David Dickson (2) (1947–2013)

In the 1840's Ireland had a terrible famine, it killed millions from starvation in a country that was exporting food, it has never helped the Irish relationship with England. However, there was a famine in 1740-41 which could have been as bad, if not worse if the same population levels had been in place. This famine followed a severe frost, a frost that actually killed people and froze waterways, in some instances preventing food from getting in. Weakened people died from diseases that were to recur during our later famine.

The worst part of this story, apart from it's lack of being taught in schools, is that there were lessons that if they were learnt during this famine, could have prevented some of the loss of life a century later. But did the powers that be really want that? It's the harder question to answer.… (meer)