Celia Griffin facts for kids

Celia Griffin (born 1841 – died March 1847) was a young Irish girl who sadly died during the Great Famine. She was only about six years old when she passed away due to starvation. Her story helps us remember the many thousands of children who suffered and died during this terrible time in Ireland's history.

Life in Connemara

Celia was born and grew up in a place called Corindulla, near Ross, in Connemara, Ireland. Her family lived on the Martin estate. The Great Famine hit Ireland very hard, especially in areas like Connemara. This famine was caused by a disease that destroyed potato crops, which were the main food source for many Irish families.

A Desperate Journey

By February 1847, Celia's family was in a very bad situation because of the famine. They decided to walk about 30 miles to the city of Galway, hoping to find food and help there. However, when many people arrived in the city, some city dwellers were afraid of catching diseases from the newcomers. This made it hard for families like Celia's to find the help they needed.

Seeking Relief

In Galway, a kind man named Brother Paul O'Connor ran a place called the Orphans' Breakfast Institute on Lombard Street. Celia and her brothers and sisters were able to get food there. But more and more hungry people arrived every day, and soon the Institute could not feed everyone who needed help.

Celia's Final Days

We don't know what happened to Celia's parents. In the second week of March, Celia suddenly collapsed on the street. She and her two sisters were then taken in by the Presentation Convent on Presentation Road. The nuns there tried their best to save her, but it was too late. Celia died because she had not had enough food for a long time.

An official investigation into her death was held on Thursday, March 11, 1847. The investigation found that Celia had been extremely poor, and her whole family of eight people was in the same sad condition. Doctor Staunton, who examined her, said that her body showed all the signs of starvation. The people on the jury decided that Celia's death was caused by not having the basic things needed to live, like food, before she received help from the convent.

A Lasting Memorial

Celia Griffin's story became very important. On July 4, 2012, a special memorial was dedicated in her honor. It's called the Galway Famine Ship Memorial and is located at the Celia Griffin Memorial Park at Grattan Beach in Galway. This monument is Galway's way of remembering Celia and the many thousands of other children who died during the Great Famine. It also honors the ships and their crews who helped so many Irish people travel to safety in other countries. Celia Griffin has become a symbol for all the children who lost their lives during that terrible time.

See also

• Honor Flaherty, another victim of the Great Famine.