D.R. O'Connor Lysaght facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Rayner O'Connor Lysaght
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Daniel Rayner Connor Lysaght
January 30, 1941 Llanishen, Wales
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| Died | July 2, 2022 (aged 81) Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Occupation | Historian, writer |
| Organization | Revolutionary Marxist Group (Ireland) Fourth International (post-reunification) |
| Known for | Marxism |
| Political party | National Progressive Democrats |
| Movement | Trotskyism |
| Family | Feargus O'Connor |
Daniel Rayner O'Connor Lysaght, often called D.R. O'Connor Lysaght, was an Irish historian and writer. He was born in Wales but lived most of his life in Dublin, Ireland. Rayner was known for his strong beliefs in Marxism, a way of thinking about society and economics. He also helped start important political groups and journals. He passed away in Dublin in 2022.
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Early Life and Learning
Rayner Lysaght was born in Llanishen, Wales, on January 30, 1941. His family came from Wales. He was a descendant of Feargus O'Connor, a famous Irish leader. Feargus O'Connor was a "Chartist," which meant he fought for workers' rights and fair elections in the 1800s. Rayner changed his name to O'Connor to honor his famous ancestor.
He went to Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. While studying there, he became known as a strong supporter of left-wing ideas. This means he believed in social equality and helping ordinary people.
His Work and Activism
Rayner Lysaght was an important historian and a Trotskyist. Trotskyism is a type of Marxism that believes in a worldwide revolution by the working class. He was also a member of the National Progressive Democrats, a political party.
He wrote many books and essays. One of his well-known writings was about the Limerick Soviet. This was a time in 1919 when workers in Limerick, Ireland, took control of their city for two weeks. They did this to protest against British military rule.
Rayner helped create the Revolutionary Marxist Group (Ireland). This group was the Irish part of a bigger international organization called the Fourth International. This group aimed to unite Marxist parties around the world.
Later, in 1974, his group joined with People's Democracy. He also worked with Peter Graham to help other groups join the Fourth International. They published a journal called Red Mole. Rayner lived in Killester, Dublin, for many years.
Books and Writings
Rayner Lysaght wrote many books and essays about Irish history and politics. Here are some of his important works:
Books by Rayner
- The Republic of Ireland (1971)
- End of a liberal: the literary politics of Conor Cruise O'Brien (1977)
- Story of the Limerick Soviet, April 1919 (1981)
- Early history of Irish Trotskyism (1981)
- The great Irish revolution: myths and realities : a handbook (2006)
Essays by Rayner
- A. Saorstat is born: The birth of the Irish Free State, in the 1991 book Ireland's Histories. This essay was part of a collection edited by Sean Hutton and Paul Stewart.
His Passing
Rayner Lysaght passed away on July 2, 2022, at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. His funeral was held at the Glasnevin Crematorium. Only a small number of people could attend because of the COVID-19 pandemic rules at the time.
