Horrific reports from the Skibbereen area featured in the media of the time as it became infamous for the suffering endured by local families. The book uses these shocking reports to follow the crisis as it developed, and shows the devastating effects it had on residents of the town and the neighbouring villages and islands.
The people who feature in The Famine Story – among them Tom Guerin, the boy who was buried alive, and the Widow Greaney, who was evicted to die on the side of the road – represent millions whose stories remain untold.
The true enormity of this national tragedy is revealed through the experiences of these individual people, and the places in the Skibbereen Union where the story unfolded.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre has confirmed to Irish Genealogy News that everyone is welcome to come along to the launch reception on Saturday evening. Mick Murphy of University College Cork will formally launch the app and book at 8pm.
The Centre, which is housed in the Old Gasworks Building on Upper Bridge Street, is located on the banks of the River Ilen and overlooks a popular spot for wildlife, so if the weather plays ball, it'll be a lovely evening event. The book will be available at the launch (price €11.99).
On Monday, both the book and the app will be available to purchase via the Centre's online shop. So, too, will an e-book version