Introduction

The Waldron Clan Association was ten years in existence earlier this year - 2004.

Since it was formed in January 1994, two very successful International Waldron Clan Gatherings have been held - in 1997 and 2000; nine issues of "The Waldron Journal" have been published; and the "Members' Directory" has been maintained.

The organising committee - based in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, Ireland, the heartland of the Waldrons - is currently busy organising the next (third) Waldron Clan Gathering which will be held in April/May, 2005.

Clan Gathering 2005

The Third International Waldron Clan Gathering will take place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday, 29th Apr. to Sunday, 1st May 2005. The venue this year will be The Belmont Hotel, Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Knock - the world famous Marian Pilgrimage centre - is located just seven miles from Ballyhaunis, the acknowledged home of the Irish Waldron Clan. The Gathering will coincide with the Ballyhaunis Summer Festival - one of the highlights of the social calendar in 'Waldron Country'.

The 2005 Gathering will be similar to former gatherings in that there will be a small number of formal events over the three days, leaving plenty of time for individuals/groups to 'do their own thing'. This time all events will take place in the Belmont Hotel, except the Special Mass, which, this year, will be offered in St. Joseph's Church, Aghamore, about five miles from both Knock and Ballyhaunis.

The Gathering begins on Friday afternoon, 29th Apr., with registration in the Belmont Hotel. Registration is just a means of 'signing-in', and letting all the delegates know who is in attendance. Later that evening there will be an informal get-together in the Function Room at which light refreshments will be served. A number of speakers will deliver brief talks on the history of the Waldron Clan in Ireland.

Saturday, 30th Apr., will be a big day in Ballyhaunis - the heart of 'Waldron Country' - when the 'Traditional Fair Day' takes place. Later that night there will be a Traditional Irish Night in the Belmont Hotel.

On Sunday afternoon, 1st May, the Special Mass will be offered in St. Joseph's Church, Aghamore.

The highlight of the Gathering - the Grand Social Function - will take place in The Belmont Hotel, Knock, on Sunday night, 1st May.

More details to follow.