An Gorta Mór: The Clonmel Food Riots

13 Apr 1846: South Tipperary had long functioned as England's breadbasket. Carts laden with flour and grains from the surrounding farmland made their way to the quay at Clonmel for transport by water. 

On a weekly basis, consolidated shipments would then travel by barge down the River Suir toward Waterford harbour enroute to England.

But by early April, locals could no longer allow the precious cargo to pass by unimpeded. Flour filled carts destined for Clonmel from Cahir had recently been "attacked" by emaciated women and children. The paupers managed to get away with a few sacks, but their victory was fleeting at best.

Procedures were immediately changed to ensure no more pilfering, with the frequency of convoys reduced and their size dramatically increased. Most importantly, they would now travel under armed guard.

This Monday, 13 April 1846, 82 cartloads of flour left Cahir for Clonmel making the journey safely thanks to the military escort. And by late April protection would extend even further as Charles Trevelyan himself boasted: "The barges leave Clonmel once a week for this place, with the export supplies under convoy which, last Tuesday, consisted of 2 guns, 50 cavalry, and 80 infantry escorting them on the banks of the Suir as far as Carrick."

Under Trevelyan's watch, local need would simply not be allowed to interfere with outbound commerce.