ONE National Famine Walk takes break at Mullingar

Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel took part in the 2025 National Famine Trail walk, aiming to raise funds for ex-service personnel in need.

This is the group's second year taking part in the event, covering 170km from Strokestown House in Roscommon, to the Epic Irish Immigration Museum in Dublin, coinciding with National Famine Commemoration Day on Sunday, May 18.

The group passed through Mullingar on Thursday, May 15, taking a break at the Harbour, where they were greeted by members of the ONE from Mullingar and the Civil Defence.

Ruth Illingworth, local historian and member of ONE, said: “This is so important for the ONE, it's a charity that cares for our veterans, we have houses across the country, and we try to care for these people the best we can.

“There are many cases of ex-service people falling on hard times, and sadly, a lot of them do.

“So, it's really important that we remember that the famine was a dark time in our history, and while remembering and commemorating this horrible event, we must also try to look after those people who still need our help today.”

Mick Kinahan, national president of ONE, said: “Looking at this route, 1,490 people walked along this to Dublin, and only half of them actually made it to Canada. These people needed help, and we must remember that.

“We are walking this way to honour and remember them, let's not forget that there were around 700 children travelling with them.

“At the same time, we are walking to honour our own veterans, who have served this country proudly, regularly being deployed overseas.

"Sadly, a lot of these people end up being homeless and having mental health problems, but the ONE try and combat that by having support for them.

“At the end of the day, we are a voluntary organisation, and we do rely on the public's support to help these people.”