Minister Patrick O’Donovan welcome

My name is Patrick O’Donovan. I am a Minister of State in the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am here in Phoenix, Arizona, representing the Government at the International Commemoration of the Famine, which is an annual event. It takes place in countries abroad that will host events that the Irish Government can support through our embassy network and our consulate network.

So I am glad to be able to say a small few words about the commemoration today.

It was a really beautiful event that was all encompassing of the community here in Phoenix, representatives of the Irish Government, and the Consulate in San Francisco.

I want to thank everybody who was involved in putting it together, and to acknowledge the work that has been done.

I know this short piece is going to be part of the Great Famine Voices Roadshow online, and so I just want to acknowledge again and thank everybody here in Phoenix, Arizona, for the support and encouragement they have given in putting today’s international commemoration of the Great Irish Famine together.