|
Rally 2000
|
|
Rally 2000 was organised for the week end of August 26th/27th 2000. The organising committee consisted of-- Monica McKernan; Gerry McKenna; Elizabeth McMahon; Marie Treanor; Mary McMahon; Lizzie Molloy and Peadar McMahon. The idea came from Monica and, urged on by Sylvia and Celine, it soon began to take shape. Meetings were held in Monica's house and the programme drawn up. The initial reaction from relatives was very positive and this encouraged the committee to finalise arrangements. The Rally began with Mass in the New Oratory in Emyvale on Saturday, August 26th at 8.00p.m.. Celebrant was Fr. Macartan McQuaid, who is a relative of Elizabeth McMahon, and has always maintained contact with members of the family. His homily at the Mass was terrific and set the tone for the entire week end. Representatives of the second generation performed Liturgical tasks--Readers--Mary McMahon (Paddy's) and Vincent McEvoy; Psalmists--Monica McKernan and Peadar McMahon; Prayers--Rita Maguire, Elizabeth McMahon, Marie Treanor, Gerry McKenna and Mary McMahon (Ted's). Eucharist Minister was George McMahon. The four surviving members--Molly, Lizzie, Ted and Joe-- brought the gifts to the altar. Organists were Amelia Murphy and Paula McMahon with Edelle McMahon accompanying on guitar. Maggie Joe and Marie Murphy prepared the Oratory for the celebration and Kieran Boyle and Declan McMahon helped with seating arrangements. There was a wonderful 'buzz' in the Oratory as the various members of the family met and exchanged greetings. The Mass was a beautiful experience and we have received many favourable comments about it. After Mass all made their way to the Scarna Inn to continue the celebrations and socialising. The guest book was signed, 'punch' shared out, mementos of the occasion given to everyone, food served, then music, dancing and chat till the early hours. The number present was 134. On Sunday 86 members of the family gathered in Corracrin Graveyard and visited the graves of our relatives there. Dympna Read gave details of the family history going back from Peter and Elizabeth. This was very interesting. Prayers were offered in the church for all deceased members of the family. We then travelled to Killycooley, 'the homeplace', and after a shower of rain passed, Ann, Mary and Peter served up a sumptuous meal. In the glorious sunshine everyone enjoyed a wonderful array of food and we thank them and their helpers for that special afternoon. After eats, many visited the adjacent fields to view the beautiful scenery overlooking Emy Lake. It was then on to Drumbanagher and a visit to the graves of loved ones there. Then to Castle Leslie in Glaslough for a tour. The weather turned nasty and spoiled the visit somewhat. Before leaving Glaslough we called in the Old Bar at the Coach House and had some refreshments before heading for the Riverside Inn in Emyvale. Here the craic went on till another early morning. Thanks to Peter and his staff for the hospitality and the food. During the night there, some of the visitors sang, some danced on Pool tables, others drank, all talked and chatted and laughed and everyone enjoyed the day. Some of the visitors had to leave the area on Sunday evening while others stayed for another ten days, but all had terrific memories to take away with them. May they last until the next rally and may all the renewed and new connections we made carry on |