The Coach House at Dublin Castle was full of well wishers yesterday for the Great Irish Famine Event planned for the June bank holiday weekend. The guests included the US ambassador, Ms Jean Kennedy Smith; the chairwoman of the event committee, Ms Norma Smurfit; and Mr Paddy Maloney of the Chieftains.
They heard addresses from Mr Jim Coughlan, Gorta chief executive; Mr Ger Egan, chief executive of the Big Issues Social Initiative; Mr Denis O'Reilly, executive director of the event; and the actor Patrick Bergin.
The event will include a concert and theatrical event at Millstreet, Co Cork, featuring such artists as U2, The Corrs, Van Morrison, The Chieftains, Gabriel Byrne and Patrick Bergin; the launch of Famine ships, and a ceremonial candle lighting by the President, Mrs Robinson.
A famine village to be constructed will remain after the event.