Clann Gathering Report 2002

With the AGM out of the way there was just enough time for those involved in the inauguration of the new chief to change into costume. The Clann likes to conduct the inauguration ceremony in a style similar to how it would have looked centuries ago. Although medieval costume is not compulsory many of the people involved to date have enjoyed dressing up and getting into character for the occasion. The philosophy is to have fun - do it only if you enjoy it. The inauguration was to take place in St. Aidans church at the lower end of Ferns so I made my way from the Courtyard pub down to the church and waited on the road outside the cemetery for the principal characters to arrive. After a short wait Fergus Kavanagh from Dublin, one of the honour guards pulled in and parked his car. Within seconds he had the boot of his car open and began to change into his costume. Thanks to a uniform provided by his daughter his transformation was immediate and dramatic. Where a mild mannered man from Dublin once stood, now stood a man straight from the pages of a history book. Minutes later the Clann Herald James F. Cavanaugh arrived in a fantastic costume designed by Cathi Taylor of California. Jim's long flowing hair, and mighty white beard combined with his colourful attire to create a very impressive figure. Passing motorists could not resist slowing down and craning their necks out the window to see what was going on.

Finally the star of the day, Celia Kavanagh Boylan arrived in a flowing emerald green velvet dress and white headscarf. She was accompanied by her ladies in waiting; Joan Kavanagh Slevin, Alice Kavanagh and Melissa Cavanaugh. Celia's partner John Marshall, constantly at her side throughout the weekend was also in attendance ready to pounce should there be the slightest hint of something going wrong. With the cast assembled a procession was formed, lead by Fergus and we all headed into the grounds of the church. For the first time all weekend the skies were grey and brooding as we made our way through the entrance gate. The rain held off but a slight wind began to build; this only added to the drama as it caught Celia's robes and gave them a life of their own. Dr. Gary Cavanaugh from California conducted the ritual with the crowd playing a supporting role where required. The chief of the Clann Nolan, Judith Nolan who had travelled over from England especially for the ceremony conferred the title upon Celia. It was obvious that her confirmation had touched Celia deeply and she knows it is a great honour to be elected by cousins from all over the world. It was a colourful spectacle and great fun to be part of it. A bit like a wedding really - enjoyable if you are on the sidelines but nerve-wracking if you are the centrepiece.