Claire showcasing activism through music at International Workers’ Day in 2022.
We are deeply saddened to learn that Claire Mooney has passed away following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her music and spirit touched the lives of many MU members, leaving behind a legacy of solidarity that will not be forgotten.
A musician for over 30 years
The formidable Chorlton native worked as a musician for over 30 years and her indelible activist songwriting drew inspiration from Manchester’s radical working-class history including the City’s role in the Suffragettes, Peterloo and protesting Section 28.
A figurehead of working class struggle, the contribution of the ‘radical chanteuse’ to her community was commemorated in sculpture in 2022 in Beech Road Park, Chorlton, near Reeves Road where she grew up in an area of commons where a young Claire would cut through the park on her way to school.
Claire was also the recipient of a special recognition award from the Lord Mayor of Manchester for her significant contributions to Women’s rights, worker’s rights and tackling homophobia and social injustice across the City.
The people’s songstress
An exemplary feminist and LGBT activist, Claire was involved with numerous charities, campaigns and demos in Manchester, including Reclaim The Night, which aims to ensure women in Manchester are able to walk the streets and feel safe in their environment.
Even when living with terminal cancer, Claire joined the picket of nurses on strike at Christies Manchester, lending her voice as a patient to their arguments for better pay. Wrapped up in the fleece and woolly hat, she bravely stood on the picket line holding a sign that read 'this cancer patient supports the nurses'.
MU North of England Officer, Philip Morris, paid tribute to a stalwart member who will never be forgotten, saying: “Claire was very much the people’s songstress and was one of the first MU members I met.
“I will never forget her moving performance on International Workers’ Day in 2022 which resonated with me in a profound way and perfectly encapsulated the heart and soul of activism through music.”