The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told the National Famine Commemoration in Co Roscommon that there was no more "devastating or traumatic event" in Irish history than the Great Famine of 1845-1852.
The ceremony in Strokestown included military honours and a wreath-laying ceremony by ambassadors to Ireland in remembrance of all those who suffered or perished during the Famine.
Addressing the crowd today, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there was no more "devastating or traumatic event" in Irish history.
"It is impossible for us to imagine the feelings of hopelessness, anger and loss experienced by those who suffered through the Famine years."
"Famines do not happen in democracies. In fact, there is no recorded account of a famine in a country where the government is freely elected and there was free speech.
"I think if you want to know why Ireland didn't have another famine you will find it in our commitment to self-determination and building a democratic state," said Mr Martin.
The Taoiseach said just as Irish people were helped in their time of need, their ancestors now have responded to the needs of the people of Ukraine, a country that also suffered its own famine, the Holodomor Famine.
"Throughout our history the victims of the Great Famine have called on us to help their modern-day counterparts in their time of need and generations of Irish people have responded to that call.
"As we come together to honour the victims of the Great Famine - those who died, those who were forced to emigrate and those who suffered and survived - we also recall that the people of Ukraine who now need our help, have their own history of hunger.
"Ireland has opened its doors to the people of Ukraine at their time of need and that crisis has brought home the importance of those who can help others, doing whatever they can to aid those in dire straits.
"This too is reflective of what we know about those compassionate and generous individuals who did what they could to help the people of Ireland during the Great Famine. Those contributions and acts of kindness must never be forgotten," said Mr Martin.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State at the Department of Defence Jack Chambers said: "The Great Famine was truly the darkest period of our history. Today's ceremony is an opportunity to commemorate and honour the suffering and resilience of victims of the Famine years.
"It is appropriate that the Commemoration returns to this historic site in 2022 as the final preparations for the reopening of the National Famine Museum following major refurbishment are being concluded."
Acknowledging the musical acts on the day, Mr Chambers said it was fitting that Declan O'Rourke was taking part making reference to his 2017 album 'Chronicles of the Great Famine'.
Mr O'Rourke provided music and spoken word at the ceremony including two songs, 'Poor Boy's Shoes' and 'Go Domhain i do Chiumhne' (the anthem of 'The National Famine Way').
Mr O'Rourke also penned the 'Pawn Broker's Reward', his debut novel illuminated the story of the famine through the lens of a single town in Macroom, Co Cork.
The Taoiseach was joined by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and members of the Irish Heritage Trust in laying wreaths on behalf of the people of Ireland.
Following the wreath-laying, a minute of silence was observed before a piper played a lament and the national flag was raised. The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the national anthem.
