It was an early start at 9.30 the following morning. Judging by the low attendance for 9.30 most had stayed until the very end of the previous nights festivities. A steady trickle of people arrived as the morning wore on though, some looking slightly the worse for wear.

The first event of the morning was the Clann Ard Fheis - which comprised the Secretary's report, Treasurers report and election of committee members.

Ben Kavanaugh presented the first lecture of the morning. It was originally scheduled to be presented by James P. Cavanaugh but due to unforeseen circumstances he was unable to make it.

James had prepared a paper on Brehon Law and on the status of Dermot McMurrough and his son Domhnall Caomhànach as high kings of Leinster. Despite the liberal use of Irish and Latin terms and names, Ben did a good job stepping into the breach.

We sat down to lunch around 12.30 and I had a chat with a family from New York.  We discussed the NY police department, fire service and the US civil war. Next up was a gentleman from Australia who had travelled the world as an engineer. He is currently working for the oil industry in Scotland but was considering a move to Ireland.

After lunch we were presented with a real treat. Kevin Whelan, curator of the 1798 Exhibition and director of the Notre Dame centre in Dublin gave a thrilling lecture. His theme centred on bridging the gap between 18th century and 16th century Kavanaghs.

Kevin presented slide after slide showing the breathtaking amount of power that lay concentrated in the hands of Kavanaghs in southeast Ireland. As time progressed with each slide he demonstrated the link between the decline in power for the family and the advance of English settlers in the region. He also demonstrated how the family helped preserve small enclaves of Gaelic culture and protect Catholics.

Throughout his presentation Kevin spoke forcefully and excitedly, pausing now and then to introduce a traditional poem or saying to drive home his point. In one all too short hour he managed to capture the imagination of all those present and he received a rapturous round of applause when he finished. Unfortunately Kevin had to leave immediately to catch a return train to Dublin. He left behind a delighted audience.