All across Ireland today - there are finally signs of recognition and acknowledgement of the Great Famine. Growing up as a child, it was a silent history, a shame, an unspeakable event. It is a good thing that we now can come forward to mourn and grieve allowing our anger to say "not ever again". It answers the puzzle for me why is it that Irish people can be found across the globe today wherever famine strikes - today it is Niger.
This bronze tree in Sligo stands as a symbol of dignity. It commemorates the un-named dead of this area of Sligo who perished in the Great Famine 1845-1847. An Gorta Mor was like a never ending winter. It's chill of desolution brought hunger, disease, and death.
In Ireland, the lone tree or Sceath was held in a position of high importance from early Christian mythology to recent times. The boulder stones surrounding the base allude to ancient forms of burial.
“ Mar sceath fé thathaint na goath tá m’anam á lúbodh anocht.”
Sean Ó Riordáin
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