An Taoiseach leads National Famine Commemoration in Edgeworthstown
An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, TD, officiated at the National Famine Commemoration in Edgeworthstown, alongside Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, TD.
The formal state ceremony featured an address by An Taoiseach, military honours and a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of all those who died during the Famine.
Minister Martin also addressed the event.
In addition to An Taoiseach, wreaths were also laid by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; and Cllr Colm Murray, cathaoirleach, Longford County Council.
Music at the event was by local band Streancán and local musicians Dr Conor Ward, Noel Carberry and Meadhbh Carberry. Amy Rooney Maguire, Emma Mihai and Aaron Ó Míacháín from St Mary’s National School, Edgeworthstown performed the poem An Píobaire Uillinn.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “The Great Irish Famine destroyed lives, destroyed families, and destroyed the hopes and dreams of so many. It was our national tragedy, leaving scars that never fully healed.
“Our national trauma, that can never be forgotten, the tragedy was national, but the lessons are global, and they compel us to honour the memory of the dead, by doing everything we can to prevent similar tragedies elsewhere.
“As we reflect today on the immense suffering and resilience of those who lived and died during the Famine, let us recommit to honour their legacy not simply through remembrance but through action.
“We must apply the lessons of the Great Irish Famine to our world today, working to alleviate hunger and suffering wherever it exists.
“An Gorta Mór is a tragedy that will never be forgotten. Our history demands that we do everything we can to make sure it is never repeated.”
Minister Catherine Martin, who is chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, said: “The Famine tore at the very fabric of our society by decimating communities that had been so tightly knit together. Today, as we remember the victims of this cataclysm, the vital message that this commemoration sends out to the world is one of hope and renewal.
“The people of this country persevered through desperate suffering. Their music, songs and language survived. And we still stand here, to honour the dead, the exiled, and those left behind.
“An Gorta Mór left towns and communities across the country drained of life and laughter. Today’s ceremony shows the strength of spirit in those communities, through music, art and song.”