Minister calls for sports events to mark famine day

Community Minister Pat Carey today called for a minute’s silence at sports events across the country to mark National Famine Memorial Day.

The Minister’s department has written to all sporting organisations urging them to take a moment during matches on next month’s annual day of commemoration to remember those who died during the Great Hunger.

Last year saw a minute’s reflection at hundreds of schools, public and sporting events.

“I understand that this was a great success last year and had a real impact on both participants and spectators alike,” Mr Carey said.

“Sport holds such a strong and respected position in Irish society and I would encourage all sporting organisations to use their influence to pay tribute and acknowledge the losses suffered in Ireland as a result of the famine.”

The national memorial event will take place on Sunday May 16 in Murrisk, Co Mayo – home to the National Famine Monument.

A parallel international commemoration will be held in New York.

More than 150 years after Ireland’s devastating potato blight, Mr Carey said many famine-struck countries still need help.

“It is important that in acknowledging our own history we continue to raise awareness of the plight of these people,” he added.