Tánaiste Launches Joan Johnson’s book James & Mary Ellis Background and Quaker Famine Relief in Letterfrack

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney today (Monday 31st July, 2000) launched Joan Johnson’s book James & Mary Ellis - Background and Quaker Famine Relief in Letterfrack, at a reception in Ellis Hall, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, Co.Galway.

The book tells the story of why James and Mary Ellis, a Quaker couple from Bradford in the North of England, moved to Letterfrack in the West of Ireland, during the Great Famine. James Ellis retired from a very successful business, and became a resident landlord in Letterfrack in 1849. The Quaker Relief work included a building programme, education employment, fair wages and land reclamation. James and Mary Ellis were people who wanted to address the causes of poverty rather than its symptoms; they nurtured a commitment to justice, equality, honesty, tolerance and kindness in one’s private and public life.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said "This occasion is the culmination of the unique collaboration between Connemara West in Letterfrack and the Friends Historical Committee in Ireland who have joined together in the production of this book which pays tribute and acknowledges the work of both James and Mary Ellis 150 years ago. The book is a stirring tale about two people of keen vision for whom Christianity was a living principle. James and Mary Ellis endeavoured to create a solid foundation for improvement and development for the community of Letterfrack for future generations."

Joan Johnson is a Dubliner who has lived for some 35 years in Waterford with her husband, Roger, and five, now adult, children. She qualified as a physiotherapist in 1964 and currently serves on the S.E. Health Board. She has a deep interest in history and is a member of the Friends Historical Committee. Joan has strong connections with the West, taking holidays in Errislannen for the past 35 years.

Concluding the Tánaiste paid tribute to Joan Johnson, and all those at Connemara West and the Friends Historical Committee who were involved in bringing about this a most interesting book. The Tánaiste said "I am delighted to launch this book today and I hope that people read and enjoy this most interesting and unique story."