O'Leathlobhair Clan gather
FR Breen Park in Abbeyleix was the location for the literal kick off of the annual O'Leathlobhair (Lalor) Clan Rally which took place last weekend. The curtain raiser for the weekend, which hosted visitors from the US, Australia and Britain, was a junior ladies football match which saw Ballyroan pitted against Ballykelly from Monasterevin.
In a lively encounter, the visiting team found little comfort in Abbeyleix, with Ballyroan triumphing on a full time scoreline of Ballyroan 2-8, Ballykelly 0-4. Refereed by John Lalor, the Monasterevin ladies missed a chance to even things up somewhat, missing a penalty with the last kick of the game.
Stuart Lalor, clan chieftain presented Ballykelly with runners-up medals. Ballyroan captain Aoife McWey was presented with the Killeshin Cup and medals for the players. Thanks was extended to Abbeyleix GAA club for the use of their grounds.
The largest attendance since the clan’s foundation in 1993, attended the AGM in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Friday evening. Chaired by Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick, annual reports were delivered by secretaries Annie Lalor and Mary Mahony, while treasurer Paddy Lalor provided a very detailed financial report on the year’s events. PRO Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick thanked media outlets for coverage throughout the year.
Saturday morning saw clan members partaking on their historical tour which encompassed a history museum, a candle making factory and concluded in the Castlecomer Discovery Park. The highlight of the day was the annual banquet and election of the new clan chieftain, in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Saturday evening.
Three candidates vied for the title of clan chieftain: Margot Coogan, Rath; Eamon Lalor, Carlow and Peter Philp, Australia. In the end the new clan piper, Ned Dunne had the honour of piping in the new Eamon Lalor as the new clan chieftain.
In his inaugural address Eamon Lalor said he would dedicate his year to his late father, and Denis Harrington, his late brother-in-law.
His first task was to present outgoing chieftain, Stuart Lawlor with a scroll certificate. Stuart, who was the first overseas chieftain, said he had a wonderful year.
An ecumenical service was held in Ballyroan Church of Ireland where the O’Leathlobhairs were welcomed by Canon Patrick Harvey. Afterwards there was tea in Whelans, and then the members adjourned to the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for the traditional farewell lunch.
The new clan committee commences work on August 9 with a meeting in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise at 8.30pm.
The election of officers was as follows: life members Annie Lalor, Camross; Ursula Lawlor, Killeigh; Paddy Lalor, Abbeyleix; Mary Lalor, The Heath. Chairperson/PRO, Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick, Raheen; vice-chairman, PJ Lalor, Abbeyleix; secretary, Annie Lalor, Camross; assistant secretary, Mary Mahony, Abbeyleix; treasurer, Paddy Lalor, Ballycarroll; assistant treasurer, Tom Lawlor, Abbeyleix; website operator, Stuart Lawlor, England; Clans of Ireland delegates, Tom Lawlor and Annie Lalor; committee Michael Lalor (MCC), Camross; Ita Culleton Fitzpatrick, Timahoe; Jimmy Lalor-Fitzpatrick, Mountrath; Eleanor Robinson, Wicklow; Bernie Lalor, Cork, Edward and Mary Lalor, Cork, Elizabeth McKenna, Cavan; Pauline Bennett, Dublin.
Overseas reps Michael, Danny, Jimmy, Chris Lalor - USA; Peter, Nain, Daniel and Phillip - Australia.
Votes of sympathy were passed with all who were bereaved during the year, and in particular Paddy Lalor, Dublin and Denis Harrington, Leixlip.
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Weather for Portlaoise
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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