2019 Gathering (No 65)
The 65th O'Malley Clan Gathering was held in Limerick city from the 21st to the 23rd June, 2019, led by Chieftain Brendan O'Malley. Some 150 people attended over the weekend, with attendees from Ireland, USA, Australia, UK, Belgium and Czechia.
Des O'Malley, former T.D. and founder of the Progressive Democrat Party, promoting the O'Malley Clan Gathering.
Singer songwriter Dido with Chieftain Brendan promoting the Gathering at her concert in the Gaiety Theatre Dublin. Dido's grandmother, Maeve O'Malley was a sister of Donogh O'Malley, T.D.
Eoin O'Malley, Son of Chieftain Brendan, promoting the Gathering outside the European Commission Berlaymont Building in Brussels, Belgium
Limerick Leader article anticipating the 2019 Gathering - and the coverage afterwards
Some of the Name Badges
Click on the Logo above for the Invitation to the 2019 Gathering and the Programme of Events
Chieftain Brendan O'Malley (No 64) with the youngest O'Malley at the 2019 Gathering - his granddaughter Aisling O'Malley, just 7 weeks old!
Events kicked off on Friday afternoon with a walking tour of historic sites led by distinguished historian Dr Liam Irwin. Then we assembled at Limerick City Hall for the official opening of the exhibition O'Malleys in Public Life by the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Michael Sheahan.
The exhibition, O'Malleys in Public Life, celebrated the achievements of many O'Malleys from around the world in sport, business, engineering, politics, medicine and the arts. The pull-up exhibition panels can be viewed by clicking on the invitation image above. Also on display were paintings by celebrated artist, Tony O'Malley and his wife Jane O'Malley, kindly leant by their owners, and many other diverse artifacts.
Chieftain Brendan presents the Mayor of Limerick, Councillor Tom Sheehan with a collection of books by and about O'Malleys
Limerick Ceramic Artists association displayed several exciting works on the theme of Granuaile. Siobhan O'Malley, sister of Chieftain Brendan, is 3rd from left.
Chieftain Brendan with Dr Brian O'Malley from Cape Cod, MA, USA
Hannah Arnup from Ballymorris pottery
News Clipping - Pamela O'Malley imprisoned by Franco regime in Spain
Chieftain Brendan addressing the opening of the exhibition
Dr Brian O'Malley and daughter Grace with Dr Matt Potter, Director of Limerick City Museum
Eoin O'Malley Leinster Rugby Jersey
Statuette presented to Michael B O'Malley as Mayor of Limerick by the Irish Americans of Minnesota
Pat McCoole and Michael O'Malley at the exhibition
Joe O'Malley & family early 20th century at Corbally, Limerick. Father of Donough O'Malley, T.D.
Front: Eddie Butler, Canon Donough O'Malley; Behind: Tim O'Connor, Pearce O'Malley, Denis O'Malley
After the exhibition opening, several O'Malleys adjourned to the Lock Bar across the street for some refreshment and music.
Next morning, a bus tour visited Ardnacrusha power station, built in the 1920s under the supervision of Dr Tommy McLaughlin, husband of Limerick woman Olwen O'Malley.
In the afternoon, we gathered in the Strand Hotel for three talks. First was by Dr Maurice Gleeson, genetic genealogist, who explained how the new tool of DNA analysis was enabling people to break through the early 19th century 'brick walls' in the historical record that many encounter. He was followed by Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, an expert in compiling oral history, who gave a fascinating talk on the rich legacy of family history available through oral history, with many examples and advice on how to gather material from elderly relatives. Finally, we heard from Stephen Tracey of Ireland101.com, a company dedicated to establishing and supporting links between the scattered diaspora and their home places. The company is working with the O'Malley Clan Association to assist in broadening our international reach through the internet.
Tomás Mac Conmara, oral historian
Stephen Treacy of Ireland101.com
Dr. Maurice Gleeson, genetic genealogist
Outside the lecture room, a number of family trees were displayed, including the enormous one compiled by Ted and Denis O'Malley of the Co Limerick O'Malleys with several thousand names on a huge display. These trees provided an excellent talking point as people established connections with other relatives and compared their own family researches.
We then adjourned to the superb rooftop Shannon suite for dinner, overlooking Limerick city and with a view of St Mary's Cathedral, City Hall and King John's Castle.
After dinner, Chieftain Brendan welcomed everyone to the Chieftain's Reception, with music and dancing to the small hours.
Chieftain Brendan at the Dinner
Governor Martin O'Malley entertaining the crowd at the Chieftain's Reception
On Sunday, we assembled at St Mary's Church for the traditional O'Malley Clan Mass, celebrated by parish priest Canon Donough O'Malley. Piper Sean O'Malley led the procession of Chieftains into the church and out again afterwards, to be greeted by a heavy downpour. Fortunately for the chieftain, the cloak has a hood, which turned out to be quite useful!
Mary O'Malley reads the Lesson, with Conor O'Malley behind
The Annual General Meeting of the Clan was held in the beautiful surroundings of the Captain's Room in the Hunt Museum. In the absence of secretary Mary Jane, the minutes were read by Guardian Chieftain Ellen O'Malley Dunlop and the Financial Report was presented by Treasurer Maurice O'Malley.
The Clan Lunch was held in the Hunt Museum, beautifully presented by Helen O'Donnell and her staff. After lunch, Chieftain Brendan presented his Chieftain's Awards in three categories: Sport, the Arts and Public Life.
The buffet lunch in the Hunt Museum cafe
Recipients of the Chieftain's Awards: Rugby legend John Hayes, whose mother is an O'Malley, for distinction in Sport, Anne Chambers, biographer of Grace O'Malley, for distinction in the Arts and Governor Martin O'Malley, American politician for distinction public life.
Fortunately, the weather had cleared up by the time lunch and the award presentations were over, so we were able to move outside for the inauguration of the new Chieftain. Led by piper Sean, the former Chieftains formed a circle as outgoing Chieftain Brendan passed the staff and Cloak of office to new Chieftain Prof Tom O'Malley from Newport Co. Mayo, followed by the singing of Óró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile.
Piper Sean O'Malley and family
Incoming Chieftain, Prof Tom O'Malley (No 65) from Newport, Co Mayo, clearly looking forward to his time at the head of the Clan!
Outgoing Chieftain Brendan assists incoming Chieftain Tom O'Malley to don the O'Malley Clan Chieftain's Cloak, surrounded by former Chieftains (L - R) Don O'Malley (No 45), Pearce O'Malley (No 63), Guardian Chieftain Ellen O'Malley Dunlop (No 41), Denis O'Malley (No 61), and Margaret Davern (No 59).