The population of Ireland in
a 1841 census was given as 8.1 million
people. Some believe that it could have been
as high as 9 or even 10 million. The vast
majority of the poor depended on one
resource - the potato. One acre of land
could grow enough potatoes to support a
family.
When a mans sons got married
they would have erected a mud cabin, take a
share of their father's land and start a
family, that family would have subdivided
again when their offspring were ready to
marry so by the middle of the 19th century
with the population at an alarming high rate
the competition for land increased and rents
rose dramatically. In the Autumn of 1845 a
deadly disease struck the potatoes and the
following year the crop was totally
destroyed.
This was The Great Famine,
the worst of its kind in European history,
which was to have such appalling
consequences for Ireland and its people.
The DVD "Days of Hunger" is the
story of John Kane, his wife Catherine and
their eight children who lived on a six acre
holding near the village of Kilrea in Mid
Ulster Ireland.
John's only
right of possession was his ability to pay
the rent to his Landlord. The standard of
living was always close to the poverty line.
Based on a true story, Day's of Hunger
follows the struggles of that family through
the famine years. Weddings, funerals,
evictions, emigration and real video
pictures of the blighted potatoes make this
video a history lesson not to be missed.
Co Mayo, West Cork and
Donegal were the worst affected by the
famine and horrifying tales from these parts
are told, courtesy of The Coleraine
Chronicle.
The Famine Pit at Skibbereen
was said to have
held over 9000 bodies, tales from there as well as from the many
workhouses are relived in this best selling video, which is now used
in a majority of Schools in Ireland.
This DVD Days Of Hunger is now available
to buy online or by contacting John Thompson
Click here to buy now
Tel: 028 295 58688
