Irish Kennedy Clan Gathering 2025
Families from around the world meet in Nenagh
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Professor Mark Kennedy giving his talk on DNA at the Abbey Court.Image 2 of 4
Pat Kennedy addressing visitors about the Kennedy Display Nenagh in Heritage Centre.Image 3 of 4
Ger Maher explaining one of the less palatable displays in Nenagh's old gaol.Image 4 of 4
Attendees at the Medieval Banquet in Bunratty.From early on the Friday evening, it was clear that there was huge interest in the presentation on how best to interpret and use DNA results, to be given by Professor Mark Kennedy.
People from many corners of Ireland, as well as visitors from New Zealand, Australia, UK and the United States gathered in the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh in anticipation.
After the hotel staff had manfully provided extra seating for the larger than expected crowd, the Gathering was formally opened by Richard Kennedy, Chairperson of the Irish Kennedy Heritage Group. He expressed his regret at the unavoidable absence of our historian and founder Brian Patrick Kennedy from this year’s gathering, and conveyed the good wishes of all present to Brian and his extended Kennedy family, before introducing Mark to the Gathering.
It was then over to Mark, who brought the attendees patiently through his carefully prepared visual presentation on how the use of DNA can be used in conjunction with written records to fill in some gaps in family histories. This was interspersed with a question and answer element as Mark answered some general queries from the audience.
As a very enjoyable finale, those present were each able to give a short account of his or her own stories as they travelled along the road of unravelling their family histories.
With tea and light bites provided at the interval and the availability of stronger nourishment afterwards in the hotel bar, a very enjoyable and informative night was had by all.
HERITAGE CENTRE
Saturday morning saw us gather at Nenagh Heritage Centre to view the IKHG Display curated by Phyllis and Pat Kennedy. Pat gave a brief history of how the display came to be housed in the Heritage Centre.
People then had the opportunity to amble around the display and study the various displays at their leisure, while the genial Ger from the Heritage Centre guided those interested, in an enjoyable tour of the Gaol Complex.
Later on Saturday afternoon we gathered under the blazing sunshine in Bunratty Folk Park to get a sense of what life was like in olden times in Ireland. Then, into the castle itself for the medieval banquet.
King Henry was a loud, rambunctious, but genial host, and we were treated to the best of food and entertainment by his company of musicians, singers, waiters and waitresses. Armed with just a small ‘dagger’ (no forks and spoons) and fortified by a plentiful supply of mead and wine, we forgot our 21st century niceties as we happily slurped our soup, fingered our spare ribs, knifed our chicken and vegetables, before finishing off with a tasty desert and a nice cup of tea/coffee. An event thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A special mention to Kelvin Kennedy, aka Lord Kelvin, who unfortunately earned the unwanted attention of King Henry, and, unjustly, found himself cast in the dungeon during the course of the evening. However, he succeeded in liberating himself through leading the diners in a verse of song, and happily Kelvin was restored to the bosom of his Kennedy Clan.
Well done, Kelvin, you were a good sport.
If you are interested in getting more information about the Irish Kennedys, you can look us up on Facebook, www.irishkennedyheritagegroup.ie or contact Tom at 0876545646.