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Clan Gathering 2003

This years clan gathering had to be one of the best yet O` Driscolls, Driscolls from America, Canada, Australia the UK and even a couple from Poland were here this year, it was great to see people returning from previous years as well, John and Barbara. Steve and Sue who renewed there wedding vows on Cape Clear from the States. Bruce and Marilyn from Canada and Neil from Australia.

Everything went well, from the official opening on Friday evening and registration of clan members followed by a talk on O`Driscoll Heritage by Gerald O`Brien, and then a great reception in The Lifeboat Restaurant, thanks Bernard and Bernie, the music in the square with local band Open The Taps and before that Skibereen Silver Band

Saturday we went to Cape Clear and was met by Mary O`Driscoll who gave a talk on the history of the island and some visited the museum while some of us went up to the old signal tower and lighthouse, later we went for lunch at Ciarán Danny Mikes and later had more music before Steve and Susan renewed there wedding vows and back to Baltimore where there was more music later on in the square with Sangre Latino

 

Sunday turned out wet, very wet so after mass on Sherkin we went to Baltimore Yacht Club where local group Bus Pass entertained us before the swearing in of the new Chieftain Vincent who takes over from Conchubhar.

We then went back to Bushes for a bit more music where everyone joined in, and Bruce from Canada gave us a taste of his song writing talent, nice one Bruce!bruce

In the Southern Star the following Sat Tom Bushe described the clan gathering as "One of the most successful events ever" and said that the O`Driscoll visitors "nearly outnumbered the Irish and that's saying something in a area that was once dominated by the O`Driscolls"

Thanks to the Baltimore 2000 Committee for all the work they put into the Clan Gathering and for making us all welcome, and Murphy's and Clona Milk for sponsoring the weekend

 

 

the pint that beat neill !!

  bridie

 

tea in cotters