The Curse Of Emigration

OVER HALF A MILLION PEOPLE EMIGRATED FROM IRELAND IN THE LATE 40's AND EARLY 50's. THE TRADITIONAL MAINSTAY OF THE ECONOMY, AGRICULTURE, STARTED TO DECLINE. THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE COMING OF AGE. “Most countries send out oil or iron, steel or gold, or some other crop, but Ireland has had only one export and that is, it's people.” –John F. Kennedy - On his Presidential visit to Ireland-June 1963 Michael Kennedy grew up on a small farm in the West of Ireland. Being an only-child, most of the work was left to him. In the late forties and early fifties, the Agricultural Industry in rural Ireland, went into decline. Being the mainstay of the Irish economy, the young people were left with no choice, except to emigrate. After arriving in New York, Michael found work on the building sites and would send money home every month to help his mother and father. Thirty years later, he found out that his mother had died. The Curse Of Emigration tells the story of Michael's return home for his mother's funeral. He wasn't sure what to expect.