I knew some of Ireland's history, but was not fully aware of "The Troubles" from the mid 1800 to the early 1900's.  Just as the book, "Angela's Ashes", the truth can be sad and sobering.  

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I never realized the depth and scope of pain the Irish suffered. Over a million people starved when the food was taken from the stores, sent to England and the potato famine left no crops in Ireland.  When 'titled gentleman' ordered the tenant homes destroyed, mostly by removing or burning the thatch roofs, to expose families to the elements.  Over two million Irish left their homes to find a better life in America, Canada and Australia. 

 

If someone were convicted of stealing bread to feed their families, they were convicted as felons and sent to Australia, which was a penal colony at the time.  The remaining spouse and children were left to starve.

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The Irish people and their culture did survive and came back even stronger from these horrendous acts.  I give them so much credit. I have always considered the song Four Green Fields a tribute to that strength.