Kennedy clan gathers in north Tipp
From Queensland on the east coast of Australia to California on the west coast of the USA and from many areas in between, Kennedys and their relations gathered in north Tipperary last weekend for their eighth annual clan gathering.
Events kicked off on Sunday when over 100 enthusiastic clan members travelled through the foothills of Keeper Hill visiting the Kennedy homesteads and graveyards of many of their ancestors.
The beautiful village of Toor was the venue for a celebration of the life and times of Dr Henry Kennedy, a driving force in the establishment of the Irish Co-operative movement. A plaque in honour of Henry on the bridge in Toor was unveiled by his niece Sorcha Flannery.
From Toor, it was back to Chief Rody’s Bar in Rearcross. Brian Patrick Kennedy’s latest book - ‘The Dispersal of the Irish Kennedys across the Irish Republic from North Tipperary’ - was officially launched. Professor Mark Kennedy then presented his report on his Irish Kennedy DNA project, which has aroused great interest worldwide. Kennedy cousins from Cappamore delighted the attendance with a display of Irish dancing while chat and tracing continued on into the night.
On Tuesday it, was onto the town of Nenagh. Nora O'Meara facilitated a highly informative tour of Nenagh Heritage Centre where the undoubted highlight for many was their viewing of the Irish Kennedy Display curated by Phyllis Kennedy. This display, which contains copies of treaties dating back to the 14th century, Kennedy family genealogical charts from the time of Brian Ború and an eclectic mix of Kennedy memorabilia from past centuries, impressed all our visitors.
On to Nenagh Castle then for a tour guided by Kevin Whelan followed by a relaxing cuppa and chat in Abbey Court Hotel. It was then back to Rearcross early on Thursday morning where we boarded a bus to take us on a trip to Dunganstown, Co Wexford, to the Kennedy homestead of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Patrick Grennan, a valued member of the Irish Kennedy Heritage Group and JFK’s closest relative in Ireland, was an amiable and informative host.
We ambled at our leisure around the Kennedy homestead before settling down for the almost obligatory cup of tea. A stop–off in New Ross allowed us to go on board the Dunbrody Famine Ship – the very ship on which JFK’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy left Ireland on his way to Boston.
A short stop in the Kickham Pub in Tipperary Town was a welcome break on our trip home to Rearcross. Chief Rody had organised some Irish music for our international visitors and a sing-song was a lovely and appropriate end to a very enjoyable few days. No surprise that the final topic for discussion centred on possible plans for the 2019 Annual Gathering.