Walking into Kennedy’s bar in Rearcross on a magnificent Irish summer’s day became the starting point of one of the most rewarding experiences I can recall. Admittedly, I had a few butterflies in my stomach with the anticipation and thoughts that I had travelled over 15,000km for this event, but once I entered Rody Kennedy’s Bar, ventured through the Anglesea lounge then back into the bright sunshine to the meeting place, my thoughts were ‘lets make the most of this occasion’. Little did I know how much this gathering was going to impact me.
As soon as I opened my mouth and uttered “hello” in a broad Australian accent, it became immediate to the other guests and organisers what I was there for. The warm, welcoming, beaming smiles immediately gave me a sense of calm and belonging. A brief introduction by myself and wife Lucinda to the gathering then quickly turned to chats with fellow Kennedys about well, “Kennedys”. Receiving our name tags made it official, we were part of the clan.
The convoy of cars to the Kennedy fort at Killaloe was a chance to gather my thoughts and plan for the activities which were to happen next. We arrived at the Kennedy Fort and strolled along the path to the site, picking up on conversations with fellow Kennedys along the way. Soon enough we were faced with a large bank of earth. After a short walk around the ring fort, approximately 50mts across and 4mts high, an opening appeared and all the Kennedys entered the original home of the very first Kennedy. Brian Patrick Kennedy eloquently and passionately read passages from his book “The Resilient Kennedys”. As he read about how the first Kennedys survived and prospered at the site, his words began painting images in my mind and the surroundings became full of life, as it was over 1000 years ago. As Brian gave great detail of the origins of the Kennedys, I could not help but look up at the sunlight filtering though the canopy of the overhead trees and feeling the significance of what the site meant to me and all Kennedys present.
We had a short break for some dinner, then regathered at Rearcross for an evening of further discovery and the launch of Brian Patrick Kennedy’s new book ‘The Irish Kennedys Who Moved Eastward’. A night of more introductions and an analysis of how my Kennedys may be connected to your Kennedys, later become more relaxed (with the assistance of a few pints of Guinness) with chats about life in Ireland and life in Australia. Paddy Whelan was most patient and obliging with continuous questions about the science of DNA. By the way, I posted my kit and eagerly await my results to hopefully breakdown those genealogy walls. As the night drew to a close I walked out of Chief Rody Kennedy’s bar feeling immensely pleased with the new friendships and it was not just because we shared a surname. The Sunday’s Irish Kennedy Clan Gathering had come to a close, but a bus trip to Dingle, County Kerry was still to come.
O’Cinneide – I had seen the name written on a page numerous times, but the first time I heard it pronounced I thought ‘wow’, I was not expecting that. Is it ‘o-kin-aid-ja’ (my apologies for butchering the beautiful Irish language) I need to practice that one. This simple enlightenment made me realise I have so much to learn about Kennedys and Ireland.
Tuesday saw the clan meet once more at Rearcross to catch a bus for a trip to Dingle, County Kerry. It was such a pleasure not to drive, as we had
been touring and now had the chance to stare out the window at beautiful Ireland. Conversations along the way were very informative, with a local knowledge commentary freely chatted amongst the clan. We arrived at Annascaul and spent time in a small cafe while guest speakers from the area gave detailed history of Kennedys in the Dingle Peninsula and how they got there. The local Kennedy history was told, as has been for hundreds of years, passed down through generations, giving a real connection to all Kennedys related to the story. My Kennedy history was very different; not knowing any details prior to my grandfather until I began the quest to find some answers. After years of research, I have traced back to my gggreatgrand father who left Ireland in 1852. All I have are mainly names, dates and some little bits of information from research along the way. Personally it was so pleasing to here history given in such detail with colourful stories to enhance the experience. After a few scones and a cup of tea it was back on the bus and our next stop saw us near the Blasket Islands.
What a unique history this place holds with a community living on a small island until recent times. With generations of Kennedys enriched in the area, this story was superbly told by Dara O’Cinneide. Dara was a fine orator, conveying the rich meaning of the special place his Kennedys held in the area and giving the long lines of Kennedy fisherman and farmers a unique connection to the sea and land. Dara added to an already impressive talk by citing poetry, adding colour to a story as only the Irish know how. It wasn’t until the later stages of his presentation that I found out Dara was a football champion, captaining Kerry to an All Ireland final. As an avid Australian Rules Football fan, Dara just went up another level of respect. Well done Dara.
A presentation on Fr John Joseph Kennedy by Lorcan O’Cinneide was a story of adventure, something not usually associated with priests. This Kennedy story held a personal connection as I live
only a short distance away from where Fr John Joseph Kennedy resided in Victoria and have similar family wartime encounters. Lorcan’s presentation had me engrossed as he travelled though the wonderful life of Fr John Joseph Kennedy and I had to personally thank him for the opportunity.
Back on the bus and a short trip to Dingle gave me the opportunity to listen to traditional Irish music and enjoy a few pints to cap off a fine day. Eilis Kennedy sang beautiful Irish songs with the most angelic voice, accompanied by accordion player John Benny. Several members of the Kennedy Clan joined the merriment and performed some Irish ballads of the highest quality. There were shouts of requests for other members to sing, especially wanting some Australians to perform a song. I sheepishly sipped on my Guinness, avoiding eye contact thinking ‘you don’t want to hear me sing’, then thinking ‘maybe if I have a few more beers’ I would pluck up the courage and poorly sing ‘Throw your arms around me’ by Hunters and Collectors (something for my fellow Australians).
Then it was back on the bus for the long trip back to Rearcross. A big thank you to Liam our bus driver for his tireless work to get us home safely. The ride home was a chance to reflect and from that, the one thing that was foremost in my mind, was ‘culture’. I had experienced a day few Australians and Kennedys would encounter. I now feel richer for the experience and a big thank you to all people who made it possible.
The Irish Kennedy Heritage Group is in good hands.
The Irish Kennedy Clan Gathering 2019 experience will stay with me forever and I can’t wait to share my stories with family back home. Thanks once again from Brian and Lucinda Kennedy, Ballan, Victoria, Australia.
Meanwhile is it ‘o-kin-aid-ja’ or ‘o-kin-aye-ger’ or maybe……………………?
