Schools to honour Famine dead

Schools across the country will pause today to remember all those who died in the Great Famine.

One minute's silence will be held at noon in all primary and secondary schools as a gesture of respect and to contemplate famine and hunger worldwide.

The move has been welcomed by the National Famine Commemoration Committee and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey.

The 2010 National Famine Commemoration is being held this Sunday the May 16 in Murrisk, Co Mayo.

An international event will also take place in New York the following week.