APH
Source: Athenry ADC’s publication -The Athenry Journal, Vol 2, No 2, 1996
‘Everything went perfect’, Tom Mac said. ‘St Joseph’s Club as an ideal location.. .’ It was great to meet old friends’. Most people would be there but for the holiday weekend and others had to go to a wedding… .’ I was glad I went… Maeve Kilkelly would have danced ‘til the dawn… I’ll go again….’
Old Friends
Those words summed up the get together in London for all who attended St Joseph’s Club, Empire Way, Wembley, on Saturday night May 25th. It was a great opportunity for all who travelled to renew acquaintances with old friends; some had not met for over forty years – and equally for all who made the journey from Athenry to meet up with family and parishioners.
There in strength
The Mulkerrins family were there in strength, Gerry, Bernie, Rena, Patricia and Helena with their aunt Olive. The three McNamara sisters, Nancy, Betty and Pauline came along to keep an eye on Tom. JJ and Eilish Madden from Ballydavid and Sean Mitchell (brother of Paddy) with his wife Florence and their two daughters Lorraine and Michelle. Con Flannery from Caheroyan and Hugh Bowman with his parents. Maureen Crosby, Newline and Orla, Karen and Dara Dunleavy came to meet up with their father Frank. Frank stayed on for a holiday. He has not settled since he came back! Martin Kelly from Kilcolgan, a cousin of Martin T Kelly was there. Niall Shanahan from Prospect was telling us about his first impressions of London. I’d say he will find his way back as soon as he can. Liam Cummins, Derrydonnel was all smiles and chat and kept a group of young people in good humour – Sinead Madden, Assumpta Freaney and her aunt Mary and Madeline Roche from Lackagh. Lively company and it was great to meet up with them.
Frank Rabbitte
The big push to revive the London Reunion came from Frank Rabbitte when he was home for Lady Day last August. His interest and enthusiasm in bringing people together and for a group to go over put the responsibility on Jimmy Somers to do something on the local scene. And he certainly did get the wheels in motion and put a lot of work in preparations. It tested his remarkable patience and perseverance! In London, Frank and his wife Kay got great support from Martin and Kathleen King, Caheroyan, and Kevin and Rita O’Brien. Publicity and tickets, organising the venue and contact was made by them. They put a great effort into it.’That’s no bother’, Frank kept saying! On the local scene in our own parish, people were encouraged to send ‘letters of invitation’ collected at the Churches.
Promotion of the event
Thirty five parishes in the London area had notice of the event in the parish newsletters, and the Connaught Tribune, Tuam Herald and Galway Bay FM gave more publicity. Gilbert McCarthy sent a letter to the homes of the students of PresentationCollege with information about the reunion, and Luke Glynn came over to represent the school and meet past pupils. Thanks to the many people who helped in the promotion. We are grateful for all your help.
Number who went over
Something that added to the success of the event in a very special way was the number of people who made the effort to go over. It meant a lot to parishioners and friends in London to see such interest and support. Peggy & Courtney Andrews, Tom McNamara, Maeve Kilkelly, Ann Jennings, Luke Glynn, Fr. Tony King, Andy and Kathleen Bowman, Eithne Freaney, Frank Dunleavy, Jimmy and Breege Somers. Many parishioners and friends from overseas will be home in Athenry for Lady Day and the festival. We extend to them a Cead Mile Failte. We hope that they will experience great hospitality in Athenry during this colourful time of year.
