In 1916, a young poet, journalist and patriot called Joe Plunkett was marched to the lonely execution yard of Kilmainham Gaol
In 1916, a young poet, journalist and patriot called Joe Plunkett was marched to the lonely execution yard of Kilmainham Gaol… The taste of his new bride, Grace Gifford's, last kiss still on his lips. The lovers had married only hours before, an all too brief humble service in the prison chapel. The patriotic romance and tragedy was immortalised in the song "Grace" by the Wolfe Tones. As Plunkett, the youngest signature of the Proclamation faced the firing squad he said: “I am very happy I am dying for the glory of God and the honour of Ireland". No doubt Grace's dark eyes were the last thing he saw as the bullets flew. But there was even more darkness to this romantic image. An artist and political activist in her own right, Grace's life as a widow would be marred by loneliness and poverty. Rather unfairly Plunkett had made her promise to never remarry, lest it tarnish her image as a martyr's wife. Also, Grace didn't receive anything ...