Randal Plunkett, 19th Baron of Dunsany facts for kids

Randal Arthur Henry Plunkett, 19th Baron of Dunsany (born 25 August 1906 – died 8 February 1999) was an important Irish nobleman. He was the only child of the famous writer and playwright Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany. His mother was Lady Beatrice Child Villiers.

The Plunkett Family Home: Dunsany Castle

The main home for the Lords Dunsany is Dunsany Castle in County Meath, Ireland. This historic castle, along with nearby Killeen Castle, was built a very long time ago by Geoffrey de Cusack. He was a tenant of Sir Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, who came to Ireland with Strongbow in the 1170s. Sir Hugh was given most of County Meath.

The Plunkett family of Dunsany and Killeen are related to Geoffrey de Cusack. The castle was built on a spot that might have been an old fort, which is where the name "Dunsany" comes from. The Plunkett family gained both castles in the early 1400s through a marriage. Dunsany Castle is thought to be one of the oldest homes in Ireland that has been lived in continuously by the same family.

Randal Plunkett's Early Life and Title

Randal Plunkett was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 25 August 1906. He went to school at Eton College in England. In 1957, he became the 19th Lord Dunsany after his father, the 18th Lord Dunsany, passed away.

Serving in the Army

Randal Plunkett joined the British Army in 1926. He later moved to the British Indian Army. Over nearly 20 years, he served in regiments like the Guides Cavalry and the Indian Armoured Corps.

He fought on the North-West Frontier in 1930 and was honored for his service. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. During World War II, he also served on the North-West Frontier. In 1941, he led a group of soldiers through the Khojak Pass in what is now Pakistan. He also worked in Central Asia to stop German forces from advancing south. Later, he was sent to North Africa and fought in the important Battle of El Alamein. He left the army in 1947 and received a medal for his service.

Randal Plunkett's Family Life

On 23 August 1938, Randal Plunkett married Vera de Sá Sottomaior. They had one son, Edward John Carlos Plunkett, who later became the 20th Lord Dunsany. Randal and Vera divorced in 1947.

On 8 October 1947, Randal Plunkett married Sheila Victoria Katrin Philipps. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Philipps from Picton Castle. From this marriage, their daughter Beatrice Mary Plunkett was born on 15 July 1948.

Randal Plunkett enjoyed playing polo when he was in the army. Later, he managed the hunting activities for the Tara Harriers. After leaving the army, he took charge of Dunsany Castle and Demesne. He and his wife often visited Henry McIlhenny at Glenveagh in County Donegal, where he enjoyed hunting deer and fishing.

Randal Dunsany passed away in 1999 after a long illness. He was buried near Dunsany Castle. He was survived by both of his children.

Important Contributions

Randal Dunsany played a key role in setting up the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem in Ireland. On 21 September 1962, the official start of the Order in Ireland took place at Dunsany Castle. Randal Dunsany became the first leader of the Order in Ireland. He and his wife helped pay for the decoration of the Chapel of St Stephen at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, which became the Order's chapel in Ireland.