National Famine Commemoration presents 'a huge opportunity' to showcase Longford

The final preparations are in place to ensure that Edgeworthstown's hosting of the National Famine Commemoration captures the spirit of the solemn national event.

The day is a culmination of a week of activity across County Longford in the run up to the official function.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Colm Murray, acknowledged the significance of the occasion: “The famine was a black chapter in Irish history. It's very important that we mark these events and continue to remember them as they've left an indelible mark on the country.”

The main event will be held in The Green in Edgeworthstown this Sunday, May 19. The public ceremony will be broadcast on the RTÉ News Now channel.

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The National Famine Commemoration provides an opportunity for the people of Longford and surrounding counties to honour the memory of those who perished or sought escape to a new life abroad during the an Gorta Mór.

When announcing details of the Edgeworthstown event Culture Minister Catherine Martin says it gives communities a chance to “gather and pay their respects to the people of our nation who faced hardship and suffering”.

It's the first State Commemoration to take place in County Longford, and will include military honours and a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of the dark period of Irish history.

The event starts at 11:15am and the RTE coverage commences at 12 noon.

Organisers say locating it in Edgeworthstown is an opportunity to remember the victims of the Famine both locally and across the country, and to recognise the role of those who strove to alleviate the devastating impact of this disaster, such as Maria Edgeworth and her family.

The keynote speaker will be the Taoiseach Simon Harris. Three different committees are coordinating the event; the National Steering Committee, The Executive Committee of Longford County Council, and a local Edgeworthstown committee with members from local voluntary groups.

The committees are composed of members of The Department of Defence, the Diplomatic Corp, Department of the Taoiseach, The Department of Tourism,Culture, Art, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, members of An Garda Síochána and local authority staff.

The community committee will bring together representatives from the TidyTowns, The EDDA, The Marie Edgeworth Centre, the GAA, local National Schools and Edgeworthstown traders.

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The 98 Hall, Ballinamuck, the Latin School in Moyne, the Workhouse in Longford town and The Yard Hub in Abbeyshrule will host events in advance of the commemoration.

Sunday's ceremony at The Green will accommodate 530 guests, 300 of which are invited, with 200 seats for the public. There is no charge for the tickets, but they are allocated under a public allotment.

The address to the gathered guests will take place in the bandstand on The Green. The ceremony will take around one and a half hours to complete. There will be two musical performances and poet Noel Monahan has composed a bespoke Irish language poem, which will be read by three pupils from St Mary's NS.

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There will be a gathering in Edgeworthstown after the official function is completed. It's anticipated that there will be 78 foreign diplomats in attendance on the day.

The Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council said hosting the event presents opportunities for the county: “We're honoured here in Longford to host the National Famine Commemoration this year and to note the suffering that people went through and also the contribution that a lot of people made in trying to alleviate that suffering.”

Cllr Murray said a lot preparatory work has been undertaken: “I want to pay tribute to all of the staff in Longford County Council, in particular the Library and Cultural Services and all of the people of Edgartown who came together and worked so closely together to bring this event to Longford and we look forward to being able to showcase everything good about Edgeworthstown and County Longford on Sunday.”

The Commemoration has international significance: “I've had contact from a number of foreign dignitaries over the last few days who will be in attendance,” said Cllr Murray, “We're expecting up to 80 ambassadors or foreign diplomats in Edgeworthstown on Sunday.

“It presents us with a huge opportunity, not alone to show our abilities to run a national commemoration, but also to show off everything that Longford has to offer to all of these countries.”

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