Portumna, County Galway

The 19th National Famine Commemoration took place on Sunday, 17 May, in the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway in remembrance of all those who suffered, died or was forced to emigrate due to An Gorta Mór.

The event was hosted by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Patrick O’Donovan TD.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD officiated at the event and delivered the keynote address. The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Cathaoirleach of the Galway County Council, Councillor David Collins, also took part in proceedings.

This is the first time the State Commemoration has taken place in Galway. As in previous years, the event included military honours, cultural and community elements before culminating in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by the Taoiseach, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp.

National Commemoration booklet PDF

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

‘The Irish Workhouse Centre stands as an important place of remembrance and education, ensuring that the experiences of those who lived through the Famine are honoured with dignity and that the lessons of compassion, solidarity and humanity continue to resonate with future generations.’

Minister O’Donovan said at the event:

‘In this county where the Famine destroyed communities, they did not remain broken, they were rebuilt, strong, vibrant and diverse in all their forms. This is surely one of the most fitting and important tributes to our ancestors.’

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor David Collins commented:

‘This event honours the memory of those who suffered or emigrated, acknowledges the strength and resilience of communities across this county, and encourages us to recognise the importance of compassion, dignity and solidarity in society Irish today.’

The link to view the event can be found here: https://vimeo.com/1200786705/f5d8abcefa