Irish Famine Commemoration Events in Ireland and Canada
 |
|
LOCATED ON THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, just north of Quebec city, Grosse Ile was originally set up in the mid Nineteenth Century as a quarantine center for the thousands of Irish people trying to escape the Great Famine. Due to the cramped, unsanitary conditions of the coffin ships arriving from Ireland, thousands of Irish people died from infectious diseases upon arrival to the new world. A large stone Celtic cross sits on top of the island as a testament to those who died. |
DUBLIN - 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 May 17 this year.
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 Ó Cuív will represent the Government at events in Toronto and on Grosse Ile, Quebec from May 7-10.
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 eight million to six and a half 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.
The public events in Canada will include a lecture by Minister Ó Cuív at St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto on May 8.
A commemoration event will be held at Ireland Park in Toronto the next day [start time to be confirmed].
On May 10, the Minister will travel to Grosse Ile in Quebec. Grosse Ile will be open to the public and staff will be on hand to provide tours and answer questions.
During the time between arrival on Grosse Ile and the event itself, there will be time to visit the Disinfection building, Irish cemetery and memorial wall, the Celtic cross and other sights.
There is only one public ferry crossing that day so people wishing to attend should make sure they arrive at Berthier-sur-Mer in sufficient time for the 9:45 AM departure.
The ferry terminal is about a one hour drive from Quebec City. Ticket prices for the ferry and visit of Grosse Ile are $46.50 per adult and $25 for children.
Casual but warm clothes and shoes are advised as it can be windy and wet in May on Grosse Ile.
While there is no registration process, it would be useful if individuals and groups interested in attending the Grosse Ile commemoration event could inform the Embassy of Ireland of their plans so they can keep Grosse Ile staff informed of expected numbers.
Contact Karl Gardner the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland at (613) 233-0528 or by e-mail: karl.gardner@dfa.ie.
For more information about the event, visit: www.embassyofireland.ca/home/index.aspx?id=81805.
|
