DEPUTY first minister Martin McGuinness and the Republic's minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys were among those taking part in the north's first National Famine Commemoration ceremony at the weekend.
The annual event has been running since 2008 to commemorate those lost to the Great Famine and emigration across Ireland in the mid-19th century.
It was held at the Albert Basin in Newry on Saturday, when a minute's silence was held and wreaths were laid in memory of those lost, with more than a million lives lost in the Famine alone.
A special plaque was unveiled in Warrenpoint yesterday to commemorate those who suffered.
Ms Humphreys, from Co Monaghan, said it was a "great honour" to be in Newry to remember those who had lost their lives.
"One of the main reasons for the holding of the commemoration in a different location in each province is to highlight the devastating effects that the Great Famine had on people throughout the island," she said.
"The Famine has been one of the most significant events in our history. The failure of the potato crop during the 1840s not only led to the enormous suffering and loss of life but also changed Ireland's demographic and cultural landscape, the effect of which can still be felt today.
"We remember all those who suffered as a result of the Famine, regardless of their creed, political affiliation or nationality."
The first commemoration took place in Dublin in 2008.
Ms Humphreys said she was a "proud Ulster woman" and was pleased that the event was being held in Northern Ireland for the first time.
The last time the event was held in Ulster was in 2011 when it was held in Clones, Co Monaghan.
Saturday's events also included musical performances, speeches and poetry. Martin McGuinness said it was an "important period of reflection for all of us".
"Given the circumstances that we're seeing internationally with the plight of the refugees, it brings it all home to us very eloquently how important it is for us, as people who have known suffering in the past, to contribute to the alleviating of the suffering of others," he said.
Naomi Bailie, chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council pointed out that “no county was left unscathed when the potato crop failed” in 1845.
“For many of those who fled in search of a new life, their journeys began from the ports of Newry and Warrenpoint," she said.
The event was also attended by ambassadors and consuls from more than 30 countries.
