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The
Ó Leathlobhair Clan Annual rally 2005
The Annual Clan rally of the Ó Leathlobhair's
was held on Friday, July 8 to Sunday,
July 10. at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix, County Laois.
The fun started in Fr Breen Park were an U-14 junior hurling match
was played featuring an
Abbeyleix Select and an "O'Leathlobhair's" select. Following the game there
was refreshments served in the hotel. and an evening of
entertainment took place, as well as the presentation of medals
to the teams by Chieftain Carole Lalor-Milland. The game was
organised by P.J. Lalor
The entertainment was provided by Gráinne Buggie school of
Irish dancing, The Gabriel Lynam school of Irish dancing featuring
Riverdance, story-teller Jim Nolan, comedy act Bridie Phelan and
traditional Irish music group Tradann. There was also a number
of local entertainers who performed on the night.
Clan Chieftain Carole Lawlor Millard made the medal presentation to the
players. The O' Leathlobhair Clan AGM started at
10.30am on Saturday in the Manor Hotel, amongst other things covered
the election of new officers, the Pilgrimage to Australia, the possibility of a Clan Flag, and
distribution of Clan Newsletters. Lunch was served late, owing to a
rather 'heated' end to the meeting. Following lunch the annual
'coach' trip around the Ancestral Lands took in a visit to Crooked Wood Crafts,
a local wood craftsman who after supplying us with refreshments,
gave us a guided tour of his small but very interesting business,
showing us the process from the rough cut wood to the end product,
finishing in his shop with many splendid carved wooden ornaments and
tables. We then travelled to the Donaghmore Workhouse museum, which
is also full of old agricultural equipment and carts. We then
carried on to the usual refreshment point, Whelan’s
Bar, in Ballyroan (second 'home' of ex-Chieftain (2001-02) John Lalor,
so he said) for sandwiches and a drop of the 'black stuff'' of
course coffee without milk. In the evening the clan banquet took
place in the hotel, and after an excellent meal, music was provided by popular group Unity. The election of a new
Chieftain was held and former Chieftain Marion Lalor-Gunn (2000-01)
was re-elected once again, and piped in by the official piper, Bill
Geoghan, Marion wearing the Chieftains cloak and carrying the Clan
Staff, to a round of applause from a well attended evening. Our
out-going Chieftain Carole Lalor-Milland gave a speech on her year as
Chieftain. More singing and dancing took place into the early hours.
Diarmuid O'Cathasaigh the last singer sang 'Is e mo laoch' that was
followed by the National Anthem, Amhrn na bhFiann, (A Soldiers Song)
which rounded off a really good night enjoyed by all. And so to
bed........... On Sunday an Ecumenical service was held in the Church of
Adoration, Abbeyleix at midday. This was followed by a farewell
lunch in the Manor Hotel.
Annual registration was also taken over the weekend at a cost 10 euros per person. Anyone wishing to join or receive the
Clan newsletters by e-mail go to the link on this website. Watch
this website for next years event, the Gathering of the O'Leathlobhair
Clan
At this point I would like to thank all who organised this and all
the other events through the years, I know from my own experience it
is not easy. You know who you are!
JSL
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