Minister Patrick O’Donovan hosts the National Famine Commemoration at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, Co. Galway
- Published on: 17 May 2026
- Last updated on: 17 May 2026
The 19th National Famine Commemoration took place today (Sunday, 17 May) in the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway in remembrance of all those who suffered, died or was forced to emigrate due to An Gorta Mór.
The event was hosted by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Patrick O’Donovan TD.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD officiated at the event and delivered the keynote address. The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Cathaoirleach of the Galway County Council, Councillor David Collins, also took part in proceedings.
This is the first time the State Commemoration has taken place in Galway. As in previous years, the event included military honours, cultural and community elements before culminating in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by the Taoiseach, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp.
The event was broadcast live on the RTÉ News channel but will be available for replay on the RTÉ Player and on irishfamine.ie at a later date.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
The National Famine Commemoration provides an important opportunity to reflect on one of the most profound and defining periods in our history. While the Famine represents immense loss and suffering, it also reminds us of the resilience of ordinary people and the enduring strength of community in times of hardship. The Irish Workhouse Centre stands as an important place of remembrance and education, ensuring that the experiences of those who lived through the Famine are honoured with dignity and that the lessons of compassion, solidarity and humanity continue to resonate with future generations.
Minister O’Donovan said at the event:
It is an honour to host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration in the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, to remember all those who suffered due to the Great Irish Famine. I thank all those who attended this dignified and solemn event and acknowledge all those who made this event possible. Special thanks are due to the team of the Irish Workhouse Centre and the people of Portumna who have opened their town to us to facilitate this opportunity to remember. In this county where the Famine destroyed communities, they did not remain broken, they were rebuilt, strong, vibrant and diverse in all their forms. This is surely one of the most fitting and important tributes to our ancestors.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor David Collins commented:
The story of An Gorta Mór is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of the county of Galway, shaping communities across the county and its wider diaspora, including places such as Portumna, where loss, survival and emigration from that period can still be felt today. This event honours the memory of those who suffered or emigrated, acknowledges the strength and resilience of communities across this county, and encourages us to recognise the importance of compassion, dignity and solidarity in society Irish today. It is a privilege for Galway County Council and the people of Portumna to host this significant national commemoration.
ENDS
Note for Editors:
Following its live broadcast on the RTÉ News Channel, this State Event will be available to view on the RTÉ Player. Further details will be posted on: irishfamine.ie