A crowd of up to 2,000 gathered at the foot of Croagh Patrick yesterday to see the President, Mrs Robinson, unveil a national monument to the Great Famine, a 26 ft by 20 ft bronze coffin ship sculpted by John Behan. Addressing the attendance, which included representatives from countries which have been stricken by famine, President Robinson commended the sculpture, which, she said, commemorated the tragic history of Ireland and symbolised the culture of emigration that still persists.
"All parts of this island have suffered a great deal because of ongoing emigration, but fortunately emigration is becoming a very rich resource for us," she said. "It is time now for us to renew ourselves and be open above all and generous, and to create enough space on this island for all to live here."
The former minister of state, Ms Avril Doyle, who commissioned the monument, said the coffin ship had a dual function, to remind Irish people of their famine while also reminding them that famines continue to occur.
President Robinson concluded the ceremony, which included an interdenominational service, by placing a wreath at the foot of the monument.