Pomeroy to remember executed Easter Rising leader Joseph Plunkett

On May 4 1916 just a short time after marrying the love of his life, Joseph Mary Plunkett was taken to the stone breakers yard in Kilmainam Gaol and executed by a firing squad.

He along with the other leaders of the Easter Rising where later buried in Arbour Hill cemetery and became martyrs in the struggle for Irish Freedom from Britain.

This Saturday, the community in Pomeroy will celebrate his life and sacrifice with a number of events and everyone is welcome to attend.

A band parade will be led by the Joseph Mary Plunkett accordion band from Plunkett Park GAC grounds on Cavanakeeran Rd at 6.30pm.

The parade will go to the Church of the Assumption for a special Centenary Anniversary Mass. Following that the Parade will continue to St Marys Hall for a fantastic night of music, history and drama which will begin at 8pm.

Pomeroy Players Drama group will perform a special enactment of Plunkett’s marriage to Grace Gifford, we will have music performed by Pomeroy Comhaltas and there will be dancing with Gerry Cunningham and friends.

Saturdays event follows a wonderful evening held in The Institute for Irish Leadership in Pomeroy where Joseph Plunketts grand niece Honor O’ Brolchain gave a insight into Plunketts life and role in the rising. As well as later this year in October, the Pomeroy Plunketss GAC will celebrate 100 years with a Gala Banquet at Armagh City Hotel.

Last weekend, a statue was unveiled in Dungannon to Easter Rising leader Thomas Clarke.