Dublin, November 7, 2025. Organized by Ireland's largest trade union, the SIPTU (Industrial and Technical Services Professional Union) relaunched its Solidarity Forum with Cuba, chaired by its Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, and board member Adrian Kane. Senator Chris Andrews, coordinator of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Cuba, the Cuban ambassador, Bernardo Guanche Hernández, Irish and Cuban residents, and other guests, also attended the event, called “Cuban Night”.
During the event, in the presence of his widow and family, a tribute was paid to Jack McGinley, who served as coordinator of SIPTU's Solidarity Forum with Cuba until his death in November 2024, and the forum was relaunched. Funds were also raised to send a container of medical supplies and to support the recovery of eastern Cuba from the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa at the end of last October.
In their remarks, the deputy Secretary General, Ms. Buckley, the board ember, Mr. Kane, and the Cuban ambassador, Mr. Guanche, highlighted SIPTU's solidarity with Cuba in defense of the Revolution and its rejection of the US blockade, recalling the role played by Professor McGinley.
As part of the event, Cuban cartoonist Brady Izquierdo, who resides in Dublin, provided his services to the attendees, donating the funds raised, which will be sent to Cuba.
In his remarks, the Cuban diplomat thanked SIPTU for their efforts in organizing the event and congratulated them on their organization and level of attendance.