O’Leathlobhair 2018 Clan Week-end Report 

The Annual O’Leathlobhair Clan rally week end took place on Friday 13th until Sunday 15th July 2018. The 2018 Clan week-end got under way in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, events kicked off with the business end of the week-end with the Clan A.G.M. which drew the largest attendance for some years. Clan chairperson Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick welcomed all present and a very special welcome was extended to all attending their first Clan week-end celebrations. Kevin wished all well, he hoped all would have a most enjoyable week-end and declared the 2018 AGM open. Secretary Annie Lalor read the minutes from the 2017 AGM. Matter’s arising where all in order and covered on the night’s agenda. Apologies were received from Ed and Mary Lalor from Cork, good wishes were extended to both and also from the outgoing Clan Chieftain Fergal Lalor from Kildare.

Correspondence for the annual gathering of members was up-dated. Good wishes and every success were extended to an event at the Rock of Dunamaise in August.

The Secretary Annie Lalor gave a very detailed and accurate account, as always, of the Clans’ meetings and events since the last AGM assistant Secretary for correspondence Mary Mahony gave her report on the year. The Chairperson complimented both Annie & Mary for their efficiency and attention to detail. Mary Carmody as the Clan’s social media secretary outlined in detail her report for the past year and was complimented also by the Chairperson. The next report was by the Chairperson and P.R.O. Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick who thanked all his fellow officers and the Clan committee for their hard work, commitment, and dedication to the Clan over the years, he also said that, we are all small cogs working as one large cog, to keep the clan wheel turning and long may we continue to do so. As P.R.O. Kevin thanked all the media outlets for advertising the Clan, and thanked the Management and Staff of the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for all their help and assistance to the Clan.

Paddy Lalor as Treasurer gave a very detailed report on the Clans financial state and all present were in high praise for him. Stuart Lawlor, as Clan Web operator gave a report on the Clan activities on Facebook and Social media, he said that he had a great response to the page and interest is growing as more people from abroad express an interest in joining the clan with a view to attending the rally week-end in the near future, indeed some people had already attended.

Clans of Ireland rep. Aine Ni Cathassaigh from Dublin along with our Clan Chieftain Fergal Lalor attended the annual Clans of Ireland rally in Dublin earlier in the year. The O’Leathlobhair Clan are always singled out for their wonderful yearly achievements and are hailed as one of Ireland’s most successful Clans as they gather yearly, other Clans hold events every few years only. Clan Chieftain Fergal looked very distinguished at the Clans of Ireland rally in his attire with cloak and staff and was complimented for same.

Officers elected for 2018/19 were as follows:

Chairperson & P.R.O. Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick, 
Vice Chairperson Tom Lawlor,
Minute Secretary Annie Lalor,
Assistant Secretary Mary Mahony,
Correspondence and Computer Operator Mary Carmody,
Treasurer Paddy Lalor,
Assistant Treasurer Eamon Lalor,
Facebook & Web Operator Stuart Lawlor. 
The Clans of Ireland Representatives, Aine Ni Cathassaigh and Margot Coogan,
Committee members P. J. Lalor, Bridget Lawlor, Maeve Lalor, Dan Carmody and Pat Lalor.
The new Chieftain 2018/19 is Mary Carmody.
Life Members of the O’Leathlobhair Clan: Mary Lalor, The Heath, Tom Lawlor, Abbeyleix, David & Ursula Lawlor, Killeigh, Josie Dunne, Shanahoe, Paddy Lalor, Ballycarroll, Michael Lalor, Camross, Annie Lalor, Camross and Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick, Raheen.

Following the election of officers an open floor discussion took place which gave everyone present a chance to speak and air their opinions, many suggestions were put forward for the committee to review and especially for the Clan’s 25th anniversary in 2019. The review meeting of the 2018 Clan week-end takes place on Monday 30th July at 8 pm. in the parish centre, Portlaoise.

The meeting continued, all involved in organising the Clan rally week-end were complimented on doing a marvellous job and should take a bow for their dedication and commitment.

Under any other business the James Fintan Lalor Autumn School was discussed and would be on a future agenda. Dan Carmody secretary of the Lalor House Restoration Project stated that phase one was completed in October 2017. It is proposed to start work on phase two very soon. An open day will be held at Tenakill on Wednesday 22nd August 2018 during Heritage Week from 11 am. to 4 pm. The committee will host the launch of the “Sponsor a Slate Campaign” on the day also. One of the highlights of the year was the visit of His Excellency the Australian Ambassador Richard Andrews on 14th February 2018. Among the many visitors to Tenakill during the year, it was especially noted that Ethan Kelly an 11 year old boy from Australia called to visit Tenakill as he had completed a project in his school on Peter Lalor. Ethan called with his parents Leann and Chris Kelly and young brother Alex, who were accompanied by Leann’s parents Fintan & Mary Hinch from Mountmellick. They were welcomed by Kevin & Mary Lalor-Fitzpatrick. Ethan and his family were very proud to be at the home of Peter Lalor, both himself and his brother had their photo taken alongside a large picture of Peter Lalor. The annual Hopkins Society in Monasterevin were wished every success by Clan Chairperson as newly appointed committee member Dan Carmody is involved with the Hopkins committee.

Votes of sympathy were extended to all clan families who lost a loved one during the year.

Nominations for Clan Chieftain which had to be in by close of business of the AGM were Mary Carmody, Margo Coogan and Patrick Lalor.

As there was no further business everyone looked forward to a night of entertainment and refreshments. The music and song was by the ever popular Joe Coogan and a comedy sketch was provided by Portlaoise Active Retirement Group featuring Paddy Lalor, Andy McQuillan, Finian Finlay, Bernie Downey and John McAuliffe.

On Saturday the Clan tour was organised to Lullymore, It was a lovely sunny morning and the Clan members set out for the bog trip near Rathangan, some members stepped back in time to cut the turf with the slain, a most enjoyable day was had by all. The Clan Banquet and election of the New Clan Chieftain was held on Saturday night in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, members and friends sat down to a beautiful meal. Following the meal the nominees for the position of Clan Chieftain were introduced, Mary Carmody, nee Lalor from Portlaoise and Pat Lalor from Mooneenroe, Kilkenny introduced themselves to all present. After votes were collected and counted and overseen by the outgoing Chieftain Fergal Lalor and Susan Mooney the Clan Piper Pat Lalor from Ballon in Carlow piped in the new O’Leathlobhair Clan Chieftain 2018/19 Mary Carmody to a standing ovation. Outgoing Chieftain Fergal thanked all for their support and a marvellous year and wished the clan and the new Chieftain every success and a great year. Mary responded and thanked all who had supported her and also her proposer’s for the position. Runner up Pat Lalor said it was a very proud moment for Mary and her family and wished her well and offered his support for the year ahead. Pat vowed to return to battle in a future year. Patrons danced the night away to the fabulous Solitaire who had recently launched their new CD album “Partners in Rhyme”. A great night was had by all who attended; Diarmuid O’Cathassaigh provided entertainment also with song and played some tunes on his harmonica which is always enjoyed by everyone along with his rendition of the O’Leathlobhair Anthem. The nights’ events were caught on camera by James Carroll.

On Sunday the members attended an Ecumenical Church Service in Killermogh Church, Ballacolla, Cannon Patrick Harvey welcomed the members of the O’Leathlobhair Clan. The newly elected Clan Chieftain Mary Carmody read the Gospel. After church service all attended a farewell lunch at the Manor Hotel.

All agreed, before departing for England and the four corners of Ireland that the week-end was another great success.

2019 will see the Clan celebrate 25 years since its formation.