IN 1925, Aran Island born writer, Liam O'Flaherty, published his breakthrough novel, The Informer. In that year, he also joined the Radical Club in Dublin, a forum for progressive artists and writers.
The Radical Club organised debates and talks on a wide range of political and cultural issues, often with O'Flaherty - who brought his experience in republican and communist politics to the club - directly involved. Though the club was short lived, it had an impact. Its Painters' Group held an ambitious exhibition in 1926 with most of the notable modernist artists of the day represented. The club's cabaret section proved a training ground for Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammoir.
O'Flaherty and The Radical Club will be the subject of a public lecture, organised by the Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class and the Liam and Tom O'Flaherty Society. The lecture will be given by Brian Trench, whose uncle, Patrick Trench, was a member of this club. It takes place in the Galway City Library on Wednesday October 3 at 6pm. Admission is free.
