10/04/2025
At Ballyhoura Development CLG's Peter Robinson Settlers Assisted Emigration Scheme conference, after speeches of welcome, two custom plaques were unveiled by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD. The plaques were made by local craftsman Charley McCarthy from Irish Yew wood that was growing in Saint George's Churchyard in Mitchelstown at the time the Peter Robinson Emigrants left Ireland for Canada in 1825.
Beautifully carved, the engraving on each plaque says "The Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme to Upper Canada 1823 and 1825 Bicentennial Commemoration | Made from Irish Yew that was growing in Saint George's Mitchelstown when the settlers left for Canada | Unveiled by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD 20th September 2025."
Symbolizing the special connection that the people of Ireland and the people of Canada share, these plaques perfectly commemorated the conference and the Ireland-Canada Homecoming. One will remain in Ireland, and the other is headed to Canada. We're not sure where the plaque's final home will be once it reaches Canadian soil, but we'll be sure to update you once we know!
[Thank you to Rosemary and Jay Shaughnessy for sharing their close up photo of the plaque with us!]
