Roscommon - Ros Comáin - An Gorta Mór

An Gorta Mór

This Memorial was erected in 1999 to recall for posterity the people
of Co. Roscommon who died during the Great Irish famine (1845-1849)
It represents the suffering of families and the utter desperation
of the people during that lamentable period of our history
Tugaimís onóir agus omós d'ár muintir
Is fada in iothlann Dé iad.

An Gorta Mór was like a never-ending winter. Its chill of
desolation brought hunger, disease, emigration and death.
Co. Roscommon suffered a 31.5% decrease in its population, the
most afflicted county in Ireland. Thousands flocked to this
Workhouse for sustenance and refuge. Many who died here were
buried in Bully's Acre a short distance away.

This Famine Memorial was unveiled on 25th August 1999
by
Her Excellency Mary McAleese, Uachtarán na hÉireann

This memorial was erected by the
County Roscommon Famine
Commemoration Committee in 1999.

Architect: Mary O'Carroll of
O'Carroll Associates, Roscommon.
Sculptors: Maurice Harron
& Elizabeth McLaughlin.
Contractors: Owen Dervin
& Co. Ltd. Roscommon

Grateful thanks to
the people of Co. Roscommon,
The Western Health Board,
Roscommon County Council,
Mid South Roscommon Rural
Development Organisation and all
who made this memorial possible.

Statues - Hither & Thither

An Gorta Mór

The Great Famine

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Location (N 53°37'22" - W 8°11'5") (Satellite view: Google Maps)