The weather smiled on the gathering of the extended family of Joe Gilmore to honour his life and achievements at home in Ireland and in Newfoundland, where he had hoped to make his permanent home at the end of WW2. His descendants and relatives had come from all over the world; from America, Canada, Germany, Spain, England, Scotland, and Ireland. There was a great family atmosphere, people chatting, smiling and reminiscing; cameras clicking, videos whirring.

Victor Price of the Ulster History Circle, welcomed everyone, especially the Gilmore family. He explained the role of the Circle in honouring men and women of distinction in a tangible way and thanked the Down District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support in remembering a local hero. He thanked the present owner of the house, Karen McCrissican, for allowing the plaque to be erected. Councillor William Dick, Council Chairman, said that the Council was glad to be associated with the event and hoped it would be a memorable day for the family.

Ernie Cromie of the Ulster Aviation Society remarked that this was the 100th anniversary of the first successful flight in Ireland, in a powered aircraft that had been designed, built and flown by its native-born pilot, Harry Ferguson, who had gone on to fame and fortune in a different mechanical field. In his own way Joe Gilmore had a similar impact, in his direct involvement in the successful movement of bombers across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of the war effort. He reminded listeners that the very first of these, seven Lockheed Hudsons, had arrived from Gander at RAF Aldergrove on 11 November 1940. He commended the Ulster History Circle and Lecale and Downe Historical Society for this occasion and suggested that similar figures in Ulster aviation might be similarly honoured.

Ernie's address, in full, is available H E R E

Jim Watkins, who had come all the way from Tipperary spoke of the Joe Gilmore that, as a boy of six, he had known. He spoke of Joe's career in the Irish Army Air force, about his parachute jumps and aerial photography and of his exploits in the airplane he had bought, crashed and rebuilt. This included his flight with Joe when his brother had to hold the door shut! When the plane was finally written off he had rescued the compass and later presented it to the Air Museum which had refused to let him have it back for today's event.

Joe's eldest son Patrick, described in detail the main events in his father's life, from his school days, mechanical apprenticeship and local businessman, through his time in the Army Air Force and Imperial Airways to his finest hours and final end in Newfoundland, a land and people he had come to love and wished to remain among. He said that this was a special day for the family and thanked the Ulster History Circle and Lecale and Downe Historical Society for making it possible.

Patrick's address, in full, is available H E R E

The final speaker was Art Magennis, who had started the process when he contacted the Ulster History Circle several years ago. Art had grown up in Ardglass and had known Joe Gilmore well. His father had been Joe's schoolmaster. He spoke of Joe's prowess as a sportsman and of his commitment to the cause of Irish unity during the war of independence. As a committed IRA volunteer he had spearheaded the removal of a wounded comrade from Down Infirmary and spiriting him by boat from Kilclief hoping to reach the Co Louth coast. However, the boat had been intercepted and Joe had spent about six months in jail.

The craic continued for several hours afterwards in the Commercial Bar, during and after refreshments.

Some photos of the event are shown below.