St
Bridget's Cross has been
chosen as the logo for
Far from Famine because of its
historical and religious
connections to the Irish, in
particular Irish women, who
made the crosses from reeds.
The crosses were hung over
the doorway as a protection
against fire and evil.
This
event has been made possible by the assistance of Culture Ireland,
the Irish State Agency that promotes the best of Ireland’s arts and culture
internationally and assists in the development of Ireland’s international
cultural relations.
Far
from Famine is a special event
in the International Year of the
Potato - see www.potato2008.org
To celebrate the arrival of the first female Irish Famine orphans and to commemorate the lives of these 4,114 young women who left their homeland to make new lives in the Australian colonies, a special event will be held to coincide with the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the first ship, the Earl Grey.The organisers of the popular Shamrock in the Bush have created a special program of historical and cultural presentations for the descendants of these young women, to mark this significant occasion during the International Year of the Potato. It is the perfect weekend for keen family historians to learn more of their Irish origins and share their experiences with other descendants.
Thursday 2 October
Registration and room allocations Welcome Reception in Galong House – Meet, greet and mingle! Dinner Setting the scene; why we are here - organisers Richard Reid and Cheryl Mongan will present an overview of the program, introduce speakers and the historic Galong venue. Objects of your affections - a show and tell session for participants to share their stories of objects, documents and images related to the famine orphans Friday 3 October
Keynote speaker - Michael Gibbons – The Landscape Archaeology of The Great Famine in the West of Ireland Morning tea Brad Manera - Fragments and Questions: examining the archaeological evidence of the female immigration depot at Hyde Park Barracks. Dr Richard Reid – There is no person starving here': Australia and the Great Famine of 1845-1850. Famine meal Cora Num – Irish Research in the Electronic Age Afternoon tea Options:
Cora Num will be available to assist with research enquires
What's where in Ireland - 30 min workshop
A tour of the workhouse - 30 min workshop
Documents related to Irish famine migration - 30 min workshop
Guided walk of the St Clement's site - 30 min
Free time to explore, rest and network.Dinner Dr Jeff Brownrigg - A Minstrel Boy in the Colonies: the Irish and their Music in Australia. Jennifer Gall - The woman with the violin and the hidden music. Saturday 4 October
Dr Perry McIntyre – Convict famine families Morning tea Cheryl Mongan - 'A work in which God will appear': The Irish Famine orphans of 1848-1850. Michael Gibbons - Croagh Patrick and the Pilgrimage Mountains of Ireland in light of modern excavations and research Lunch Barney Devlin - Introduction to the Irish Language Afternoon tea - free time 3.30 pm Elizabeth Burness - 'Good order, regularity and cleanliness': Instructions to a Matron. Options:
Cora Num will be available to assist with research enquires
Free time to explore, rest and network.Dinner in Galong House with official guests and musical entertainment Sunday 5 October
Dr Jennifer Harrison – Week after week, the eviction and the Exodus: Ireland and Moreton Bay, 1846-50. Morning tea Ann Herraman – Well shod, independent and influential - Irish female immigrants in rural South Australia - 1855-1856. Tom Power – The Building of a Memorial Lunch Dr Val Noone - A rock for Famine immigrants to Victoria Afternoon tea Visit to historic Galong cemetery. Free time Dinner and ceili in Galong village hall with the Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers and musicians Monday 6 October Arrival of day visitors for commemorative activities Ecumenical thanksgiving service. In remembrance of the famine, offerings of non-perishable food are invited for distribution to charity. Morning tea Pilgrimage to Galong cemetery Dedication of a plaque in memory of the Irish famine orphans and commemorative tree planting. Lunch Commemorative program with addresses by the Irish Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Máirtín O'Fainín and Mr Michael Gibbons Memories of the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1853, followed by verse, music and dance. Afternoon tea will be served. Departure of day visitors Dinner Short addresses by speakers, open forum and farewell. Tuesday 6 October Departure Due to unforeseen circumstances speakers, presentations and times may alter.
There is always a heavy demand for places at Irish events at St Clement's and accommodation for this live-in gathering is limited to 100 participants.
St Clement's Retreat and Conference Centre.
| Paid in full by 30 Aug 2008 | Paid in full by 15 Sep 2008 | |
| Single room (shared bathrooms) | $540.00 per person* | $570.00 per person* |
| Shared twin room (shared bathrooms) | $540.00 per person* | $570.00 per person* |
| Shared twin ensuite room | $610.00 per person* | $640.00 per person* |
| Publication
- Echoes of Irish Australia: Rebellion to Republic |
Special price for participants - available at the event |
$30.00 per copy |
| Raffle tickets - 2 places at Shamrock in the Bush 2009, ensuite room etc - see fundraising | $5.00 each | $5.00 each |
|
Commemorative Day only
|
Monday
29 Sept or phone 02 6226 2708 to arrange |
$55.00 per person |
*Includes Commemorative Day activities on Monday 6 October.
Please return completed registration form with appropriate payment to
Shamrock
in the Bush
C/- P O Box 563
YASS NSW 2582
|
TRANSPORT If you are attending and able to assist with transport for one or two passengers from either Sydney or Canberra please let us know |
Please direct all enquiries regarding the event, availability of accommodation, payment or other aspects of the event to the organisers as St Clement's Retreat and Conference Centre is not able to assist with enquiries.
This page last updated: 7 October 2008
