A newly formed Laois heritage group have launched a petition to see Abbeyleix host the 2027 annual commemoration of the Great Famine.

The Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society, spearheaded by Mr Noel Burke, have launched this petition to bring 'recognition' to Abbeyleix's famine history.

The Irish Famine Commemoration Day is a major event held in May each year to mark and reflect on the impact and legacy of the Great Famine. The main national event rotates across the country every year, with Kilmallock in County Limerick hosting this year's events.

Pictured: Abbeyleix hospital and former workhouse. Photo credit: Noel Burke

"When you look at a map of Ireland, there are famine grounds marked all around the country. You won't find one famine graveyard officially marked in Laois, despite Abbeyleix being the main workhouse at that time," Mr Burke told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"It's high time that Abbeyleix is recognised on a national level, and we would like to see the community support us in this petition," he said.

In 2025, Cllr Marie Tuohy put forth the motion that Abbeyleix host The Irish Famine Commemoration Day in May 2026 at the November meeting of Laois County Council.

"The Council backed our plan, with the majority of Councillors in favour of signing our petition. We wish to nominate Abbeyleix to host the commemoration on Sunday May 3, 2027, and to incorporate a reenactment of local people in 19th Century clothing, walking from the square up to the hospital, which is the site of the old workhouse," Mr Burke said.

"Last year we had a plaque installed at the hospital site, in memory of the hundreds of people who are buried in mass graves on the hospital grounds. It was the first time in 183 years that the hospital was officially recognised as a workhouse, all that time went by without a plaque or commemoration," he said.

In the 1980's, local man Martin Fennelly uncovered hundreds of bodies buried behind the hospital, thrown in a large mass grave during the famine. 

Pictured: The site on the grounds of Abbeyleix hospital where several hundred bodies were buried during the famine. Photo: historic graves

"The bodies were only buried six inches beneath the ground, Martin uncovered this through researching the monthly meetings of the workhouse garrisons. It was a horrendous time, and the effects the famine had on Abbeyleix must be acknowledged," Mr Burke said.

The Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society recently received funding of €1,300 from Creative Laois to see the construction of an authentic famine workhouse cart, which was used to transport people and bodies during the 1840's.

The cart will be constructed in conjunction with Abbeyleix Men's Shed and artist Paddy Carroll.

"Cllr Marie Tuohy is also donating €3,000 towards the building of the workhouse cart, which is of great benefit to the community. These carts were used to transport people from workhouse to workhouse, and was used for carrying bodies," he explained.

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"We would hope to use it for our reenactment should we host the famine commemoration in 2027. We hope to see the community get behind us in this petition," Mr Burke finished.

To sign the Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society's petition, click here.