Large attendance for gathering of O'Connell clan with Kildare connections

A large group of 80 people met in Athy recently for a gathering of the O'Connell clan.

The day started with Mass at the Church of the Assumption in Vicarstown after which people got a chance to view exhibits, documents, photos, etc in the adjacent old National School which is currently undergoing restoration.

And also enjoy some stories and chat over light refreshments.

For many of those present, it was their first time in the classrooms where their grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents had got their early education. Afterwards, there was a visit to nearby Moyanna cemetery to visit the graves of their ancestors.

 It was then a change of county to the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy. Again people had an opportunity to look over family photographs, exchange stories, remember ancestors, view family trees, etc.

Following Grace by Father John Stapleton, over eighty people sat down for the meal. For many present a talk by Margaret Scully was the highlight of the evening. From Hong Kong to America & beyond – the 12 Connells of Merrymount 1878-1985 outlined the lives of siblings who were born in Merrymount. Notably, half of these are buried abroad.

Kildare 

One of the twelve, Tom Connell, travelled to Kildare to live at Loraine near Narraghmore and rear a family of seven children, two of whom died this year - Jim Connell and Margaret Boland.

For all of those present the day was both emotional and joyous. Hearing the stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents gave people a window into the fascinating lives led by their ancestors. It’s not all were high flyers; indeed some were but the majority were ordinary people with a strong sense of vocation. Education, community and curiosity were strong themes running through their lives.

Our ancestors’ lives were not without their challenges and how they coped has much to teach us today. While we shouldn’t be imprisoned by the past, it can inform us greatly. Oral history has a very important role to play in today’s increasingly fast moving world. It can anchor us and give us a sense of time and place amidst all the chaos.

Amongst such a wide-ranging group, of course, there are many different motivations. Some people are researching family history for years; others more recently. However, all agreed it is our duty to shine a light on our ancestors and by doing so it will help light the pathway ahead.