Big turnout for launch of new Mayo Famine Walk

More than 40 people took part in the inaugural Attymass Community Famine Walk, organised by the newly established Attymass History & Heritage Group.

The guided heritage walk followed the historic Bearna na gCorp ("Gap of the Bodies") route from Mullahowney Bridge to Bonnifinglas Graveyard, retracing the pathway used during the Great Famine to carry victims to their final resting place.

The event holds particular significance for Attymass, a parish deeply connected to the story of the Great Famine.

On November 19, 1846, the local parish priest recorded some of the first officially documented deaths from hunger in Ireland, making Attymass an important place of remembrance in the nation's famine history.

At Bonnifinglas Graveyard, Fr. Valerian led prayers in remembrance of those who suffered during one of the darkest periods in Irish history.

The event concluded with a moving performance on the tin whistle by Nora Murphy.

Caroline Wilkinson, chairperson of Attymass History & Heritage Group, expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event.

"We were delighted with the turnout for our first event and sincerely thank Fr. Valerian, Nora Conlon, and all who joined us on the walk.

"Remembering the experiences of those who lived through the Famine is an important part of preserving our local heritage and sharing these stories with future generations.

"We look forward to organising further events that celebrate and explore the rich history of the Attymass area."

The Attymass Community Famine Walk marked the first public event organised by the group, which was established to preserve, promote and celebrate the history, heritage and cultural traditions of Attymass and its surrounding communities.