Lessons from famine continue to resonate, Taoiseach tells commemoration

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Lessons of “compassion, solidarity and humanity” learnt from the Irish famine will “continue to resonate” with future generations, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

The 19th National Famine Commemoration took place on Sunday in the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, Co Galway.

The event remembers all of those who suffered, died or were forced to emigrate in the famine from 1845 to 1852.

It was hosted by the Minister for Culture and chairman of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Patrick O’Donovan.

Mr Martin officiated at the event and delivered the keynote address.

It was the first time the commemoration had taken place in Galway.

The event included military honours and cultural and community elements before concluding with a wreath-laying ceremony by the Taoiseach, Mr O’Donovan and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Mr Martin said: “The National Famine Commemoration provides an important opportunity to reflect on one of the most profound and defining periods in our history.

“While the famine represents immense loss and suffering, it also reminds us of the resilience of ordinary people and the enduring strength of community in times of hardship.

“The Irish Workhouse Centre stands as an important place of remembrance and education, ensuring that the experiences of those who lived through the famine are honoured with dignity and that the lessons of compassion, solidarity and humanity continue to resonate with future generations.”

In this county where the famine destroyed communities, they did not remain broken, they were rebuilt, strong, vibrant and diverse in all their forms

Mr O’Donovan said: “It is an honour to host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration in the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, to remember all those who suffered due to the Great Irish Famine.

“In this county where the famine destroyed communities, they did not remain broken, they were rebuilt, strong, vibrant and diverse in all their forms.

“This is surely one of the most fitting and important tributes to our ancestors.”

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council David Collins said: “The story of An Gorta Mor is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of the county of Galway, shaping communities across the county and its wider diaspora, including places such as Portumna, where loss, survival and emigration from that period can still be felt today.”