Great Famine yearly tribute

A WEEKEND will be set aside every year to commemorate the Great Famine and celebrate the contribution millions of Irish immigrants made around the world after fleeing starvation.

The Government is examining the possibility of holding such an event in May and the Department of Foreign Affairs will discuss with other countries how they can become involved in events for the descendants of those who emigrated.

A committee was announced yesterday by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív to decide arrangements for a future annual commemoration.

Mr Ó Cuív said the famine had “a huge influence around the world” and this should be recognised by international events.

He said that the main issue would be to get all communities around Ireland involved.

Mr Ó Cuív said: “Most communities, most places in Ireland, north and south, east and west, have places associated locally with the famine.”

The committee, to be chaired by Mr Ó Cuív, will include writer Tim Pat Coogan, Justin Kilcullen of Trócaire, Brian Hanratty of Gorta and historians Dr Margaret McCurtin, Prof Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh and Dr Eamon Phoenix.

It has been given two years to complete its work.