Kate Nash Covers Sinéad O'Connor's 'Famine' to Challenge English Ignorance of Irish History
Kate Nash has released her own version of Sinéad O'Connor's 1994 song "Famine," aiming to spark conversations about how little the English know about Irish history. With Irish roots from her mother, Nash collaborated with Tia O'Donnell, who created a duvet with the words "The English Don't Know Their History" for the video. She altered some lyrics and added a new verse reflecting her mixed heritage, criticizing England's lack of accountability for its imperial past. This project was inspired by music producer Kool Kojak after O'Connor passed away in 2023. Nash performed in Belfast on August 6 during the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann fringe, and historian Enda Delaney highlighted that her views are a valid point, as Anglo-Irish history is rarely taught in English schools.
Key facts
- Kate Nash covered Sinéad O'Connor's 'Famine' (1994) to address English ignorance of Irish history.
- Nash collaborated with artist Tia O'Donnell, who embroidered 'The English Don't Know Their History' on a duvet.
- The cover was suggested by producer Kool Kojak after O'Connor's death in 2023.
- Nash rewrote parts of the song and added a verse about dual identity and empire.
- Nash performed in Belfast on 6 August as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann fringe programme.
- Historian Enda Delaney said Anglo-Irish history is not routinely taught in English schools.
- Robert Tombs argued British relief efforts should be judged against 1840s economic realities.
- The UK Parliament acknowledged Lord John Russell's government 'did not handle the famine effectively.'
Entities
Artists
- Kate Nash
- Tia O'Donnell
- Sinéad O'Connor
- Kool Kojak
- Kevin Rowland
- Shane MacGowan
Institutions
- BBC News NI
- Edinburgh Futures Institute
- University of Cambridge
- History Reclaimed
- UK Parliament
- Department for Education
- The Mac
Locations
- London
- Ireland
- Belfast
- Northern Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Dublin