On Sunday, March 19, 2023, James. J. Houlihan will present a program about the Great Hunger Memorial.
The Great Hunger in Ireland (1845-1851)
Poorly clad and terribly housed, the Irish peasants were entirely dependent on the potato for
sustenance--out of 8 million, some 3.5 million ate little else, consuming 12-14 pounds per
day. This dependency was to become fatal. Famines were nothing new in Ireland by the
I840s, but a fungus virtually destroyed the potato crops. During 1840-50, 1.5 million died
from hunger and related diseases. The few doctors working among the poor were unable to
cope. Children were most susceptible to the famine fever. Yet in one year alone, 1847, four
thousand ships carrying peas, beans, rabbits, salmon, honey, arid potatoes left Ireland for
English ports. Also, 9,992 Irish cattle, 4,000 horses, and 1,000,000 gallons of butter were
sent to England, too. In 1847, 400,000 Irish died due to starvation. That is why the year
1947 is often referred to as “Black 47.”
The Atlantic Crossing
So many people perished on the ships bound for the United States that these filthy, fever-
ridden vessels became known as “Coffin Ships.” Between 1845 and 1855, 2 million Irish
emigrated. During 1846-51, over 600,000 entered the port of New York. The 1850 U.S.
Census shows 7,068 Irish-born living in Westchester. In Irish history, this period is called
“An Gorta Mor,” the Great Hunger. It is the single most important event in Irish history.
The Irish and Westchester County
Where they went, they were known as “Diggers.” In Westchester County, they were largely
responsible for the building of the railroads, dams (including Kensico Dam), and aqueducts.
The early Catholic parishes in the county were built by and for the Irish. They made their
mark in the Civil War and soon began to prosper. For those who were willing to persevere,
the United States offered the best opportunity for success.
Our Program
This program will help you understand the historical events that resulted in the Great
Hunger. The program will also describe the work of the Great Hunger Memorial Committee.
Finally you will gain a better understanding of the meaning of this memorial and the lessons
that can be applied to today’s world.