Nine Ships 1825 held a book launch for “Bicentennial Reflections” earlier this month at Trent Valley Archives (TVA), marking the first anniversary of the completion of the formal agenda of bicentennial activities held in Canada this time last year.

During the launch, the ceremonial opening of a special Yew Tree Plaque took place. This plaque, crafted from a tree that stood in the Mitchelstown community at the time of the Peter Robinson Emigration of 1825, was sent from Ireland by Bill Power, chair of the St. George’s Arts and Heritage Centre; Amanda Slattery and Nichola Grufferty of Ballyhoura Development CLG and many friends in County Cork.

“On behalf of the Board of Nine Ships 1825 and our many community partners, we extend our sincere thanks for the wonderful gift of the Yew Tree Plaque that marks the friendship between our people on both sides of the Atlantic. It also marks the Ireland-Canada Homecoming Conference held last September at the Saint George’s Arts and Heritage Centre, where an identical copy of the plaque now rests,” said Brendan Moher, chair of Nine Ships 1825.

Micheál Martin, Ireland’s taoiseach — its equivalent of a prime minister — unveiled the plaque last year at the........

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