A feature film on the life of James Connolly is to receive significant financial backing from Siptu, the State's biggest trade union.
Connolly was acting general secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU) at the time of his execution for his role in the Easter Rising in 1916.
Connolly is being produced by Rascal Films, which hopes to begin shooting in September and plans to release the film in March 2007. It is to be directed by Adrian Dunbar and will star Scottish actor Peter Mullan in the title role, alongside Irish actor Patrick Bergin as Jim Larkin.
Larkin led both the ITGWU and later the breakaway Workers' Union of Ireland. Unity was restored in 1990 when the ITGWU and the Federated Workers' Union of Ireland merged to become Siptu.
The decision to support the film was announced yesterday at a ceremony held to mark the 90th anniversary of Connolly's death on May 12th, 1916.
Siptu general secretary Joe O'Flynn said the size of the investment would be determined after consultation with the producers. A decision to provide "significant" support, however, had been taken by the union's national executive.
Mr O'Flynn recalled that under Connolly's leadership, the Irish Citizen Army - the workers' militia established to protect union members during the 1913 lockout - became an integral part of the struggle for Irish independence.
"Today we acknowledge his sacrifice. We reflect on his legacy - the vision of a people free from want, free from impoverishment and free from exploitation," said Mr O'Flynn.
"No less than in Connolly's time, trade unions were never more necessary than they are now. There is no better way to honour his memory than to build the trade union movement so as to make his vision a reality."
