The Great Famine in Ireland (1845‑1850) caused the loss of almost two and a half million people who were forced to emigrate "to Heaven or overseas...".
With that history in mind our thoughts will also be with all victims of natural calamities, famine, war, poverty and injustice in our world today.

Introduction

2. Civic welcome on behalf of the City of Cardiff by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Kate Lloyd.

3. St.Patrick’s Day message from the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, read by Colm McGrady, Consul General for Ireland in Wales.

4. Stephen Foster’s remarkable song, Hard Times, a reminder of the hardship in America in the 19th century, sung by Dave Burns, a son of Newtown, Cardiff’s former ‘Little Ireland’.

5. Message in Welsh and English by Lord Dafydd Elis‑Thomas Presiding Officer, National Assembly for Wales.

6. Côr Cochion Caerdydd (Cardiff Reds‘ Choir):Sliabh Geal gCua.

This song was originally composed in Irish as Sliabh Geal gCua by Pádraig Ó Miléadha (1877 – 1947), an exile from the Decies area in West Waterford who lived in the Swansea Valley for about 20 years before and after WW1.
It gives exquisite and painful expression to the feelings of those forced by economic necessity to live far from their home, from their friends and from their language.
The choir will begin by singing one verse in Irish before singing all of the song in Welsh.

7. A reading by Newport‑born Father Michael McCarthy, I.C.

8. Harri Pritchard‑Jones: a tribute to the late and great Seán Mac Réamoinn. Harri delivered the panygeric during the funeral Mass for Seán in Dublin in January. Among the congragation was the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

9. Seona Mac Réamoinn, Seán’s daughter: response to Harri’s tribute.

10. Presentation to Seona and her brother, Brian, on behalf of the Wales Famine Forum and of all present during the ceremony. The presentation of a special scarf displaying the colours of Ireland and of Wales, was made by John O’Sullivan.

11.Reflection by the Reverend Aled Edwards, Secretary of CYTUN (‘Churches Together in Wales’ – ‘Cytûn’ is a Welsh word meaning ‘unanimous’).

12. Laying of wreaths during which the Côr Cochion will sing Dona Nobis Pacem and the South African song, Thula Thula.

13. Dave Burns sings: The Country I’m Leaving Behind

This beautiful and poignant song of exile was regularly sung at the end of a party or other celebration by the people of the former Irish community of Newtown in Cardiff. Dave Burns was astonished to find that it was quite unknown in Ireland when he first visited his ancestral homeland in the late 1960s.
Although its melody, style and words clearly indicate that it was written – possibly in Scotland or in Wales – by someone from Ireland, this is a song that echoes the deep feelings of hurt, displacement and loss felt by all emigrants no matter where or what their origins.

14. Blessing / prayer by clergy.

15. The Côr Cochion will lead the singing of Amhrán na bhFiann, the National Anthem of Ireland, and Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, the National Anthem of Wales.

16. John Sweeney: closing remarks.

Come whenever you wish, take what you see,
And once come, stay as long as you like!

By Sypyn Cyfeiliog, 1340 ‑ 1390.
Translation: Professor Joseph P. Clancy.

We are grateful to the Cardiff City Council Bereavement Services, who give full support to this annual service and who include the Memorial on their heritage trail which also includes the grave of champion boxer Peerless Jim Driscoll, a son of Newtown, who is buried near the Famine Memorial.

Links

A selection of related articles which may bring tears, smiles and some legitimate pride.

The Wales National Great Famine Memorial

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