Launch of Great Famine printed resource materials, Annual Famine Commemoration 2015

On the 3^rd September 2015, the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie, launched a number of printed resource materials relating to the Great Famine’s impact on the local area.

The resource materials complement the Council’s programme of activities and events leading up to the Annual Famine Commemoration which takes place on Saturday 26^th September.

These items include a travelling exhibition, booklet, leaflet detailing research resources in Newry and Mourne Museum and Down County Museum and an education pack for local schools.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of Council, Councillor Bailie said:

“The printed resources materials provide an overview of the Great Famine’s impact on the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. I would like to thank all those who contributed articles to the booklet. The articles reflect what life was like in the first half of the 19^th century and how the famine impacted on all parts of society and culture. I would also like to thank the staff from Newry and Mourne Museum and Down County Museum for compiling these resources. They are a valuable legacy of the Annual Famine Commemoration and will be of great value to those wanting to find more about this period of Irish history.” 

The booklet, leaflet and education pack are available from both Museums. The travelling exhibition will be on display in Newry and Mourne Museum from the 4^th – 17^th September and in Down County Museum from the 21^st – 24 September. Thereafter, the exhibition will travel around venues throughout the district. It can be booked by emailing Declan.carroll@newryandmourne.gov.uk or tel. 028 3031 3178.

In the run-up to the Annual Famine Commemoration, which takes place at the Albert Basin on Saturday 26^th September, there will be a number of events and activities in Newry and Mourne Museum.

These include a five day history course with Dr. Gerard McAtasney 21st – 25^th September that looks at the Famine in Ulster, a talk by Dr. Fionntán De Brun on The Great Famine and the Irish Language on 22^nd September at 7.30pm and a short history course on Irish Migration with Dr. Grainne McEvoy from the 29^th September – 1^st October.

For further details go to http://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Famine or tel. 028 3031 3178.