LIAM NEESON is to narrate a new two-part documentary on the Irish Famine.
The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine has been produced by RTÉ to mark the 175th anniversary of the start of what remains Ireland's worst humanitarian disaster.
Over the course of two 60-minute episodes, the documentary will detail one of the most defining events in Irish and European history.
Made in collaboration with University College Cork, the series is the second collaboration between the national broadcaster and UCC.
It follows on from the three-part docu-series on the Irish Revolution, which first aired in February 2019 to mark the centenary of the War of Independence.
Jim Jennings, director of content at RTÉ, said: "It is a privilege to once again work with our partners in UCC and ARTE to bring one of the most defining events in Irish history to life on the small screen.
"It is important that we commemorate such a significant event and honour those who lost their lives by understanding and sharing our nation's story.
"This series is a definitive guide to the Famine and also a timely reminder during these turbulent times of Ireland's strength and resilience."
Neeson felt it was “important to be involved” because of the way the Great Famine serves as a showcase of how Ireland survived and thrived in the face of tragedy – something he believes is relevant today, more than ever.
"The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine is a compelling series for all generations to watch and learn from," said.
"The Famine spawned the Global Irish Diaspora of 70 million around the world, over 30 million of whom are in the US.
"Being one of the global Irish, I felt it was important to be involved in the series because it marks a defining national moment in how Ireland found hope in the face of catastrophic tragedy.
"Hope is something we all need right now."
An illustration of Irish people begging for food during the Irish Potato Famine of the mid 1800sMinister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD said: "The Great Famine has been widely recognised as the single most significant event in modern Irish History.
"I welcome the work of RTÉ and UCC and their partners in producing this documentary and the associated online materials which will provide a valuable and accessible resource for students of that terrible time, both at home and abroad.
"The fostering of deeper understanding of historical events is the consistent theme of the Government's approach to commemoration."
The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine is on RTÉ One tonight with the second part due to broadcast on December 7 at 9.35pm
