Bridges and Barriers

Together towards Equality

The city of Dublin owes its existence to the River Liffey and its very name is based on the first river crossing at Stoneybatter: Atha Cliath.

Each of the bridges close to the Poverty and Human Rights Stone tells its own story of struggle to dismantle barriers and of attempts to gain dignity.

O’Connell Bridge reminds us of the commitment of the Liberator to gain Catholic Emancipation.

Rosie Hackett lost her job in the 1913 Lockout and she went on to print the Proclamation of Independence and fought in 1916.

Isaac Butt worked to build towards Home Rule, after the decline following from the Act of Union.

Matt Talbot the local docker, struggled through a life of poverty to overcome addiction.

Sean O’Casey from the North Wall, in his plays highlighted the stark poverty of tenement life.

Samuel Beckett in his masterpiece, presents us with two vagabonds awaiting hope.

Bridges facilitate access and connection, … no longer is the river a major barrier.

With the bridge, north and south of the Liffey are joined.

On Oct 17th we are very conscious of the global north and the global south and the disparity that exists between both.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges:

Together Towards Equality and Inclusion

Oct 17th theme, Ireland on the UN Day for Eradication of Poverty 2024