Kilcaroon: Golden Jubilee of Fr. Leo Shea

Fr. Leo Shea was ordained in New York in June 1966, and fifty years later he returned to Ireland to celebrate his Golden Jubilee. A ton load of advance planning came to fruition in August 2016 as 41 of Leo's relations from the United States arrived to celebrate with their Irish cousins. For some, it was their first visit to their ancestral base in counties Limerick and Waterford.

Here in County Waterford, the occasion kicked off with the Magical Mystery Bus Tour on Friday, 12th of August. It was an emotional rollercoaster for many, rolling back the years through Knockboy, Barrnashinane, Fourmilewater, Melleray, Glencairn, Lismore and Killishal. Family history jumped out over every ditch, townland and homestead. Stories told brought this history alive.

Later that evening a social gathering at The Local in Dungarvan provided an opportunity to continue these stories. Many of the cousins from Killishal joined with them to the background of wonderful Irish music. I think that I would not be doing an injustice to the music by mentioning that it really was not the focus of the evening, because our American cousins really just wanted to meet with us, share their stories and hear ours. Of particular interest was the fact that the younger generations met for the very first time, and ensured that the Hurley History would continue, for the first time via social media.

Ballinameela Church, Saturday 13th August 2016

On Saturday, 13th August, a very special mass was celebrated in Ballinameela church to mark Leo's 50 years. Very special also was that his sister Maureen and her husband John celebrated their Golden Jubilee on that very day. Once again, the Irish cousins arrived from all corners of West Waterford and beyond to be together with their cousins from across the Atlantic.

Later, everyone retired to Lawlors hotel in Dungarvan for a celebratory meal and reception. Traditional music was provided by "Glothach", and an evening of cultural exchange followed until midnight. Many of the over 30's retired after a long day, whereas for others the nightclub scene in Dungarvan was the scene of the after-party.

"We arrived at Lawlors Hotel earlier than expected and there was nowhere to go but the bar. Not a problem for this crew. Soon the room was filled with smiling faces and the din of many warm conversations. Then Father Leo arrived - the man of the hour. While the ties of blood and marriage connected us, it was Father Leo who united us. Over the course of the reunion, I heard this sentiment echoed by all. As such, a sense of gratitude for the unerring direction of our cousin's "compass" pervaded the gathering.

The crowd drifted into the banquet hall and the Irish family began to show their American relatives how to celebrate Irish style. The family gamely overcame the afternoon's disappointment on the hurling pitch, and joined in song and dance. From the Shines' broom dance to the musical multi-talented Walshes to those memorable waltz lessons, it was an evening to remember. And, lest we forget, how about that American rendition of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling?" (Actually, it might be best if we do forget that). But the thought was a good one, and perhaps the song provides the best description of the Americans' feelings upon meeting their warm and welcoming Irish relatives: "When Irish hearts are happy / All the world seems bright and gay / And when Irish eyes are smiling / Sure, they steal your heart away."