One of Ireland’s greatest love stories

Joseph Mary Plunkett, one of leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin
Joseph Plunkett

Today is the 95th anniversary of execution of Joseph Plunkett – one of the leaders of the Easter Rising and one half of Ireland’s most poignant love story.

Plunkett had planned to marry his beloved Grace Gifford on Easter Sunday but that had to be put on hold because of the Rising.

When the rebellion was crushed, Plunkett was arrested and thrown into Kilmainham Jail and sentenced to death.

Hours before he was due to be executed, he was allowed to marry Grace in the prison chapel with armed soldiers looking on.

He was then taken out and shot dead by a firing squad. His death and that of the other rebel leaders caused outrage and help change Irish history forever.

Read more on the Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford

Read more on the Easter Rising