Clann Gathering Report 2002

At 7.30 we were all together again preparing to enter the function room of The Courtyard for a candlelit banquet. As we entered each of us received a glass of mead and a piece of bread. We were then presented one by one to our new chief Celia, who bade us welcome, thanked us for our attendance and accepted our best wishes. A number of chiefs from fraternal Clanns were also present; Mrs. Judith Nolan (Chief of Clann Nolan), Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Kinsella (Chief of Clann Kinsella) and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O' Toole (Chief of Clann O'Toole). All of the visiting chiefs were seated at the top table as guests of honour. Each of these Clanns has close historic ties to our own Clann Chaomhánach.

Celia Kavanagh Boylan

When everyone had been received and seated the music began. The Kennedy Sisters who hail from Gorey provided a delicate and delightful background for the evening with a combination of harp and violin and the occasional ballad. For the meal I was seated beside German Jim who, I quickly discovered had an insatiable appetite for mead. I had never tried this golden liquid before and found it to be a potent combination of honey and alcohol all the more dangerous because of its wonderful taste. As the evening wore on people began the usual migration between tables to share their experiences of the day's events. For once I remained stationary to enjoy the company of German Jim, Fergus Kavanagh and Michael Kavanagh from Hove, England. At 1 o'clock I made by farewells and returned to Clone House.

Celia & Robert

The Kennedy Sisters

Time to relax and unwind

And here gentle reader my story must end for on Monday morning I left the bosom of Clann Chaomhánach to return home to Dublin. In store for those I left behind was a wonderful field trip to Clann castles conducted by Jungle Jim. If anyone would like to send me a report of the trip I would be delighted to include in here.

I take away wonderful memories, funny stories and new friendships from the 2002 gathering. I hope those lucky enough to make this year's event found it as enjoyable as I did and that we will meet again in two years time. For those of you who could not make it on this occasion remember - there is always Ferns 2004.

Jimmy

If you attended the Gathering and would like to share your stories, thoughts or images then please email me.

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