This lovely bonnet tribute to convict woman Elizabeth Connon has travelled across the world to Australia to be part of Tasmanian artist Christina Henri’s Roses from the Heart(R) Memorial to all women transported to Australia as convicts 1828 -1853. Elizabeth was transported to Australia on the Blackfriar in January 1851. 260 female convicts were on board this ship that departed from Dublin, Ireland.

Christina Henri took this bonnet with her to the workshop held at the Oatlands Courthouse where a number of participants sewed bonnet tributes and gave thought to the convicts who left Ireland, especially during the famine years. As bonnet tributes were being made participants were aware that many Irish were taking time out of their busy lives, on Saturday, September 10,  to reflect on the tragedy of An Garta Mor. The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, attended a formal State ceremonial event in Clones, County Monaghan, that was organised by the National Famine Commemoration Committee in memory of the millions who either died or emigrated as a result of the Great Famine.