The Great Hunger Memorial of Westchester County

The Great Hunger Memorial of Westchester County. . , For several hundred years the Irish suffered religious, political, and ethnic persecution, and through expropriation and exploitation had become totally dependent on the potato. , During "An Gorta Mor", The Great Hunger of 1845-1851, the potato crop failed and starvation swept the country. Other crops were not affected but were withheld from the peasantry. While millions starved, an abundance of food was exported for commerce. , Tragically, this situation still exists in the world today. , More than one million died of starvation and three times that number chose or were forced to emigrate. The great majority came to America where they contributed greatly to the economic, cultural and political life of the new land. Ireland's loss was America's gain. , This monument is dedicated to those who emigrated to Westchester County and to the dispossessed of all the countries who strive together for the ideals of freedom and equality in the land of liberty. , Executive Committee. Patricia Brennan Scova . Tom Connor . Brother Harry Dunkak . James Dunlavey . Hugh Finnegan . Hugh Fox Jr. . James J. Houlihan . John McCarthy . Eleanor McDonald . Patricia McEvoy . Hon. Lou Mosiello . Liam Murphy . Msgr. James. J. Murray . Maureen Redmond . Hon. Andrew Spano , The site for this monument and other generous assistance was provided by the Parks Department of Westchester County. , The General Contractors were Scully Construction, White Plains , The fossil limestone paving is from the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare, Ireland , Bronze work by C.A.S.T. Lid, Foundry, Dublin, Ireland , Architect, James Dunlavey Sculptor, Eamonn O'Doherty