The day had finally arrived! 12th August 2016. This was the day we were going to meet Fr. Leo and all the American cousins.
What would they be like? Would they really be interested in visiting graveyards, churches, monasteries, convents and old houses? What would we do if it rained all day and all the windows of the bus fogged up? Would there be enough food and drink for everybody?
Well there was no need to worry….all went well from beginning to end and a memorable day was enjoyed by one and all.
We met Hurleys, McCanns, Dolans, McCarthys and Ciampas/Sheas. It was difficult to remember names at first but it was clear that they knew each other well and enjoyed meeting up. Everybody was in the mood for a good day out and with Fr. Leo coordinating everything it was easy to relax and have fun. The children were amazing – no moaning about being bored or complaining – they were just super!
The party boarded the bus at The Park Hotel, wearing their green “Family Reunion” t shirts which had been especially commissioned for the occasion. The sky was grey and rain seemed likely but miraculously the day brightened and many enjoyed the stroll down to Knockboy Graveyard where The Walsh ancestors are buried. We explored the remains of the old church there and were amazed to see an Ogham stone within its walls.
Next stop was Fourmilewater church and graveyard. Here Helena told us about The Walsh and The Fitzpatrick connections. The concept of The Mass Rock was explained and how deeply the people of the area valued their faith and traditions.
Now we were travelling through a maze of narrow roads to bring us to Barrashinaun, the townsland Johanna Walsh (Fr. Leo’s greatgrandmother) left to move to Killishal when she married Michael Hurley in the 1870's.
Everybody was charmed by the old world cottage in Aughavoulivaun. There were stunning views of the mountains from each window so all the cameras were out. While cupcakes and lemonade were being enjoyed, Therese explained how people used to cook over the open turf fire using the fire machine.
Though our time schedule had gone out the window at this stage the bus brought us through the Knockmealdown mountains where the sheep continued grazing oblivious to us as we headed for Mount Melleray. There was also a convoy of four cars as some members of the group stated they were bad travellers and I am sure they enjoyed telling their friends back home in USA what it was like to drive on the wrong side of these narrow roads!
Food was next on the agenda so a stop at The Spire in Lismore was appreciated. The owner actually closed the restaurant to facilitate the group! Some ate upstairs while others preferred to sit downstairs or outdoors in the garden.
Sister Kathleen and Sister Máire greeted us in Glencairn and made us all feel very welcome. Fr Leo and Sister Kathleen said a prayer at Sr. Imelda Power’s grave and chatted about colleagues both had met while carrying out their missionary work while others visited the beautiful church.
Everybody boarded the bus once more for the final leg of the journey – Killishal.
It was from this house that Fr. Leo’s grandmother Mary Hurley emigrated in 1900 to be followed by her younger brother Anthony. It was then we all realised how much history is attached to the house and the mill. If only the walls could talk and tell us some more of the family history! Refreshments were enjoyed by all and the familiar banter began between all the cousins now – both Irish and American. Fr. Leo had completed the circle; bringing back the Hurleys, Sheas, McCanns, Dolans and McCarthys to visit their ancestral home. You have united us Fr. Leo and helped us to forge new links with new generations. The ancestors must be very pleased and we are very grateful to you for organising this wonderful celebration for us.
Fr. Leo has added his personal account of the day here.
Return to Main story: Fr. Leo's Golden Jubilee
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