Belfast City Council has installed a commemorative plaque at a former burial ground on Donegall Road in south Belfast. The site holds graves of at least 10,000 people buried from the late 1840s to the early 1900s. Many died during the Irish famine in the late 1840s from a nearby workhouse for the poor.

A housing development now occupies the land. A gatepost and small section of wall from the original graveyard remain near City Hospital. The plaque reads 'They all had names'. An Ordnance Survey map from the 19th century confirms the location.

Dr Robyn Atcheson, a historian at Queen's University Belfast, campaigned for five years to have the site recognised. She estimates up to 60,000 burials occurred over 70 years. Atcheson expressed honour at taking part and pleasure that the graves are now marked.

Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly of the Democratic Unionist Party attended the unveiling. She stated the plaque ensures those who suffered in the workhouse receive the dignity they deserve. SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown called the prior lack of recognition for the large graveyard a travesty.

Father Martin Magill noted the importance of the plaque. He highlighted the wording 'They all had names' as a reminder against forgetting people. Representatives from the Alliance Party and SDLP also attended the ceremony.