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A recent family gathering of the O'Hagan, O'Hare and McCoy families saw visitors from as far away as Australia travel to Mullaghbawn for a night of ceol agus crack. The gathering also raised over £1000 for Southern Area Hospice.
The event at Ti Chulainn, Mullaghbawn came about following an online connection with American cousins. Ken O'Hagan had completed some considerable research into the O'Hagan family and whilst using an Online research group he made the connection to some American relatives. They talked of visiting Ireland to see where their ancestors had come from, but the onset of Covid delayed any trip. However, this year 25 Americans made the journey to Ireland.
A small group got together to organise a family reunion, to give everyone the opportunity to meet and they planned to have about 80 people. However as the news spread the numbers grew and on the night nearly 200 attended.
Relatives travelled from Scotland, England, Spain and Australia also. The youngest was 6 months old and the oldest 87.
Those at the gathering are all descended from James O'Hagan, Carrickbracken, Camlough and Mary Doran Cross, Camlough.
Family's on the night were O'Hagan's, O'Hare's and our American cousins the McCoy's all descended from three of James and Mary's children (Patrick, Annie and Sarah)
The old homestead in Carrickbracken is still standing and Terence O'Hare and family, hosted a visit by the Americans.
On the night entertainment was provided by family members and friends. Irish Dancing by Caila, Niamh, Aoife and Daragh from the Savage School of Irish Dance, traditional Irish music by Aodh Mac Murchaidh and friends; Ciara, Rachel and Jude and dancing into the late night to singer and musician, Jack Carville (Just Jack).
Photography was supplied by Martin Byrne, Newry and drone footage by Justin Murphy.
Everyone donated their services for free or gave their fee to the charity collection for Newry Hospice.
Fantastic raffle prizes were also donated by all who attended. The result being £1,346 being raised for Newry Hospice. A fantastic night was had by all and new friendships forged across the generations.
