IN recognition of the tragedy of The Great Hunger (An Gorta Mór), Celtic will once again be marking National Famine Commemoration Day, which takes place this Sunday, May 17, 2020.

Traditionally, Celtic wear the club’s Celtic Cross logo on the Hoops to mark this most poignant event. However, given the enforced suspension of football, this will now happen at a match as soon as we are able to resume playing.

Once again, these unique jerseys will be auctioned to support the fantastic work of Celtic FC Foundation. In previous years, the Famine shirt auctions have helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Foundation and have also contributed to the fundraising efforts of Celtic Graves Society and An Gorta Mor Glasgow memorial.

Unquestionably, The Great Hunger was a transforming event in Ireland, which changed the demographic and cultural landscape forever. Indeed, there is nothing else in the history of the Irish people that can be likened to The Great Hunger, either for its immediate impact, or its legacy of emigration, cultural loss and decline of the Irish language.

As a Scottish club established in 1888 with such proud Irish roots, Celtic will always be linked to these tragic events.

Josepha Madigan T.D., Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee has announced revised arrangements for this year’s National Famine Commemoration.

The ceremony will take place at the Edward Delaney Famine Sculpture in St Stephen’s Green Dublin this Sunday and will feature a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of all those who suffered or perished during the Famine.

The ceremony will be conducted in line with current health and safety guidelines and will not be open to the public. As in previous years, coverage of the Famine Commemoration will be available to view live nationally and internationally on RTÉ News Now, on www.rte.ie and on the RTÉ Player.

Minister Madigan said: “This year the National Famine Commemoration was to have been held in Buncrana, Co. Donegal. However, due to the circumstances in which we find ourselves these plans, like so many others, have had to be put on hold for now. I look forward to Buncrana hosting the Commemoration next year.

“As we confront a pandemic today, let us recall that the Great Famine was a public health emergency in its own right. We think of the many heroes of the Famine years. People such as the doctors and nurses of the fever hospitals who put themselves at risk to care for others will always have our thanks for their sacrifice.

"As our society has changed and evolved this commitment to helping others has never wavered and we see the same qualities of courage and commitment to others in our healthcare staff today.”

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “The origins of Celtic Football Club are inextricably woven into to The Great Famine and, therefore, it is crucial that we once again mark this annual memorial event.

“It is hugely important, indeed it is our duty, that we always remember the devastating and lasting effect which the Famine had on the lives of so many millions of people, and we are pleased again to play our part in this year’s commemoration."

Further information on Celtic FC Foundation’s charity auction will be available once the situation regarding the return of football is clearer.

Celtic to mark National Famine Commemoration Day