In his address to the National Famine Commemoration, President Michael D. Higgins reflected on the economic and political factors that contributed to the famine and the impact it had on Irish society.
The President unveiled a new memorial to honour those who died during the famine in Ireland 1845 – 1852. The memorial consists of a 19th century Celtic cross, donated by the Glasnevin Trust, and which the President said will serve as a permanent memorial to, and reminder of, the victims.
You can read the speech, or listen to it, by clicking the Photos, Audio or Speech tabs above.
Some of the President's key speeches on the Gorta Mór include:
- Speech at the opening of the “Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger” exhibition (2018)
- President dedicates a Famine Memorial sculpture (2017)
- Address at the National Famine Commemoration (2018)
- Unveiling of 'Footsteps' (2017)
- 'The economic debate: from the Great Famine to Today' (2017)
- Remarks to representatives of the Choctaw nation (2017)
- Remarks marking UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty (2016)
- 'Recalling, Remembering and Learning from the Great Famine' (2016)
- ‘Feeding the World in 2050′ (2013)
- Remarks at Hunger-Nutrition-Climate Justice Conference (2013)
- Remarks at the Famine Museum (2013)
- 'Reflecting on the Gorta Mór' (2012)
Related events:
- President launches the CCIFV Lumper Schools Project (2019)
- President unveils sculpture by John Behan (2019)
- President officially opens an Irish-Polish Exhibition on the Great Famine (2019)
- President and Sabina visit Famine Museum in Strokestown House (2018)
- President lays a wreath at the Australian Monument to the Great Irish Famine (2017)
- President marks UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (2016)
