21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
John Spillane among Cork musicians to perform as part of ‘Raise the Roof' demonstration
Thousands of people are expected to gather in Cork city centre for a cross-party, trade union-led rally to protest against the housing crisis.
The 'Raise the Roof' rally, which is being organised by a coalition of trade unions and left wing parties including Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, Solidarity/People Before Profit, and the Workers' Party, will take place at 2pm at the National Monument on the Grand Parade.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions have confirmed details of the musical acts for the Munster Raise the Roof rally.
Cork musicians John Spillane and Martin Leahy will join the Cork housing rally and they will provide live music as part of the demonstration.
Martin wrote the song Everyone Should Have A Home as a personal response to the housing crisis after being served with an eviction notice in early 2022 as the landlord wanted to sell the property in Bandon.
Mr Leahy has travelled to Dublin every week since May 2022 to stage a protest highlighting the homelessness crisis.
He began this unique form of protest as a way to shine a spotlight on Ireland's housing crisis.
John Spillane, who grew up in Wilton, is one of the country's most lauded singer-songwriters.
The musician performed with bands such as The Stargazers and Nomos before carving out a solo career, starting with his 1997 solo album The Wells Of The World.
Spillane, who still lives in Cork is a two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad Act.
His songs have been covered by performers including Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, and Sean Keane.
There will be short speeches and live music at the National Monument before the crowd will march to Cornmarket Street.
Cork Council of Trade Unions representative Joe Kelly said: 'I'm delighted that John Spillane and Martin Leahy will be joining us for the demonstration. I know that there is deep frustration across the country at successive governments' failure to get to grips with the housing crisis.
'Rents are continuing to skyrocket, and home ownership is moving beyond the reach of a whole generation of young people. This is our chance to show that frustration, and I hope to see as strong a turnout as possible,' he added.
Raise the Roof is comprised of trade unions, housing and homeless agencies, women's groups, political parties, representatives of older people, children's advocacy groups, community organisations, student unions, Traveller groups, housing academics and experts.
