Since the unveiling of the Famine Orphan Girl Monument on 28 August 1999 the Great Irish Famine Commemoration Committee (GIFCC) in association with the Historic Houses Trust (HHT) and the Irish Government has held a get together at the Monument. A summary of each event follows with a link to speeches and photographs of each event and any associated activities in that particular year.
The first was held in 2001. Distinguished guest speakers deliver an address, representatives of the Irish government attend, a wreath in green and purple is laid at the monument by orphan girl descendants, and an Irish air is played by guest musicians and singers. Afterwards we gather in the Barracks yard for refreshments and acquaintances are renewed among the 200-300 people who attend each year. This makes the monument a ‘living’ monument and the work of this has mainly been due to Tom Power and his small group of unsung volunteers.
Past dignitaries from Ireland have included President Mary McAleese on 2 September 1998 when she inaugurated the monument she again visited on 13 March 2003. Former President Mary Robinson visited the monument on 10 November 2002 and was mightily impressed. Other representatives from the Irish Government have included the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in March 2000, Minister of State, Seamus Brennan (2001) and a large delegation of Irish parliamentarians from Dáil Éireann (the Irish House of Representatives) who came in October 2003 and laid a wreath. An Irish Minister often visits during ‘Irish week’, around St Patrick’s Day. Making the monument a focal point for the Irish community has benefited greatly from representatives of the Irish government in Australia such as Ambassadors Richard O'Brien, Declan Kelly and Máirtín Ó Fainín and Consuls General Anne Webster, Patrick Scullion and Caitriona Ingoldsby. Long may the association continue.
A SUMMARY OF ANNUAL EVENTS WITH LINKS TO MORE DETAILS, WHERE AVAILABLE.
1998, 7 August—fundraising dinner where Premier Bob Carr spoke
1998, 2 September—President Mary McAleese inaugurated the monument
1999, 28 August—Unveiling the Monument to the Great Irish Famine
On this day the Master of Ceremonies was Martin Coleman supported by Claire Dunn and a message was send from President Mary McAleese.
2000—First Anniversary–no formal get together
2001—Second Anniversary
Attended by Mr Seamus Brennan, Minister of State in the Department of the Taoiseach, Minister of State in the Department of Defense and Government Chief Whip. An address was delivered by Dr Trevor McClaughlin.
2002, 8 September—Third Anniversary
The new Irish Ambassador to Australia, Declan Kelly and his wife, Bernadette, were was welcomed by Tom Power and our speaker for the day, Dr Shirley Fitzgerald, City of Sydney Historian was introduced.
2002, 10 November—visit by Former President Mary Robinson
2003, 13 March—visit by President Mary McAleese (transcript of speech)
2003, 17 August—Forth Anniversary
The speaker for this anniversary was Cheryl Mongan, co-author of ‘A Decent Set of Girls’: The Irish Famine orphans of the ‘Thomas Arbuthont’ 1849-185. She focused on those who went to Yass, initially accompanied by Surgeon Charles Strutt, who had cared for them on their voyage.
2004, 29 August—Fifth Anniversary
Tom Power, Chairman, thanked many of the people involved and introduced the speaker for the day, the Hon Susan Ryan.
2005, 27 August—Sixth Anniversary
In his address Thomas Keneally likened the misery of the Irish orphan girls who came through Hyde Park Barracks to the desperate plight of the Sudanese refugees in Darfur today.
2006, 2 September—Seventh Anniversary
Guest speaker was Queensland historian, Dr Jennifer Harrison. Guest of honour was Mr Patrick Scullion, Consul-General of Ireland who moved the vote of thanks.
2006, Christmas Day Mass
2007, 27 August—Eighth Anniversary
Master of ceremonies was Mike Bailey. Today we had poetry readings and a booklaunch and presented our Macquarie University prize for the first time.
2008, 31 August—Ninth Anniversary
The rain held off, the music and catering was as good as always, attendance was up on previous years. The occasional address was delivered with by Dr Richard Reid, the curator of a major exhibition on the Irish in Australia at Australian Museum in Canberra to open in 2011.
2009, 30 August—Tenth Anniversary
Introduction by Chairman, Tom Power followed by an address by Reverend Professor James Haire, PhD DD DLitt, Executive Director, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Canberra.
2010, 29 August—Eleventh Anniversary
Our guest of honour was Irish author, Evelyn Conlon whose address was entitled ‘Disembarking Silence’.
2011, 28 August—Twelfth Anniversary
Guests honour were members of the Irish Diplomatic Corp including the Irish Consul-General Ms Caitriona Ingoldsby. Wreaths were laid and music and song mingle with friends, both old and new. Traditional Irish hospitality was shared by all. Attached is the text of the speech of our honoured guest, Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO.
2011, 9 December - Jim Edwards, descendant of Hannah Rafferty presented with Irish Heritage award
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