The sizeable array of events got underway on Friday, July 18 with a juvenile hurling game featuring the Laois O Leathlobhairs against the rest of Ireland. Like their football team on Sunday the Laois team were victorious with a 5-6 to 4-3 final score. Following the rigours of the game all involved were presented with a medal by the current clan Chieftain John Eldon and went on to enjoy a children’s fun evening complete with numerous games.

After the juvenile match the seniors took to the field. The combined O Leathlobhairs beat Ballypickas 5-7 to 3-7 in a very clean and sporting game. Both matches were refereed by Seamus Lalor of Stradbally.

Following the games the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band from Dublin led everyone from Father Breen Park to Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. Heading up the parade of O Leathlobhair was Clan Chieftain John Eldon, a life member from County Clare. The parade was enjoyed by many members of the Abbeyleix community who turned out in force despite the inclement weather.

The night ended with a social evening in the Manor Hotel with entertainment provided by Shane Furlong from Mountmellick; the Mary Gohery School of Irish Dancing; storyteller Jim Nolan from Myshall; singer/impersonator Lar Kelly from Galway; Dublin singer Fran Kelly; singer/guitarists Stephen Breen from Kildare and Stuart Lawlor from England.

Clan Chieftain John Eldon and Dublin Rose contestant Rachel Brennan presented medals to those who participated in the men’s senior hurling match.

Saturday, July 19, began with the clan’s annual general meeting at the Manor Hotel. There was an extremely good turnout for the 10th anniversary AGM. All officials for the following year were returned unopposed and are as follows: Chairperson/PRO Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick; vice chairperson David Lawlor; Secretary Anne Lalor; Assistant Mary Mahoney; treasurers Paddy Lalor and Richard Lalor. Committee Tom Lawlor, Michael Lalor MCC, John Lalor, PJ Lalor, Ursula Lawlor, Mary O’Rourke, Paddy Lalor, Mary Lalor-Fitzpatrick, Carole Lawlor-Millard, Tom Lalor and Paddy Lalor and Marion Gunn.

The county representatives to the Clans of Ireland were Aidan Lawlor (Meath), John Eldon (Dublin) and Declan Lawlor, Edward Lawlor and Mary Lalor (Cork).

One of the most exciting announcements at the meeting was the proposed trip to Australia in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of Peter Lalor of Tenakill.

Following lunch there was a trip to the graves of the Lalor family Tenakill in the old cemetery in Raheen. Clan Chieftain John Eldon laid a wreath on the graves of ‘Honest” Pat Lalor MP and his Richard Lalor MP. Richard Lalor-Fitzpatrick and his son Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick addressed the gathering.

The group then travelled to Ballytore Quaker Museum where they were met by Mary Malone and her assistant Louise who gave an extremely informative account of Mullaghmast the scene of an historic O Leathlobhair battle. Following a tour of the site it was back to Whelan’s of Ballyroan for light refreshments.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the clan banquet on Saturday evening in the Manor Hotel. The new clan chieftain was announced out of an initial 10 nominees. Two people were in the final run up. Carol Lawlor Millard and David Lawlor. Bill Geoghegan, the official clan piper played in the fully robed clan chieftain for 2003-2004, David Lawlor from Killeigh in Offaly.

Formerly from Clonaslee David is married to Ursula and they have four children, Peadar, Brian, Ann and Niamh. He is a retired insurance official who has a great interest in the GAA, reading, Irish history, the environment and farming. In his opening address David said he would do his living best to promote the clan .

Sunday, July 20 saw the clan gathered in the church of St Michael and All Angels in Abbeyleix for an ecumenical service. The Rev Anne Wallace welcomed the clan. Members took part in the readings.

Following the service the clan adjourned to the hotel for a farewell lunch.

Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick paid tribute to all involved in the weekend and said the clan committee was already working on activities for next year. He presented a medal to the youngest member of the clan, Katelyin Lawlor from England.

On sale during the weekend was a new book on James Fintan Lawlor by Thomas O’Neill from Carlow. It was translated from Irish by John Goulding from Wexford who was assisted by Thomas Hayes.

Annual membership of the O Leathlobhair clan is 7 and with a motto “Laidir agus dilis” (Strong and faithful) this is a clan that is sure to go from strength to strength.

Participants in the under 14 Juvenile Hurling Match. Rest of Ireland. Daniel Burke, Padraig Lalor, Seoise Kenny, Patrick Lalor, David Lalor, Stephen Lalor, Kevin Lalor, Darren Whelan, Micheal Kenny, Sean Dolan, Jacinta rafter, captain. Team manager David Lawlor.

Laois team: Denis Lennon, Philip Lalor, Daniel Lalor, Donal Coyne, T.J. Lalor, Jack Lalor, Ronan Doolan, Donal Lalor, Thomas Scully, Donal Lalor, M.J. Lalor, captain. Team manager PJ Lalor.

Senior hurling match. Laois team: PJ Lalor, Mark Kirwin, Eugene Hearns, Tony O’Dea, Anthony Carter, Fintan Lalor, Eamon Carter, Damien Lalor, Joe Carter, Barry Lalor, Fergal Lalor, Joe Dollard, Fergal Lalor and Colm Lalor, captain. Team managers Michae and John Lalor and David Lawlor.

Ballypickas team: Ray Dalton, Martin Murphy, Michael Dalton, Declan Cahill, Liam Whelan, Darragh Whelan, Scott Conroy, Noel Delaney, Paddy O’Brien, Anthony Costigan, Padraig Gorman and Michael McEvoy, captain. Team manager Lar Scully.