On a mild November day over 50 people gathered in Thomas Street to unveil the Ulster History Circle's Blue Plaque honouring Margaret Clarke who had been born in the street 123 years before. Newry and Mourne District Council had sponsored the plaque and as a tribute to a local woman who had been the favourite pupil of the great Irish artist, William Orpen, and a great artist in her own right, had laid on an exhibition of her work in the town Museum, housed in the newly discovered, and restored, Bagenal's Castle, in Castle Street.

Margaret's biographer, Hilary Pyle, was present as were a dozen members of Margaret's descendants; granddaughers and great grandchildren, great grandnephews and great grandneices, some from as far as Tipperary. The Council had also provided transport to and from Thomas Street and refreshments in the Castle afterwards.

It was also clear that there was much local interest and many of the local residents had come to join in the festivities. The plaque was placed on the house presently occupied by Veronica McSloy who said that she was proud to have it there.

The events were well planned and Noreen Cunningham, the Museum Curator, oversaw their delivery efficiently and smoothly. When the Mayor was unable to attend as he had intended to do, she stepped into the breach and delivered his speech for him, without missing a beat!

Margaret's granddaughter, Ann Simmons, who unveiled the plaque, spoke of her grandmother with affection. She recalled sitting for her, in a yellow dress (she didn't like yellow but it was her grandmother's favourite colour), with a doll (she didn't have a doll but but it was supplied). However, she did like the painting and had it still and produced a photograph for inspection.