IBO October Virtual Breakfast Meeting

Tuesday, October 28 2025 at 8:00 AM

Highlighting The Irish Workhouse Centre In Portumna, County Galway Ireland

The Irish Workhouse System, The Most Hated Institution In Irish History

The Great Famine, also known as the Great Hunger, and the Irish Potato Famine, was a period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland lasting from 1845 to 1852 and beyond, that constituted a historical social crisis and had a major impact on Irish society and history.

At one time there were 163 workhouses in total. The Irish Workhouse Centre is one of only a few workhouses that survived intact and serves as a workhouse museum in Portumna, on the Galway/Tipperary boarder. 

-------------

Join us on Zoom for our lively monthly gathering. As always, we'll network with each other and enjoy the wisdom and insight of our featured guest. Everyone is welcome! No cost to attend.

Zoom link provided with RSVP confirmation and again on the morning of the meeting.

-------

A RELATED EVENT OF INTEREST

Irish Workhouse Centre – Campaign Launch & Reception

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6 – 8 PM

Bank of Ireland Hub, 2 Grand Central Tower, 140 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

Keynote Speaker: Professor Christine Kinealy, Quinnipiac University

Cocktail reception, lecture, and launch of the Famine Workhouse Centre Campaign, in support of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway. All funds raised will be applied to the much-needed renovation of the former dining hall and chapel in the workhouse. We look forward to a thoughtful, engaging presentation by Keynote Speaker Professor Christine Kinealy, Professor of History at Quinnipiac University.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Reed at mary@irishworkhousecentre.ie.

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS:

Mary Reed

US Campaign Director, Irish Workhouse Centre

IBO Member

New York City Area

Martin Sheil 

Chair of the Board, Irish Workhouse Centre

Recently retired from the Department of Education

County Galway, Ireland

Dr. Christy Cunniffe

Board Member, Irish Workhouse Centre

Director of Southeast Galway Integrated Rural Development Company Clg. 

Voluntary museum curator at the Irish Workhouse Centre. Retired Community Archaeologist with Galway County Council.

County Galway, Ireland