It is with excited anticipation that my friend and I are now preparing our Loyola University Maryland courses for a paired Art and Science experience in County Clare, Ireland. Our students and we will be at the Burren College of Art from the end of May through the end of June! We will use Instagram primarily to post aspects we wish to share. I intend to also post here, hoping that those who follow this blog will find the images and text to be interesting, even if not directly Maher-related. Looking through digital photographs from my artist residency three years ago at the College, I found two of Maher graves at Corcomroe Abbey (above). Maher references never fail to find me in my extensive journeys within Ireland and Connecticut. Sometimes a hovering spot appears in an image, as on the Patrick Maher grave here. Perhaps I’m superstitious, but I interpret this phenomenon as a spirit visitation, making its support of my continued search for illusive answers known!
That the rabbit hole of my Irish research and in-depth genealogy work since 2006 has brought me to this point in time feels astonishing. The many years of following my instincts as an artist, continually evolving my teaching, and allowing myself to veer onto a path of research that seemed (to some) to have led my decades of artwork trajectory astray has beautifully come full circle to the present! This new Study Abroad opportunity for Loyola creates a collaboration between Fine Arts and Biology — and will also be the culmination of my teaching career. I am thrilled that it also brings me to Ireland for a fifth time! Until our adventure begins, please enjoy my various Ireland boards on Pinterest and enjoy Mother’s Day!
©2019 Janet Maher / Sinéad Ni Mheachair
Maher Matters 
Hi Janet— so excited for you! Can’t wait to see who you discover next!
Love you—💕💕💕 Laurie
Can’t get to you by phone but hoping your Mother’s Day is wonderful!
Janet,
Beautiful photos. I am struck by the inscription on Patrick Maher’s stone – it says that five sons died on a day in March 1982 and his wife the next month. Such a sad list – do you find out the cause of this tragedy?
Hello Paul, I hadn’t read it that carefully, so thank you for pointing those details out. It is very sad. I did notice the similar first names that get repeated in so many clusters wherever I see Maher graves. This day I was only traipsing through the grass with a friend and spotted the stones in the graveyard. Have not done any research on the Mahers of that area. I will say, however, that both in that area of Ireland and in Kildare (not areas that I suspect to find relatives) I had episodes of uncanny feelings about an individual each who came into my orbit looking like incarnations of my father. Good to hear from you! (And thank you for liking the photos.) Janet
Janet,
Congratulations on your newest endeavors! Sounds like a winner! I’ll keep posted, literally! Here’s my latest for The Eagle: Al for now! Kev
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/kevin-ohara-the-medal-not-taken,573057
Hello Kevin, What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing that. Am I correct in assuming that you are the author of one of my favorite Ireland-related books — Last of the Donkey Pilgrims? I have purchased copies to give away and have talked about it a lot. Most recently I gave it to my former student, about to graduate, who accomplished his own feat, adventuring through his adoptive home while in college. He made long walks that led him eventually through all 279 neighborhoods in Baltimore, several multiple times. You can read about him here:
http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/around-campus/15170/finding-belonging-discovering-baltimore
We’re really happy that a publication will be worked on this summer featuring photos he returned to take in a few of his favorite places. Great that you’re still writing! All good wishes, Janet
Thank you for the link to the Loyola report on the student’s exploration of Baltimore. I now live close to Philadelphia, and while I am too old to take such extensive walks I’m pleased to be reminded that every large city has many neighborhoods to visit.
Hi Paul, so much to do and see in Philadelphia too! I hope you enjoy your new home and surroundings and find neighborhoods that you enjoy exploring! -Janet
Congratulations, Janet. You are following a dream and helping us all find those little pieces of our families that help to make them real and close to us. How wonderful of you to share the joy with others and pass the quest on to other generations.
Thanks,
Sue N.
Hello Sue, thank you. You are certainly part of my journey. I hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day. Good to hear from you! Janet
Congratulations! Your blog has been included in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2019/05/friday-fossicking-17-may-2019.html
Thank you, Chris
Hello Janet. I was wondering if you have taken a DNA test. I am a Butler, living in County Kilkenny, and my ancestors are from around Freshford; including Ballydowel (Ballydoole archaic).
Hello James, yes, I have. Please email me at janet at janetmaher.com. All good wishes, Janet
Hi, Janet
Loved the post and comments. I know you and your students will thoroughly enjoy yourselves, and encounter new discoveries that will enrich your lives.
Cousin Neal
Have a post on its way here. Left a message to you. Great news!
Janet,
Here’s my latest, Kev
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/kevin-ohara-my-dad-and-larry-bird,576749
Congrats, Kevin!