What if these sculptures at Ireland Park could speak? Ireland Park commemorates the Irish Famine migrants. They arrived in Toronto between 1846 and 1849. During the Great Famine some 38500 Irish landed here. Toronto then was a city of only 20000 people.
Imagine their stories of hope and despair. Ireland Park is located on Eireann Quay. It stands at the foot of Bathurst Street. The park adjoins the Canada Malting Silos.
Weakened by hunger, many migrants were sick. They traveled on overcrowded ships. Around 20% died at sea. Others died shortly after arrival. This included the quarantine station at Grosse Ile Quebec. Within months, Toronto recorded 1186 deaths. These deaths were due to contagious disease. Compassionate locals also died. Clergymen, officials and medical workers helped the migrants. Their names are on the park’s memorial columns. The columns are made of Kilkenny limestone.
Ireland Park officially opened in July 2007. The origins date back to 1995. Robert G. Kearns saw Rowan Gillespie’s “Departure” sculptures in Dublin. The Smurfit Foundation donated these sculptures in 1997. This donation marked the 150th anniversary of the famine. Seven sculptures stand on Dublin’s Customs House Quay. They show Irish migrants starting their journey. Robert Kearns invited Rowan Gillespie to create new sculptures for Toronto. These sculptures depict the migrants’ arrival in Canada. A historic link connects the waterfronts of Toronto and Dublin.
In July 2000, Toronto approved a memorial park. It honors the Irish Famine migrants of 1847. The site is near Reese’s Wharf. This is where the famine migrants landed. Jonathan M Kearns designed the park. It was built with Irish and Canadian minds.
The Dublin dockside has seven sculptures. Toronto’s waterfront has only five. This represents the tragic loss of life. The loss occurred on the North Atlantic. It also marks deaths at Grosse Ile and ports like Montreal.
Ireland Park includes a wall of Kilkenny limestone. The wall has names of those who died in 1847. It also honors Toronto citizens who aided the Irish. Bishop Michael Power is among them.
President Mary McAleese opened the park in 2007. She called it a memorial linking Ireland and Canada. A film named Death or Canada featured Ireland Park in 2009. It tells the story of 1847 and its impact on Toronto.
Ireland Park is more than a memorial. It’s a reminder of resilience. It embodies Toronto’s welcoming spirit. The sculptures capture the emotions. A tall man raises his arms. He exalts at the sight of Toronto. A pregnant woman stands behind him. She represents new life and hope. Another woman lies collapsed. She is in her last moments. A young boy stands with clasped hands. He shows his apprehension. A male figure embodies Pius Mulvey. He is inspired by Joseph O’Connor’s book Star of the Sea. Ireland Park stands as a testament to their journey and their legacy.