The Plunkett Family Gathering at Loughcrew - 4th of July Photographs
The rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm, Deo Gratias. The Interfaith service was held indoors instead of at the church. It was lead by Fr Mark, Bryan Bellew and Fr Martin sang beautifully. Emily and her team proved to be genial hosts and the soup and sandwiches were served very informally and all was enjoyed. There was plenty of time for introductions and for catching up. In the afternoon there were two talks, first on the life of St Oliver by Tommy Burns and second on the life of the English Martyrs, including St Philip Howard by Dudley Plunkett. Both men have given many talks and written extensively. Then there was a historic photo taken of cousins who are also related to St Oliver. We thank for making the day special for us by coming along. The Dunsany and Killeen branches were represented. Cousins all through, St Oliver's mother, Thomasina Dillon, included some on the Barnewall line and the Dublin branch also descend from Ned, the brother of St Oliver. Tomas Hodgins also doubled up as M.C. who kept things moving and on track during the course of the day. Fr Martin gave us a sung rendition of I see his blood upon the Rose, by Joseph Mary Plunkett and it was fitting that we were joined by some of his close relatives. Tomas and Seamus helped make some connections and they also spoke about the exhibition in Drogheda. The day finished with a presentation to our host, Emily Naper, for what was an enjoyable and historic day. Two family groups showed good grace during the day as it unfolded for them and we thank them and send them our best wishes. We thank Emily and her husband, Dermot and her team, Roisin, Aisling, Rose, Chantelle, Bartle and Cyril, I'm sure we've left some out, we thank them all and St Oliver whom both Emily and Tommy would always say.
Here is a link for other details about the Plunkett Gathering:
https://irishheraldry.blogspot.com/2025/05/st-oliver-gathering-loughcrew-4th-july.html
We may have missed some, please send on some other photos and you're welcome to share names if you wish.
A larger view of the photos can be got by clicking on the photo.
Interfaith Service
Bryan Bellew (Dunleer Parish) Fr Mark Mohan PP Oldcastle
A copy of the service is available at:
We thank Fr Mark, Bryan and Fr Martin.
Deo Gratias sung by Fr Martin ...
It's great to be on the holidays
All ready for the cup of tea!
Bridget and clan
Liam, Seamus, Tomas and Diarmaid, a change of plan.
It is good to be here ...
Gerard, the man at the helm at Oldcastle (St Oliver 400)
It's good to get a seat ...
All the way from Offaly ...
Fr Anselm Brumwell, O.S.B., formerly, Downside, Stephen
Mark Oliver makes the connections
Randal and Emily
Claire, Martina and the Murrays
The Padres, Paul, Mark and Martin, there used to be a singing priest in Oldcastle?
Two ladies and two gents ...
James Plunkett Coyle and Seamus, James has connected many of the local Finea branches back to Clonbraney.
From Armagh, England, these Plunketts descend from Simon from Rathmines
Oliver and extended Finea Clan
Now that Louth are Leinster champions, these Louth trio have crossed the border ...
The V.I.P.s
The Tonagh contingent
Sure we didn't really need the brollies ...
Counting the cousins all, Dublin, Laois, Barmeath and Dunsany
Olivers and Olivias all ... Dublin, Loughcrew, Tonagh, Drogheda, Strabane, Finea, Belfast, Swansbrook, Ballyhaise ...
Tomas Hodgins, Tommy Burns presents an achievement of arms to our host Emily Naper, Seamus Bellew
The Louth connections
Good to be in from the rain! Laois and Galway connections
Studying the form!
Olivia has the reading completed.
Seamus with Fr Christophe and Margurite from Germany
Bartle and Rose, the most important job of the day!
The lilt and the lovely fire on a wet day ...
Taking it all in ...
The recently elected Mayor of Drogheda, Michelle Hall attended the gathering, also included is Malachy Plunkett and the two ladies on the left included Emily our host.
The Columban way
It's good to be early!
All settled in ...
Thanks for the lovely music ...
Will Meath make it this year?
The photo call
What better place to be, than at Loughcrew?
They say it's been the hottest June ...
The way life should be ...
Making memories ...
Oliver and family ...
They're hardly related ...
It's the St Oliver 400 family day ...
All ready to go ...
Laura and Constance, on the cobbles, several centuries old
The soup's on the way ...
It wasn't so bad after we got in out of the rain ...
Will we make the paper?
All the homework's done ...
Luke, Dorothy and James.
Fr Paul, Bridget and friends
The tea's been had ...
Surely a record number of Plunketts together ...
Isn't this a quiet corner ...
Oliver and Michael ...
St Oliver 400, not too many are remembered 400 years later ...
Indoors again ...
Where are we goin' next?
Time for a photo ...
All seated and ready for the day ...
Tommy and Fr Christophe
Plunkett Cousins ...
Three wise ladies ...
Family trees are studied ...
Rosemary
Good to be back in Ireland
A Day for our Plunkett Heritage
Two wise men!
I see his blood upon the rose And in the stars the glory of his eyes,
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.
I see his face in every flower;
The thunder and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice-and carven by his power
Rocks are his written words.
All pathways by his feet are worn,
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
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