Communities sharing their stories - key to Great Famine commemoration
Local heritage groups attended
The ‘Reflecting on the Great Famine: A Commemoration Conference’ held at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, formed a key part of the National Famine Commemoration 2026 programme and attracted a strong public response locally, nationally and internationally.
The full day conference took place on Saturday (May 9) bringing together leading academics, heritage professionals and community members to reflect on one of the most significant events in Irish history.
Over 150 people attended the conference in person. In addition, the online recording of the event has, to date, been viewed more than 370 times, demonstrating the wide public interest in famine history and commemoration.
In his opening address, Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Great Famine.
“The Great Famine shaped every parish, family and townland in County Galway, leaving a legacy of loss, resilience and migration that still resonates today. Conferences such as this allow us to remember those who suffered and died, while deepening our understanding of how this history continues to inform who we are.”
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MARY O’Shea, Moycullen Heritage; Pauline Connolly, Milltown Heritage and Anne Tierney, the Old Tuam Society at the official launch of the ‘Our Famine Stories Scéalta an Ghorta’ exhibition and the book ‘Hunger, Hardship and Relief’’ at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna. Photos: Jacinta FahyImage 2 of 4
DR Christy Cunniffe, Irish Workhouse Museum; Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins and Frank Gavin, Fohenagh and District Historical Society at the events in the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna.Image 3 of 4
AT the Great Famine commemoration events were Gerry McDonagh, Chairperson Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association with Breda Finn and Michael Hurley, Lackagh Museum.Image 4 of 4
MARICHU Whyte, Moylough Heritage Society; Bernie and Cllr Michael Connolly, Moylough; Heritage Officer Marie Mannion and John Whyte and Mary Mullins, Moylough Heritage Society at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna.The conference programme featured a wide-ranging series of lectures and a panel discussion examining remembrance, culture, philanthropy, the Poor Law system and the lived experience of famine-era Ireland, all explored within the powerful setting of the former Portumna workhouse.
Part of the wider commemorative programme saw the launch of the Scéalta an Ghorta/ Famine Stories Exhibition and accompanying digital e-book, officially launched by Cllr Collins. The exhibition presents famine narratives rooted in local, national and international experience and highlights the importance of community-led remembrance and storytelling.
“This exhibition featuring 20 parishes across the county of Galway and Minnesota gives voice to famine stories grounded in place, memory and community. It reflects the extraordinary contribution of local and diaspora groups who have ensured that the human experience of the Great Famine continues to be remembered, shared and understood.”
Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council remarked: “The scale of attendance and the depth of community involvement highlight the value people place on respectful, informed approaches to famine commemoration. These events were made possible through strong partnerships and the generosity of communities who shared their stories.”
Dr Christy Cunniffe of the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna commented: “We are delighted with the response to both the conference and the associated exhibition and e—book launches. The Irish Workhouse Centre provides a deeply meaningful setting for these events, and the level of engagement demonstrates a strong public desire to reflect on this shared history.”
Also launched on the day was Hunger, Hardship and Relief: The Great Famine in Killimor, Co. Galway, written by Angela Geoghegan, with typography by Nuala McGann, and officially launched by Dr Geard Moran. The publication provides a detailed and accessible account of famine experiences in Killimor, offering important insight into how hardship, relief and survival were experienced at community level.