A UNITED STATES tribute to the fortitude of the Irish people during the potato famine has closed after less than a year because it failed to withstand a New York winter.

A United States tribute to the fortitude of the Irish people during the potato famine has closed after less than a year because it failed to withstand a New York winter.

A ruined 19th century West of Ireland cottage rebuilt in New York has been officially opened as a memorial to the Irish potato famine.