The O'Leathlobhair Clan Rally 2008

The O Leathlobhair clan rally held in Abbeyleix over the weekend was another huge success.

The weekend event got underway with a challenge football match between Shanahoe and Ratheniska u-14 ladies teams. Ratheniska proved victorious on a 4-5 to 2-1 score line. Then back to the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for a buffet and entertainment. Medals where presented to both teams by the outgoing Chieftain PJ Lalor.

The clans business end of the weekend took place on Saturday morning when their held the AGM. The afternoon walking tour of Portlaoise started with a visit to the James Finton Lalor memorial statue recently erected and ending at the annual visit to Whelan's Bar in Ballyroan for tea & sandwiches

The highlight of the weekend was a superb clan banquet with dancing to music supplied by the Statesmen with visitors from America, Holland and the regulars from England enjoying the festivities

Abbeyleix man Tom Lalor, was piped into the hall by Durrow piper Joe O Leary and announced as the Chieftain of the O Leathlobhair Clan for the coming year.

Tom, originally from Shanahoe is married to Brigid and lives along the Ballyroan Road. The couple has two children Gareth and Sheila. Now retired Tom had worked as a policeman in America for many years and returned to Abbeyleix where the couple set up a B&B. Tom said he was honoured and proud to be a member of the highly respected O Leathlobhair Clan. He said he would have a hard act to follow in the shoes of past chieftains particularly the outgoing one PJ Lalor, but would do his best.

 PJ said among the highlights of his term of office was visiting the Flight of Earls Festival in Donegal and his attendance at the civic reception held in honour of the O Malley clan held recently.

The following morning clan members were welcomed to Ballyroan Church of Ireland for the annual ecumenical service which was celebrated by Canon Patrick Harvey.

A final meal was served to members in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel to bid adieu to all clan members until next year if not sooner.