Brilliant sunshine greets annual Clan Gathering in the midlands
Kennedy Clan had a busy weekend of events for 2026 gathering
VISITING Kennedys were blessed with brilliant sunshine as they gathered for their 2026 Clan Gathering recently.
Events kicked off on the Friday afternoon in the grounds of Nenagh Castle where Marie Quirke outlined Kennedy involvement in the Castle and surrounding territory over almost 400 years up to the mid 1600s. Local guide, Kevin Whelan then guided them through the history of the Castle itself.
Across the street then to Nenagh Gaol to view the Kennedy display in the Heritage Centre. Phyllis Kennedy highlighted some of the important items on display, while Ger recounted the history of the gaol itself.
The Abbey Court Hotel was the venue later on Friday evening for a series of lectures and presentations dealing with many different aspects of Kennedy history. Professor Mark Kennedy, Dr Paddy Waldron, Terrence Kennedy, Canberra and Paddy Kennedy, Bredagha, Toomevara, kept an attentive crowd informed, engaged and entertained with their varying contributions.
Attendees enjoyed a relaxed and convivial chat and exchange of stories and tales from their past Kennedy history in the hotel bar to round off the night.
Saturday saw a coach load of Kennedys take the long trip to the JFK Homestead in Dunganstown, Co. Wexford. JFK's descendant, Patrick Grennan met them with a warm welcome and in a lovely leisurely manner guided them through the history of the Kennedy family in Dunganstown.
They had lots of time to enjoy the very informative and interesting Interpretative Centre there before heading into New Ross. There they were able to get a feel for what it was like for those who emigrated during the Gorta Mór as they explored the Dunbrody - a recreation of an actual famine ship. They all assumed the roles of actual famine emigrants, lay on their bunks in steerage class, and discovered at the end of the tour if they had made it to America or if they had perished along the way.
They were back in North Tipperary on Sunday. In the afternoon they gathered in Kilkeary graveyard where Mattie Ryan recounted the history of many Kennedy families who continued to bury their loved ones there despite having been resident in the Curreeney area for hundreds of years.
Then for the grand finale, it was off to Kennedy’s Pub in Killeen. What a way to finish off their 2026 Gathering. A group of local musicians under the guidance of Joe Browne and Eithne Uí Chinnéide provided an evening of traditional music and song which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Their gracious hosts, Ann and Gerry served the food and beverages, and their visitors from Australia, USA Wales, England, Switzerland, as well as from all over Ireland enjoyed a wonderful evening of Irish culture and hospitality in the glorious sunshine in picturesque Killeen.
Roll on 2027 and the next Irish Kennedy Clan Gathering.