Over one hundred guests, from all parts of Ireland from the USA and from New Zealand, gathered in the picturesque Glenelly Valley to honour one of Glenelly's famous sons. We were top heavy with Professors and other academics, from Trinity College Dublin, the Royal Irish Acadamy, the National Gallery of Ireland; even the University of Chicago. The typically soft Irish weather did nothing to dampen the festivities that were the culmination of a series of events and projects undertaken by the Glenelly Historical Society. The projects included the restoration of the MacCullagh family vault in St Patrick's Church graveyard, a major undertaking in itself. The Parish of Upper Badoney had arranged several tents/gazebos in the car park that not only kept everyone dry but served welcome tea and sandwiches.

Normally when doing an unveiling in poor weather the procedure is to say a few short words, unveil the plaque and get under shelter for the speechifying. Not on this occasion. Since most of the guests were already under canvass the only ones in the open were the speakers (under brollies) and the photographers. Such was the quality of the contributions that no one noticed that the process took over half an hour.

When the ceremony was over the guests were treated to a presentation and several addresses in the church. Speakers for this part of the proceedings were Alan McFarlane of the Glenelly Historical Society, Professor Peter McCullagh, University of Chicago, Dr Marie Bourke, National Gallery of Ireland and Dr Raghnall O'Floinn, National Museum of Ireland.

It was clear that James MacCullagh was a hero to a lot of people, institutions and organisations. The Glenelly Historical Society did his memory proud.

The Circle is grateful to its sponsors; Strabane District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and to the Glenelly Historical Society for its help in an very successful blue plaque event.