The Immigrants, performed by Boolavogue
Words, music and video by Sean Lyons

An Gorta Mor

GLASGOW.

Between the years of 1845 and 1855 over one million died of starvation in Ireland.

Many more fled the country including over one hundred thousand who came to Glasgow.

Coiste Cuimhneachain An Gorta Mor, the Great Hunger Memorial Committee has been formed to build a fitting and permanent tribute to those who died and those who were forced to emigrate during An Gorta Mor.

Over 140 sites throughout the world have permanent reminders of the Irish famine. A memorial in Glasgow is long overdue.

WE ARE BUILDING IT.

It is the intention of the committee to erect the memorial through fund raising among the multi generation Irish community in Scotland.

We will be holding many events and activities to secure the required funding.

Donations can also be made at www.angortamorglasgow.com

An appropriate site for the memorial has been acquired in the grounds of St Mary's church in the Calton.

St Mary's first opened to parishioners in 1842. The first parish priest Fr. Peter Forbes had raised much of the funds to build the church on a tour of Ireland. The people of Ireland were soon to be repaid as St Mary's parish was at the forefront in assisting the sick and hungry arriving from Ireland to Glasgow during the famine years.

For regular updates on the project please subscribe to our blog at www.angortamorglasgow.com

As well as providing updates the site also provides educational links regarding An Gorta Mor.

Merchandise is also available to purchase with all proceeds going towards the memorial.

The Immigrants - Lyrics

*V1
Michael Davitt took the shamrock, he knelt and laid it down
T'was Patrick's consecration, upon the dear green ground
When the thunder rose all Glasgow knew, the Gael had found his voice
As God Save Ireland rode the wind, across the East End sky

When I first saw Caledonia in nineteen and nineteen
There was no native welcome, no fanfare for the green
But a light warmed through this city, that would make a Paddy's day
It came from the place they call Paradise, where the famous Celtic play

*Chorus
And among it all The Immigrants kept dreaming
Sure it will be alright in the end
Strong in faith un-bowed and unbroken
They took it all, they smiled and rose again
We may be here for years or forever
So sing their Glasgow Irish lullaby

*V2
From the Broomielaw, up the High Street, to the place upon on the hill
Some they called the Garngad, the Garden of God more still
And their voices some familiar, some from Derry, some Mayo
They brought the summer with them, when they spoke their Gaelic tones

More took the journey further, through villages and towns
Coatbrig' and Croy to the Docks of Leith, they still know who they are
The dancers dance the dance so fair, the fiddlers bow sweet airs
Their Irish hearts contented, in their culture, rich and rare

*Chorus

*V3
I said I'd go back home some day, but that was long ago
Life dealt the cards I fell in love with the girl who couldn't go
I met her at the parish dance she was the best by far
When I asked her to sail home with me she just couldn't leave her ma

Some say the journey's over, they say how far we've come
But on the news there's young men jailed for the songs their fathers sung
Had I the chance to go back, I'd lead them in the van
I'd wrap the green flag round them and I'd thank them to a man

*Chorus