<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs expansion . You can help by adding to it . (March 2010) </Td> </Tr> <P> Known as An Górta Mór (The great hunger) in Gaeilge, millions of Irish people died and emigrated during Ireland's largest famine . The famine lasted from 1845 - 1849, it was worst during 1847 which was known as Black' 47 . The famine occurred due to the extremely impoverished Irish population's staple food the potato being infected with Blight . This meant the crop failed and turned black . Starving people who tried to eat them would only vomit it back up soon afterwards . Soup kitchens were set up but made little difference . The English government produced little aid, only sending raw corn known as' Peel's Brimstone' to Ireland . It was known by this name after the British PM at the time and the fact that native Irish weren't aware on how to cook corn . This led to little or no improvement . The British government set up workhouses which were disease ridden (with cholera, TB and others) but they also failed as little food was available and many died on arrival as they were overworked . Some English political figures at the time saw the famine as a purge from God to exterminate the majority of the native Irish population . </P> <P> Irish people emigrated to escape the famine journeying predominantly to the east coast of the US especially Boston and New York, Liverpool in England, Australia, Canada and New Zealand . Many records show the majority of emigrants to Australia were in fact prisoners sent to assist in the construction of English colonies there . A substantial proportion of these committed crimes in hopes of being extradited to Australia, favouring it to the persecution and hardships they endured in their homeland . Emigrants travelled on' Coffin Ships' they were called this as there were high mortality rates on board . Many died of disease or starved . Conditions on board were abysmal - tickets were expensive so stowaways were common, little food stuff was given to passengers who were simply viewed as cargo in the eyes of the ship workers . Famous coffin ships include the Jeanie Johnston and the Dunbrody . </P> <P> There are many statues and memorials in Dublin, New York and other cities in memory of the famine . The fields of Athenry is a famous song about the great famine and is often sung at national team sporting events in memory and homage to those affected by the famine . </P>

When does an irish potato change its nationality