Mayo to host 2018 O’Malley Clan gathering

Cory Kilbane

The annual O’Malley Clan ‘Granuaile’ gathering will take place in June of next year in Mayo in the ‘Clew Bay Area’.
Each year, consecutively, since 1953 a gathering has been held. O’Malleys from all corners of the globe attend the event on an annual basis. This year marks the 67th year of the gathering.
Chieftain of next year’s gathering in Mayo, Pearce O’Malley from Westport, told The Mayo News that the aim of the event is to ‘foster connections between people of O’Malley heritage and promote an awareness of the history of this gaelic clan’.
“The O’Malley Clan had been connecting with and welcoming its own diaspora, which formally started in 1953 with the first O’Malley Clan Rally. Each year since, O’Malleys from home and abroad have gathered together to celebrate the traditions of this great Gaelic Clan” he said.
This years gathering takes place in Claregalway, Galway from June 23 to 25 and the theme of it is ‘Cousins and Castles’.
Large numbers of people are expected to attend the weekend and families are expected to gather at the event from Ireland, UK, USA, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Friendship forged
According to Mr O’Malley the gathering will rekindle the flames of friendships forged over many years.
“The highlight of the annual event is the O’Malley Family Day, ‘Féile Uí MhΡille’, which takes place this year in Claregalway Castle,” he said.
“The O’Malley DNA project is co-ordinated by Dr Maurice Gleeson, a leading Genetic Genealogist, and this will be launched at this family day. History buffs will enjoy a guided tour of the castle, while tag archery, face painting and a Granuaile treasure hunt will provide fun for the young at heart, all followed by a great barbecue, with lamb cooked on an open spit in the Castle Bawn” he added.
The weekend is sure to be one full of joy and excitement for all. Chieftain of this year’s gathering in Galway, Sarah O’Malley, has invited all people of O’Malley heritage to the 67th annual O’Malley Clan Rally.
O’Malley Mayo natives have much to look forward to in 12 months time when the Clew Bay area hosts the 68th year annual gathering in June 2018.