Irish Kennedy Clan Gathering enjoys trip around North Tipperary

MANY Kennedys of Irish descent enjoyed a very enjoyable and informative weekend around North Tipperary last weekend.

Their youngest visitor this year was twelve year old MacDara Kennedy, who came to them from New York via Rathcabbin. At the other end of the age spectrum was eighty five year old Lawrence Kennedy, who comes every year from London to visit his old homestead in Glenculoo.

They gathered early on Saturday morning in Nenagh Heritage Centre where visitors were able to see hundreds of years of Irish Kennedy History in the newly updated display curated by Phyllis Kennedy. As their genial host Ger Maher guided groups around the gaol complex, Kennedys traded stories of family history and folklore while checking out old Ormond deeds, land leases, old photographs and a genealogical chart covering a thousand years of Kennedy ancestry. Many thanks to Nora and staff of the Heritage Centre for facilitating them on the day.

After an opportunity to explore the town of Nenagh, it was then on to lovely Garrykennedy and a very pleasant cruise on Lough Derg on board the Ku-ee-tu as skipper Ted regaled them with a mixture of interesting facts and ancient lore. Afterwards, the Kennedys enjoyed a delicious meal in Larkin’s Bar under the watchful eye of Maura Hayes. Later, as the sun beamed down, they spent many pleasant hours exchanging tales of both present and bygone days.

On Sunday afternoon the attention shifted to Kennedy’s Bar in Rearcross, where the emphasis was on progressing the Irish Kennedy DNA project. Under the expert eyes of Professor Mark Kennedy and Paddy Waldron, members had the opportunity to have samples of their DNA submitted for analysis or to have previous results examined and explained.

All in all, another great weekend for Kennedys from far and near in the pleasant surroundings of North Tipperary. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís.

If interested in further information, contact Tom at (087) 654564