CLONES CHOSEN AS LOCATION FOR NATIONAL FAMINE COMMEMORATION

By Cianna McNally

THE announcement by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan that the 2011 Ulster National Famine Commemoration will be held in Clones has been warmly welcomed.
Minister Deenihan made his announcement in the Canal Stores, Clones on Thursday last, 23rd June when he visited the county.
He felt that the town was a particularly suitable location for the commemoration as the Great Famine “impacted starkly” on the area.
A date has yet to be announced for the event but Minister Deenihan said that this would be happening shortly.
He added that he had asked President Mary McAleese to officiate at the ceremony before she stepped down and the President had responded positively.
The application to have the National Famine Commemoration held in Clones was made by Clones Community Forum and supported by local historian Brian McDonald, Grace Maloney and the Clogher Historical Society amongst others.
Speaking to the Northern Standard, Project Co-ordinator with Clones Community Forum Kathleen Cassidy said that the Forum members were delighted.