Fifth McManus Clan Gathering — 2001

An Chruinniú Clainne, Bliain 2001

The fifth McManus Clan Gathering went ahead on the weekend beginning 18 May 2001, despite concerns surrounding foot-and-mouth disease earlier that year. Although a number of members had cancelled and were missed, the historical account describes the gathering as a huge success.

Registration in Drumshanbo

The gathering opened with registration and an informal reception at Paddy Mac’s Pub, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. For many attendees, this was their first visit to Ireland and their first opportunity to meet other clan members.

Dermot McNabb of Carrick-on-Shannon and Phyllis Naish of Milwaukie, Oregon, USA, wife of Philip McManus, staffed the registration tables. Other committee members welcomed newcomers and helped with accommodation and arrangements.

New clan blankets were offered for sale, with members complimenting the design and suggesting they made good gifts.

The original photograph captions also identify Leon Hittner and his wife Joan (McManus) Hittner talking with Betty McManus, wife of Paddy McManus.

Strokestown House and the Famine Museum

The following morning, 39 attendees boarded a hired bus, collected in Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. Phyllis Naish helped organise the journey, while honorary chieftain Séan McManus of Emly, County Tipperary, acted as historian and tour guide.

At Strokestown House, the Famine Museum and Gardens, guide Anne Marie explained the history and culture of the manor’s former owners and the events that shaped the lives of Irish ancestors. Members had the afternoon free to relax before the banquet.

The Grand Banquet

The Grand Banquet began at 9.30 p.m. in the dining room of the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. The honorary chieftain and committee members sat among the other members to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Dinner began with iced honeydew melon, raspberry coulis and an orange garnish, followed by cream of Leitrim vegetable soup. The main course was a choice of roast sirloin of Murhaun beef with horseradish sauce or baked fillet of Fermanagh Isle salmon with crispy vegetables and basil mayonnaise. Lemon cheesecake or a berry dessert was followed by fresh fruit salad, tea, coffee and After Eight chocolates.

Séan McManus and clan chairman Eugene McManus of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, welcomed guests and thanked those who had prepared and served the banquet.

Music, dancing and clan performers

Paul and Owen Wynne and Joe McGovern, all of Ballinagleragh, County Leitrim, provided traditional music. They also accompanied Michael Gunne and his troupe of set dancers from Elphin, County Roscommon. Two young girls from Keadue, County Roscommon, played traditional harp music.

Members joined in the dancing between performances. In the spirit of a traditional céilidh, the evening continued with singing by:

Edel Kehoe of Drumshanbo, daughter of Stella McManus and Camillus Kehoe.
Joan Rogers of Dublin.
Nigel (McManus) Benton of Buckinghamshire, England, identified in a photograph caption as Nigel M. Benton of London.
Maeve McManus of Barran, County Cavan.
Honorary chieftain Sean McManus.

Francis (Francie) McManus, Maeve’s husband, told a comic story about a Donegal man from the Rosses, his need for a turf spade and the adventures that followed.

Mass at Keadue and a journey through Irish history

The next morning, members attended Mass at Keadue, officiated by Fr. Tynan. A choir and the two young harpists provided music.

After an afternoon break, Philip McManus, assisted by the chieftain, presented a talk on Irish and McManus history. His journey through the past followed a route from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, to Armagh, County Armagh. Colour transparencies and artefacts from pre-Christian times helped illustrate Irish history and culture.

Monday — genealogy at the library

Sean O’Sullivan gave a genealogical talk on Monday morning at the local branch of Leitrim County Public Library. He discussed available resources and records covering the predominantly Catholic population of the mid- to late nineteenth century. The original photograph caption gives his name as Sean O’Suillebhean.

Source and gathering series

Adapted from the supplied historical clan website account, “2001 Clan Gathering A Huge Success.” Photograph captions have informed the text; the photographs themselves were not included in the supplied material.