Ireland Reunion 2017

Pat, Nellie, Lori, and Maureen in Ardee

Nellie, Lori, Maureen, and Pat in Dublin

Maureen, Lori, and Nellie shopping at Brown Thomas, Dublin

Brennan Family Reunion 2017

Last summer, July, 2016, two of my sisters, Lori and Maureen, and I traveled to Ireland in honor of our late father, Thomas. We visited with some of our relatives in Ardee, went west to Claremorris where our father was born, prayed at the Brennan grave at Balinasmale Cemetery, and toured through Dublin and the Irish countryside. When we got home, we received word that a Brennan family reunion was to take place in the summer of 2017. At the time, we had little thought of returning to Ireland; but as time went by, and more and more relatives began signing on, we decided to visit Ireland again. It was a good decision! With me on the trip were Lori, her daughter Nellie, and Maureen.

Over 100 Brennan relatives came to Ardee and Dundalk from Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, France, Germany, and the United States. I had met many of my first cousins over the years, but I hadn't seen them in decades. Other cousins were new to me, and it was a wonderful reunion. Many thanks to our cousins John Byrne and David Brennan for planning the reunion and hosting us.

The reunion started with Mass celebrated at Ardee, which gave me the opportunity to say a few words of greeting and welcome to everyone (I am the only priest among the cousins). From there we walked to the home of the late Bridie (Brennan) and Alfred Byrne for a reception. Later in the evening we gathered at a pub for Irish music and drink.

The next day most of us were guests of David Brennan at his clay pigeon shooting range, trying out our (limited) skills. The reunion concluded with a gala dinner in Dundalk, with many words of appreciation for our parents—who lived through the entire 20th century—and promises to keep in touch as the years go by and our family continues to expand. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren of David and Annie Brennan of Drumkeen, County Mayo, we are grateful for our rich heritage and the proud legacy that endures. Click the pictures below for more memories of our trip.