A hinged coffin created by Eamon Creamer from Granard. Used extensively during the worst years of the Famine, the coffins were a dreaded feature of a dark period in Irish history. A re-enactment of that type of burial will take place during the ecumenical commemoration in the Famine Graveyard on Wednesday 25 June at 7.30pm.

Famine commemoration to include burial re-enactment

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The annual commemoration of the Great Famine takes place in the Famine Graveyard in Robinstown, beside the Supply Line, on Wednesday 25 June next at 7.30pm.

An ecumenical service, it has taken place each year for the last 30 years since the resting place was restored in 1995 by the local Edmund Rice Committee.

The Mullingar Famine Graveyard Committee, in cooperation with Westmeath County Council, have maintained the graveyard since that restoration.

A novel feature of this year’s commemoration will be the re-enactment of a Famine burial using a replica hinged coffin created by Eamon Creamer, a collector of Famine memorabilia.

As well as the usual ecumenical service, there will be a talk on the Famine in this area.

The organisers also welcome local performers whose musical accompaniments add to the atmosphere of what is a special gathering to remember our Famine dead.

All are welcome.

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