Inspirational Laois Lalor clan to gather in Abbeyleix
Liberty characterises the Lalor story in Irish history
The organisers of the annual O’Leathlobhair Clann Rally are inviting anyone in Laois and beyond with the name Lalor, 0'Lalor, Lawlar, Lawlor and Lawler to the annual clan celebration in Abbeyleix.
The Lalors were one of the "Seven Septs of Laois" and were kinsmen of the O'Moores. Their clan lands surrounded the famous Rock of Dunamase. Their family seat was Dysart Enos where they held sway until the time of Queen Elizabeth I and English colonisation in the region.
The Lawlor family motto 'Strong and Faithful' to Ireland and the cause of liberty characterises their story in Irish history.
Among the members of the Clan were Honest 'Patt' Lalor, MP, and his family who hailed from Raheen. He was a friend of Daniel O’Connell, The Liberator.
One of his sons James Fintan, Land League reformer, a Young Irelander, defender of the small tenant farmers and farm labourers. A statue and street in Portlaoise commemorate the Laois patriot.
His brother Peter Lalor led the Eureka Stockade rebellion in 1854, during the Victorian gold rush in Australia. Another brother Richard Lalor, was a nationalist member of the British House of Commons.
Their cousins included Alice Lalor founder of the Order of Visitation Sisters in the United States, Dr Joseph Lalor a reformist Irish mental health leader, and Don Joseph O'Lawlor, also known as Txemaria, a Spanish general and governor of Granada.
In the United States, Brigadier General Michael Kelly Lawler was a noted officer under Grant in the Civil War. John Lalor (1820–1901) was a sculptor of international renown.
The organisers promise an informative weekend with many coming from abroad for the Abbeyleix event which runs from Friday, July 25, through to Sunday, July 27.
Details on the clan gathering are available from Mary Lalor O’Mahony at 087-9015280