Preparations continue for Famine Commemoration

THE recently postponed National Famine Commemoration public meeting will take place next Monday at 7.30pm in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Kilrush.

 

 

THE recently postponed National Famine Commemoration public meeting will take place next Monday at 7.30pm in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Kilrush.

Following on from the community meeting, which took place early in February, the steering group want to take the opportunity to meet the community again and update them on the progress and plans made to date. They are also anxious to put in place a list of people who would like to be involved in the 10 days of commemoration events in some way, no matter how small. The events will take place from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 12.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, an RTÉ Nationwide film crew shot rehearsals for Crack’d Spoon’s famine presentation, Níl aon tinteán, which they will perform for President Michael D Higgins in Kilrush on May 12.

The presentation commences with a depiction of Fr Meehan, of Little Ark fame, blessing a dying child, leading on to an eviction scene and followed by the distribution of clothing by Captain Kennedy’s daughter. The presentation also includes a procession of emigrants heading for the ill-fated coffin ship, The Edmund, under the gaze of Crofton Moore Vandeleur. The re-enactment concludes with the spirit of the children rising at the old fireside to rekindle the flame of hope, accompanied by an original musical composition by Emma Troy (vocals) and Criostóir King (flute).

The musical group, Teamwork and mental health project, Creative Energies have joined with Crack’d Spoon to devise this piece under the direction of Rob Hopkins, Dave Donnelly and Siobhán Daly.

Furthermore, as part of the National Famine Commemoration, the Great Famine Walk/Run will be held on Sunday, May 5. The route is from Kilrush to Cooraclare. Participants will be supplied with Irish Kidney Association t-shirts and caps. Further details are available from Tom Prendeville on 087 7694141.