|
The Famine in Moynalty-A Parish in the Kells Poor Law Union |
The Famine hit Moynalty at the same time as Kells. The blight was officially identified in late 1845, but the real hardship did not come till about 1846-47. We can probably guess that many people in Moynalty moved into the Workhouse in Kells. It was situated on the Moynalty road. Even so, a lot of people died. People who worked there were rewarded with a type of gruel known as ''Stirabout''. No money was rewarded. Mr.Thomas Barnes of Westland House wrote to Lord Lieutenant to tell him how bad the situation was. The graveyard was described as a ploughed field in 1847. The local landlords and clergy held public meetings to get help.
Ciarán Govern