The Millennium Waldron Clan Gathering - 2000

[From The Waldron Journal, No. 7, 2000]

The second International Waldron Clan Gathering took place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend earlier this year, and was, by all accounts, an outstanding success. Upwards of one-hundred people travelled from the U.S.A. especially for the event, and were joined by about forty from England, and a sizeable number of locals, all with Waldron ancestry in common. Months of regular meetings, careful research and considered decision-making went into making the weekend as enjoyable and as relevant as possible for all the delegates. A selfless and dedicated committee left no stone unturned in ensuring the smooth running of the event.

The weekend started at four o'clock on Friday afternoon, the 28th of April, with the commencement of registration in Durkan's Central Inn. This procedure, which continued solidly for four hours, allowed delegates to 'sign-in' for the weekend, to record their particular Waldron connections and to meet the other visitors in an informal setting. Each delegate was presented with the Waldron Clan Directory, published with financial assistance from the Bank of Ireland, and which gives an outline history of each member's Waldron family. Shortly after eight o'clock the Gathering was formally declared open by the Chairman Tom Waldron of Ballinastanford, Claremorris, and a blessing was given by Fr. Austin Cribbin of Oregon, U.S.A. A meeting followed at which various items pertaining to the Association and the gathering were discussed, and this was followed by a cheese and wine reception.

Saturday & Sunday

On Saturday morning a constant stream of visitors continued to register as they arrived in the town. At half past one in the afternoon ninety-two people, travelling in two coaches, braved the drizzly weather conditions and availed of the tour of "Waldron Country". The weather improved as the afternoon progressed and the group travelled through the parishes of Annagh, Aghamore, Knock and Bekan, viewing sites of local historical and archaeological significance, and visiting locations particularly relevant to the history of the Waldron families. Amongst the most important of these were the cemeteries at Aghamore, Knock and Kildarra; the remains of Tulrahan Castle, reputed to have been Waldron stronghold, and the beloved St. Mary's Augustinian Abbey in Ballyhaunis. The prospect of the Abbey's possible closure was met with disbelief from the delegates, who declared their desire to help in any way, to keep this most important foundation as a living, functioning entity, with a resident community in place.

On Saturday night an Irish night was held upstairs in the Hazel at which a large crowd attended. Master of Ceremonies was the irrepressible Tom Waldron, Chairman, who also gave some stirring recitations, complete with audience participation. A number of powerful songs were performed by Tom's daughter Orla Waldron of Claremorris, a rising star in the entertainment field. Traditional music and airs were provided by Anthony, Richard and Paul Waldron, Michael Plunkett, Edward McDermott and Paddy Waldron.

On Sunday afternoon, at two o'clock, a special Mass was concelebrated in St. Patrick's parish Church, Ballyhaunis, by Fr. Eoin de Bhaldraithe OCSO, of the Cistercian Abbey, Bolton, Moone, Co. Kildare, a native of Cloonbooke, and Fr. Austin Cribbin, originally from Churchpark, who is attached to the Diocese of Oregon, U.S.A. The liturgy was arranged by Sr. Rosario Waldron, originally from Carn More, Aghamore, now based in Cork. The readings were delivered, and gifts presented by a cross-section of Irish, American and English delegates; commentary was by Patricia Ann Waldron of Los Angeles. Hymns were sung by Niamh Waldron of Dooradoyle, Limerick: her grandfather James Waldron was a native of Cloonslanor, Strokestown who settled in Athlone. Afterwards, there was an informal reception upstairs in the Hazel, organised by the ladies in the Organising Committee.

Dinner Dance

The highlight of the weekend, for most people, was the dinner-dance in Churchfield House Hotel, Knock, on Sunday night, at which two hundred and eighty people were in attendance. The four-course meal was a treat and commented upon favourably by all present. A toast to Waldrons all over the World was proposed by Mark Waldron of Maynard, Massachusetts, U.S.A. This was followed by a toast to the organising committee proposed by Barbara Waldron O'Sullivan of Manchester, England. After the meal, the recently published book "Achadh Mór - Rich in Christian Heritage" was launched by John Carty, Mayo County Councillor. Its author, Aibhistín Ó Taidhg of Aghamore, is an acclaimed historian and an authority not only on local history, but on National history. Aibhistín's mother was Mary Waldron of Ballyhine and Lower Aghamore, and the Waldron Clan were delighted to be associated with the launch of this long overdue work. Following the book launch, the dancing commenced with music from the internationally renowned Brose Walsh Band. A variety of spot prizes, supplied by the organising committee and local businesses, were raffled at different stages through the evening.

Despite all attempts to account for everyone who attended the gathering, a small number of people remain unidentified to the organising committee, and, there are possibly a smaller number still whose names went totally unrecorded. Happily however, the majority of delegates met up with relatives they hadn't seen for a while; others met their relatives for the very first time; and even the few who have, as yet, to establish their exact family or place of origin, made new friends and established new contacts which might help them find the missing links at some point in the future.

Crossboyne & Ballindine

Amongst those who came from the U.S.A. were Mark and Janet Waldron of Maynard, Massachusetts. Mark met up with a long-lost relative Eamonn Waldron who had come down from Killiney, Co. Dublin with his wife Mary. It appears their respective great-grandfathers Michael and James Waldron of Crossboyne were brothers born in the 1830s. Michael emigrated to the U.S.A., while James joined the Navy, was based for many years in the South of England, and eventually settled in Kingstown, now Dun Laghaoire, Co. Dublin.

All the way from the Midwest came the Waldrons of St. Joseph, Missouri, just outside Kansas City. The patriarch of the family - John J. Waldron - is grandson of Michael Waldron who left Killeen, Ballindine in the 1870s, went to Liverpool, and from there to the U.S.A., eventually settling in Kansas. John was accompanied on this visit by his wife Jeanne and three sons Jack, Bob and Tom. Some days after the gathering they visited the ancestral homestead in Killeen where they met their cousin Joe Waldron.

Coolnaha, Mountaincommon & Carrownedan

Kathryn Gorman Covey made the journey from Lockport, New York, with her son Kent and daughter-in-law Maureen who live in Cincinatti, Ohio. Through the kindness of Mrs. Kathleen Flynn, Mrs. Covey senior, now in her ninety-first year, made an epic journey across country to visit the birth-place of her grandmother Bridget Waldron in Coolnaha, and the house where her great-uncle James Waldron (shoemaker) lived nearby in Cartron South. Among the items she brought from America was an old, hand-coloured photograph of her great-grandmother Mrs. Bridget Waldron (née Kilkenny) who died here in the 1890s, and a collection of poignant letters written by her, at home in Coolnaha in the 1880s to her daughters in America.

Andrew, Jacquelyn and Michael Waldron, came from Phoenix, Arizona, and were guests of their cousins John and Lucy Waldron of Mountain, Aghamore. Joining them were their Gunnigan cousins: John and Mary Gunnigan of Lurgan, Aghamore; John's two sisters Dilly Staunton, with her daughter Margaret Togher, and Noreen Browne, with her husband Oliver Browne, The Neale. More cousins forming part of this group were William, Mary and Margaret Murphy of Knock. William A. Waldron, a native of Claremorris, now resident in Castlebar, was present too. His father Thomas H. Waldron, N.T. was also one of the Mountain family.

Bill and Louise McDermott, who hail from Clinton Corners, New York, were most helpful to the organising committee, and helped in the smooth running of the weekend from beginning to end. Bill's mother was Winifred Waldron, born in Carrownedan, Aghamore around 1900, but raised in Ballinrobe where her father was employed by the Congested Districts Board.

Scrigg, Moneymore & Ballyhaunis

The Waldrons of Scrigg were very well represented: Mary A. Walters travelled from West Haven, Connecticut, as did Bill, Carol and Margie Hackett, Kathy Pyrdol, Rita and Albert Waldron Capasso. William and Janet Waldron, from Hamden, Connecticut, were here too. Bill Hackett's mother - Delia Anne Waldron - and William's father David Waldron were sister and brother of Mrs. Walters and of the late John Waldron of Scrigg. They were joined by their cousins Vera and Liam Waldron of Scrigg; Margaret Fitzgerald, Erriff; Rita Mooney, Scrigg; Josephine Nally, Cuillatinny, Knock; Tina Kilduff, Knockbaun, Claremorris and Bea Nally, Cuillatinny, Josephine's mother-in-law, whose mother was one of the Waldrons of Bracklaghboy, Ballyhaunis. The neighbouring Waldron family of Scrigg, many of whose members attended the first gathering, were ably represented by Anne Plunkett (née Fleming), a hardworking member of the organising committee, and her husband Michael.

Descendants of the Moneymore Waldrons were also in attendance, including the Waldron, Cahill and O'Beirne families: Diana Cahill White and Maureen Cahill Crist, granddaughters of Edward A. Waldron, travelled from Lodi and Howell, New Jersey. They met with their cousins, the O'Beirne family - grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Catherine Waldron: Joan O'Beirne, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, James Andrew O'Beirne, from North Bergen, New Jersey; Michael and Lisa O'Beirne, Huntington, New York; John Slotman, Moorestown, New Jersey; Katy Carter, Washington DC; James Stillman, Manasquan, New Jersey and Steven Cicchino, Roseland, New Jersey. They joined up with their cousins Olive and Val Waldron, Cave; Anita and Eddie McDermott, Erriff; Helen McLoughlin, Limerick; Imelda Shadbolte, Surrey; Brendan, Anthony and Paul Waldron, Cave and Clagnagh; Richard and Mary Waldron, Gurteenmore.

Andrew Waldron senior and his wife Linda came over from Philadelphia, and were joined by sons Andrew jr., with his wife Emily, from Richboro, Pennsylvania, and James from Fallston, Maryland, with his wife Diane, and daughter Lynn with her husband Bob Cassady of Chestertown, Maryland. Andrew senior's grandfather Thomas Waldron came from Ballyhaunis, but the exact family to which he belonged hasn't been discovered yet.

Michael W. Waldron and his wife Dottie travelled from Warminster, Pennsylvania, and were delighted to visit Durkan's Central Inn, formerly the premises of Michael's great-grandfather Michael A. Waldron ("Big Michael"). Other members of this family who came for the occasion were Vicky Waldron Gordon of Burlington, New Jersey; Catherine and Keith Waldron Shaw, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Thomas Walters, Philadelphia, and Patricia Waldron Kingsbauer, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Strokestown, Aghamore, Cloonfad & Tavnaghmore

The Waldron clan from Cloonslanor, just outside Strokestown, County Roscommon were represented by Marty Waldron Hynes and her husband Donal, who came over from Hodson Bay, Athlone. They were joined by her brothers Seamus of Limerick and John of Salthill, Galway, and niece Niamh who sang so beautifully at the Mass on Sunday.

Although the number of delegates from England was relatively small, the Waldrons in that country were ably represented by June Waldron Barker (since deceased, R.I.P.) from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, her brother Walter Waldron, and his wife Doris from Daventry, Northamptonshire, with their guests. June's and Walter's late father was Andrew J. Waldron, born in Aghamore where his father John was Postmaster. Another popular visitor to her ancestral homeland was Barbara Waldron O'Sullivan of Baguley Hall, Manchester. Her father Matthew Waldron came from Gurteen, Cloonfad, and her mother was Bridget O'Dowd from Carramack. Margaret and Jim Holden came over from Southampton. Margaret's grandfather Thomas Waldron was born in Beverley, Yorkshire and his parents both came from Ballyhaunis - John Patrick Waldron and Mary Lyons. Norman and Nan Waldron made the journey from Cheam in Surrey. Norman's grandfather Michael Waldron was born in Tavnaghmore in 1835 and emigrated to England where he followed the family trade as builder and stone-mason. Norman was very pleased to meet a relative Seamus Waldron of Tullyganny, Urlaur, Kilkelly, and his wife Mary.

Reisk, Clagnagh & Bekan

Descendants of the Waldrons of Reisk, from diverse parts of the U.S. also met up for the occasion: Jim Robb, of Bonita, California, and his sisters Anne, of Omaha, Nebraska and Patricia, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, were joined by their cousin Cathleen O'Leary from Roseville, Minnesota. Their grandfather James Waldron was born in Reisk and emigrated to Des Moine, Iowa in the early 1900s. They were delighted to meet up with their cousin Martin Forde of Island.

James Waldron from Indianapolis, Indiana met up with his cousin Martin Griffin, a native of Gurrane, Ballyhaunis, now living in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary. Martin's mother was Anne Waldron from Clagnagh. Her brother John - James' grandfather - emigrated to Chicago around 1900. James and Martin paid a visit to their cousin Val Waldron (since deceased, R.I.P.) at his home in Cave.

Anna Waldron Poulin and husband Al, of Alexandria, Virginia, were joined by their son Ian, who lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. Anna's ancestors Thomas Waldron and Eleanor Tracey lived somewhere in the parish of Bekan before emigrating to Blackburn, England in the 1840s, during the Great Famine. In the 1860s Eleanor, widowed by then, emigrated to the U.S.A. with family members eventually settling in Rhode Island. Despite many years of exhaustive research Anna has failed to determine where exactly her Waldron family lived in Bekan parish, but the search goes on.

Cloonbunny, Clooncrim & Keyfield 

Paul and Theresa Waldron, were over from Brockton, Massachusetts. Paul's grandfather Thomas J. Waldron was born in Cloonbunny, Loughglynn in 1904. They met with, and discussed possible connections with Mary, Eugene and John Waldron of Clooncrim, Ballinlough, whose ancestors came from Moyne, Loughglynn, not too far away. Another family present, with Roscommon roots, comprised of brothers Paddy (Cherryfield), Dermot (Island) and John Joe Waldron (Antrim town) and their wives; they are sons of the late Jack Waldron, Keyfield, Ballinlough and Cherryfield, Ballyhaunis.

Ballymoe, Lisduff, Ballindrehid & Tubber

The Waldrons of Utica, New York were represented by Donna Jean Waldron from East Syracuse, New York, Donald J., Susan K. and Christina Waldron of Tamara, Florida. Their ancestor Michael Waldron came either from Ballyhaunis or Ballymoe, and emigrated with his brother Thomas to the U.S.A. in the 1850s.

Walter and Catherine Waldron, Holywell, were joined by his brother Jarlath, sister Philomena and her husband Aidan Gray of Longford. They met up with their uncle Michael Waldron of Ballindrehid, his wife Mary Delia, their daughter Vona Moran (née Waldron) of Ballindrehid and her husband Pado. Vona's brother Michael Waldron junior was the Gathering's genial host at the Saturday night function in the Hazel Inn, and on Sunday afternoon after mass.

Doris Kelley and her sister Ellen Sheehan, both of Philadelphia, are granddaughters of Patrick J. Waldron of Lismeegan, Aghamore. They were with their cousins John Waldron and his wife Eilish, of Tubber, Aghamore; and John's sister Kathleen with her husband Aidan Morley. Other cousins of theirs also came from the States: Catherine Waldron Meyer from Brant Beach, New Jersey; Brian, Jill and Alfred junior and Alfred Meyer, Central Valley, New York; Patricia and Terence Reynolds of Parkville Centre, New York.

Crossard, Cave, Cartron South & Carnmore 

The Crossard Waldrons were out in force as well: Tom Waldron (the hard-working Clan Association Treasurer), his wife Anne and their son James; Tom's brother John, his wife Sheila and their son Martin. Their sisters Margaret Maye from Tubbercurry, and Mary Walsh of Tooreen, with her husband Liam and daughter Edel.

Many members of the extended Waldron Cribbin family were in attendance too: Gerald Cribbin, Tooraree; Tony Cribbin, Abbey Street; Seamus and Bridie O'Boyle, Carrowreagh; Noreen O'Dowd, Dundrum, Dublin; Anne Burke, Claremorris; Fr. Austin Cribbin, Klamath Falls, Oregon; Marie Hayden, Oylegate, Co. Wexford; Geraldine Rawlings, Longford; Christina Rosenthal, Foster City, California; Terry and Jeanne Cribbin, Sale, Manchester; Noreen Connolly, Ballindine; Seamus and Angela Cribbin, Drimbane; Seamus Ó Cribín, Castlegar, Galway and Mairead Davis, Walkinstown, Dublin.

Nora Keene came over from Woking, Surrey. She was formerly Curley from Caraun, Claremorris, and her mother was Mary Ellen Waldron of Cave. She met up with some of her many cousins, including Michael Waldron (P.R.O. of the Clan Association), Bernard Waldron, Tommy Waldron, Bridget McLaughlin, and her husband Jim and daughters Deirdre and Sinéad. Also from Cave were Eileen Waldron, her son Tony, with his wife Patricia Waldron, and daughter Nora with her husband Tony Brennan. They were accompanied by their cousin Mary Dunne, Charlestown. Eileen's and Mary's grandmother Mary Waldron Folliard came from Cartron South, Aghamore. Cecily Moran and her son Ciaran, of Knox Street, Ballyhaunis, attended the Gathering too. One of their ancestors, an earlier Mrs. Moran of Coolnafarna, was formerly Margaret Waldron of Cave.

Representing the Waldrons long-since resident in Carn More, Aghamore were Sr. Rosario (Una Waldron), now based in Cork, her sister Noreen Dooley and niece Ruth Dooley from Rhode, Co. Offaly. Another branch of the same family were represented by sisters Carmel Waldron and Noreen Hopkins, with members of Noreen's family: Anne Lavin and Ber Cawley.

Cloonbook, Knox Street, Johnstown & Irishtown 

The Waldrons of Cloonbook were represented by Clan Association Chairman Tom Waldron, who lives at Ballinastanford, Claremorris, and his wife Phil. His brothers were here too: Micheál and Eugene, of Cloonbook and Redhill, with their wives Cáit and Anne, and Fr. Eoin who celebrated the Mass. Their cousins, the Waldrons of Logboy were also present and played an important part in the smooth running of the entire event: Ursula Waldron, the Secretary of the Clan Association and sisters Gina and Valerie, with Valerie's husband Michael Kelly. Mary Mulrennan and her husband Seamus from Gurteen enjoyed the function and met up with their kinsfolk from Cloonbook and Logboy. Mary was formerly Waldron from Holywell.

Stephen Waldron of Knox Street, attended with his nephew James Waldron of Gatley, Cheshire, and his wife Jacqueline. James' father was Seamus Waldron of Knox Street, a member of a well known and popular family in Ballyhaunis town. Another delegate with Knox Street roots was Helen Hannon, a granddaughter of the late John Waldron, publican. Also present over the weekend was Helen Waldron representing the Waldrons of Johnstown.

Down from Irishtown came Laurence and Breda Waldron whose family hails from Fallagherin. Members of the Waldron family of nearby Cullane were present too: Cora and Mary Waldron, Anne Nestor and husband Anthony Nestor, Ballyhaunis, and their cousin Michael Waldron (Clan Association Vice-chairman) with his wife Agnes Coyne Waldron of Aghamore.

Knock & Aghamore

Peggy Henry and her husband Milo were joined by her brother Bill Waldron and his wife Marie from Swords, Co. Dublin. Peggy and Bill were born in Liscat, Knock and their father was a local national school teacher Thomas Waldron. Another group with Aghamore roots included Bridie Levins, Margaret Kilkenny and Mae Beegan, who also attended the function.

Other visitors from overseas included Ann Marie and Ray Barnes of Howell, New Jersey; Patricia Ann Waldron, Los Angeles California; Tara Waldron Dahill and husband Bill, New York City; John Waldron and Mary Hudak of Jacobus, Pennsylvania; Valerie Waldron, Nettleham, Lincolnshire, her son Stephen and Andrea Barlow.

Book Launch

Austin Tighe, whose book "Achadh Mór - Rich in Christian Heritage" was launched on the night, was there with his family Austin Jr., Kevin, John and Seamus Tighe and Bernie Lilly; their spouses and children. Also joining them on this occasion was Austin's nephew Jimmy Folliard of Coolnaha.

Councillor John Carty and his wife Kathleen were also present. Cllr. Carty launched Austin Tighe's book, and in his speech referred to his own Waldron ancestry, being a great-great-great-grandson of Harry Waldron of Derrymore.

Next Gathering

Inevitably, people who attended one or more events of the Gathering have been omitted in the above. Every attempt was made, by registration, to account for and record all who attended, so that they could get the most out of the weekend. The holding of the two Clan Gatherings - 1997 and 2000 - has firmly placed Ballyhaunis in the minds of these visitors and their extended families as their homeland. Already, others who couldn't make the last gathering have vowed to visit this part of the country on the strength of what they heard from those who attended. Ballyhaunis and district is now known world-wide as the heartland of the Waldron Clan. The next International Waldron Clan Gathering will take place in Ballyhaunis in 2005, though there is a possibility that a Gathering could be organised in the U.S.A. before then, at which delegates from Ireland, England, and elsewhere will attend.