Heritage Walk takes place in Callan
Cherryfield Cemetery’s famine dead were remembered at the event
The Heritage Walk to the Famine Graveyard in Cherryfield was held on Friday evening.
Against the backdrop of the quiet fields, attendees gathered to honour the memory of the over 6,000 souls laid to rest in the old cemetery.
The event began beside the historical Callan Workhouse, where Joe Kennedy of the Callan Heritage Society offered a moving and informative recount of both the workhouse’s harrowing past and the cemetery’s significance, a solemn reminder of a tragic chapter in local history.
The programme unfolded with poetry at its heart. Josephine Fitzgerald’s heartfelt recitation of her poem, Cherryfield, resonated with listeners, weaving the grief and dignity of the past through her words.
This was followed by a stirring poem penned by Speranza, Oscar Wilde’s mother, brought to life by Philip Lynch’s evocative delivery.
Music filled the summer air. John Corrigan, renowned locally for his golden voice, rendered a poignant version of Skibbereen, his song echoing through the laneways and fields that have witnessed so much sorrow and survival.
The evening concluded with Liam Rice, also of the Heritage Society, who joined prayer and poetry into a final reflection, wrapping the gathering in a gentle farewell and a promise of remembrance.
Cherryfield Walk itself remains a cherished haven, lush, peaceful and welcoming. Its winding paths are frequented by walkers, cyclists and families, who find solace and safety in its tranquil embrace, just minutes from the heart of Callan Town.
The evening’s gathering not only paid tribute to the lost but also celebrated the enduring bonds of community and the healing power of shared memory.