In this presentation we'll discuss the Irish Potato Famine, an event that defines the Emerald Isle. In the first act we'll discuss the history of the humble potato, and how this tuber became one of the most important food crops. The second act focuses on watermolds, and the witheringly destructive pathogenic organisms they can be. The third act discusses on the political climate that inflated the effects of the famine, rather than providing relief to a starving populace. The Great Famine defines modern Irish mentality, and after listening to this presentation, you'll understand why.

About Tom McCoy: Tom is a software developer for the federal government, and when he's not busy writing code for his vocation, he enjoys spending time in, and learning about nature most of all. He is an autodidact amateur naturalist with a keen focus on fungi, and current president of the Mycological Association of Washington D.C. Tom has given numerous presentations on his beloved fifth kingdom, and mostly he enjoys talking about fungi that have made a lasting impact on human society, i.e., the Irish Potato Famine, the most tragic event in the history of the Emerald Isle.