9 May 2022

A chara,

Re: National Famine Commemoration, Sunday 15th May 2022 Invitation to observe a minute of silent reflection in memory of all those who suffered during the Great Famine

The 2022 National Famine Commemoration will take place at Strokestown Park House & Gardens,Strokestown, Co Roscommon at 12pm on Sunday 15th May, in the presence of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin 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 sporting organisations are invited to observe a minute’s silence at events taking place during the weekend commencing Friday, 13th May in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Famine.It would be particularly appreciated if this could be observed at all matches under your auspices that are scheduled for that weekend.

I would like to thank for your support in paying tribute to those who died during the Great Famine.

If you would like to discuss the matter further, please feel free to contact Caitríona Nic Conmara on (01) 631 38 30 or by email at faminecommemoration@tcagsm.gov.ie.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Martin, T.D.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee