Today, Pat Carey T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has urged national sporting organisations to hold a one minute’s silent reflection at public events across the country on Sunday 16th May 2010 as a gesture of respect for and acknowledgement of those who died or suffered loss in the Great Famine.
Minister Carey said “My Department has written to all sporting organisations asking them to mark this year’s National Famine Commemoration by holding a one minute’s silence at sporting events all around the country on 16th May. I understand that this was a great success last year and had a real impact on both participants and spectators alike. Sport holds such a strong and respected position in Irish society and I would encourage all sporting organisations to use their influence to pay tribute and acknowledge the losses suffered in Ireland as a result of the famine. Unfortunately, famine is not unique to Ireland and many countries across the globe still suffer from famine and hunger today. It is important that in acknowledging our own history we continue to raise awareness of the plight of these people”.
This year, the National Famine Memorial Event will take place in Murrisk, Co. Mayo on Sunday 16th May.