The James Connolly Visitor Centre, Áras Uí Chonghaile, in Belfast will run a series of events throughout July to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

The programme opens with an exhibition from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July, drawing on a private collection belonging to Belfast collector Pat O'Hagan. The display includes posters, memorabilia, and other items, many of which have not been shown publicly before.

A central piece is the Connolly Column flag that belonged to Irish volunteer Mícheál O'Riordan. It is on loan from his grandson, Luke O'Riordan, who serves as joint Ireland Secretary of the International Brigade Memorial Trust.

Luke O'Riordan described the display of the flag as a privilege and stressed the importance of such initiatives in passing on the stories and principles of those who fought. The banner, made by trade union banner-maker Jer O'Leary, was brought to Spain after the fall of fascism and unfurled publicly for the first time in Madrid in 1994 during a Cuba solidarity demonstration. O'Riordan recalled that the event prompted an emotional response from members of the Spanish public, who had long been unable to speak openly about their own family histories under Franco.

Two public lectures form the second week. On Monday 20 July, historian Dr Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc will discuss the rise of fascist movements across Europe in the 1930s and the emergence of the Blueshirts in Ireland. On Thursday 23 July, Dr Brian Hanley will examine Ireland's reaction to the outbreak of war and trace the Irish volunteers who joined the International Brigades.

Heritage Manager Eimear Hargey said it was fitting that the events take place in a centre dedicated to James Connolly, whose legacy gave the Connolly Column its name. She expressed gratitude to Pat O'Hagan for lending his collection.

Members of the public can attend. Booking for the talks is available via info@arasuichonghaile.com.