THE O MAHONY SOCIETY Muintir Mhathúna

OFFICERS

TWO EVENTS UPCOMING!  Mark your calendars now for the 
67th Annual Gathering
of
The O Mahony Society
June 17-19, 2022

Planning has begun for our 67th Annual Gathering.  IF it is safe to travel and gather again, we are hoping to return to a headquarters at Coolcower House in Macroom, Co. Cork and rally at the cradle of the O Mahony Clan, Rath Raithlean.

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Once again, the charming Coolcower House in Macroom, Co. Cork, will serve as the headquarters for the 2022 Gathering.  This 19th-Century built home, largely rebuilt after a 1920 fire, offers twelve (12) ensuite rooms, multiple sitting areas, a cozy bar, meeting and banquet rooms, and a dining room.  Many updates have been made, including a redesigned conservatory for indoor casual dining, as well as expanded outdoor seating on the large patio overlooking the River Lee.  The breakfasts at Coolcower House are outstanding, and an evening bar food menu was introduced a few years ago with great success. 

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IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU BOOK YOUR ROOM(S) EARLY:  www.coolcowerhouse.ie or email proprietress Bernie O Callahan directly at coolcowerhouse@gmail.com.  Remember that your reservation deposit will secure your accommodation and allow you to remain in the hub of Gathering activities!

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There are other accommodations available in the nearby town of Macroom.  The following links are provided to start your search but are by no means connected to or supported by The O Mahony Society: 

                                                                       http://www.macroom.ie/tourism/accommodation

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                                                                       http://www.discoverireland.ie/where-to-stay/

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Similarly, some may want to investigate Airbnb options, including The Earl's Bungalow, on the site of Castle Mahon/Castle Bernard in nearby Bandon, sleeping up to eight: 

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                                     www.airbnb.com/rooms/9337681source_impression_id=p3_1562203481_4NjOZ4ynD1ukESa%2B

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Macroom Castle Gate, with its 12th C origins, is in town center. Beginning as a fortified O'Flynn home, it transitioned to a McCarthy stronghold, and was briefly the residence of Admiral Sir William Penn (father of the founder of Pennsylvania, USA).  It is worth a tour! 

The beautiful and colorful town of Macroom, West Cork.  Weekends frequently have town square fairs, and every need can be satisfied in this ancient yet modern town. 

Charming Coolcower House has been a longstanding and welcoming host to The O Mahony Society for many years.  When you join us, you'll know why!  Centrally located in West Cork and with many conveniences onsite and in town, it always feels like our home away from home. 

The view from the patio at Coolcower House, overlooking the magnificent River Lee. 

The rings of the very ancient Rath Raithleann at Garranes, Co. Cork.  You have to see it to believe how large is the site of our clan's birthplace! 

Preliminary Schedule of Events

Please note that all events take place at our headquarters unless otherwise listed.  Kindly be advised that while we sincerely appreciate notice of your intent to join us in June, no advance registration for Society events is required.  When we gather,  one or more of the Council members will be available at our headquarters to accept your cash payment for events requiring a payment (dinners, etc.).  

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Friday, June 17, 2022:  

Six-ish pm:   We will kick off the weekend's events with the O Mahony Society's long-established evening of informal                                        socializing.   This is a very casual "on your own" evening, meeting new friends and Clanspeople, as well as                                    greeting ones well known.  Typically starting in the six o'clock hour, this relaxing event lasts as long as we want!                          Our hosts at  Coolcower House are serving bar food in the evening, so feel free to make your on-you-own food                            orders from the comfort of the cozy snug. 

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Saturday, June 18, 2022:

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Morning event details are still emerging.  We hope to have traditional genealogy and yDNA Project workshops.  

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Lunch on your own.

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2:00 pm:      Afternoon outing to a local site of interest, weather-dependent. 

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The Council will meet at 5 pm.

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7 pm:           Annual General Meeting.  We will hope to provide a simulcast  meeting via Zoom.  Pre-registration will be                                    required and will be shared with the membership in late May or early June. 

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To follow:     Buffet supper.  Reliably generous , this buffet meal is a perfect way to end a day of O Mahony fellowship.

                     Pricing per person to include the full buffet and tea or coffee will follow. Please understand that with the realities                       of the pandemic, it is not yet possible to confirm pricing. 

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Sunday, June 19, 2022:  

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1:30 pm:      (Bring your own) Picnic at our Rally point,  Garranes, Rath Raithleann,   Co. Cork. 

                     FOR THOSE WISHING TO CARPOOL, MEET AT COOLCOWER HOUSE. 

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                    Learn more about some of the history of this site here: 

                                          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E%C3%B3ganacht_Raithlind

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                                          https://www.jstor.org/stable/25505959

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                                          or   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUQfm4awX_E

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7:30 pm for 8: Farewell Banquet

                        A multi-course, served meal serves as the culmination of our weekend events.  Again, pricing is pending                          but has always been provided at minimal (if any) profit to the Society; this is our event for our annual                              raffle as well as our much-enjoyed party pieces!  When we say that there is a huge variety of                                              contributions to this fun night, there is no exaggeration! ​

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Cisteoir Dermot O Mahoney has surprised us all with his skills at the accordion.  As it turns out, he has quite the repertoire! 

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Tanaiste John O Mahony of Galway lends his perfect baritone voice to poem recitation. 

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Former Taoiseach and UK Representative Tony O Mahony has lent his wonderful tenor voice with many humorous songs!

Our French cousins delighted the crowd in our last in-person Gathering with a beautiful rendition of "La Vie en Rose."  Edith Piaf would have been so proud! 

Devoted member Dan Mahoney is graciously coordinating our second event of 2022.  We are being welcomed by the Irish American Heritage Museum and Dan has confirmed the availability of a block of rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Albany/Clifton Park.  Tanaiste John O Mahony of Galway will be the featured speaker, providing a interesting and informative lecture on An Gorta Mor, or the Great Hunger.  Details are emerging and will be posted on this website and shared with Society members by Shout-Outs and our Newsletter. 

Was it the day?  Was it the program of events?  Was it that we're all a little more familiar with Zoom?  Was it the people?  It was all of that and more! 

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The O Mahony Society enjoyed its 66th Annual Gathering on June 20, 2021.  We were incredibly fortunate to have archeologist Finola Finlay (Roaringwaterjournal.com) as a featured speaker, who gave an informative and engaging lecture on "The O Mahony Tower Houses."  The speaker was followed by our AGM, where the membership elected new officers and Council members as well as being updated on Society business.  Details will be shared in the October/November Newsletter.  Society members can view Finola's lecture per the Images tab (Video sub-tab) of this website. 

Newsletter editor Bill Badzmierowski (aka, Bill O'Badz) has done it again, offering us a fresh new look to our beloved Newsletter as well as options for viewing.  Please see the Publications->Newsletters tab and note the PDF (for traditional scrolling) or the flipbook option, providing sight, sound, and an interactive format!  

Please remember that the O Mahony Society Newsletter is an all-volunteer written and produced publication and your contributions are welcome and needed!  Please click on the Publications-->Society Newsletters tab to see suggestions and guidelines for submission. Newsletter Editor Bill O'Badz looks forward to your input.

 PANDEMIC POSITIVES: The O Mahony Society uses technology to maintain connections!                               

 Virtual yDNA Project and Genetic Genealogy  Update

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                                        Traditional Genealogy Workshop massive successes                           

Society members around the world have been wowed by former Taoiseach Finbar O Mahony's October 2020, virtual yDNA Project and Genetic Genealogy updates as well as a January, 2021, Traditional Genealogy workshop presented by former Cartlannai and Journal Editor Nora Hickey.  Finbar's presentation is available to Society members on this website under the Genetic Genealogy tab, Virtual Project Update Presentations sub-tab, and Nora's workshop can be viewed under the Traditional Genealogy tab, Virtual Workshops sub-tab.

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Our Society has been gifted to have these two leaders, experts in their respective and complementary fields, give so much of their time and attention that serves our membership so well!

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Newsletter Editor Bill Badzmierowski and his husband, Joel Kotchevar,  skillfully used technology and limitless creativity to bring their story of Irish, O Mahony, and family history in a presentation that was as engaging as it was informative, and one that also offered congratulations to Society member Bob Badzmierowski, who recently received his Irish citizenship by birthright.  Although not a formal O Mahony Society event, it was well attended by Society members around the world.  Bob and his family enjoyed a celebratory cake, while the rest of us could only have a virtual taste!  Many thanks to all for a lovely evening!

IYou can view the complete Feile O'Badz presentation here.  

Other O Mahony News                   

The O Mahony Society website a benefit to young researchers               

In April of 2020, an email was received from a librarian with the Salt Lake City Children's Network, detailing work that had been done by young genealogy researchers and the benefits derived from The O Mahony Society website.  Working remotely during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, these young learners appreciated the research links available.

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Most kindly, the librarian has returned the favor by adding a link we didn't have: 

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https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/a-guide-to-researching-the-history-of-a-house /

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This site may be useful to many when researching the history of a house and includes a great breakdown of the research process, census records, helpful search resources, former owner databases, etc.

DO YOU HAVE O MAHONY NEWS TO SHARE? 

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Please contact Runai Linda McConnell Baker at Lbaker8@ec.rr.com to share photos, news, or events relevant to Society interests.  Remember:  we suggest you share your family trees at Familysearch.org