..."But a short time since a similar feeling appeared to animate the noble proprietor of the soil of Westport -- A meeting was called by the Marquis to devise measures for the relief of the poor, and resolutions adopted, which we are inclined to think might admit to some amendment, had due dconsideration been bestowed upon their framing. They merely set for that a scarcity was apprehended, and that should it occur, measures would be taken to employ the poor. The scarcity they apprehend, already exists, and to an alarming extent, as may be seen by the Resolutions of the Magistrates of Newport.... " (Connaught Telegraph 19 Jan 1831 pg 4
This was not the great famine of 1845-1849 or the last major famine, that of 1879- 1880 when so many Irish fled the country. This was just one of the earlier lesser famines that decimated the population of Ireland over and over again.
In Aghagower the parish of the Burkes we read....
"WESTPORT DISTRICT - Mr Matthew McDonnell stated, that those who had some time ago a supply of provisions, are now distitute, having charitably divided with their poor neighbours; this has materially increased the number of applicants for relief. Last month 8000 were relieved, weekly : the number is now increased to 12,000........Mr Ward stated, that in the parish of Aughagower, the poor are taking the sheep -- in a population of 8000, not more than 500 have provisions -- families of 7, subsisting on one quaart of meal per day..... " (Connaught Telegraph 15 Jun 1831)
And in Islandeady the parish of the Geraghtys and the Walshes.......
"ISLANDEDIN - Rev. Mr Joyce, stated, 5,033 in distress, not including Mrs. Palmer's tenants. 495 in four villages, Mrs. Palmers property, had received relief, but it was exhausted, and they were starving -- 133 had never received support from any quarter -- several of those who had received meal from Mrs. Palmer, had been obliged to sell part to procure seed potatoes and were in great distress, having even sold their shoes. The relief to the parish last week, from the Central Committee, was 56l. 8s. 9d, in meal; also from Mr. O'Malley, meal purchased at a high rate, to the value of 10l. Mr. Alexander Clendining, stated, that Mr. Sharpe had by letters to him, offered to issue provisions to the under tenants, if their landlords would subscribe 50l -- they had not done so." (Connaught Telegraph 22 Jun 1831)
In an article that says thousands of pounds have been collected in England and Dublin for the reliefof the poor and distributed, but none to the Central Committee of Mayo, the editors of the Connacht Telegraph on 6 Jul 1831 state......
"Every day the distress of the peasantry of Mayo becomes more awful. At this moment, there are on the charitable list 216,543 men, women, and children, not one of whom according to returns duly attested, can command sufficient food to sustain life; solely depending for existence on public bounty. We cannot say what relief is at hand; but we fearlessly assert, that what has hitherto been afforded is inadequate and that a shor allowance has caused death and disease. At this moment, many hundreds, having sold their beds, are lying in their wretched hovels on straw, sinking under famine and sickness, without nourishment, medicine, or medical assistance!"
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| Connaught Telegraph 20 Jul 1831 |
