Irish Famine Orphan Girls + Singer-songwriter Ryan Kelly

Sunday, 27 October 2024 - 6.00pm

Presenter - Siobhan O’Neill

“We thank the Irish radio program for giving us the whole show of 27/10 to feature the Irish Famine Orphan Girls.

We had a great chat with singer-songwriter Ryan Kelly (Byrne and Kelly, Celtic Thunder). It was a wonderful opportunity to gain insight direct from the creator of the Famine-emigration song ‘Land of a Thousand Dreams’, which uniquely maps the full journey from hunger to hope.

We also discussed the importance of knowing our history and sharing our stories.

Plus we gained an insight into the storied county of Tyrone.

And Ryan Kelly has made many happy trips to Australia too. Did you ever catch his poignant rendition of 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda', which he did on invitation by Eric Bogle himself? Or the entertaining version of 'Land Down Under', from a Byrne and Kelly tour? You can find both on YouTube, together with lots of great music and clips from the talented pair.

As we mentioned in the show, a total of 94 Tyrone girls came here from the workhouses of Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane, Barnscourt, Cookstown, Gortin and Castlederg.

If you have an orphan girl ancestor from Co Tyrone, check out Dungannon Workhouse. The website is packed with resources and information about the lives of the people who lived and died in the Dungannon Workhouse. There are also details of the impacts of the Famine on Co Tyrone, and many compelling witness accounts.”

Listen to full episode :