1994 Gathering (No 42)

By Gerry O'Malley Guardian Chieftain 1991 -1994

It'll be remembered as "ELLEN'S RALLY". It will be remembered, also as one of the most successful and memorable rallies in our forty-two year history. The 42nd O'Malley Rally was held on Clare Island on the last week-end of June 1994. It was the culmination of Ellen's year of office as Chieftain; a year packed with activity on behalf of the Clan which included a visit to the US.

Louisburgh

Rally Saturday started with a Golf Classic at Westport Golf Club, organised with much appreciation by former Chieftain Michael of Castlebar. This was won by the late Professor Conor's daughter Ann Kelly. Lord and Lady Altamont graciously received members of the Clan for a guided tour of Westport House. In the afternoon there was a big turnout for an art exhibition at the Art Gallery, Louisburgh. This was opened by the Achill poet, John F. Deane, whose grandmother was a Máille woman. Works on view included some beautiful paintings by Wayne Harlow, husband of our new Tanaiste, Kitty O'MalleyHarlow. There were also some splendid oils by Tony O'Malley, son of a Clare Island man, described by Brian Fallon, chief art critic of 'The Irish Times', as the "greatest painter since Jack Yeats".

Eoin O'Malley, Piper

After the exhibition, the Clan piper, Eoin O'Malley of Rabaun, Swinford, in full ceremonial kilt, led the procession to the Granuaile Heritage Centre, where members of the Clan Association were guests of the Centre at a reception.

Clare Island

Clare Island - part of the bride-price which Margaret O'Malley brought with her when she married Eoin, Dubhdara O'Malley, and one of the favourite places of their daughter Granuaile - is in many ways the obvious venue for the O'Malley Rally. There is, however, one big snag - getting there! On a calm sunny day, that last four miles from Roonagh Pier is a delightful twenty minute boat ride; with cross-currents and rain, it can be a different story.

The Marquee

I heard from Ellen that Chris O'Grady was organising a marquee to cope with the crowd on the Rally week-end. I expected a large tent on grass, or possibly, with board flooring, of the kind I remember from carnival dances in my youth. Nothing could have prepared me for the magnificent opulence of the structure erected outside the Hotel: solid concrete floor, permanent bar, stage and washrooms, ornate soft white drapes and awnings.

The Party

It was a perfect setting for the Chieftain's Party on Saturday night. That was a night to remember. There was a superb buffet, beautifully presented, the equal of anything that would be encountered in the best grade A mainland hotel. There was singing and dancing by people who could sing and dance and by some who couldn't do either but who enjoyed themselves anyway. But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the performance put on by the islanders themselves - a full hour of storytelling and musicianship, a delight to eye, ear and funny-bone. Among the performers were Pat MacEvoy, Chris O'Leary, Austy Byrne, Mary Moran and Michael MacEvoy. Fr Peter Gannon organised the dramatic interludes and the island children who took part were coached and directed by Mary McCabe and Aine Bob O'Malley.

Chris and Kay O'Grady

Over the entire week-end the Hotel organisation ran as smooth as clockwork. The ferrying of people back and forth was carried out with minimum fuss. When presented with the Granuaile model by Waterford Crystal, to be held at the Hotel, Chris O'Grady made a graceful acceptance speech. It was hard to believe that this man and his family had, only a few months before, suffered a tragedy on a grand scale with the loss of their beautiful ferry, Rossend. Of course, it must be said straightaway that a sea tragedy which does not include loss of life is only relatively serious but the fact remains that it will take a quarter of a million pounds to replace the loss and that is serious, no matter who your relatives are. The loss is not only to Chris and Kay O'Grady but to each and every islander for whom a large dependable ferry is a lifeline. Government aid would be forthcoming if the island were Irish speaking. All praise to Kay and Chris for their calm and dignified response to a totally ludicrous situation.

Anuna

Most of the population on the planet know, by this time, who Anuna are. The non-event of the year - the Eurovision Song Contest - was for once made memorable by something that happened in the interval – Bill Whelan's Riverdance. In about a billion living rooms people were jolted out of a semi-comatose condition by what they saw and heard; what they saw was Michael Flatley and Jean Butler dancing; what they heard was the singing of the group Anuna. I have been an Anuna groupie ever since our Guardian Chief Sal commissioned their founder, Michael McGlynn, to write The O'Malley Mass. On that Sunday morning last June, the crossing from Roonagh was no smooth boat ride. In fact, the members of Anuna arrived at the Hotel looking like drowned rates, wet through and shaking from the experience. But the resilience of youth is something to wonder at .... a half hour later they emerged, composed and beautiful to sing the O'Malley Mass in the marquee (because of the weather the venue for the Mass had been changed).

German TV Deutsche Welle

The entire proceedings over the week-end were filmed by Deutsche Welle (German) TV and carried on CNN and also on RTE Newsround.

Kitty O'Malley-Harlow was elected Tanaiste by the Clan, and we congratulate her and wish her every success during her term of office.

Sal O'Malley-Mclnerney was elected by the former Chieftains to the honoured position of Guardian Chief. Congratulations Sal.