Report by Brad Balfour, Arts Editor
Modern Ireland is a progressive haven with a thriving multicultural society. Past and present meet in relatively idyllic conditions. Though not free of contemporary problems, it’s a far cry from the dire conditions of Ireland in the 1840s-1850s and the Great Famine which plagued the country back then. A disaster nearing the proportions of a holocaust for the Irish of the day, the Great Famine was as much a man-made catastrophe as it was caused by the Potato blight. Through a horrendous economic system foisted upon Ireland in the 1800s by its British overlords, the country was exploited by absentee landlords who forced mostly rural Ireland into poverty. Many in the countryside survived as poor farmers with only potatoes as their crop.
When the blight — a disease which overwhelmed the potato crop — hit throughout Ireland, millions either starved or left the island. This country of eight million also saw the establishment of the Workhouse system to gave evicted farmers and other poor a place to live through forced labor. Since the English blamed poverty on the poor, these buildings offered scant accommodations while exploiting those who were forced to be housed here. Since the cruelty of their British overseers was apparent, maintaining a memorial to such behavior became necessary for future generations to never forget.
Now, The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna preserves and shares the history of Ireland’s workhouse system. It offers visitors a deeper understanding of the hardships experienced by Irish families during the Great Famine and beyond. On a broader level, it also offers a greater understanding of the Great Famine’s impact on Irish society at the time and how it resonates even to this day.
As stated on its website: “The workhouse was an integral part of the story of Ireland’s Great Famine and the lives of those forced to emigrate in the decades following the famine. Built to provide shelter and food for those who could not survive on their small holdings, we tell the story of Ireland’s poor who sought help within these walls from the 1840s until their closure in 1922.”
Recently a reception was held to bring further attention upon the Workhouse Centre in Co. Galway. New York Host committee member Hilary Beirne scribed this report below on the Irish Workhouse Centre, hosting a support event at New York’s Irish Consulate located near Grand Central Station.
Hosted by Consul General Gerald Angley, New York’s Consulate General of Ireland welcomed guests on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 for a special evening in support of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway.
Organized by the Irish Workhouse Centre’s New York Host Committee, the evening featured an engaging program highlighting the importance of preserving Ireland’s Great Famine history and supporting restoration work at the former workhouse, including its historic dining hall. The event followed the launch of the Workhouse fundraising campaign in New York last year, along with three major events held in Ireland.
In her opening remarks, Campaign Director Mary Reed thanked those in attendance and emphasized the importance of remembering and educating future generations about the history of the Great Famine. She introduced a brief highlight from the theatrical play “Bishop McGinn, The Famine and the Fugitive,” by committee member Turlough McConnell.
Professor Christine Kinealy introduced guest speaker, Dr. John L. Lahey, President Emeritus of Quinnipiac University and former chairman of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He spoke affectionately of their years of working together to advance famine education. Dr Leahy reflected on his personal journey into famine education. He recalled how he served as Grand Marshal of the parade in 1997. It marked the 150th anniversary of “Black ’47” and Inspired his commitment to deepening public understanding of the Irish Famine. Dr. Lahey paid tribute to committee member Professor Christine Kinealy, acknowledging her longstanding friendship and her internationally recognized expertise on the Irish Famine.
The audience was deeply moved by a performance from Irish singer Eabha McMahon, formerly of Celtic Woman. She delivered an emotional rendition of “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.” Written by Brendan Graham, the song tells the story of Annie Moore, a 15-year-old Irish girl who became the first immigrant processed at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892.
At the conclusion of the evening, Beirne — U.S. Co-Convenor of the Global Irish Famine Way — invited guests to visit the recently unveiled Global Irish Famine Way monument on Staten Island. It’s a significant addition to commemorating the history of Ireland’s famine heritage.
The Irish Workhouse Centre’s New York Host Committee is comprised of Beirne, Janet Corcoran, James Duffy, Paul Finnegan, Brian Kelly, Professor Kinealy, Patrick Lally, Gene Lennon and McConnell.
U.S. donations in support of the Irish Workhouse Centre can be processed through the Irish American Partnership in Boston and are tax-deductible.
To become involved in United States contact the Centre’s American Campaign Director Mary Reed at mary@irishworkhousecentre.ie
For more information, visit www.irishworkhousecentre.ie or contact (090) 975 9200
info@irishworkhousecentre.ie
The Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna
St Brigids Rd, Portumna, Co. Galway, H53 EK74