Kennedys get ready to gather
The 2018 Kennedy Clan Gathering takes place next week as descendants from some of Tipperary's must influential families converge to celebrate their rich legacy.
Though spread throughout Ireland and around the world, the Kennedy ancestry can eventually be traced back to north Tipperary. Their line extends a thousand years back to Brian Ború, and the sprawling family tree includes former US President John F Kennedy, whose forebears came from Knigh.
Historian Brian Patrick Kennedy, who lives in Australia, has written extensively about the Kennedy story. He recently established the Irish Kennedy Heritage Group, which is presently comprised of 67 members around the world.
Members keep in touch with an informative monthly newsletter, and most arrive in Nenagh for the annual Gathering. In previous years, the Gathering has involved tours around castles and graveyards in the area.
This year's Gathering will involve of a tour of foothills associated with the Kenendy ancestry on this Sunday, July 8th. Departing Rody Kennedy's pub in Rearcross at 1pm, the tour will take in the likes of Glenculloo, where Kennedys from the Silvermines area hid from Cromwell; Kennedy graves of Killoscully; Toor church, which was built by Kennedys, and pre-1750 Kennedy settlements in Rearcross.
Brian Patrick Kennedy's latest book will be launched that evening back at Kennedy's of Rearcross. Titled 'The Dispersal of the Irish Kennedys across the Irish Republic from North Tipperary', it deals with the establishment of Kennedy families throughout Ireland after the dispossession of their ancient territory in the mid 1600s. Mr Kennedy is currently on his 29th visit to Ireland to take part in the Gathering.
The event – which will be recorded by Tipp FM – will also feature a presentation on DNA research of the Irish Kennedys, as well as Irish dancing, food and discussion. On Tuesday, those gathered will visit Nenagh Castle and Heritage Centre, home of the Irish Kennedy Heritage display.
Around 40 people are expected to arrive for the Gathering next week, and they'll be coming from the US, Canada, Australia, Britain and Europe. The event is a great means of showcasing rural Tipperary for the visitors. The organisers hope to tie their event in with the 800th anniversary of Nenagh Castle in 2020.
The Kennedy exhibition at Nenagh Heritage Centre is well worth a look, not just for people seeking information on the Kennedy family roots, but anyone interested in the history of the local area. This fascinating collection includes the Kennedy family tree, reaching right the way back to Ború's time, along with family seals, deeds, letters from JFK's family, and the complete collection of Brian Patrick Kennedy's work. There's also a copy of the 1336 peace treaty signed by the Butler and O'Kennedy families at Nenagh Castle; the original document is on display in Boston after being presented to John F Kennedy on his visit to Ireland in 1963.
Opened around three years ago, admission to the exhibition is free. It is open Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
Brian Patrick Kennedy's books are available locally at Kennedy's of Rearcross, The Bookshop in Nenagh, Harvest Fresh in Borrisokane, or from Phyllis Kennedy, Garnafana, Toomevara.
All are welcome to join in the Kennedy Gathering, while the group is inviting anyone with a Kennedy connection to become a member. More information can be found on the 'The Irish Kennedys' Facebook page or website www.irishkennedyheritagegroup.ie.