The Waldron Clan Gathering 1997

[From The Waldron Journal, No. 4, Winter 1997]

After several months of regular meetings and much careful planning and preparation by a hard-working, dedicated group of people, the first ever Waldron Clan Gathering took place in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, Ireland, at the end of August 1997. The response from members was excellent and it was a wonderful experience to play host to so many people from all over the World who converged on Ballyhaunis - the home of the Connacht Waldrons - last summer. Many friendships were made and re-affirmed. People who had known each other previously only through correspondence met and compared family resemblances. Some came and found the very places their ancestors had left, as many as 150 years ago. Others, who definitely descend from Connacht Waldrons, did not find their actual family homestead, but returned home, hopefully, with a better understanding of the place their ancestors came from.

Registration

The weekend started on Friday the 30th of August at four o'clock in the afternoon when registration commenced in the Central Hotel. Each person attending the Gathering was invited to sign their name in the Clan Register and, if they wished, to write a few words about their Waldron connection. Everyone received a specially prepared folder containing a timetable of the weekend's events, a directory of members of the Clan Association, a guide to the tour of "Waldron Country", literature promoting local facilities and services, a name badge and an agenda for General Meeting. Registration was supervised by a number of Clan Association members in a rota system.

There was a steady stream of people to the Central Hotel all afternoon. At times there was a considerable queue of people waiting to be registered. A perusal of this register shows that almost two-hundred Waldrons, and those with Waldron connections, came to Ballyhaunis over that weekend. They came from all over the World: many from throughout Ireland and a large contingent from the United States, as well as some from England and Europe.

Shortly after eight o'clock on Friday evening, in the function room of the Central Hotel, the Gathering was formally opened by Tom Waldron, Chairman. A Cheese and Wine reception, sponsored by Irish Country Meats, and beautifully prepared by the management and staff of the Central Hotel, got under way. A blessing was read by Very Rev. Fr. William Waldron, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. (a native of Cartownacross, Claremorris) and, at around a quarter past nine, Dr. Nollaig Ó Muraíle of the Department of Celtic Studies, Queen's University, Belfast, delivered a lecture entitled "Clann Bhaildrín no Bhaldraithe" in which he outlined the early history of the Connacht Waldrons, up to the end of the sixteenth century. One hundred and twenty people attended this lecture and were most impressed by Dr. Ó Muraíle's scholarly research and interesting delivery, especially since he was just recovering from a serious illness.

Tour of "Waldron Country"

On Saturday morning, and up until two o'clock in the afternoon, registration continued in the Central Hotel. The weather was excellent - sunny, dry and warm. At half-past two, a couple of fifty-three seat coaches - one filled, the other three-quarters full - left Main Street, Ballyhaunis, on the tour of "Waldron Country." The route was planned to take in as much as possible of the area in which the surname Waldron has always been numerous, as well as taking in as many sites of archaeological and historical interest as possible, from all periods in local and national history and pre-history. The tour travelled down Main St. and Knox St., went north as far as Crossard cross-roads, where it turned left, through the 'five cross-roads' and Carnmore, as far as the graveyard and ancient monastic remains at Aghamore. Here, Seosaimh Ó Broin gave an eloquent and animated commentary on the panoramic view in all directions, giving a valuable insight into all periods of history from early geological time to the present: all in about fifteen minutes!

From Aghamore, the tour went through Raith, onto the N17 near Kilkelly, and into Knock where there was a short break. Leaving Knock, the tour headed back towards Ballyhaunis on the "Low Road" and turned right at Cloonacurry into Bekan, and as far as the graveyard there, where the oldest known Waldron gravestone was pointed out. The cavalcade left Bekan and travelled through Redpark onto the Ballyhaunis-Claremorris Road where it turned right, down through Cloontumper and left, through Cloonbooke, to Tulrahan Graveyard, or, more correctly, Kildarra. Tom Waldron (Chairman) and Michael Kelly both spoke on aspects of the history of this area, and its significant connections with the Waldron name. From Tulrahan, the tour entered its final leg and proceeded through Culnacleha, Logboy, Cottage, Lisduff, Agloragh, Drimbane, Abbeyquarter, into Ballyhaunis town.

The tour finished, fittingly, in the Augustinian Friary where the group was met by the Prior, Fr. Michael Collender O.S.A. Some enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the old church which has many of its interesting artefacts on display: architectural features such as cut stone windows and doorways, holy water fonts, inscribed memorials and decorative carvings; paintings; old photographs, stained glass; chalices and other items for use in religious ceremonies. Afterwards, some visited the adjoining graveyard which has been used as a burial ground since before the church was built and which contains the mortal remains of so many local families, including Waldrons. Many of the old graves are unmarked, but there are some interesting examples of early nineteenth century Waldron gravestones. While at the Friary, many of those who took part in the tour said a few quiet prayers at this sacred site which has been a place of worship for almost six hundred years, and paid their respects to the many, many generations of Waldrons who were baptised, married and buried here.

The tour guides were Tom Waldron (Claremorris), Tom Waldron (Crossard), Gerry Cribbin, Paul Waldron and Michael Kelly (Lissaniska and Dublin).

Social Function

On Saturday night the Social Function was held. Almost two hundred people were catered for excellently by the Management and Staff of "The Hazel." Dancing was in the Parochial Hall, to the sounds of the popular John McGarry and the Rhythm Blues. Both venues were packed to capacity; many old friendships were renewed, and many new ones made. Photographs were shown and exchanged, resemblances noticed and family details compared.

Sunday

Unfortunately, the weather on Sunday was miserably wet and dreary. A special Mass was celebrated at two o'clock in St. Mary's Abbey by Very Rev. Kieran Waldron, P.P. Killererin (Co. Galway). Sr. Rosario organised the offertory and readings; music and singing was provided by Niamh Waldron of Limerick and Orla Waldron of Claremorris. The afternoon was left free, and many of our visitors availed of the opportunity to take in the atmosphere of big match day as they watched the Mayo-Offaly football match (All-Ireland Semi-final) on television.

On Sunday night, at eight o'clock, a General Meeting was held in the upper room of The Hazel at which the present Committee of the Waldron Clan Association was ratified and approved by those in attendance. Many interesting proposals were discussed and passed, including the setting up of branches in the U.S. and England. Afterwards, an Irish night was held downstairs at which all were treated to traditional music and song, with a recitation or two thrown in for good measure.

Deemed a Success

When it was decided, at the General Meeting, that another Gathering would take place in Ballyhaunis in 2000, probably around Easter time, most of those present vowed not only to return themselves, but to bring more family members with them, and spread the "good news" about their time in Ballyhaunis amongst their relatives and friends.

Overall, the Gathering was deemed to be an outstanding success, enjoyed by all who attended it. Almost two-hundred people registered in all, but there were many others who attended one or more of the events over the weekend. Slightly less than half of these were from the U.S. or England, the rest were living around Ireland. There were Waldrons with roots in the general Ballyhaunis area: Aghamore, Cloonfad, Knock, Ballindine, Kilmovee, Ballinlough, Loughglynn and Claremorris; as well as some from Athleague, Knockvicar and Strokestown, Co. Roscommon and Headford, Co. Galway.

In addition to the Officers of the Association, a number of others were members of the Committee who worked very hard in preparing for the Gathering: Anne Plunkett, Scrigg; Vona Moran, Ballindrehid; Mary Mulrennan, Gurteen; Mary Walsh, Tooreen; Gerry Cribbin, Tooraree; Seamus O'Boyle, Carrowreagh; Michael Waldron, Aghamore; Brendan and Helen Waldron, Johnstown; Dermot Waldron, Island. Over the weekend of the gathering, invaluable help was received from others, too many to name here; suffice it to say that without them the weekend would not have been the success it was.

Last but not least, thanks are due to those who travelled great distances to attend the first ever Waldron Clan Gathering. It was a tremendous vote of confidence in the Organising Committee of the Waldron Clan Association. It was a pleasure to meet so many others who share our heritage and are proud of it, and we look forward to meeting you again in 2000.