From Ballyhoura to Canada: Wreath Laying in Cobh Marks 200 Years Since Peter Robinson Emigration
On May 9th, a moving wreath-laying ceremony took place in Cobh, Co. Cork to mark the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme, a significant chapter in Irish-Canadian history.
The event was initiated and organised by Ballyhoura Development, in collaboration with key partners, to honour the memory of over 500 families from the Ballyhoura region and surrounding areas who departed on 11 ships for Upper Canada in 1823 and 1825.
The event, emceed by Ballyhoura Development Manager Amanda Slattery, was attended by Mayor of Cork County Council Cllr Joe Carroll, Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon, Canadian Embassy representative David Kyffin, Limerick City and County Council Cllr Gregory Conway, and 1825 Ships Inc. Chairperson Brendan Moher of Peterborough, Canada.
“The commemoration event was a special ceremony of remembrance, reflection, and reconnection—honouring the legacy of those who departed two centuries ago,” said Amanda Slattery.
Descendants from Canada and America took part in the ceremony. Paul Hickey of Peterborough, a descendant of a family from Doneraile who sailed on the Star, laid a wreath on behalf of the 1825 emigrants. Glenn O’Meara of Minnesota, whose ancestors left Rathcormac in 1823 aboard the Stakesby, laid a wreath in memory of the earlier group. The blessing was led by Father Tom McDermott of Cobh.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a commemorative plaque by Brendan Moher, Chairperson of Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Peterborough, to Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development, representing the communities of the Ballyhoura region:
“May the vast waters of the North Atlantic never separate us from the warm fires we forever will share at the hearth of our Irish and Canadian families.”
Francis Dwyer, a descendant of the 1825 Dwyers of Tipperary from Cranbrook, British Columbia, addressed the gathering at Cobh Heritage Centre:
“This is truly a day for celebration. One to honour the courage, the fortitude, the hope, and the success of the migrants. I am one of them—descended, Canadian, a son of Ireland also—and I am so proud to be here with you today.”
The event culminated in the official unveiling of a special exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers in Cobh Heritage Centre by Ambassador John Concannon, alongside the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Mayor of Cork County Council Cllr Joe Carroll.
Reflecting on the occasion, Glenn O'Meara stated:
“I can’t express the gratitude and fondness we all felt. The Ballyhoura, Nine Ships, and Cobh Heritage Centre teams created a powerful and meaningful experience. I feel blessed to have been part of it.”
This ceremony marks the first of two major commemorative events. Ballyhoura Development will host the larger “Ireland-Canada Homecoming” from September 15th to 21st, 2025, welcoming descendants of the Peter Robinson Settlers back to the Ballyhoura region for a week of reconnection, storytelling, and shared heritage.
“This was a truly unique experience for the descendants of this emigration, and a special day to highlight a once forgotten piece of our history,” said Amanda Slattery. “We thank all who supported and attended this memorable occasion.”
Breeda Keane-Shortt, Cobh Heritage Centre, added:
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballyhoura Development on this initiative and further demonstrate the emigration story of Ireland and Canada and its significance to Cobh, and look forward to sharing the exhibition on the Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Scheme as a key feature of the heritage centre experience."
