National Famine Commemoration to take place
The National Famine Commemoration will take place in Kilmallock, Co Limerick, this afternoon.
It is the first time the ceremony has taken place in Limerick.
More than one million people died during the famine between 1845 and 1852 and more than one million more emigrated during this time.
The event will include a wreath-laying ceremony, music and prayers of remembrance in tribute to those who died in the famine.
President Michael D Higgins will lead the official representation at the commemoration, alongside Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan and Mayor of Limerick John Moran.
Music will be provided by local musicians Liam Flanagan, Sean Ó Fearghail and Ciara Flanagan, and pupils from Scoil Mocheallóg will read the poem Threnody by Flann O'Connor.
Students from Coláiste Iósaef will read a letter from Dr Morgan David O'Connell to the Kilmllock Board of Guardians from 1847.
In a statement ahead of the commemoration, President Higgins said that of all the challenges in the world, "responding to global hunger and the vindication of the right to food security is one that is of paramount importance".
Minister O'Donovan said it was fitting that the event is being held in the grounds of Kilmallock Workhouse and next to the graveyard "where so many of our forebears who died during this time, were laid to rest in a mass grave, neighbour with neighbour".
He said the Famine has shaped Ireland and its people, who he said, stand with the people of Gaza, areas of South Sudan, Haiti and Mali, who are suffering from hunger, disease and poverty today.
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