This Bronze Tree stands as a symbol of dignity. It marks the final resting-place of the unnamed dead of this area who perished in the Great Famine of 1845-1847. An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger) was like a never-ending winter. Its chill of desolation brought hunger, disease, and death. In Irelend the lone tree or Sceach was held in a position of high importance from early Celtic mythology to recent times. The boulder stones surrounding the base allude to ancient forms of burial.

We are grateful to the Co. Sligo Famine Commemoration Committee and its Chairman Joe McGowan for permission to use Faoin Sceach as our Great Irish Famine Curriculum logo. We are grateful to Martin and Joyce Enright who brought us to see Faoin Sceach in Sligo in 1999.