The President of Ireland believes it was appropriate that Kilrush hosted the National Famine Commemoration due to its devastating impact on West Clare.
Michael D Higgins was speaking at Sunday’s Special ceremony which remembered those who died or emigrated as a result of an Ghorta Mór over 150 years ago.
Over 1200 people attended the large scale ceremony on Francis Street which was addressed by Michael D. Higgins as well as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan and Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O Reilly
The event consisted of a formal State ceremony encompassing military honours and a wreath laying ceremony by Ambassadors to Ireland.
The President told those gathered that it was entirely appropriate that Kilrush would host the event considering the impact the Famine had on the area.
Mayor of Clare Pat Daly and Mayor of Kilrush Mairéad O Brien recited extracts from the Illustrated London news of the time and local performers were involved in music and re-enactments.
