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O’Meachair Gathering, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, 2013
Ireland this year has been host to a multitude of large and small “gatherings” as the country has welcomed home those whose ancestors or who, themselves, once lived in the country, as well as those who wish they had. I sought out Maher-related events high and wide in anticipation of the call for eager visitors, but was not able to learn of any plans until mostly after the fact. It is good news, however, that the ancient clan is active and accounted for and, no doubt, a great time was had by all!
On the weekend of March 8 the town of Waterford celebrated the entry of the three-color flag into Ireland in 1848 by future Brigadier General of the American Civil War, Thomas Francis Meagher, upon his return from France, where he had been visiting with revolutionary-minded peers. An annual commemoration, this year Meagher’s great great grandson, Gilbert, was the event’s VIP Guest of Honor.
A private Meagher reunion occurred on May 11 in Portlaoise, County Laois, the county of origin of my own great great grandfather. Another private Maher reunion occurred on August 11 at Two Mile Borris, Thurles, County Tipperary.
Caitriona Meagher gratiously filled me in on the event she helped to organize in Roscrea, Tipperary for the weekend of August 24. This began with an ‘O Meachair’ family tour. “Family members were treated to a special outing to visit historical landmarks of importance, stories of the clan were swapped, tales of yesteryear were recalled and special guest speakers paid tribute to prominent clan members.”
Willie Hayes launched the trip from Roscrea Castle. At Sean Ross, “the principal burial place of the O’Meachairs” George Cunningham gave a talk. From there the group traveled to Monahincha, “where the O’Meachairs were Priors of the Island during the Middle Ages.” At Clonan, Anna Mackey spoke about the O’Meachair family saints and Caitriona Meagher spoke about the Meaghers of Clonan.” At Camblin Church, Damian Shiels (author of The Irish in the American Civil War) spoke about Thomas Francis Meagher, and Adrian Hewson paid tribute to Sgt. Marty Maher. Hewson also spoke at Clonakenny Castle, where the group had lunch together.
The group then left for Killea, where Seosamb Devine gave a talk, followed by their return to Roscrea via Templemore Castle. Some went on to visit Annameadle or other O’Meachair sites (Templemore, Templetouhy, Bawnmadrum, Boullabawn and Knockballymeagher suggested).
A DVD is being edited from the day’s events and Meagher said that “planning is already underway for next year. It looks like it will happen in conjunction with the Beó festival at the end of August.”
Hospitable and bold in danger, a cheer to the clan and their celebrations!
©2013 Janet Maher / Sinéad Ni Mheachair
All Rights Reserved
What a wonderful age we live in, in that we can be so connected to the past and also the present…We truly do have one foot either side of time…
Yes, indeed, and you’ve said it so well!
The Meagher events were well flagged here in Ireland – they are a well organized lot these Meaghers! Hope they can put you on their mailing lists for next year!
Hi Angela, I hope so too. I will likely come over in the spring and hope I can meet some of them in person – and you, too!
Now that would be GOOD!
Hi Janet,
We hope you and your followers can join us on the 22nd and 23rd August 2014 to commemorate the Gaelic Clan of O’Meachair / Maher/ Meagher and to celebrate their ancient homeland the Barony of Ikerrin
For further details log on to http://www.omeachairofikerrin.com
Kind regards,
William Maher
Thank you, William. Although I will be going back to teaching then, and will have to miss this, I will be coming your way at the end of May. I’ll email you off-blog to see if it may be possible to meet you then. Wishing you well, Janet
William , I heard from Margaret and Clare that the reunion was a great success. I would love to have been there but NZ is a long way away .I was the little piggy that stayed home. i was there in spirit.I would love to attend the centenary of the Easter Uprising. Here’s hoping. Honora Ann Monteith NZ
hI William,
jUS FINISHED LISTENING TO THE iRISH rEBEL SONGS WHICH HAS SET MY BLOOD TO BOILING POINT.I also read about Robert onteith and the part that he played.Interesting that he worked in with Casement.I am married to William Monteith….there must be a connection as all of the Monteiths originated from around Lake Monteith in Aberfoyle Scotland.Knowing the Monteith family it would not surprise me that there is a connection as once they have given their word, that is that.I do want to go over to the centenary and am wracking my brains as to getting there. Clare tells me that she enjoys the contact with you through facebook.Our daughter Mary An n is in the process of bringing me into the hi tech era so I wil be on facebook soon. Cheers Honora Ann Monteith (Slattery)NZ
Do we know if there is a way to get the DVD yet? It is a wonderful thing to get all these stories, legend, lore and history documented! I would be interested in getting a copy.
Sharlee Maher
Additionally, we will be in Ireland in Sept. and would love a little tour highlight of places to go that are of historical significance to the O’Meaghers.