A weekend of activities will begin tonight to mark the 150th anniversary of the Derryveagh Evictions.

In 1861 the eviction of 244 people from their homes took place in Derryveagh.

The evictions, one of the cruelest chapters in Irish history, were sparked after landlord John George Adair suspected his tenants of murdering his land stewart James Murray who lived in Glenveagh Cottage. 

Th evictions resulted in more than 150 people boarding the ‘Abbysinia’ as passegers bound for Sydney on January 1st, 1862.

This weekend’s anniversary commermorations will relive the evictions both in story and song as well as walks.

 The commemoration is to consist of two parts:

Part I: Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th April 2011

Part II: Saturday 27^th August

An itinerary has been agreed by the working group.

It was considered important that children be included and enticed to acquaint themselves with aspects of the event and the period in which it happened. A separate programme of activities would be set up for them; the nature and scope of the activities, the time, personnel involved and venue etc. yet to be discussed.  It is hoped that schools will engage the pupils on this aspect of local history.

You are cordially invited to participate in this special commemoration event so that we can pass on to the next generation the story of the Derryveagh evictions and how the Catholic and Church of Ireland clergy worked together to restore and return justice from the greed of a successful land speculator, known as John George Adair.

The commemoration of the Derryveagh Evictions will take place:

Friday 8th April 7.00p.m.   Mass at Glendowan  followed by Processional Walk to the Colmcille Heritage Centre. (Weather Permitting) 8.30p.m.   Retelling The Story  at Colmcille Heritage Centre Themes & Guest Speakers 1.The Sheep War/Mr. Joe Kelly 2: The Derryveagh Evictions / Mr. Tom Sweeney, Chieftain of Doe 3:Schooling of the Period/ Fr. Mc Hugh 4: The Trail of the Dispossessed/ Mrs May Mc Clintock & Mr. Paddy Friel

Saturday 9th April12 Noon & 2.oop.m.     Guided visits to the Eviction Sites        Buses leaving from the Colmcille Heritage Centre (Booking Essential) 1.00pm & 3.00pm    Children’s Workshops at Heritage Colmcille Centre  (Booking essential) 4.00p.m. – 4.15pm   The Glenswilly Drama Group will perform, in Irish “The shattering of the hearth” (Opened to all) 8.00p.m.     A Social Evening at The Colmcille Heritage Centre(Booking essential). Refreshments at 10pm ————————————————————————————————

Saturday 27th August ‘ We Remember Walk’ Walk in the footsteps of the Dispossessed from Derryveagh to Churchill. Honouring the victims, families, and descendents (Assembly time and point to be decided later). Walk to conclude with a fitting tribute.

A sponsored Walk will take place on Sunday 13^th March anyone wishing to participate is asked to contact Michael Sweeney on 087 2168350

Donations will be collected on both evenings.

For all bookings please contact 074 91 37090 ext 3609

Any suggestions, ideas, recommendations would be very welcome by the Working group by contacting the Chairman or Secretary below before Tuesday 18th February.

Mr. Paraig Cannon  (Chairman/ 0868369059) & Ms. Trés Connaghan (Secretary/ 0876805173)

Ends