St Vincent de Paul 2016
The giving tree for the St Vincent de Paul 2016 Christmas appeal which had a fantastic response, with some pictures from the children’s Christmas mass.
The text from famine memorial dated Christmas Eve 1846.
“I must, however, again call your attention to the appalling state in which Clare Abbey is at present. I ventured through the parish this day and although a man not easily moved, I confess myself unmanned by the extent and intensity of the suffering I witnessed, more especially amongst the women and children, crowds of whom were to be seen scattered over the turnip fields, like a flock of famished crows devouring the raw turnips, mothers, half naked, shivering in the snow and sleet, uttering exclamations of despair, whilst their children were screaming with hunger, I am a match for anything else I may meet here, but this I cannot stand.”
Captain Wynne, Poor Law Inspector, Dec 24th 1846