In July 1936 Spanish workers across the country took up arms in response to a right-wing coup led by General Francisco Franco. 

The Civil War pitted the working class against the Spanish capitalists, backed by Nazi Germany and fascist Italy. 

Thousands came to defend the Republic from across the world, forming the International Brigades including many from Ireland, some of whom formed the Connolly Column. 

Western countries including Britain and France placed a blockade on Spain which meant no aid or weapons could reach the anti-fascists while Germany and Italy ignored the blockage and ensured the supply of weapons and oil to the fascists. 

Sadly after three years of bitter bloody war, and despite the courage and valour shown by those fighting in defence of the Republic against the evil of fascism, the nationalists with their superior weaponry and equipment, were victorious.

We are delighted to welcome Aaron Kelly to the show today to discuss Ireland's involvement in the Spanish Civil war. Aaron is the coordinator of the Irish Chapter of the Network in Defence of Humanity, a member of La Plataforma de la Clase Obrera Antiimperialista and the CPI. He is an author and academic and his forthcoming publications include the edited collections Revolutionary Cuba Culture: A Reader and Cuban Revolutionary Thought: A Reader and a monograph of James Connolly.