Cousins gather in Mayo from across the world to celebrate a special family

THE extended Maher family, descendants of John and Nancy Maher (née Durcan) of Ballymackeogh in Balla, will come together in Westport for a special celebration this weekend as relatives from Ireland, the UK, and the USA reunite to honour their shared heritage.

This remarkable gathering brings together over 200 relatives of the 15 Maher children — eight girls and seven boys — whose lives spanned continents but were rooted in a deep bond to family and Ireland. With many of the original siblings having large families of their own, a large gathering of relatives across four generations are expected to attend this second Maher Reunion, the first of which took place in 2000.

The roots of the Maher family lie in counties Galway and Mayo. John Maher, originally from Newpark, Galway, was posted as an Agricultural Advisor in North Mayo, where he met Annie Julia Durcan (Nancy) of Lahardane. The couple married in 1923, initially settling near Lahardane before establishing their family home in Ballymackeogh, near Balla, where they raised their 15 children.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the family dispersed across the globe: three siblings settled in the UK, eight on the East Coast of the USA, and four remained in Ireland. Carrying with them the values instilled by their parents, they pursued education, attended night school, joined the US Army and NYPD, started businesses, and served others — with three sisters working as nurses.

While many of the original 15 have now gone to their reward, their legacy of kinship, resilience, and mutual support lives on. This week's celebration will honour that enduring spirit which has shaped the family’s character for nearly a century.

“Our parents would be so proud,” said Tony Maher, the youngest of the 15 siblings.

“They taught us the value of family, hard work, and always making room at the table. This week is about honouring that legacy.”

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A weekend of celebrations
On Friday the family will officially launch the book, 'John and Nancy Maher: A Family Remembers', at Jack’s Cottage in Islandeady. Written collaboratively by members of the Maher and Durcan families, the book documents the family’s journey from rural Mayo and Galway to the wider world, capturing stories of perseverance, love, and strong family values.

The celebrations will feature storytelling, music, and reflection, with songs being sung, old days remembered, and family stories shared. A reunion dinner will be held on Saturday in Westport, where relatives will continue to celebrate the enduring ties between them.

On Sunday, 15 trees will be planted, each by a descendant of one of the original brothers or sisters — a living tribute to John and Nancy and the roots they planted in Ballymackeogh and beyond.

Looking to the future, the Maher family is committed to ensuring that future generations remain connected. The next generation will be encouraged to carry forward this proud legacy, with planning already in mind for the next reunion in 2050.