MEMBERS of the McGrath clan worldwide have been descending on the Border village of Pettigo, Co Donegal, for the first international McGrath clan gathering which started last night.
Invitations have been issued to such people as footballer Paul McGrath and GAA manager Peter McGrath to compete for the title of clan chieftain. The chieftain will be chosen at a banquet in Pettigo tomorrow night.
The three day festival was inspired by the legendary 16th century rogue Bishop of Clogher, Dr Miler McGrath, a man who became a Catholic and Protestant bishop and charmed Queen Elizabeth I.
The ubiquitous Dr McGrath was born near Pettigo in 1523 and died in Cashel, Co Tipperary, in 1623. He became a Franciscan priest and shortly afterwards became Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor. However, due to financial difficulties, the flexible Dr McGrath converted to Protestantism, moved to Tipperary and married an O'Meara. He had nine children.
"The idea owes a lot to Miler. He was a charming rogue, a master swordsman who could scheme in Latin, Irish, English and French. He looked after all his relatives very well but none of his considerable family came to his funeral," said organiser and historian Mr John Cunningham.
"We've invited Paul McGrath and hopefully Down GAA manager, Peter McGrath, will also be there. I know that Tom McGrath, who ran with the Olympic torch a few days ago, is flying over from New York to claim the title."