic years of activity

Frank Ryan’s journey from Gaelic nationalist to republican internationalist was one marked by violence and complete political commitment writes Brian Hanley. Frank Ryan remains one of Ireland’s best-known socialist republicans, revered for membership of the Republican Congress and leading anti-Fascists to Spain. However his early political life is less well