Thomas Carnduff (1886-1956) was born in Sandy Row and became known as the ‘Shipyard Poet’ after his volume of poetry, Songs from the Shipyards was published in 1924. This was followed by Songs of an Out-of-Work and four full length plays Workers, Traitors, Machinery and Castlereagh. The plays were all produced at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin to great critical acclaim, as well as at the Empire Theatre in Belfast.

Carnduff also wrote for various newspapers, and his autobiography gives a vivid account of life in Belfast in the first half of this century.

The Writings of Thomas Carnduff was first presented in March 1991 as part of ‘Reds, Radicals and Reformers’ organised by the Arts and Entertainment Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Scenic Artist: David Craig