A bronze sculpture titled "The Gift" commemorating the generous aid provided by the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the Famine, was unveiled outside the National Famine Museum, at Strokestown Park, in County Roscommon.
When Ireland was deep in the throes of the Great Famine in 1847, the international call for aid for the starving Irish was heard by the Choctaw, a Native American tribe in the United States. These people, who had no connection with Ireland donated $170 in 1847, which would be approximately equivalent to $13,445.38 in 2024.
This remarkable selfless act from people who were themselves still suffering following their displacement has created a lasting friendship between the two nations.
This week, Aug 6, the sculpture by esteemed American sculptor Brendan O’Neill, entitled "The Gift" was unveiled and permanently installed in the courtyard adjacent to Ireland’s National Famine Museum, in Roscommon. This newly renovated museum offers insights into one of the most significant periods in Irish history.
The poignant artwork, generously donated by the O’Neill Family, measuring 29 inches tall and 41 inches wide, depicts an elderly Choctaw woman, symbolizing the matriarchal structure of the Choctaw society, and a younger Choctaw man, embracing her in a gesture of support and protection. Together, they extend a hand of friendship to the Irish people. The woman holds an ampo (eating bowl) symbolizing sustenance and nourishment.
Reflecting on the inspiration for "The Gift", O’Neill said: “Given my ancestral ‘O’Neill’ Irish roots and my interest in Native American history and culture, I was naturally struck by the significance of the Choctaw Nation's gift to the Irish during ‘An Gorta Mór' in 1847."
The sculpture in Roscommon is a replica of O'Brien's original piece displayed at the Choctaw Cultural Centre in Oklahoma.
"I reached out to the Choctaw Elders and offered to commemorate that gift with a bronze sculpture, which I sculpted over a two-year period and delivered to the Choctaw Cultural Centre, in September 2023."
The artist added, "The O’Neill Family is delighted to donate a copy of this sculpture to The Irish Heritage Trust for permanent display at the National Famine Museum in Ireland."
John O’Driscoll, Irish Heritage Trust General Manager at Strokestown Park & the National Famine Museum added “We are honored to receive this historically significant sculpture here in the National Famine Museum."
He added, "This is a fitting location for this meaningful artwork, offering visitors a space for, and appreciation of the historical bond between the Choctaw Nation and the Irish people before entering the Museum, which offers a deeply moving account of the Great Irish Famine”.
Sculptor Brendan O'Neill and his wife Susan pictured after the unveiling with their children, grandchildren and extended family who travelled from the USA for the unveiling.
Ger Aherne, Chairman of the Irish Heritage Trust which cares for and manages the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park said, “This sculpture is a profoundly moving reflection on the Choctaw Nation's gift to Ireland during the Great Hunger.
"Preserving our history and sharing it with as many people as possible is a core mission of the Irish Heritage Trust."
The redeveloped National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park opened in 2022 offering an enhanced visitor experience with modern exhibitions and interactive displays. It is open seven days a week. More information is available at StrokestownPark.ie.
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