On Sunday 16th May, members of the Delvin Historical Society and friends met at the Famine Graveyard, Ballyhealy Road, Delvin, to remember all those who died in the 1840 Famine in Ireland.

As this was “National Famine Day” throughout Ireland, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Seamus Heaney was present and a prayer service was held in their honour with readings by Hilda Revington and Pat Lynch. A short history of the Delvin Workhouse and Famine Graveyard was given by Delvin’s local historian Michael Murphy.

Present at the ceremony was a lady who informed all present that she was born in the workhouse in 1936 (Mrs. T. Greville nee Jordan).

This was a very moving experience for us all. A minute’s silence was held at the conclusion of the ceremony in memory of those who died in the famine.

We would like to say a special “thank you” to FAS, Dennis Murtagh and P.J.Gaffney for their work in preparing access to the graveyard.

Submitted by the Delvin Historical Society