Mayo’s Forgotten Famine Girls Remembrance Group wins 2019 Meitheal Award

Mayo’s Forgotten Famine Girls Remembrance Group has been selected by the Mayo Dublin Association for the 2019 Meitheal Award

It is for the recognition and dignity it gave to a group of women who were forced to leave Mayo in very difficult circumstances.

The concept of the Meitheal has its roots in the community coming together at harvest time and the application of co-operation to social need.

Mayo’s Forgotten Famine Girls’ Remembrance Group, chaired by Mayo historian and author, Terry Reilly, demonstrated the power of people working together with a common purpose in the best tradition of the Meitheal.

They rolled up their sleeves, they met and overcame obstacles and delivered a most worthy project that will endure and add immeasurably to the history of County Mayo and its people.

The project connected with many parts of the world, forged many bonds and has the dynamic to grow and grow.

This group has demonstrated the ability to make things happen by doing, without State aid.

The scale of the project which culminated last year in the four day commemoration event in Ballina remembering the 137 Mayo girls who were transported to Australia, with the unveiling of a Memorial Statue and a Commerative Quilt embroidered with the names of the forgotten girls, amongst other events was remarkable and has created a fitting connection between the women, their home county and their descendants, with particular regard to their contribution to Australia.

The award will be presented at the Yew Tree Ball on February 9 in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin.

Tickets are now on sale on www.mayoassociationdublin.com or through any committee member, and cost €100.