EVENTS:SEVEN IRISH clans will hold family reunions this summer.
One family, the Butlers, will return in droves to their ancient stronghold of Kilkenny Castle this August. The Butlers were not the first to hold a family get-together. In 1963, the O’Mahonys of Schull received invitations in the name of their chief, Vicomte de O’Mahony, to gather and dance in Dunmanus Castle on the Mizen peninsula in Co Cork. Later this month, The O’Mahonys are holding their annual open-air meeting at one of their 16 castles – the romantic ivy-covered Ardintenant Castle in Co Cork.
Summer reunion rallies vary considerably. Some have a genealogical emphasis and a DNA project, and most of them tour sites of interest to the family. During their July rally this year, the O’Driscolls of Baltimore, Co Cork, as befits their pirate past, will spend a lot of time on the high seas, visiting various islands and suitable sounding hostelries, such as the Jolly Roger.
The Lawlors in Abbeyleix, Co Laois are opening their July gathering with a hurling match, while the O’Dwyers plan a dinner at the Cashel Palace Hotel, Co Tipperary, in September.
As Hubert Butler wrote: “Rallies bring together the scattered branches, and for a few days ties of blood and family count more than the national and political differences which inevitably divide us and, importantly, they preserve the records, the history and the still living traditions.”