The short film below is a reminder of one of the many memorable and moving moments on the Famine Walk over more than three decades. In 2013, walkers were invited into Delphi Lodge by the Proprietor Michael Wade. The gates were closed, symbolically, when we arrived but then they were opened and walkers, carrying the names of some of the people who died in 1849 as well as names of people who have died of hunger in recent years, were welcomed in and given food and hospitality. We planted a tree and some potatoes as the rain poured down and Declan O’Rourke sang his hauntingly beautiful ‘Connaught Orphan’…
Each year AFRI host their annual Famine Walk in Doolough. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, we’re unable to do that at this time – so we are bringing you a virtual alternative!
On May 16th – the day on which the annual Doolough Famine Walk was due to take place, Afri will host a Virtual Famine Walk encompassing an evening of distinguished guest speakers, great conversation and live music. Our host will be Hitching of Hope author Ruairí McKiernan. He will be joined by renowned violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire, harpist Emer Lynam and singer, songwriters RoJ Whelan and Paul O’Toole, as well as guest speakers including Emeritus Professor John Maguire, author and Lecturer Dr. Clare O’Grady Walshe, MASI member Donnah Vuma and student climate activist Gráinne Malone. With thanks to Irish Aid, Trócaire and Concern for their support.
To join this Saturday, May 16th at 7pm, please click here
The event promises insight, inspiration and extraordinary music as we gather together to mark the iconic annual Famine Walk, which is now in its 4th decade. The event is free to all and will be live-streamed to AFRI’s Facebook page, YouTube and Twitter accounts.
AFRI appreciates participants and friends for your support for the Famine Walk, over many years.
Line-up:
John Maguire, retired professor of Sociology in UCC, is a board member of AFRI. He has written works on social theory and on peace issues.
Clare O’Grady Walshe is an author and independent researcher specialising in seed and biodiversity issues and is a Research Associate in International Relations in the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University.
Emer Lynam is a harpist who is originally from Mullingar. She is a Board member of AFRI and trainee solicitor, normally living in Dublin but joining us from Galway for the Famine Walk Event.
Colm Mac Con Iomaire is a violinist and composter. He is a founding member of Irish indie rock legends The Frames and a renowned solo artist.
Gráinne Malone lives in Banagher, Co Offaly and is currently in 5th year. In March 2019 she travelled to Paris for the global strike for climate change. Since then she has been a part of the National Youth Assembly for climate change and represented Offaly in the Dáil.
Joe Murray is the co-ordinator of Afri and has been involved with the organisation since 1980. He is a is a recipient of the Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu Award. and also received an award for his ‘compassion, dedication and humanitarianism from the Dalai Lama in recognition of his work on the Board of Children in Crossfire. He was also a nominee for the Dóchas Global Citizen Award.
Donnah Vuma is a mother, a MASI member, a Board member of AFRI and founder of ‘Every Child is Your Child’. She is also a student in Humanities in Limerick University and a Direct Provision resident.
RoJ Whelan is a former Irish international cricket player, musician and filmmaker based in Dublin. His organisation ‘The Art Of Peaceful Revolution’ has been involved in award-winning documentaries and his band ‘The RoJ LiGht’ have played with many well known Irish acts. They are releasing their second album ‘Sacred Moods’ this month.
Ruairí McKiernan is a charity founder, bestselling author of Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland, host of the Love and Courage podcast, and European Director of Narrative 4.
