*Donnah Vuma speaking at the 2017 Famine Walk. Photograph: Derek Speirs
Although the annual Famine Walk has had to be postponed for 2020, organisers have adapted to complete it virtually and it will now feature contributions from two Clare speakers.
Organised by peace and justice organisation, Afri, the Famine Walk held in Louisburgh, Co Mayo which attracts over 100 people each year since 1988 will not proceed in its typical fashion for 2020.
Instead, the spirit of the event will be marked through a free virtual famine walk that will also include conversation and music. It will be livestreamed tomorrow evening (Saturday) from 7pm on Afri’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
There will be two Clare speakers on the night. Knockalisheen resident, Donnah Vuma, a board member of Afri and a member of the Movement of Asylum Seekers (MASI) group will form part of the discussion while Lahinch based author, Ruairí McKiernan will host the event.
“If we look to the suffering of our ancestors and the injustice they faced, it’s not that different from what is going on in many parts of the world today. While we have our own challenges at home, I believe it’s vital that we offer support and solidarity to those who are facing poverty, injustice and war in other countries. We live in a very interconnected world. Challenges such as climate change show us that we are interdependent. We have a responsibility to speak up when we can and to shine a light for change in the world. That’s why the Afri event is so important,” Ruairí outlined.
Violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Emer Lynam and singer and songwriters RoJ Whelan and Paul O’Toole will provide the music with Emeritus Professor John Maguire, and lecturer Dr Clare O’Grady Walshe also speaking.
