merrion street

Today (Monday, 23 January 2012), Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee announced that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. has accepted an invitation to lead the official representation at this year's National Famine Commemoration.

The National Famine Commemoration will take place on Sunday 13^th May 2012 in Drogheda, Co. Louth.

"The Great Famine in Ireland was undoubtedly one of the most significant events in our country's history and also a transforming event. It is fitting that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. will lead this year's commemoration. Previous commemorations have taken place in Dublin, Skibbereen, Murrisk and Clones. The commemorations comprise a programme in which the local communities in County Louth will be prominently involved followed by the formal State ceremonial event, which will include military honours and wreath laying ceremonies.

He continued "Many Irish poor in County Louth died from hunger and disease or emigrated during the famine. I know that the community in Drogheda are already working on a full programme of events to commemorate in the run up to the national event on 13^th May 2012. The community in Drogheda will, I know, welcome the Taoiseach's participation in this year's event and it will be a fitting tribute to those people who perished during the Great Famine".