Wexford’s industrialised character was unique in southern Ireland and derived from the town’s seafaring and trading links with Bristol.
The foundry industry had become well established in the town by the end of the nineteenth century.
In June 1911, dockworkers became the first members of the ITGWU in and soon after ironworkers in the foundries were joining the union.
The foundry disputes stemmed from the dismissal of a known union member by Pierce’s foundry in August 1911.
The recourse to a lockout on the part of foundry owners was a pre-emptive blow aimed at ensuring that the newly emergent ITGWU would not get itself established in the industry in Wexford.
The result was that over 700 men were thrown out of their employment. In September 1911, Michael O’Leary, an innocent bystander, died from wounds sustained in a baton charge after police reinforcements were brought into the town.
A bitter and prolonged dispute developed.
The workers received support from friendly societies, local newspapers and shopkeepers upon whom they depended for credit through the winter months.
The local GAA also supported the workers, staging challenge matches to raise funds. However, the Catholic hierarchy condemned the ITGWU and its members.
In December 1911, Richard Corish was convicted, along with another local activist, Richard Furlong, and the ITGWU’s organiser in P.T. Daly for actions taken in pursuit of the dispute.
Contemporary police reports reveal how the authorities in 1911 had barely come to terms with the relatively recent status of legality granted to trade unions by a series of enactments culminating in the Trade Disputes Act of 1906.
In February 1912, James Connolly brokered a settlement to the dispute. The foundry men were allowed to combine in the Irish Foundry Workers’ Union (IFWU), an associate of the ITGWU. All the workers were allowed to return to work apart from Richard Corish, who instead became secretary of the IFWU.
Connolly told the workers that they were returning to work as: “A body united, joined together, realising what their position is… one solid body to act in unity for a common purpose.”