On Saturday 17th May, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan hosted the 2025 National Famine Commemoration in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.
The formal State ceremony which was presided over by President Michael D. Higgins, also featured his final National Famine Commemoration keynote address in this role.
The event, which took place in Limerick for the first time, also included military honours and addresses from the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Minister O’Donovan.
The President, the Minister and His Excellency, The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps took part in a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of all those who died during the Famine.
Music at the event was provided by local musicians Liam Flanagan, Seán Ó Fearghail and Ciara Flanagan while pupils from Scoil Mocheallóg performed the poem Threnody by Flann O’Connor. Pupils from Coláiste Iósaef read a letter from Dr Morgan David O’Connell to the Kilmallock Board of Guardians dating from 1847.
An t-Uachtarán President Michael D Higgins said:
“Of all the challenges that we face in our contemporary world, responding to global hunger and the vindication of the right to food security is one that is of paramount importance, a project under which we can all unite and work together to achieve.
Surely we, the descendants of Famine survivors, should demand and work with others to ensure that no other people anywhere in the world shall ever experience such a calamity.
In memory of all those who died during An Gorta Mór, may I repeat my plea that we all work together for lasting peace and for an end to global hunger and Famine.”
Minister Patrick O’Donovan, said:
“It is very fitting that the event is being held here in the grounds of Kilmallock Workhouse and next to the graveyard where so many of our forebears who died during this time, were laid to rest in a mass grave, neighbour with neighbour.”
