This is the second Clan Gathering for the McGrath Clan.
This is a gathering with a difference, as it includes the official launch of the McGrath DNA Project.
There has recently been a local launch as follows..
McGRATH CLAN GATHERING LAUNCHED
The 2016 McGrath Clan Gathering, which will be held in Dungarvan, was launched at a function in Dungarvan by Cllr John O'Leary, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County. Dates for the Clan Gathering are June 23rd to 26th, 2016.
Mayor of the Dungarvan-Lismore District, Cllr Tom Cronin opened the proceeding by welcomed everyone to the launch of the McGrath Clan Gathering. He looked forward to welcoming the visitors coming from around the world and wished the event every all the best.
Dan McGrath, Ceann Fine - McGrath Clan, spoke of the planning for this year's event, stating that it started three years ago. It had required a constant campaign, to publicize the weekend. This included lots of emails to overseas media. "As a result, we have people coming from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. There're three generations of one family of 16 traveling from Canada".
A full program of events has been drawn up for the four days. "We have a number of excellent speakers lined up, a BBQ and a heritage tour to sites of McGrath interest. There will be the Clan Dinner in the Park Hotel, which is our base for the weekend".
The night time activities includes visits to such well known pubs, Minnies Bar and The Local Bar for traditional music. Mr McGrath stated how he was looking forward to bringing the visitors out to the Gaeltacht during their time in Dungarvan.
One of the major developments taking place over the weekend is the launch of the DNA project. This has grabbed a huge amount of attention and under the administration of Anne Marie Coughlan, this will become a reality.
The final speaker was Deputy Mayor, Cllr John O'Leary, who started by commended Dan McGrath and the organizing committee on their work. He also told those present that he was part of the McGrath Clan due to his mother. Cllr O'Leary spoke of the county's rich McGrath heritage. The Deputy Mayor promised to help in any way he can, to ensure the success of the Clan Gathering, ending by officially launching the event.
Mr McGrath finished up the proceeding by saying that "there's a lot to look forward to and we're looking forward to a busy and enjoyable few days at the end of June".
The website for the event is www.mcgrathclangathering.com or by telephone on 00 353 (0)86-4072527.
McGrath Clan Gathering 2016 Launch: Pictured at the launch of this year's McGrath Clan Gathering which takes place in Dungarvan, Ireland, between the 23rd and 26th June, (L-R,) Dan McGrath, Ceann Fine McGrath Clan, Martina McGrath, local organizing committee, Cllr John O'Leary, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County, Martina McGrath, local organizing committee and Mark Ronayne, Park Hotel(base for the event).
(c) Dan McGrath/Editorial Images
Unveiling of plaque to mark the site of McGraths Castle, Abbeyside. 11.04.2015
Joanne gives the group on today's day trip a history of Sleady Castle
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ANY ENQUIRIES...
DAN McGRATH
The Clan Chief Dan McGrath is based in County Waterford. The local McGraths are mainly from the Thomond Sept of County Clare and they worked their way here via Tipperary. The Clan also includes the Ulster Sept. The Clan had their first Gathering in 2013 here.
Dan McGrath
47 Town Court,
Dungarvan.
Co Waterford.
International
Photo Journalist47 Town Court,
Dungarvan.
Co Waterford.
X35 TH90
00353(0)86 4072527
www.editorialimages.ie
www.editorialimages.ie
JOHN COLLARD
John Collard has authored a book about the McGraths who emigrated from Axedale in Clare.
ANN MARIE COGHLAN
Familyandpast.com
+353 87956 2840
Member of The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
apgen.org
Full information can be found on www.mcgrathclangathering.com
Any updates will appear here.
