10th International Farrell Clan Rally will showcase Longford
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Farrell Clan opens the doors of Longford and the Hidden Heartlands to discovery and connection
There was an air of anticipation at the official launch of the 10th international Farrell Clan Rally as organisers, sponsors, public representatives and invited guests gathered to unveil plans for what is expected to be a memorable gathering of Farrell descendants and friends beginning on July 20 this year. The launch took place in PV’s Red Room on Thursday, June 11.
Opening proceedings, Chairperson Robert Farrell welcomed guests and sponsors whose support has played such an important role in bringing the event to fruition.
He expressed sincere appreciation to all sponsors in particular LCDC, LCRL, represented by Mary McKenna, and Mary Finnegan, Longford Tourism Officer Denise Canavan and Cllr Garry Murtagh, Cathaoirleach, Longford County Council, all of whose continued support has helped make the event possible.
Local sponsors include Roscommon Mart, represented by Tom Farrell, who is also a committee member; Panelto Foods and Sherpack Limited in Longford.
Robert spoke about the numerous visitors The Farrell Clan Committee have welcomed to Longford since the first Farrell Clan Rally in 1993. He went on to say that one of the aims of the Farrell Clan was to open the doors of the Hidden Heartlands to discovery and connection.
Cllr Garry Murtagh, Cathaoirleach, Longford Co Council, who officially launched the rally, reflected on the enduring relationship between the Farrell Clan and County Longford. He spoke about the lasting contribution of generations of Farrell families to the county’s social, cultural and community development.
He went on to say that the rally offers an opportunity to showcase the hospitality and welcome that Longford is renowned for. He concluded by saying that Longford County Council were proud of their long association with The Farrell Clan and announced that the council will host a Welcome Reception for The Farrell Clan visitors on the opening day of the rally in Áras an Chontae.
The Secretary of the committee, Kathleen Farrell, then outlined the programme of events planned for the rally, highlighting a schedule designed to celebrate local history, showcase cultural traditions and provide opportunities for visitors to gather.
Speaking about the vision for the event, she said, “The highlight of the programme will be the inauguration of our new Chieftain, Charlotte O’Ferrall, on Tuesday July 21 on Granard Motte. This is a traditional inauguration site of The Farrell Clan. The event is intended to be a celebration of identity, homecoming and belonging.”
Kathleen welcomed and thanked Cllr Padraig McNamara, Boni Plant and Robert Packenham, Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre, Granard, who will host the event.
The full list of events for the week can be viewed on The Farrell Clan website www.farrellclan.ie
Pat Farrell, International Ambassador Liaison Officer with The Farrell Clan Committee travelled from Cork for the event. Pat assured Cllr Peggy Nolan of the co-operation of our 15 Farrell Clan Ambassadors from all over the world in her new initiative ‘Love Life, Love Longford’. This message is already an integral part of the Farrell Clan culture.
Chieftain elect, Charlotte O’Ferrall, expressed both excitement and humility as she prepares to take on the role, acknowledging the significance and responsibility that comes with the honour. Following in the footsteps of her late father, Conal, will be a bittersweet journey for her and her family.
Charlotte expressed her gratitude to the sponsors whose support enables them to deliver an event that The Farrell Clan and Co Longford can be proud of. She also thanked The Farrell Clan Committee members for all their work and their support for her.
The Farrell Clan Rally is expected to welcome participants from near and far and will celebrate the enduring spirit of community that defines County Longford.
On Monday July 20, they begin the celebrations with their Parade of Nations from Water Street to St Mel’sCathedral with the Longford Pipe Band. You are welcomed to join them for the celebration! Feel free to bring your County/Club flag to represent your Co Longford.