State ceremony to honour Famine victimes

Up to 5,000 people are expected to honour the victims of the Great Famine at next week’s formal State ceremony, it emerged today.

Organisers said the official national commemoration in Murrisk, Co Mayo, was particularly poignant for locals in the home of the National Famine Monument.

Wreaths will be laid in the shadow of the bronze sculpture of a coffin ship which sits at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

Dignitaries will also attend the solemn service, on Sunday May 16, which will feature music, readings and a tree planting and candle lighting ceremony.

Frank McCarrick, of Murrisk Development Association, said several coffin ships left for the United States from nearby Westport.

“A lot of people would have seen Croagh Patrick and Clare Island, at the mouth of Clew Bay, as their last glimpse of Ireland as they left and headed for America,” he added.

The day has been earmarked by the Irish Government to commemorate and honour the 1.5 million people who either perished or emigrated from Ireland from 1845-1851.

About 500 people last year attended a service in Skibbereen, Co Cork, where thousands of famine victims are buried in a mass grave.

Organisers expect to up to 5,000 people will gather next Sunday, including 1,000 walkers and pilgrims who climb Croagh Patrick daily.

A week-long series of events is also running to remember the effects of the famine on Ireland through art, archaeology, history, song and music.

The events include an evening of reflection through music and word with novelist and songwriter Brendan Graham, famine walking tours, traditional music sessions and a hard-hitting lecture by Goal boss John O’Shea on famine today across the globe.

Community Minister Pat Carey said the week promised to be a fitting tribute to those who died or suffered loss in the Great Famine.

“I know that a huge amount of work went into it and it is evidence of the deep respect still held today for all those who suffered losses during this great Irish tragedy,” he added.

Mr McCarrick said the community was honoured to be chosen for the event.

He described the memorial site as a prayerful and reflective place.

“When you stand and look north you look across Clew Bay and the ruins of Murrisk Abbey.. the vista hasn’t changed in hundreds of years,” he continued.

“If you face south you look straight at Croagh Patrick, an important site in the culture of Ireland.”