Desmond Tutu and Pete St. John : Remembering our friends on the Famine Walk
Channel: Afri
Date: 17/05/2022

Join us this Saturday, May 21st as we return to Co. Mayo for our annual Famine Walk on the theme: "Tackling Global Warming and Global Warring". Retracing the steps of several hundred people who made this journey in search of food during An Gorta Mór, we will make our way through the spectacular Doolough Valley in the course of this iconic journey. Walk leaders this year include Catherine Connolly TD, author and activist Robbie McVeigh and Community Worker Homayoon Shiraz. Music will be provided by Co. Mayo-based musician Patrick O'Laoghaire. This year Afri’s late patron Desmond Tutu will be remembered, as will Afri friend, the late great songwriter Pete St. John.

The famine walk began in 1988 and has been led in the past by figures like Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Christy Moore, journalist John Pilger, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Arun Gandhi, actor Gabriel Byrne, Michael Davitt’s granddaughter Gráinne, and Kim Phuc, the Vietnamese woman who was pictured as a child in that iconic photo where she ran from a napalm attack.

Speaking in advance of this year’s walk, Afri Coordinator Joe Murray says interest in the annual walk is strong, with walkers keen to get back on the road after an absence of two years.

“There is a real sense of anticipation and excitement as we return to the spectacular Doolough Valley for Famine Walk 2022, marking 175 years since Black '47. The walk is an expression of remembrance and solidarity, recalling those who died during An Gorta Mór and in solidarity with those experiencing similar suffering today. This year we remember especially those oppressed by war in Ukraine as well as in the many other 'ignored' wars around the world. Our walk is a statement of
our intent to continue to work to eliminate war from the face of the earth".

Once again, this year, walkers will gather in Louisburgh for conversation, talks and music before being ferried by bus to the start of the 18km walk.

Registration is via www.Eventbrite.ie, www.Afri.ie or by contacting Afri (01-8384204 admin@afri.ie)

We look forward to seeing you there! Assemble from 12.00 noon in Louisburgh Town Hall. Beginning at 1pm.

View the Famine Walk 2022 brochure : https://www.afri.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/web-Famine-Walk-2022.pdf

Sponsorship card can be downloaded at this : https://www.afri.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Insert-2022.jpg

For over four decades Afri has been involved in opposing war, promoting food sovereignty and tackling climate change - working especially with  Secondary and Third level students as well as with the general public. We organise the annual Famine Walk in Mayo, a Hedge School in TU Blanchardstown and Féile Bríde in Kildare. Thank you for continuing to support our work.

https://www.afri.ie