Remembering Ireland’s Baggage

A land which continues to be beloved by many, Ireland has had her problems throughout the years. Perhaps most notably are the Irish penal laws and the Irish Famine.

Ireland’s penal laws were an attempt to discriminate by preventing the legal rights of some of her inhabitants. Those denizens who were set apart were primarily the Catholics. Legislation against Catholic rights to join the armed forces and to enter office began in 1607 and ended at 1728. (Irish Endured Years of British Repression) However, the Irish penal laws kept Catholics from far more than merely holding political office and joining Ireland’s army. Under these laws Catholics could not marry Protestants, they could not vote, they could not adopt children, nor could they perform a number of other actions. (Irish Endured Years of British Repression)

Skibbereen is a location where the “Famine of 1845-1848” is still “remembered” through “special ceremony” to this day. (Kelleher) One should take to note the importance that this place has become symbolically for those people who keep at mind the Famine of Ireland. For example, one gentleman and Minister for Community claims that “Skibbereen was at the epicentre of the national tragedy that was the Famine.” (Kelleher) The gentleman goes on to state that from 8,000-10,000 “victims… are testament to this.” (Kelleher)

Ireland has had her share of rough times. Prejudice and famine are terrible baggage for any peoples. Ireland has a lot of that baggage. Let us learn something from such historical events that we may aid in the prevention of the sufferings of following generations.

“Irish Endured Years of British Repression.” Republican & Herald (2008). ProQuest. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Kelleher, Olivia. “Famine Victims Remembered in Cork.” Irish Times (2009). ProQuest. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.