Multi-faith commemoration held in Cork for victims of Great Famine

A multi-faith prayer event was held in Cork last week to commemorate those lost during the Great Famine.

The event, held at dusk on All Souls Eve last Saturday, took place in the All Saints Famine Graveyard at Carr’s Hill.

In the months of February to June, 1847, some 2,260 Famine victims from the workhouse on Douglas Rd, now St Finbarr’s Hospital, were laid to rest on these grounds.

The cemetery, known locally as ‘The Pauper’s Graveyard’, was in use until the late 1950s, and is now the eternal resting place of more than 30,000 people who passed away during the course of its use.

The graveyard is only accessible through local fields and saw a small gathering of people attend the prayer event.

The event consisted of people from multiple faiths lighting candles and incense, speaking a few words representing their traditions and the creation of a wreath of light and leaves.

Representatives of the Hanmi Esoteric Buddhists Association, Future Orchard Trust, Franciscans and the Unitarian Church, Church of Ireland, Buddhamahadhatu Temple, and Nano Nagle Place were present for the event on the day.