Culture Minister urges Irish schools to observe minute of silence for Great Famine victims

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is urging Irish schools to observe a minute of silence tomorrow (May 19) in honour of the victims of the Great Famine. 

The Irish government introduced an annual National Famine Commemoration in May 2008 in memory of all those who died and emigrated during the tragedy, which caused the deaths of one million people between 1845 and 1851. 

A further one million people emigrated to other countries, primarily the United States. 

The famine was caused by the persistent failure of potato crops - the only substantial food affordable to the masses of Irish peasantry - due to blight, and the exportation of cattle, pork and grain. 

In a letter to schools, Minister Catherine Martin stated, "There is no other event in our history that can be likened to the Great Famine either for its immediate impact or its legacy. That legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief. 

"I invite you to arrange for all staff and pupils at your school to observe a minute of silent reflection on Friday, 19th May in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Famine – loss of life, loss of family, loss of home and loss of country. This minute of silence should take place ideally at midday, but can take place at whatever time suits individual schools on the day.

"I would ask also during this minute of silence that your staff and pupils also remember those who are suffering famine and hunger today, particularly the children and young people living in parts of the world currently afflicted by chronic hunger, poverty and disease."

This year's official commemoration will take place in Milford, Co Donegal at 2pm on Sunday May 21 in the presence of President Michael D. Higgins.