National Famine Memorial Day 2009 – Eneclann raises funds for Gorta and commemorates two Skibbereen Doctors

The following announcement was written by Eneclann:

Dublin, Ireland – Saturday 9 May 2009 – To coincide with the inaugural National Famine Memorial Day in Skibbereen (events taking place between 10-17 May 2009) Eneclann, the Dublin-based history and heritage company, is commemorating the work of two local doctors during the Famine, as well as raising money for Gorta to aid present day famine victims.

Dr. Donovan and Dr. Hadden

As dispensary doctors in Skibbereen and the surrounding area, Dr. Daniel Donovan and Dr. David Hadden experienced at first hand the very worst effects of the Famine.  Amid a backdrop of hunger, disease and death they worked tirelessly to help the local community, their efforts during the Famine years later being described as ‘superhuman’  in terms of the lives they saved.

‘Between 1845 and 1851, thousands died from Famine and related diseases in Skibbereen,’ explained Eneclann researcher, Helen Moss.  ‘The local community believed that had it not been for the exertions of these and other dispensary doctors, apothecaries and their assistants, the death-toll would have been significantly higher.’

Research Director, Fiona Fitzsimons, continued: ‘Their obituarists hoped that the people of the locality would not forget the good works of these doctors, and so we felt it was fitting to commemorate the lives of both these individuals as part of the Famine commemorations that take place in Skibbereen in May 2009.’

The story of the two doctors can be found online at: http://www.eneclann.ie/research/famine.html

5% Donation to Gorta from CD sales (10-17 May 2009)

As well as considering the events of the past, the team at Eneclann wanted to do something to help present day famine victims too.  ‘Unfortunately today many people across the globe are still suffering from hunger,’ commented Rachel Murphy, Marketing Manager at Eneclann.  ‘So the Eneclann team have decided that we would like to donate 5% of our CD sales to Gorta (the Freedom From Hunger Council of Ireland) during the Famine Memorial Week.’

Eneclann publishes CDs of historical interest which may be purchased from their online shop: www.eneclann.ie/shop.  The company will donate 5% of the value of CDs sold between Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May 2009 to Gorta.

Chairperson of the Skibbereen branch of Gorta, Pauline O’Sullivan, commented: ‘I am happy to be associated with the launch and delighted to receive additional funds for Gorta.’