Irish peace and justice organisation Afri is extending an invitation to everyone to join the annual Famine Walk this Saturday, (May 20th) in Louisburgh. This year’s walk leaders include singer, activist and independent Senator, Frances Black.
The Doolough Famine Walk is a 10-mile walk that retraces the steps of hundreds of people who walked to Delphi Lodge in search of food during the Famine of 1845-1852. Many of these people died on the journey, and their story is a reminder of the impact of An Gorta Mór, the Great Hunger. The theme of this year’s Famine Walk is 'Famine is a Lie and War is a Crime'.
There was no shortage of food in Ireland at the time but it was not available to the poor, rather it was exported in vast quantities, resulting in the deaths of a millions and the forced migration of more.
The Doolugh Famine Walk has taken place for thirty-five years.
Afri Coordinator Joe Murray has been telling Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley more about Saturday’s event…
Walkers will gather from 11 am on Saturday and registration is open on Eventbrite.ie and www.afri.ie. The registration fee is €25 for adults (€15 concession, children are free). All proceeds from the walk will go to Afri's work to fight hunger and injustice around the world.
