Famous Laois flyer to be honoured again in Portlaoise

The annual memorial event for one of Ireland's most famous flying men takes place in Portlaoise in April.

The Col James Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society annual wreath-laying commemorative event to mark the 96th anniversary of one of the most famous flights in aviation history takes place on Friday, April 12 at Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise. 

The Society will be joined at the event by representatives of the Irish Air Corps, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Post 27 Portlaoise Branch, elected representatives of Laois County Council and Laois Heritage Society to mark this historic flight and in particular to remember one of Laois and Portlaoise favourite sons.

The Society thank all for their continued support to ensure that the legacy of 'Fitz' and his contribution to aviation in Ireland. They are continuing to work up to the Centenary of the flight (2028) and projects beyond. MORE BELOW PICTURE:

The 96th anniversary commemoration of the first East West transatlantic flight by Col James Fitzmaurice held at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise in 2024. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The first East West Transatlantic Flight in a Junkers W33 aircraft 'Bremen,' was major international news both in Europe and the US, and was front page news on the New York Times.

The achievement saw Col Fitzmaurice and the Irish Air Corps and his German teammates, Captain Herman Kohl and Baron Von Huenefeld touring America as well as receiving the Congressional Medal of Honour from President Calvin Coolidge and being feted by large crowds in cities across the country.

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Son of a prison officer and educated at St Mary's CBS, a monument to Colonel Fitzmaurice was unveiled in his hometown of Portlaoise in 2001.

On the 45th Anniversary of the flight, 12th April 1973, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Taoiseach, Mr. Liam Cosgrave, at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonell. The granite marker, shows the outline of a monoplane and the words: 'Bremen 1928.' Truly a magnificent achievement by Captain Hermankohl, Colonel James Fitzmaurice and Baron Von Heunfeld. A landmark in the history of aviation and an achievement which demanded outstanding courage and determination and one worthy to be remembered with pride by present and future generations'.