Poland's ambassador to visit Abbeyleix
Polish Ambassador to Ireland, Artur Michalski, will attend Famine Commemoration Day in Abbeyleix next May. File image
POLAND’S ambassador to Ireland will visit Abbeyleix next May, when he will attend the heritage town’s Famine Commemoration Day.
The Polish embassy confirmed today that Ambassador Artur Michalski will represent his country at the event, which will include a major re-enactment parade.
It is another remarkable coup for Abbeyleix, following the announcement last week that Australian ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Chantelle Taylor, will attend the major commemoration of the Great Famine, which had a devastating impact on Laois during the 1840s and early 1850s.
It is also a major boost for the town’s ongoing campaign to host Ireland’s 2027 National Famine Commemoration Day, whose host venue is due to be announced early next year. The event is held annually on the third Sunday in May.
The Polish ambassador’s presence in Abbeyleix will honour his countryman Count PaweÅ Edmund Strzelecki, a Polish explorer and scientist who saved countless Irish lives and is regarded as one of the most extraordinary humanitarian figures of the time.
Born near PoznaÅ in 1797, Count Strzelecki volunteered for unpaid relief work with the British Relief Association and travelled to Ireland carrying desperately needed supplies in early 1847.
The horrors he witnessed were beyond words yet he stayed, worked and created new schemes that included feeding starving children directly through the schools. By bypassing harsh workhouse rules, he ensured that food reached the most vulnerable.
At the peak of this effort in 1848, around 200,000 children of all religious denominations were being fed daily. Many would not have survived without this Polish hero of the Great Famine, whose compassion crossed borders, faiths and politics.
According to research carried out by local historian Noel Burke, who is chairperson of Abbeyleix & District Historical Society which is organising the Famine Commemoration and re-enactment parade, Strzelecki contracted typhoid during his work but he continued regardless.
He publicly condemned the withdrawal of food aid, calling the disaster “an Imperial calamity”. His dedication earned him one of the first Civil Companionships of the Order of the Bath in 1848.
Describing the Polish ambassador’s upcoming visit as wonderful news for the town, Noel said: ‘'We are honoured to share that both the Polish Ambassador and the Australian Ambassador have now confirmed their attendance at the Abbeyleix Famine Re enactment Parade on Sunday 16 May, 2027.
‘This is a proud moment for Abbeyleix and for everyone involved in keeping our history alive with dignity and truth.’ ‘Their presence pays tribute to Poland’s humanitarian legacy through Count Strzelecki and Australia’s deep connection to Irish migration and Famine history.’
The Abbeyleix commemoration will include a re-enactment of the departure of 28 orphaned girls from Abbeyleix Workhouse to Australia between 1848 and 1850, under the Earl Grey Scheme.
During the re-enactment parade next May, 28 girls from local schools will retrace that heartbreaking journey, as the group left Abbeyleix for Maryborough (Portlaoise) Railway Station and, ultimately, to ships bound for Australia.
