Finding More Reasons To Live

Finding More Reasons To Live

By Paul McCann

After the famine came Fiona was evicted from her home because she couldn’t pay the rent to the landlord and the little crops she had planted around her home she could reap no more as all that was left were stones and the wind it blew cold through the fields and into the streets where the soul of a nation that cried for those who had died of hunger on the roads . She walked the roads and sang songs to wind and the rain , Her spirit was strong and her songs were many . 

Young Kieran a young man who had lost his parents in the famine was also evicted from their little home because he couldn’t pay the rent and he walked the roads playing his accordion with a passion about how he felt inside . The echoes of songs and music was carried by the wind all over the nation .   

No one was to blame for the famine that came as all over the land people cried as more died and many more were evicted from their homes .

‘There were others who took a boat to other countries to find a reason to live and off they went in coffin ships that were leaving from Ireland everyday .

Many died on the voyage and some were assumed to have jumped overboard but those who were left were still trying to find a reason to live and to make a new life for themselves in their new adopted home  .

On the initial voyage from Ireland to America young Fiona lifted her voice and started to sing a song to entertain those on board . As she sang Kieran stepped forward with an accordion and accompanied Fiona as she sang . The impact of their music brought an immediate response . All those on board started to join and the sing song was powerful with voices united singing together as one expressing many emotions and finding hope for the future ahead .

Fiona knew many of the old songs and Kieran was able to accompany her on the accordion . The journey from the famine land to America was long and uncomfortable but the music made it a lot easier to

Do even though they were all seasick , they were together on a journey to find a new reason to live .

There was no place to run or hide, they were side by side on board an emigrant ship from their homeland to the shores of America  .

The day the arrived in Ellis Island many disembarked barefooted  , hungry , exhausted and pregnant , They were placed in different sections for assessment , The health , the weak , they young and old , All were examined and in the early morning light there were smiles on their haggard faces and tears in their eyes ,

America cried along with them and brought them in ,

Everyone was questioned about who they were and asked to make their mark or sign some paperwork .

Worf had gone around about the musician and singer and they were given a commendation by the captain and crew for making the initial voyage to America a pleasant experience . Both  were awarded a certificate from the immigration at Ellis Island for bringing their Irish music and songs on board and for inspiring and encouraging everyone on board .

When the story spread around New York they had many offers from publicans and associations to perform and get well paid for their talent ,

An exodus of Irish people went from Ireland to  the corner5s of the world to find a reason to live . Thousands of ships went with orphan children , farmers , servants , rich and poor , and they all had one thing in common , they were escaping the famine of 1845 to start a new life in Canada ,United States ,Australia .

Over a million Irish people had died in the famine however just as many managed to escape to other countries to start a new life .

They never brough any baggage but they had hope in their hearts and a reason to live and they fitted in well to their adopted home .

Kieran and Fiona became man and wife and as the years passed, they often spoke of the voyage they made together . Old now with children and grandchildren of their own Keiran would often say ,

“Sure, look at us now m it was you and me against the world then  “
Fiona would respond
“Our love kept us alive and our music gave us a reason to live “
Many Irish would echo those sentiment from the corners of the world .

They endured the famine and survived ,

 To this day tributes and memorials all over the world recall the people from black 47 who found reason to live

The End

.