Green light for historic Laois town to hold famine commemoration
Historic event in Abbeyleix next May
A Laois town is set to host a commemoration of the famine.
The HSE have granted Abbeyleix and District Historical Society permission to hold a commemoration on the former workhouse grounds.
“This is an extraordinary honour for our town, and the work ahead will shape how Ireland, and the world, sees Abbeyleix in 2027,” local historian and organiser Mr Noel Burke told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
“Families from Australia, UK, and Canada have already declared they will travel to Abbeyleix to take part in the famine commemoration on the third Sunday in May 2027,” he said.
Mr Burke explained the historical society’s intention to commemorate those who lived in Abbeyleix Workhouse, and the 28 orphan girls who were shipped to Australia through the Earl Grey Scheme.
“We are proposing that 28 national school children from Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Errill, and Ballyroan wear embroidered bonnets bearing the children’s names and places from where the girls came from locally, as well as the name of the ships they sailed on,” Mr Burke explained.
“The girls will march behind the horse drawn workhouse cart to the site of the Abbeyleix workhouse at the back of the Abbeyleix CNU on the 16 May 2027, sending a powerful message to the world that yes we the people of Laois remember the sacrifices these young girls made when they were shipped from our shores during the most catastrophic period of our past Irish history,” he said.
The historical society, with the support of Laois Heritage Office, have commissioned film maker Oliver Fallen to record this 2027 parade as part of the Abbeyleix famine documentary that is currently in production.
A centrepiece of the commemoration will be a replica of a workhouse cart, created by Mr Johnny Talbot of Abbeyleix Men’s Shed.
The society hopes to involve local schools and historical groups in their commemoration, hosting a talk on June 30 to discuss plans for the commemoration and other affairs.
Elizabeth Moore of the High Nelly Club will give an update on the numbers of people wearing period dress at the 2027 parade, and Tom Kennedy will outline the society’s proposal to erect QR codes in Abbeyleix that will link to local folklore and history.
“We would love to welcome new members- people who care about heritage, community, and keeping our stories alive,” Mr Burke said.
“Whether you want to get involved, stay informed, or simply listen, you are welcome to visit,” he finished.
The group are currently campaigning for Abbeyleix to host the 2027 National Famine Commemoration.
Join Abbeyleix and District Historical Society at Abbeyleix’s Heritage House on Tuesday June 30 at 7pm.