On the 1st July, Canada Day, we celebrate a profound chapter in our shared history—commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settlers and the enduring bond between the Ballyhoura region of Ireland and Upper Canada.

A poignant ceremony held on May 9th in Cobh, County Cork—where the original journey began in 1825—marked the beginning of this historic bicentennial. Brendan Moher of Nine Ships 1825 Inc., based in Peterborough, Ontario, presented a commemorative plaque to Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in honour of the communities of the Ballyhoura Region whose ancestors made the courageous voyage across the Atlantic.

The plaque bears a moving inscription:

“May the vast waters of the North Atlantic never separate us from the warm fires we forever will share at the hearth of our Irish and Canadian families.”

The plaque was later formally presented to the Board of Ballyhoura Development CLG during a recent meeting held at the serene Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, County Limerick.

Ballyhoura Development CLG expressed deep pride in leading the upcoming Ireland-Canada Homecoming Events this September, in collaboration with local communities. The organisation is also partnering with Nine Ships 1825 for their August commemorative programme in Peterborough, celebrating a legacy of emigration, resilience, and cultural kinship.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Nine Ships 1825 committee on curating a beautiful programme of events,” said Amanda Slattery, Development Manager at Ballyhoura Development. “We look forward to participating in the August commemorations in Canada and warmly welcoming our Canadian friends home to Ireland this September.”

This year’s commemorations mark a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between Ireland and Canada—honouring the courage of those who left their homeland two centuries ago and the communities that continue to remember and celebrate their legacy.

Ireland-Canada Homecoming Event poster with QR code

Amanda Slattery, Manager at Ballyhoura Development CLG with Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Dennis King, at the Canada Day Celebration in Dublin

Nine Ships 1825 event programme cover 

May 9th wreath laying ceremony with descendants in Cobh 

Board of Ballyhoura Development CLG with plaque

Ireland Canada Homecoming 2025

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