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School: Leixlip (C.) (roll number 2345)

Location:
Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Teacher:
Mrs. Harty
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0773, Page 242

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0773, Page 242

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  3. XML “Famine Times”

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  1. Famine Times

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    "Famine Times"
    In the Autumn of 1846 and again in 47 a blight came on the entire potato crop of Ireland thus causing the dreadful famine. The year is spoken of to day as "Black 47".
    The potatoes rotted in the pits. What misery must it have been, for in those days the people lived solely on potatoes. Here and there at Government depots people were provided with a very small amount of maize or Indian meal.
    The Government made a relief plan to provide work for the destitute. They built bridges and other monuments. In this locality a short distance from Maynooth can be seen a mighty tower it is known as the Obelisk. It was built during that disastrous period.
    This was told to me by my father.
    Thomas Cox.
    Station Road Leixlip
    17th October 1938.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. time
      1. historical periods by name (~25)
        1. the great famine (~4,013)
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Thomas Cox
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Leixlip, Co. Kildare