The O’Leathlobhair Clan Report 2017 

The Annual Gathering of the O'Leathlobhair Clan took place in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois over the week-end of July 21st, 22nd & 23rd, 2017; Laois is regarded as the home of the O’Leathlobhair.
Events got underway on Friday evening 21st July at 8 p.m. in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel with the AGM, a large number attended to review the business of the Clan year. Chairperson Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick had a very warm welcome for all the members and for those attending their first Clan Rally, Kevin extended a very hearty cead mile failte. The meeting opened with warm words of welcome and great praise for outgoing Clan Chieftain Maeve Lalor, a Carlow native from Ballon and now married and living in Delvin, co. Westmeath. Secretary Annie Lalor read the minutes of 2016 AGM and all agreed they were a very true and accurate account. The various reports followed from Secretary Annie Lalor, Assist. Secretary Mary Mahony, Computer Secretary Mary Carmody, Social Media, Web and Facebook Operator Stuart Lawlor, Chairperson & PRO Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick, Treasurer Paddy Lalor, Reps. To the Clans of Ireland Aine Ni Cathassaigh and Clan Chieftain Maeve Lalor.

Election of Officers for 2017-2018:

Chairperson/P.R.O. : Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick
Vice Chairperson : Tom Lawlor
Minute Secretary : Annie Lalor
Correspondence Secretary : Mary Mahony
Computer Secretary : Mary Carmody
Web & Facebook Operator : Stuart Lawlor
Treasurer : Paddy Lalor
Assistant Treasurer : Eamon Lalor
Clans of Ireland Delegates : Aine Ni Cathassaigh, Maeve Lalor, Margot Coogan and the New Clan Chieftain Fergal Lalor.
Committee: P.J. Lalor, Bridget Lawlor, Michael Lalor and Margot Coogan

The next item on the agenda was an open floor discussion where all present got a chance to air their views on any matter, various ideas and suggestions were put forward for discussion and the new committee will discuss them over various upcoming meetings.

A review meeting will take place on Monday 14th Aug. at 8 p.m. in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise, this meeting will review the events during the O'Leathlobhair Clan Rally week-end for 2017.

Votes of Sympathy were extended to all Clan families who lost loved ones during the year. Nominations closed for those contesting the position of Clan Chieftain, the new leader to take over the role at the Clan Banquet on Saturday night. Any other business included an update on the James Fintan Lalor Autumn School to be held on Saturday 18th Nov. in Portlaoise. Also, a committee has been set up for the preservation/restoration of Tenakill House, ancestral home to Honest Pat Lalor M.P. and his sons James Fintan Lalor, Richard Lalor M.P. and Peter Lalor of Eureka Stockade fame in Australia. An open day will take place at Tenakill on Tuesday 22d Aug. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., further information on both events to be outlined at a later date.

Following the A.G.M. light refreshments were served and entertainment was provided by the Portlaoise Active Retirement Group with a comedy sketch “The Operation” written by Paddy Lalor who also performed along with Andy McQuillen, Pat Nealon and Finian Finlay. Trudy Nealon provided sound. This was followed with music on accordion and song by Joe Coogan, a great finish to the opening night.

Saturday morning saw the members off on their historical tour arranged by Clan Chieftain Maeve Lalor taking in scenic parts of Carlow. As the sun shone brightly Maeve lead the clan in song with Follow Me Up to Carlow and Lovely Laois. The first stop was to Pat and Margaret Lalor's Ballykealey farm near Ballon, parents of Maeve where the group were greeted with a warm welcome on arrival with Pat playing the uileann pipes and Maeve's nephews and nieces and family members proudly holding up a cead mile failte banner applauding as Maeve led the way dressed in the clan robe and staff. The group were served beautiful homemade scones with tea and coffee followed by viewing of vintage tractors, machinery and items from times past. Two of Maeve's nephews were delighted to be able to introduce themselves on the day as James Fintan Lalor and Fintan Lalor, the latter being the proud owner of a Ferguson 20 grey vintage tractor presented to him by Pat Lalor of Ballykealy farm. Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick commended everyone involved. The next stop on tour was to Adelaide Memorial Church in Myshall with guide Bridget who outlined all the local history. A break for lunch was to O'Shea's in Borris, then the tour continued on to Graiguemanagh and Duiske Abbey where the history was given by Diarmuid O'Cathassaigh. The tour continued on to St. Mullins where the residents were preparing for Pattern Day being held the following day and the history of the locality was enthusiastically given by Bridget.

Saturday night saw the members gather for the Clan Banquet and after the beautiful meal served by the Management & Staff of the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, members danced and enjoyed the music of Solitaire. On view also were the many scrap books showing photos and details of events held during the years maintained by Mary Mahony which remind members and introduce new members and guests to all happenings. A super night was had by all the new Clan Chieftain was announced as Fergal Lalor, a native of Carlow now living in Suncroft, Co. Kildare with his wife and family. Clan Piper Pat Lalor had the honour of leading Fergal into the banquet hall to a standing ovation followed by outgoing Chieftain Maeve Lalor was paid glowing tributes for her work and commitment to the O'Leathlobahir Clan over the past year, Maeve responded favourably. Fergal, in his address said that it was a proud moment for himself, his wife and three children to be bestowed this honour and also his very proud mother who was in attendance along with his sister and family members. Fergal also remembered his late father Seamus. His first job was to present Maeve with her Clan certificate as outgoing Chieftain.

Sunday 23rd July brought to a close the end of another super week-end for the O'Leathlobhair Clan members with an Ecumenical service conducted by Fr. Eddie Lalor with Organist Laura Kelly. Readings were by Clan Chieftain Fergal Lalor, Prayers of the Faithful were read by Maeve Lalor, Declan Carroll, Aine Ni Cathassaigh, Eamon Lalor, Tom Lawlor & Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick. A special thanks to Fr. Ger Ahern P.P., Abbeyleix for the use of the church and to Nora Tobin, Sacristan. Good wishes were extended to Fr. Ahern in his new parish of Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow.

Members concluded the afternoon with a farewell lunch. It was a bitter sweet week-end for Clan Chairperson Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick as he remembered his late and very dear and wonderful mother Millie as it was twelve months to the day when she was called to her heavenly home and to all clan members and friends and past Clan Chieftains who are no longer with us, may earth's green sod rest gently on their souls and may the light of Heaven shine upon them.

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. 

The O’Leathlobhair Clan Report 2009 

ABBEYLEIX was once again the venue for the annual O'Leathlobhair Clan Rally. It was the 16th annual rally and over 90 members of the clan attended the week-end festival. They came from as far as England and America - and indeed it was one of the diaspora who was elected as the clans 12th chieftain.

Sixty-three-year-old Huddersfield native John Stuart Lawlor received the prestigious honour at the event.

Outgoing chieftain Tom Lawlor handed over his robe to the new chieftain as the O'Leathlobhair Clan Piper Joe O Leary led the clan chief in to a standing ovation at the banquet in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. Stuart, a father of two who works as a financial officer with an English charity, said he was delighted. It is a privilege and an honour to be selected. I feel brilliant, he said.

Mr Lawlor was accompanied by his wife Sheila on the night and their hosts for the week-end John and Liz Lalor.

Stuart attended his first rally in 2001 after he discovered it while browsing the internet. Ironically, it was the outgoing chieftain who first invited Mr Lawlor to a clan rally.

The new chieftain acknowledged the work done by his predecessor.

Events initially got under way on Friday 10 July in Fr Breen Park with a senior ladies football game between Shanahoe and Timahoe. The rain thankfully stayed away and Timahoe just edged out their opponents in an entertaining contest that ended 1-8 to 1-6. The Killeshin cup was presented to captain Trish Lalor by clan chieftain Tom Lawlor shortly afterwards.

The business end of the clan rally took place the following day with the annual AGM. Highlights over the last year included the clan paying a trip to Dublin to visit the grave of the James Fintan Lalor, where a wreath was laid on the famous Laois mans grave. The AGM also saw the election officers, including Kevin Lalor Fitzpatrick as chairperson and PJ Lalor as vice-chairperson. Annie Lalor and Mary Mahony were nominated as secretaries and Paddy Lalor and Tom Lawlor elected as treasurer and assistant treasurer respectively. Mary Lalor, Paddy Lalor, Ursula Lawlor, Annie Lawlor and Paddy Lalor were all elected as life members of the clan. Committee members and representatives were also selected.

Later in the day, the clan set off for a historical tour of Kilkenny, ending at Kilkenny Castle. The highlight of the weekend - the clans annual banquet took place that evening in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, where Stuart was elected chieftain and was also requested to sing a song with the band.

The Blue Ridge Country Band provided the music.

Sunday morning saw the conclusion of the rally with an ecumenical service celebrated by Fr Eddie Lalor and Reverend Ann Wallace, followed by a farewell lunch.

The O’Leathlobhair Clan Report 2008 

The O Leathlobhair clan rally held in Abbeyleix over the weekend was another huge success.

The weekend event got underway with a challenge football match between Shanahoe and Ratheniska u-14 ladies teams. Ratheniska proved victorious on a 4-5 to 2-1 score line. Then back to the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for a buffet and entertainment. Medals where presented to both teams by the outgoing Chieftain PJ Lalor.

The clans business end of the weekend took place on Saturday morning when their held the AGM. The afternoon walking tour of Portlaoise started with a visit to the James Finton Lalor memorial statue recently erected and ending at the annual visit to Whelan's Bar in Ballyroan for tea & sandwiches

The highlight of the weekend was a superb clan banquet with dancing to music supplied by the Statesmen with visitors from America, Holland and the regulars from England enjoying the festivities

Abbeyleix man Tom Lalor, was piped into the hall by Durrow piper Joe O Leary and announced as the Chieftain of the O Leathlobhair Clan for the coming year.

Tom, originally from Shanahoe is married to Brigid and lives along the Ballyroan Road. The couple has two children Gareth and Sheila. Now retired Tom had worked as a policeman in America for many years and returned to Abbeyleix where the couple set up a B&B. Tom said he was honoured and proud to be a member of the highly respected O Leathlobhair Clan. He said he would have a hard act to follow in the shoes of past chieftains particularly the outgoing one PJ Lalor, but would do his best.

PJ said among the highlights of his term of office was visiting the Flight of Earls Festival in Donegal and his attendance at the civic reception held in honour of the O Malley clan held recently.

The following morning clan members were welcomed to Ballyroan Church of Ireland for the annual ecumenical service which was celebrated by Canon Patrick Harvey.

A final meal was served to members in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel to bid adieu to all clan members until next year if not sooner.