Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland; martyr; born Loughcrew, County Meath, Ireland, 1629; died London, England, 1681. Of an illustrious family, he was educated privately at Dublin, and at the Irish College in Rome. Ordained in 1654, he taught in the College of the Propaganda, 1657-1669. Appointed Archbishop of Armagh, he was consecrated at Ghent, 1669. During his episcopacy he convened a national council, 1670, a provincial synod, 1678, defended the rights of his see against Dublin, and promoted Catholic education. During the renewed persecmion of the Irish Church, Plunket was arrested, 1679, and imprisoned in Dublin Castle. His trial was held in London in order to secure his conviction, and there he was hanged and quartered. Beatified 1920; canonized 1975 Feast, July 11,.