More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, More Ciaran Walshes: An Obituary

We are mourning due to the sudden and shock recent passing of our dear comrade and fellow radical historian, Ciaran Walsh.

Ciaran was a force of nature; a proud internationalist and spirited anti-monarchist. He was a tireless activist for social justice in all contexts, whether fighting to defend his local community centre or showing international solidarity with Palestine. He would stand up in the struggle against racism and fascism, whenever and wherever they arose.

Ciaran organised radical history events in Oxford, contributed to Bristol Radical History Festivals, and regularly supported the Burford Leveller’s Day. He was himself the embodiment of a great leveller and ranter. He was a singer and an adept reciter of the spoken word in all its forms. Proud of his Irish heritage, Ciaran was making steady progress with Gaelic in recent years. In particular, we experienced him as a consummate performer of the poetry of his beloved friend the late Heathcote Williams. This was due to an astounding and seemingly unlimited ability to memorise lines and to recite them with meaning and passion (a feat he once told me he achieved by mastering Simonides’ ancient memory palace technique).

Memorably, Ciaran even stood in for William Morris at the 2023 Radical History Festival, bringing to life the famous Victorian socialist, writer, and designer’s 1885 speech on “Art and Labour” addressed to Bristol’s workers.

Salut, old friend.

Ciaran leaves his partner Tracy and his two sons, Fergus and Séamus. And a huge gap in present-day radical history and activism. Unique as he was, we need more with his creativity and passion for social justice. To conclude with Tracy’s tribute:

“We love you, Ciaran Walsh, the Human Megaphone and we know you will come out fighting in your next incarnation. And in the words of Joe Hill, ‘don’t mourn, organise!’”

Steve Hunt