Wednesday 6 February 2013

Date fixed for National Famine Commemoration 2013

Further to last month's announcement that the 2013 National Famine Commemoration would be held in Kilrush, Co Clare (see story), the powers that be have finally put the event in their diaries: Sunday 12 May.

The date was settled last week when both the National and International famine commemoration programmes were launched at the 'Famine' sculpture on the Custom House Quay. It is confirmed that President Michael D. Higgins will lead the official representation at the National event in Kilrush.

Speaking at the launch, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, said: 'In addition to the National Famine Commemoration, a detailed programme of locally organised events is currently being prepared and the National Famine Commemoration will form one of the key events in Clare's calendar of events for the Gathering Ireland 2013. The Australian Irish Diaspora and local community in Kilrush are working together to develop a coherent and connected National and International famine commemoration programme for 2013 – one which will be a most fitting tribute to all those who perished and emigrated during this tragic period in our history.'

The International Commemoration of the Great Irish Famine will take place in Sydney on Sunday, 25th August.