Gifford-Plunkett Society Armagh Easter Commemorations

From the 1916 Societies a report on some of its Easter commemorations.


Last Saturday evening the Gifford/Plunkett 1916 Society, Armagh City held a very well attended wreath laying ceremony at the graveside of Loughgall Martyr Volunteer Gerard O’Callaghan in Tullysaran Co.Armagh.



Chaired by Armagh man Raymond Murray, proceedings began with the reading of the Proclamation and the Roll of Honour. Following that Gerard’s brother Francie laid a wreath on behalf of the O’Callaghan family, further wreaths were laid on behalf of former comrades, Tyrone national Graves Association, the 1916 Societies and The Loughgall Truth And Justice Campaign.

This dignified ceremony was brought to a close with the reading of an Eamonn Ceannt poem and the piper playing the national anthem.

The following day Easter Sunday, Republicans from far and wide gathered in a windswept graveyard in Armagh City at the Grew family plot to pay their respects to Volunteer Dessie Grew and I.N.L.A volunteer Seamus Grew.

The large crowd in attendance heard Chair Raymond Murray pay tribute to the bravery and steadfastness shown by Dessie and Seamus throughout their lives and how in death their memory continues to live on in song and story.


The Gifford/Plunkett Society would like to express our sincere gratitude to the families for entrusting us to pay homage to their loved ones, an honour we do not take lightly.

Also the families would like to thank all those in attendance at both ceremonies as your continued support will ensure that these fallen soldiers who were very much part of the cutting edge of Irish Republicanism will be forever remembered and appreciated. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

No comments