SCHOOLS IN Ireland are to observe a minute's silence for all those who died and emigrated during the Great Famine on Friday 13 May, the annual National Famine Commemoration Day.
In addition, this year's National Famine Commemoration will take place at Strokestown Park House & Gardens, Strokestown, Co Roscommon in the presence of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D.
"There is no other event in our history that can be likened to the Great Famine either for its immediate impact or its legacy," said Caterine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee
"That legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief."
She invited all schools to take part in the minute's silence "in memory of those who suffered loss during the Famine - loss of life, loss of family, loss of home and loss of country."
The minute of silence will take place at midday, and the minister also asked that staff and pupils 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.
See More: Great Famine
