O'Dochartaigh Reunion

The 10 days are over and with a day of rest in between, we have finished up the post-reunion survey. It will be available on the reunion website. http://www.odochartaighreunion.com/

We hope that many people will fill out the short survey, even if you weren't able to attend the reunion this time. It really is a great help to the committee for planning. Here is a collage of a few pictures.

At the closing event, Anna Connolly read a parody that she had written. She gave me permission to publish it here.

Home to Inishowen

Two thousand and eight was a very good year
‘Cause all the O’Doherty’s had all landed here
To meet with relations, their kith and their kin
And to honour the land where their roots lay in

They walked on the walls with the rain pouring down
Tommy Carlin would blind them with news of the town
He told of King Billy and King James as well
But who cares when your shoes resemble a well

Then off to the Tower they ventured to go
To hear how the people all lived years ago
There was Brendan and Jerry to show them around
And they learned all the history of old Derry town

The American Folk Park was next on the list
T’was the fourth of July and could not be missed
They may be in Ireland but on such a day
They could not forget their own U.S.of A

The medieval ball was a sight to behold
With people all dressed up in silver and gold
They were dressed up in costumes from their head to their toes
Where they got all the gear from well, the Lord only knows

They came from all parts of the world to see
The cove where the Earls all sailed out to sea
And then to the spot where Sir Cahir lay dead
And to place a wreath where he was shot dead

Now it is time for friends to depart
But the memory of you will live in our hearts
We hope that one day you will come home
Again to your homeland of old Inishowen’

Anna Connolly

It is a short poem, but really sums up the feelings that were echoed from table to table that night.

The O'Dochartaigh Reunion Committee