New display on life of Polish humanitarian
AN EXHIBITION dedicated to the Polish humanitarian who helped thousands during the Great Irish Famine has opened in Arklow Library.
‘A forgotten Polish hero of the Great Irish Famine: Paul Strzelecki’s Struggle to save thousands’ looks at the efforts of Count Paul (Pawel) Strzelecki, a world-renowned Polish explorer and scientist, who volunteered to work in Ireland to combat the Famine between 1847 and 1849 as the main agent of the British Relief Association.
Strzelecki developed an effective mode of assistance by feeding children directly through the schools. He extended daily food rations to schoolchildren across the most famine-stricken western part of Ireland, while also distributing clothing and promoting basic hygiene.
The exhibition has been touring around Ireland.
The opening in Arklow went very well. Dr Tomás Finn from NUI Galway spoke about Strzelecki to children from St. Joseph’s and Carysfort NS.
The exhibition was opened by Monika Kostka, the CEO of the Polish-Irish Educational Association, and Councillor Pat Fitzgerald on behalf of Arklow Municipal District. A mixture of Irish and Polish members of the local community also had a chance to listen to a short lecture about the Famine times in Ireland given by local historian Jim Rees.
The opening was followed by the reception with live music rom two Polish members of the Arklow Silver Band, Slawek and Artur Bosy.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended the opening event. The exhibition continues in Arklow Library until December 31.