THE 16th annual clann rally weekend was held in Abbeyleix last weekend. The events got underway in the Fr Breen Park with a senior ladies football match between Shanahoe and Timahoe, with referee Seamus O' Shea.
A good sporting game took place between the two teams who meet in the Ladies Senior Football Championship soon. The final score in the match was Timahoe 1-8, Shanahoe 1-6.
After the game in the park, the crowds went down to the Abbeyleix Manor Hot
el for music and food.
Clann Chieftan Tom Lawlor presented the Killeshin Cup to Trish Lalor from Timahoe, as well as winners and runners up medals. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the opening night of the now popular weekend.
Saturday July 11, saw the business end of the weekedn, with the clann AGM. A busy year was reviewed with many highlights, the most recent being the Ó Leathlobhair Clann Trip to Dublin to visit the grave of James Fintan Lalor where chieftan Tom Lalor laid a wreath on the famous Laois and Irishman’s grave.
A great day was had by all who attended. At the AGM various reports were given by the representative officers and officers were elected for 2009/2010.
Life members elected were Mary Lalor from The Heath, Paddy Lalor from Abbeyleix, Ursula Lalor from Killeagh, Annie Lalor from Camross and Paddy Lalor from Dublin.
Chairperson and PRO, Kevin Lalor Fitzpatrick, vice chairperson, PJ Lalor, minute secretary Annie Lalor, correspondance secretary, Mary Mahony, treasurer, Paddy Lalor, assistant treasurer, Tom Lawlor.
Committee members elected were Mary Lalor form Ballycarroll, David Lalor from Killeigh, Jimmy Lalor Fitzpatrick from Mountrath, Danny Lalor from America, Ita Culleton form Timahoe, Bernie Lalor from Cork, Michael lalor MCC from Camross, Eleanor Lalor from Wicklow, John Lalor from Ballyroan, Michael Lalor from America, Stuart Lalor from England, Ed Lalor from Cork and Mary Lalor from Cork. Clanns of Ireland reps elected were Tom Lalor and Annie Lalor. Website operator Stuart Lalor.
After lunch on Saturday the clann set off on their historical tour and this year it was to Kilkenny, where the clann explored the city.
Back at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel it was time for the clann’s annual banquet and the election of the new Ó Leathlobhair Clann Chieftan.
After the meal the crowd danced to the music of Blue Ridge Country. Tom Lalor then handed over his robe and staff to the 2009 chieftan Stuart Lalor.
Stuart is from Huddersfield in England where he now lives with his wife Sheila and family. This was Stuarts ninth visit to the Ó Leathlobhair Clann Rally Weekend.
In his new role of clann chieftan, Stuart made presentations of certificates, including one to Tom Lawlor.Life member certificates were presented to Paddy Lalor from Abbeyleix, Mary Lalor from the Heath, Ursula Lalor from Killeigh, Annie Lalor from Camross and Paddy Lalor from Dublin.
Special guest on the night was Josie Dunne who gave a rendition of her song ‘James Fintan Lalor’ from her CD ‘Treasured Memories’.
Sunday morning saw the the clanns annual ecumenical service at the Church of Adoration. Fr Eddie Lalor and Rev.
