Taoiseach tells Longford commemoration that Famine ‘left scars that never fully healed’
Edgeworthstown ‘resplendent in the sunshine’
It was a curious mixture of solemnity and celebration as the National Famine Commemoration took place in glorious sunshine in Longford last Sunday.
The town of Edgeworthstown assumed a festive atmosphere, bunting adorning the buildings, visitors mingling on the streets. The town's library was a focal point for activities as a large cohort of the Irish diplomatic community descended on the home of Maria Edgeworth.
An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, delivered the keynote speech, while Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD also addressed the gathering.
From 11am, 530 guests slowly filled the seats in front of the stage, with ambassadors from USA, Argentina and UAE among the diplomats in attendance. Outside the walls of The Green more members of the public watched behind the security detail.
In her address Minister Martin recalled the writing of Maria Edgeworth as a documentation of the horror of the famine: “In one truly harrowing account, she writes of a woman so overwhelmed and broken by the effects of famine that she does not seem to even notice that the child she carries on her back has died.
“It's hard to forget this image of a mother bereft beyond understanding and the head of her innocent, lifeless child bobbing from side to side.”
The Minister identified the role of the Edgeworthstown writer as vital in highlighting the plight of the Irish people: “While others of her class isolated themselves from this suffering on their doorstep, and often exacerbated it, Maria Edward rejected the dehumanising effects of this attitude and took action.”
Mr Harris spoke of the importance of the remembrance: “This was our national tragedy, leaving scars that never fully healed. Our national trauma, that can never be forgotten,” he continued, “The tragedy was national, but the lessons are global. And they compel us, they compel us to honour the memory of the dead by doing everything we can to prevent similar tragedies elsewhere.”
The most enthusiastic response from the crowd was when the Taoiseach addressed a modern famine: “Israel needs to step back and it needs to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. This is the clear demand of the people of this country. It's the clear demand of Ireland, of the international community and of international law.”
Following the speeches, a wreath-laying ceremony and the planting of three oak trees was undertaken in remembrance of all those who died during the Famine.
In addition to the Taoiseach, wreaths were also laid by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; and Councillor Colm Murray, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council.
Music at the event was provided by local band Streancán and local musicians Dr Conor Ward, Noel Carberry and Meadhbh Carberry, while Amy Rooney Maguire, Emma Mihai and Aaron Ó Míacháín from St Mary’s National School, Edgeworthstown performed the poem An Píobaire Uillinn.
The day was a culmination of a week of events across county Longford in the run up to the official function.