Background to the Famine Commemoration

The catastrophic failure of the potato crop during the 1840s was a transforming event in Ireland. It brought a shattering direct loss of life and established a momentum in emigration that endured for many years.  There is no other event in Ireland’s history that can be likened to the Famine, either for its immediate impact or its legacy - in the 10 year period 1841 – 1851, Ireland’s population fell from 8 million to 6.5 million.  It also led to the development of strong Irish communities throughout the world. 

Indeed, the effects of the Great Famine are still evident today and its legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief

In May 2008, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced the Government’s decision to commemorate the Great Famine with an annual memorial day in May each year.  The first such event took place in Dublin in May 2008 and the second will take place in Skibbereen, Co Cork on 17 May, 2009.

Against the background of mass famine emigration, the Government decided that from 2009 it would also be appropriate to host an overseas commemoration event in a different location each year.  Canada was chosen for the inaugural overseas memorial and Minister O’Cuiv represented the Government at events in Toronto and on Grosse Ile, Quebec between 7 -10 May.

Public Events

Friday 8 May – Toronto

16.00   Lecture by Minister O’Cuiv

             "An Górta Mór - the impact and legacy of the Great Irish Famine" (PDF 97kb)

             Charbonel Lounge, St Michael's College,

             University of Toronto 

             81 St Mary's Street.  

Saturday 9 May – Toronto

10.00   Commemoration event at Ireland Park  

             Address by Minister O'Cuiv (PDF 31kb)

             Photographs of this event, courtesy of William

             C. Smith and Irish Connections Canada, can be

             viewed here.

Sunday 10 May – Grosse Ile

12:50    Commemoration Event   

               Address by Minister O'Cuiv (PDF 30kb) 

              Photographs of this event, courtesy of Parks

              Canada / J. Beaulieu photographe, Montmagny,

              can be viewed here.