merrion street

Today (Saturday 12th May, 2012) Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration has urged national sporting organisations to hold a minute’s silent reflection at public events across the country on Sunday 13th May 2012 as a gesture of respect for and acknowledgement of those who died or suffered loss in the Great Famine.

Minister Deenihan said “I would like to thank all of those sporting organisations planning to take part in the minute's silence to mark this year's National Famine Commemoration and would urge others to consider doing so.  Sport plays a huge role in Irish society and I would encourage all sporting organisations to pay tribute and acknowledge the losses suffered in Ireland as a result of the famine.  The Great Famine had a massive impact on Irish society and its legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief. We remember especially the people who today face the same horror and continue to support as best we can those suffering the effects of famine throughout Africa”

He continued "I invite all sporting organisations to support this initiative in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Famine, - loss of life, loss of family, loss of home and loss of country.  I would like to thank you most sincerely for your support in this regard".

This year, the National Famine Memorial Event will take place tomorrow Sunday 13th May, in Drogheda, Co. Louth commencing at

2.30 pm.