Activists, politicians and figures from across various aspects of public life continue to share tributes to Mick Lynch this morning – following news that the hugely popular general secretary of the RMT (the UK's National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) is set to retire, at the age of 63.

Lynch was born and raised in London, to Irish parents – and has referred to James Connolly as his political hero. He originally qualified as an electrician, before being blacklisted for joining a union.

He served the RMT in many capacities over the years, and was elected general secretary in 2021. He became a well-known figure on both sides of the Irish Sea in 2022, for his strong stance and leadership as the UK railway strikes kicked off – and came to be widely regarded as a 'working-class hero'.

Taking to social media yesterday, former Labour Party leader, and current Independent MP for Islington North, Jeremy Corbyn, thanked Lynch for his "inspired leadership of the RMT", and for his "recognition of James Connolly!"

"Well done for having the courage to speak out about Palestine," Corbyn continued. "I will forever treasure our time together on picket lines, and have no doubt that our paths will cross again."

Well-wishes have also poured in from Ireland.

The Robert Tressell Festival – Ireland's premier trade union festival – sent "best wishes to Mick Lynch, Connollyite, union leader and champion of the working class on his well earned retirement."

Best wishes to Mick Lynch, Connollyite, union leader and champion of the working class on his well earned retirement. @RMTunion is a union that leads the way and will always inspire.

Go Raibh Maith Agat Mick.

pic.twitter.com/aFeNxP8h1v

— The Robert Tressell Festival (@TressellFest) January 9, 2025

Dublin historian Donal Fallon – presenter of the Three Castles Burning podcast – shared his own tribute.

"It was a real joy to interview Mick Lynch in Liberty Hall in 2022," he wrote online. "We talked about Robert Tressell, literature and life. Wishing him all the best as he steps aside from leadership of the RMT. In my house, every advance we won was won by industrial action."

Belfast's Áras Uí Chonghaile/James Connolly Visitor Centre also shared a post online, describing Lynch as "a champion of workers for over 30 years", and noting that it "was an honour to have him deliver the James Connolly Lecture last August."

"Ádh mór don todhchaí agus go raibh maith agat as an tacaíocht is an cuidiú," they added.

Commenting on his retirement, Lynch has remarked that there "has never been a more urgent need for a strong union for all transport and energy workers of all grades, but we can only maintain and build a robust organisation for these workers if there is renewal and change."

“We can all be proud that our union stood up against the wholesale attacks on the rail industry by the previous Tory government and the union defeated them," he added. “RMT will always need a new generation of workers to take up the fight for its members and for a fairer society for all and I am immensely proud to have been part of that struggle”.