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Saint Oliver Plunkett was born in Loughcrew in County Meath on November 1st 1625. In 1647 he went to study for the priesthood in the Irish College in Rome. On January 1st 1654, he was ordained a priest in Rome.
Due to religious persecution with the ferocious Penal Laws, it was not possible for him to return to minister to his people. Oliver taught in Rome until 1669, when he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.
Archbishop Plunkett soon established himself as a man of peace and, with religious fervor, set about visiting his people, establishing schools, ordaining priests, and confirming thousands. 1673 brought a renewal of religious persecution, and bishops were banned by edict. Archbishop Plunkett went into hiding, suffering a great deal from cold and hunger. His many letters showed his determination not to abandon his people, but to remain a faithful shepherd. He thanked God 'Who gave us the grace to suffer for the chair of Peter.' The persecution eased a little and he was able to move more openly among his people.
In 1679 he was arrested and falsely charged with treason. The government in power could not get him convicted at his trial in Dundalk. He was brought to London and was unable to defend himself because he was not given time to bring his own witnesses from Ireland. He was put on trial, and with the help of perjured witnesses, was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. With deep serenity of soul, he was prepared to die, calmly rebutting the charge of treason, refusing to save himself by giving false evidence against his brother bishops. He publicly forgave all those who were responsible for his death on July 1st 1681.
His national shrine containing his head is in Drogheda and, here in Galway, the church in Renmore is dedicated to him as it was opened shortly after his canonization on October 12th 1975. There is a beautiful shrine with a relic to pray at. The number 2 bus will leave you near there if you disembark on the Dublin Road or at either Duggans or Molloys Centra Shop.
