O’Driscolls from many lands are set to attend the O’Driscoll Clan Gathering on Cape Clear island, where old friends and long-lost family relations will have the chance to celebrate the O’Driscolls’ heritage
The O’Driscoll Clan Gathering has been the springboard for many to go in search of their roots. The annual programme of events includes a reception where people first get to know others in the international O’Driscoll family, a lecture on some aspect of O’Driscoll heritage, a book launch, an exhibition, story-telling and singing sessions and visits to historic sites.
Today the holding of the office of O’Driscoll Chieftain is not based on historical descent. Anyone bearing the name O’Driscoll may be raised to the office. The inauguration of the new Chieftain on the final day of the Clan Gathering is always an exciting and special occasion.
Programme
A day trip to Cape Clear Island takes place on Saturday when the Clan members have made their way by 10:30 am to Baltimore Pier to take the Cape Clear Island Ferry for the 45 minute trip to the island. On arrival, people can make their way to the museum on foot or by shuttle buses where at noon the O Driscoll Memorial Archive holds the Annual O Driscoll Remembrance Ceremony.
Details of the O Driscoll Remembrance Ceremony and more O Driscoll Events are to be found here.An O Driscoll who has previously attended a Clan Gathering is invited by the O Driscoll Memorial Archive to bring a candle from their own country to the Remembrance Ceremony. This candle is then lit in remembrance of deceased members of the worldwide O Driscoll Family. All present are invited to participate in the ceremony by stating their name and that of their country and then call the name of a deceased relative. Anyone related to an O Driscoll past or present, who is unable to attend the Remembrance Ceremony, may submit online the name of a deceased relative whose name they may wish to have called at the Remembrance Ceremony.
After visiting the museum and viewing some of the O Driscoll related exhibition material and O Driscoll Archive Collection, there will be lunches, tea, coffee etc. available at bars near the North Harbour. Visits to historic and other sites may be organised in the afternoon.
A music session, perhaps a quiz or a visit to historic and archaeological sites or other activities may take place on the day. At 4:30 pm, the ferry leaves Cape Clear for Baltimore. On Saturday night, O Driscoll Clan members usually spend some time chatting with new friends, making contacts and perhaps discussing their common O Driscoll genealogy and heritage. It is also a time for engaging with the local community and relaxing in comfort at local restaurants and pubs!
Find out more at http://odriscoll.ie/?page_id=7