The Annual East-West Transatlantic Flight Commemoration 2026 took place at Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise on Sunday, April 12. The event marked the 98th anniversary of the first ever east-west transatlantic flight and the role local Portlaoise man Col. James Fitzmaurice played in the historic flight. The commemoration included speeches by members of the Irish Air Corps, the Col. Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society and a student from CBS Portlaoise, the school Col. Fitzmaurice attended. There was also a flyover by Limetree Airfield representatives. Take a look through some of the photos from the event captured by photographer Alf Harvey. Laying wreaths, Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, Louise Fennelly from the Fitzmaurice Society, Tom Mooney, Post 27 UN Veterans, and Sinead Holland of Laois Libraries.

placeholder image — The Annual East-West Transatlantic Flight Commemoration 2026 took place at Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise on Sunday, April 12. The event marked the 98th anniversary of the first ever east-west transatlantic flight and the role local Portlaoise man Col. James Fitzmaurice played in the historic flight. The commemoration included speeches by members of the Irish Air Corps, the Col. Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society and a student from CBS Portlaoise, the school Col. Fitzmaurice attended. There was also a flyover by Limetree Airfield representatives. Take a look through some of the photos from the event captured by photographer Alf Harvey. Laying wreaths, Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, Louise Fennelly from the Fitzmaurice Society, Tom Mooney, Post 27 UN Veterans, and Sinead Holland of Laois Libraries.

PICTURES: Community gathers for commemorative event honouring Portlaoise man

Published 14th Apr 2026, 21:33 GMT

Col. James Fitzmaurice was celebrated at the 98th anniversary of the first east-west transatlantic flight

Laois UN Veterans Association Post 27 members and Air Corps members.

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Laois UN Veterans Association Post 27 members and Air Corps members.

David and Kian Butler.

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David and Kian Butler.

Harry McGree from St. Mary’s CBS speaking at Fitzmaurice Place Portlaoise.

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Harry McGree from St. Mary’s CBS speaking at Fitzmaurice Place Portlaoise.

Bugler Martin Rachev and Piper Anthony Byrne.

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Bugler Martin Rachev and Piper Anthony Byrne.

Portlaoise Laois

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