Scairbh
Na
gCaorach
EMYVALE
Site sponsor for emyvale.net
McMahon Reunion.
On the Saturday and Sunday, August 28th and 29th 2010, the descendants of Peter and
Elizabeth McMahon of Emyvale held a reunion. This was the second reunion with the
first being held in the year 2000. Peter and Elizabeth, nee McKenna from Derrylea,
had ten children - Kathleen (McEvoy, Dublin); Molly (McQuaid, Killycooley); Peter,
Emyvale; Eoin, Emyvale; Paddy, Killycooley; Tom, Birmingham; Jack, Glaslough; Lizzie,
Emyvale; Ted, England; and Joe, Killycooley. Ted and Joe are alive and well.
The reunion
began with Mass celebrated by Fr. Macartan McQuaid, who himself is related to the
McMahons through the McKennas. The Mass on Saturday evening was followed by a meal,
entertainment and dance in the Scarna Inn. This was a great opportunity for members
to refresh friendships and get introduced to the latest additions to the family tree.
98 adults and 30 children attended.
On Sunday afternoon a Kiddies Party was held in
Emyvale Leisure Centre. They had great fun with games and activity organised by Paul
Smith of Fitz Kids. During the party the adults could enjoy looking at old family
photos which were projected to a big screen.
At 4pm all paid a visit to Corracrin,
Donagh and Drumbanagher cemeteries where members of the family are buried. Prayers
were said for all the departed and especially those members who passed away since
the last reunion - Mai (Gray); Molly (McQuaid); Gerry (McKenna); Deborah (McMahon);
Maggie Jo (McMahon); Lily (McMahon); Annie (McMahon); and Lizzie (McKenna).
The group
then spent some time in ‘The Olde Bar’ in Glaslough and sampled the hospitality of
Diane and Ron. Packie McGhee provided music and members of the clan performed and
a real sing-a-long developed, with locals joining in.
The final stop for the reunion
was in the Peter McMahon’s - The Red Boys - in Emyvale. More hospitality, more singing,
more performers, more chat, more memories and a quick look at the DVD of the 2000
Reunion. Star of the show had to be 5 year old Jack Murphy who captured the hearts
of all with his singing of ‘American Pie’ from start to finish.
