TAOISEACH Micheál Martin will deliver a keynote speech when Ireland’s annual Famine commemoration gets underway this month.
The state event, which will take place in Portumna, Co. Galway on May 17, will include military honours, a wreath-laying ceremony and a tree being planted at the site of the former Portumna Workhouse.
First opened in 1852, as part of Ireland's Poor Law Union system, the workhouse is widely regarded as one of the most complete surviving complexes of its kind.
They were introduced to alleviate the widespread poverty and devastation caused by the Famine.
The Portumna Workhouse was designed by George Wilkinson. It was built on a nine-acre site north of Portumna town to accommodate 600 inmates.
The workhouse system, which was modelled on a similar system in England, offered indoor relief to those unable to support themselves.
Inmates received food and shelter in exchange for labour, but conditions were deliberately harsh to discourage dependency.
Families entering the workhouse were segregated by gender and age, with only children aged under two allowed to remain with their mothers.
The site is now in use as a venue for lectures, exhibitions and cultural events.
The commemoration will take place at the former 19th century workhouse at Portumna, County Galway. (Pic: Galway County Council)A programme of events planned in the lead up to the commemoration will begin this week.
Reflecting on the Great Famine: A Commemoration Conference will be held on May 9.
The one-day conference will bring together leading historians and researchers to examine the legacy of the Famine and “explore themes including public memory, the arts, music, philanthropy and the Poor Law system” the organisers confirm.
Further events include the launch of a new exhibition, Our Famine Stories, featuring experiences from across Galway and the diaspora in Minnesota, alongside a publication on famine-era Killimor.
A bilingual workbook, Children in the Workhouse, will also be launched to introduce younger audiences to Famine history, while a series of ‘Lunch and Learn’ lectures will be hosted, including contributions from Breandán Mac Suibhne, covering topics from social history to archaeology.
The programme also features guided walks, theatre, music and new creative work. Highlights include a staged reading of Bishop Maginn: The Famine and the Fugitive, a guided walking trail, an evening of song, a lecture by Kathleen Villiers Tuthill exploring Connemara and the Famine, and a public Lecture and launch of An Gorta Mór i Maigh Cuilinn 1845-1850(1997).
A restored 19th century Medics Room at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna (Pic: Galway County Council)Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said it is a great honour to welcome the programme to Portumna this month.
“This reflects a shared effort to remember the Great Famine in a thoughtful and inclusive way,” he said.
“I want to thank all partners and local groups, particularly the Irish Workhouse Centre. It’s a source of pride for Galway and an important moment of remembrance for communities at home and across the diaspora.”
Galway City Council CEO, Liam Conneally said the programme reflects the “enduring impact of the famine”.
“It shows how our past continues to shape us, and the strength of partnership between the Council, Government and communities,” he explained.
“I want to thank all involved, especially local groups whose knowledge and voices are central to this programme.
“The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna is a fitting setting, reminding us of the need to remember this defining period with care and dignity.”
Further events will continue after the national commemoration on May 17, including theatre, music and exhibitions running into June.
A free bus service will also operate from May 9 to 15, connecting Maigh Cuillin, Galway City, Oranmore, Athenry and Loughrea to Portumna.
All events are free and booking is not required. For further information visit irishworkhousecentre.ie.
Everything from irishpost.com and the print edition is available on the Irish Post App — plus more! Download it for Android or Apple IOS devices today.
See More: Famine Commemoration, Galway, Micheál Martin, Taoiseach
