16 May 2019
The 2019 National Famine Commemoration will take place at Stephen Street, Sligo on Sunday, 19th May in the presence of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D.
As you know, the catastrophic failure of the potato crop during the 1840s was a transforming event in Ireland. The population of Ireland, which exceeded 8 million in the Census of 1841 was reduced by approximately 1.5 million through death and emigration by the time of the 1851 Census. There is no other event in our history that can be likened to the Great Famine either for its immediate impact or its legacy. That legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief.
All public and sporting organisations are invited to observe a minute's silence at events taking place during the weekend commencing Friday, 17th May in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Famine; loss of life, loss of family, loss of home and loss of country.
It will be a very special and dignified tribute to those who died during the Great Famine. While it may be difficult for our clubs over the weekend to effectively observe a minute silence maybe each of us at some time could take a minute out to reflect on that tragic period in our history. We would like to thank you for your support in this regard.
