May 18th 1846: Hunger extends to Belfast. The Rev Mr Courtenay and Mr Francis Ritchie inform the Poor Law guardians "that distress and destitution bordering on star vat ion exist in Ballymacarret electoral division". But Belfast workhouse can still provide accommodation.
The Vicar of Dundalk, Elias Thackeray, speaks of the need to relieve the poor, not only from bodily want but from anxiety. On the authority of 40 years' connection with the district, he identifies a road building project as the best form of relief. The employment "would remove from their anxious minds the uncertainty which now rests upon them how they are to support themselves and their families for the next three months".
The vicar is a relation of William Makepeace Thackeray and, as a captain in the Cambridgeshire Militia, commanded the escort which brought Tone to Dublin after his capture in 1798.
Col Thomas Leigh Goldie reports deep animosity in Co Clare between the peasantry and gentry, who are unwilling to subscribe to relief funds or join relief committees.
The secretary of Corofin relief committee, John Cullinan, writes that subscriptions are insufficient to give any accurate assistance. The privations of the poor cannot be exaggerated. They are consuming seed potatoes a "most calamitous" development. A depot to retail Indian meals at cost price is requested.
Patrick Hayden seeks aid to relieve the "dreadful destitution" in Carrickbeg, Co Waterford, which contains over 3,000 inhabitants.
The Dean of Elphin, John French, suspects meal and potatoes are being hoarded by gombeen men in Roscommon.
Great distress is reported from Templecrone, Co Donegal, where the people seek the removal of Lord Conyngham's unsympathetic agent, Robert Russell.
In Cashel, Co Tipperary, Joseph Tabuteau suggests reducing wages on the public works after complaints by farmers about difficulties in hiring labour.
Insp J. Malone reports a "food and labour march" on Borrisoleigh by 150 labourers from the mountains.
The Thurles guardians note "that from the great destitution now prevalent through this entire union, caused from want of employment and food, great fears are entertained of a popular outbreak".
The poverty of Cape Clear Island with a population of 1,300 is likely to be great, Father Edward Spring warns 200 are already destitute.