Moran Mag 2016

MORAN CUP AND CLAN REUNION 2016

Welcome one and all to this year’s edition of the Moran Mag. This year, efforts made to have stories and articles from each family line of the descendants of Pat and Ellen Moran have been successful. Having been unceremoniously selected as representatives for their respective family lines, Diarmaid Moran, Trina Cooney, Trish Fagan, Seamus Healy and the ‘American Editor-in-Training’ Nora Rogers responded positively to an email from us early in July. We did our work too, ably assisted by Ann Meehan. Sterling work from all to produce this Moran Mag for 2016. Keep up the good work!

The fruit of our collective labour is in your hands. We’d like to thank all who contributed to this magazine. It is quite a feast of news and views on which to feed, as told by members of Pat and Ellen Moran’s clan - some simple, some ordinary and some extraordinary events which have shaped us and which may yet shape and inspire us in our lives.

Although the clan continues to be based largely in Ireland and the USA, many have travelled further afield. We await a positive outcome from Maura Joyce’s attempts to make contact with the sole granddaughter of Delia and John Fahy, the only daughter of the late Bob and Rose Calton. Clanners continue to enjoy the hospitality of the Morans on either side of the ocean. At the end of April, Mary Cronin brought her husband Barry to Ireland for the first time, and her daughter Molly returned with her husband Peter. Paul and Linda Maguire visit regularly, and Breda Maguire was hosted by many cousins in the US in May. Joining us at the Do this year in Ballinrobe from America is Mary Cronin’s sister Susie, on a return visit with her son, daughter and niece. Seamus and Ellen Healy will also be in attendance in Ballinrobe this year. Fáilte romhaibh go léir.

The annual Moran Do continues to be quite an event and the Morans have been ‘Doing’ this since 1969. It simply would not be possible without the attendance at the event and the behind-the-scenes work of many. Sincere thanks to Angela, Brona, Betty, Alan and all at Ballinrobe Golf Club for their work. To those golfing, best of luck. To those revelling, revel on!

Make memories, be well, and like the stars in the family crest, keep on shining.

Claire Maguire and Shay Moran.

1

Moran Do 2015 Ian, Audrey and Rob <<< "Keepers of the Flame"

>>> Tom and Breda

Jenny, Ellen and Aoife at the BBQ

Ellen Wolf and Alan Moran presenting the Junior Cup to Leon Giblin

Eleanor, Breda, Gemma, Oisin and Tom at the 'salad' bar!

Trish Fagan presenting the Pat Moran Cup to 2016 champion Alan Moran

Patsy Burke on song!

Bernard Berney accepting the Annual Bernard Berney Award for Best Speech!

2

Moran Cup 2015

All the colour and excitememt of Tee-off time at the Moran Cup PJ Moran, Patsy Burke, Fionรกn Moran and Fergal Moran >>>

John Giblin, Tom Anderson, Mark Meehan and Alan Moran

Grรกinne, Aisling and Niamh Moran with Oran O'Neill Finn and Jack O'Neill, Leon Giblin and Seamus Moran

Derek O'Neill, Bernard Berney, Jason Love and Patrick Moran >>> <<< Jason & Ellen Love, Aoife Aylward, Katie McGauran, Grรกinne Aylward, and Ellen Siobhan Love 3

Future Moran Cup champs Daniel and Harry Fagan

Pat Moran - Painter 1961-1992

However, to indulge his artistic tendencies, Padraig set up a small company to design and print unique Christmas and Greeting cards. The unique selling point of these cards, in addition to their quirky original artwork, was that their greetings were as gaeilge - which was quite unusual in the late 1960’s. He chose screen printing as a mechanism to upscale his production and established a company, called “International Screenprinting Ltd”, which he ran from the rear of his house on Mountrath Rd, Portlaoise is his spare time after working his ESB job. The company grew to be a competitive industrial printing company, but its genesis was as a medium for Padraig’s art!

Niamh Despard

As Padraig’s children were growing up, he encouraged them to be active participants in annual local art competitions that he organized for the community. Pat honed his skills at these art competitions and regularly won commendations. Padraig always encouraged him to aim high, and told him that he “could be whatever he wanted to be”. In retrospect, we see this as a vicarious substitute for the opportunities that Padraig had wished for himself!

"Self-Portrait"

by Pat Moran

My brother Pat Moran (born 7th November 1961) was the firstborn child of Padraig Moran (Ballindine, Co Mayo) and Kathleen Hughes (Portlaoise, Co Laois).

Padraig Moran (Snr) died of Hodgkins Disease at the young age of 36 in 1973, when his young son Pat was only 11 years old. Padraig was a talented, but surreptitious artist. The family story is often told that Padraig wanted to attend art school when he finished his secondary school studies in 1951. However, his practical mother insisted that there were no jobs in art and instead encouraged her son to take up a coveted job in the ESB. He was assigned to the Portlaoise office, where he met and married Kathleen Hughes in 1960.

Pat was a determined artist from a very young age. He studied at the Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design from 1979-82, and specialized in Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design from 1982 - 1983. His working life, from 1983-1990 was mostly spent in Dublin in various studios throughout the city. He spent a year painting in Italy in 1984 - 1985 and travelled in Mexico studying mural 4

painting in 1986. In 1990, Pat moved to Cork, as part of the Triskel Arts Centre's Artists in Residence scheme, and worked from a studio in the Cork Artists' Collective. His work matured and developed considerably during this period culminating with his second solo show at the Triskel Arts Centre in 1991. He was also involved in the Artist in Prison scheme as a teacher in Portlaoise Prison. Pat was in the process of moving back to Dublin when he died, in a drowning accident, on Sherkin Island on Whit Weekend ď Ł 1992.

"Pat Moran painted pictures and he painted pictures of what he knew and experienced. The honesty to paint cars - no one paints cars in the romance language of cityscape. Giddily leaning lampposts clawing in to blue and green streetscapes - black and white expressions of inner city grubbiness.

Pat painted as he lived with vitality and directness, and of course in the usual confusions of our being"

"St. Finbarre's Cathedral" c. 1992 Painted by Pat Moran

(Richard Gorman, 2001)

For more details on Pat Moran's collections and the book of his work 'Pat Moran - A Retrospective' (cover picture opposite) please visit... http://www.nival.ie/collections/arti stsdatabase/view/artist/name/moranpat/ Pat Moran - A Retrospective

https://www.bookdepository.com/P at-Moran-1961-1992-ClaireCarpenter/9780948037016

Pat & Ellen >> Paddy & Mae >> Padraig & Kathleen >> Niamh Despard 5

MORAN STORIES Four Patricks and a Banbha!

The Morans were not traditionally known for originality or adventurousness when it came to naming children.

Let's face it, if you're not an Ellen or a Patrick in this clan, you're just not at the races. By virtue of sheer numbers the odd James or Katie will get a look in. But after that you can read down the list of apostles and lesser saints to select random erstwhile Moran christian names.

But perhaps the straightest naming line of all comes directly from the trophy-titled Pat Moran the First, passing the mantle onto his son Paddy, then onto his son Padraig, and finally to his son Patrick.

4 generations of Patrick Morans: Pat (1859 - 1945) >> Paddy (1895 - 1961) >> Padraig (1936 - 1973) >> Pat (1961 - 1992) >> Banbha.

The continuity naming pattern then takes a dramatic twist in the fifth generation, with the esteemed Patrick Moran mantle being inherited by the beautifully named (patron goddess of Ireland) Banbha!

6

The Hard Yards

parents. Parents remain stoic, and Garry does the 30m solo run to the kitchen (BOD would’ve been proud) returning with crisps. No quarter given in these early exchanges. Parents have been superb so far, but the children look threatening in those outside channels.

Helen Berney Rugby World Cup Ireland V France Date: 11th October 2015 Venue: 50 Flood Street, Limerick

Phase 6: Conchobhar buries his head between his parents on the couch and complains he can’t breathe. I don’t even pause watching to tell him that the same thing once happened to ROG in a six nations match against Scotland, when John Hayes had to put him in the recovery position.

Conchobhar jumps up onto the back of the couch and leaps onto Garry’s shoulders, considered citing him for coming in high, but there was no malice in the attempt. Roll away, blue.

Ireland's Paul O'Connell rises above Pascal Pape to win a line-out battle against France

Maedhbh hustles in to the space created by Conchobhar’s move and goes through the ‘can’t breathe’ routine.

Watching a rugby match with two

children, attritional play doesn’t even cover it.

We went through the phases, bringing all our experience to bear.

Block, block from the parents.

Phase 1: Call to the whole family to watch our cousin (on the Berney side) Samuel lead out the team.

But all too soon, he’s back in the game and it’s an attacking opportunity for the children for the first time.

Phase 2: Ireland’s call, Garry muttering about the West Brit National Anthem, while I sing along, standing with hand on heart.

Phase 7: They leap from the couch to the floor, cry foul and injuries and want kisses. I consult the rule book briefly, no precedent.

Phase 3: How loud can we shout? As loud as you like, c’mon Ireland. The children are briefly entertained by seeing who can shout the loudest.

Continue watching the match.

Conchobhar crunches up crisps and sprinkles them in Garry’s hair.

Yellow card and sin-binned.

Garry is fending off tackles left and right, socks and blocks go flying.

Imaginext characters hit the wall. I remain resolute, centre of gravity low to the ground (easy enough when you’re 5ft 1).

Phase 4: Kick off. Yes it does.

Phase 5: The attention seeking begins, children cling to legs and climb over 7

Doors opening and closing, children making running forays into the hall.

of the game, a victory I think, but definitely mistakes were made.

Rob Kearney scores, the parents leap up and down in exultation.

For now we’ll savour the Moment, but we’ll need to review and focus on the game in hand. Argentina on Saturday.

Absolutely manic, surely both sides can’t keep up this tempo and physicality for the duration.

The tactics may be different.

I’m thinking …… babysitter.



“Where’s Maedhbh?” asks Garry.

“Who's Maedhbh?”, I respond.

Phase 8: Garry takes the children from the room, to give them some dinner.

In a sustained period of inspired play Conchobhar starts to dribble and then spit his food onto the table, exploiting parental weakness. Garry buys the dummy and gets drawn in (I am focussed and immovable, a veritable Paul O’Connell pre-injury i.e. I stay in the sitting room watching the match).

Rugby fans - Garry, Helen, Maedhbh & Conchobhar Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard >> Helen Berney

Phase 9: Regroup, the dying minutes >>>

MORAN STORIES Tongue-twisting Telegram

This sweet little wedding telegram was sent in by Niamh Despard. It was sent to her parents Padraig and Kathleen Moran, c/o the Clarence Hotel in Dublin, on their wedding day in 1960.

The clever message reads...

"One Moran more makes moran more Morans".

Yes, we liked it and we thought you would like it too.

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Home in One Piece

term loans for everyday funding by native Americans

Paul Maguire

Truly more than just a stone Ate a lot of spicy food!

Also some smashing French pastries Never got to eat in the Indian (as in the Punjab) restaurant across the street from the hotel as "I didn’t come here to eat Indian food !!” said herself!

Attended a cracking Spanish mass in Sante Fe and a subsequent festival Bought an Indian Flute Was called an idiot once but that doesn’t count because that was in PA before we left!

Paul and Linda in Scottsdale, Arizona

Went on a ghost tour

Wow! We made it to the end of our

Was elbowed awake by herself at 2.30am because she thought people in the hallway were ghosts !!

Arizona and New Mexico-PhoenixTuscon-Tombstone-Tubac-ScottsdalePrescott-Cottonwood-Jerome-WillamsSedona-Gallup-Madrid-Santa Fe …..

Opened up a whole new area of historical interest for me

Southwest Adventure

Didn’t go to ONE jewellery store We went to HUNDREDS !!!

In June this year, I journeyed with my chauffeur in her black Altima – taking in many aforementioned sites famous on Route 66.

She took to the drink at the end – see picture

Rode a train to the Grand Canyon

On the last evening, after we had packed and were having our last dinner here, she, exhausted and ready to go home, looked at me through her tired lids and said Pauuuuuuuul ….….

I have been checking prices and am thinking of a quick trip to Ireland and Prague in July !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bought a cowboy hat

- You have to love this woman!!

Saw 500 year old Jesuit MissionsMuseums-Art Shows-singersentertainers Lizards-coyotes-Elk-quail-Road Runners beep beep

Did not get a tattoo Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Breda & Ronan Maguire >> Paul Maguire

Saw turquoise worn daily and its jewellery used as collateral for short 9



The Exploits of Members of the Tyrrell Tribe

In 2016, 'Moonshine' by Jim Nolan was also successful on the Amateur Drama Festival Circuit. On the final night of the All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone, the group won Best Stage Management and the ADCI/DLI Summer School Scholarship as well as being nominated for Best Actress.

Marie Dillon

Kieran is particularly proud of the fact that he won Best Director in the Roscommon Heat, two years in a row!

Last year I decided to follow in my brother Noel's footsteps and retire. I am enjoying every minute of it. I even have some time for travelling but not to the exotic places that Noel travels to, yet!! Noel has spent a lot of his retirement travelling. In the past year he has spent approximately 6 weeks travelling in India, spent time in Fuerteventura and Tenerife and he has just returned from Boston!

Kieran Tyrrell (centre) and the cast of Stolen Child

Over the past year or so, Margaret Moran's family have been busy - in particular, Kieran Tyrrell, who has been involved in amateur dramatics for a number of years. Kieran directed two plays for the Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group in 2015 and 2016 which qualified for the All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone.

Margaret Moran's first greatgrandchild, Patrick Tyrrell, son of Thomas, married Tina Walsh in St. Patrick 's Church, Wicklow Town on 10 June 2016.

And not to be outdone, my daughter, Margaret Moran's second greatgrandchild, Aisling Spain, got engaged to Mark Hunt in November 2015.

Aisling and Mark will be tying the knot ď Ł in November this year.

In 2015, 'Stolen Child' by Yvonne Quinn was very successful on the Amateur Drama Festival Circuit. On the final night of the All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone, the group won Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Stage Management. Kieran was nominated for Best Director but on the night the award went to Liam Horan, Palace Players, Fermoy.

Pat & Ellen >> Margaret and Tommy Tyrrell >> Maureen & John Dillon >> Marie Dillon

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Fun times Down Unda with Granny and Betty

On Friday we went to the Gold Coast.

First we went to the Surfers Paradise beach where we swam and also got our photo taken in front of the Surfers Paradise beach sign. After our time at the beach area, we drove down to Elephant Rocks Surf Club. At the Surf club we had lots of lovely seafood including bugs, lots of different types of fish, crab, prawns and many other things as well.

Rosie and Ellie Sheehan

We had a fabulous time and hope to see Granny and Betty again soon. ď Ł

Rosie & Ellie

Just after Easter we had a very special visit from Granny and Betty. While they were here in Brisbane, we had the most splendid time with them because we went on wonderful excursions and had lots of lovely meals at different places.

Helen, Rosie, Betty and Ellie on Mount Cootha overlooking Brisbane

Our first excursion was up to Mount Cootha where we had an awesome view of the city and many other things as well, including the Brisbane River and the Ferris wheel. After Mount Cootha we drove back down and went straight to Nonna and Pa's house for lunch. We had delicious chicken schnitzel and salad and then pear and strawberry custard cake with ice cream for desert.

Cheers from Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Brisbane L-R: Brendan, Ellie, Cassi, Rosie & Helen Sheehan and Betty Moran

On the Thursday, Granny and Betty had a quiet day and that evening we went to dinner at the Jamie Oliver restaurant in the city. After dinner we went for gelato.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Helen & Eamon Sheehan >> Brendan & Cassi Sheehan >> Rosie and Ellie Sheehan 11

My Australian Experience 2016

Together with Dermot, Maggie and their twin daughters Lauren and Alannah we spent a lovely day with Keval in her new habitat in Gosford.

She is not in great health but has the spirit of a lion. She is a really lovely person and I’m sorry I didn’t meet her years ago. We were both born in 1944.

She, however, was born in South Africa and so all those miles separated us throughout the years. Keval has two brothers, David and Patrick.

Patrick lives in Saudi Arabia and David in South Africa. Hopefully next year we will meet again.

Helen Sheehan

Then there is Eric! 'Who is Eric?' you might ask. Well, Eric Mahony was doing a bit of digging also and in ancestry.ie he found Linda Meehan (also digging) had a picture of his grandparents in her Moran/Murphy ancestry search - yes Eric is related through the Fahys - red head and all. I met Eric and his wife Heather in where, you might ask - well Botany Bay of course - where else?

Dermot, Alannah, Keval, Lauren & Helen

Once again, I was transported to the former British penal colony of Botany Bay in the Eastertide of the year. My only crime - that two-thirds of my family lives there!

Until the end of last year, my sons Brendan and Dermot and their families lived in Sydney. Then at Christmas Brendan upped sticks and moved his crew to Brisbane. Upshot - I got to see a bit more of Australia and to spend some quality time with my children and my childrens’ children!

Eric had made a connection with Linda and she told him I would be in Oz and so the wheels were put in motion.

Once again several hours were spent “digging” into our mutual family histories. Eric and his parents sailed for Oz from London when he was only one year old. His mother was Mary Godfrey from Logboy and his father was from Cork. They lived in Coogee and had 3 or 4 siblings. He married Heather, of Scottish descent, and they have three children Ciaran, Patrick and Cáit who are all in their 20’s. They live in the Blue Mountains, so if you’re ever in Oz - I just know you will go to the Blue Mountains - then look them

Now you may think that’s easy living, but while there I did a lot of digging!!!

I found Keval Murphy, our 2nd cousin on my mother’s side. My grandmother Bridget Finnegan (nee Murphy) was Keval’s aunt. Her father was Kevin Murphy from Moylough in Co. Galway.

Keval had moved house since the last time I visited her so I had to do a fair bit of digging to find her, but find her I did!!

12

The Gatton Murders

up. I didn’t meet their family as they were all otherwise occupied, but I found two lovely people whom I know we are happy to call our cousins. Don’t be surprised if Eric turns up to the ‘Do’ one year. Presently he is working on a ‘short story’ for the Moran Mag.

(The oldest cold case in Australian history) Helen Sheehan

Gatton is an agricultural town, west of Brisbane in The Lockyer Valley.

Since the 1800’s the Moran family farm, off the Tenthill Road, was run by John Moran and his son Frank. Their next-door farm neighbours were the Murphys.

On the 26th of December 1898, in the back paddock at Moran’s Gully farm, three Murphy siblings, Michael aged 29, Norah 27 and Ellen 18 from nearby Tenthill, were brutally murdered.

Michael had been shot in the head.

The two women had serious head injuries, their hands were tied behind their backs and Ellen was raped and strangled. The horse had also been shot.

Helen and Eric You may think that is the end of the digging Down Under, but read on ... the plot thickens !! .... ... with a warning to younger or more sensitive readers, the following piece contains details of some historic violent crimes ... aaaagh!

The story goes that in the early evening of Boxing Day 1898 - a Monday - Michael and his sisters Norah and Ellen headed for a dance in Gatton. On the road into town they passed Moran’s Paddock. In Gatton, the dance they had hoped to attend was cancelled and so they headed back home. They passed their brother Patrick, who was heading into town on horseback. They talked for a few minutes, then went on their way.

Murder victims Michael, Norah and Ellen Murphy (from Queensland newspaper The Courier Mail)

The next morning, the Murphy clan, along with their relative, William McNeill, who owned the horse and sulky (cart), discovered that the trio 13

had not returned. He followed the cart tracks into Moran’s Paddock and there he found the bodies of the three Murphy siblings.

There is no suggestion, whatsoever, that the Morans were implicated in the murders and each sleuth who has tried to get to the bottom of the case has a different theory. Books have been written on the subject but amazingly, interest in getting to the bottom of the case is still alive and well, one hundred and eighteen years later. A retired Queensland policeman is the latest detective on the trail and somehow I feel he will get to the bottom of it. My money is on him.

To this day, no one has been held responsible for these murders. There is lots of speculation and many possible culprits and/or combinations of culprits, but it is felt that evidence was not made available for various reasons - mainly political - at the time.

Now, you may wonder why this would interest me. At Xmas last year, I received a magazine with my Xmas card from Australia - my son Brendan’s mother-in-law Lesley (who also has Murphys in her ancestry) sent it to me as she thought I would be interested in it.

Next year I will revisit Gatton and see if there is anything else I can dig up!!!

So, together Lesley and I, with her daughter (my daughter-in-law) Cassi and my two grand-daughters went to Gatton to see what we could see!!! We found the most imposing monument in Gatton Cemetery, erected in memory of these three unfortunate people by public subscription - but I don’t know when. Nearby is the grave of their parents Daniel and Mary. Underneath their headstone is a recently added stone naming Catherine (Katie) Murphy and William (Willie) Murphy who died in 1974 and 1953.

My question? Could these people be related to us? Could the Morans and the Murphys have left Ireland for Australia after the Famine? Daniel was born in 1843 and Mary in 1842. Mary died in 1922 and Daniel in 1927. I found no evidence of Patrick Murphy nor did I look for the Moran grave.

That will be my project for next year’s visit.

At the imposing Murphy monument in Gatton Cemetery Back: Helen, Cassi. Front: Rosie, Elllie Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Helen Sheehan 14

The Bradley Brothers!

exaggeration). We then discovered the holiday homes at Western Pride and each year since, that is where we’ve stayed.

As I’ve got older the music scene has really grabbed me and I have performed at the last few Dos and look forward to performing more in the future. I love how the younger generations of Morans can participate in this way.

This year I have been busy with my choir (Wyre Forest Young Voices check them out, they are pretty good).

I am gutted to be missing the golf club Do this year but the choir go on tour to France on Sunday morning for a week... but I am so dedicated, that Dad and I are coming over for the BBQ on the Friday night.

William Bradley and the Wyre Forest Young Voices Choir

Hey, I’m Will Bradley. I’m 14 now (15 in December) and I’ve been asked to talk a bit about my thoughts on the Moran Do.

At school I applied for a Silver Arts Award (to earn some handy UCAS points for the future). This involved a few arts events I had to participate in and attend. Also I had to interview a successful artist. Enter, Peter Moran...

Peter was super helpful and answered a load of questions (Four A4 pages full) and made me look really impressive to my tutor. Needless to say I got the certificate and would recommend all cousins of school age to use Peter to their advantage whenever and wherever possible!

I love coming to Ireland each year for the Do and I first remember coming to the Do when I was 5 or 6. One of my first memories was writing a book, called “William and the Boss” (which is a pretty great name even if I do say so myself). On reflection, it was remarkably similar to the Harry Potter story and I still have it somewhere. I recall Claire Maguire reading it and taking me to the shop for sweets. We stayed at the Hotel in Ballinrobe (the one that burned down) and it was great running about the corridors. One morning when I woke up before everyone else I opened the door to look outside. Being 5 years old, I had no concept of how a lock works so I was trapped outside and sat by the door for a couple of hours (probably less but I was 5 and prone to

------------------------------------------

Hi, I’m Austin Bradley and I’m 12 in

August. I really enjoy coming over for the Moran Do and meeting up with the cousins and having a fun time. I especially remember sneaking off to 15

the driving range with some of the older cousins where I think an Aunty? bought us some golf balls. Also I recall a bunch of us starting a golf buggy with a hair pin. Which I believe is the best achievement to date.

The Truth about Brothers and Sisters

This year has been good. I started secondary school and am especially loving the sport. First term is football, then rugby and finally cricket. I also play in a local cricket club who are in the under-12 premier league.

Dad decided to buy a really old car a few weeks ago. It’s a Triumph Stag and she/Tallulah will be 40 next year.

The idea was we can go on a tour round Europe for the summer, turns out the trip is now going to be around Ireland but that’s cool. We managed to get into the Triumph magazine as  dad’s mate Charlie produces it.

An interesting thought for family members everywhere, taken from the recent C4 television program 'The Truth about Brothers and Sisters'...

"The relationships you have with your sisters and brothers will probably be the longest relationships of your life."

Austin and Dad Rob with Tallulah in Triumph magazine Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Jimmy & Cathy >> Audrey & Rob Bradley >> William Bradley, Austin Bradley

16

MORAN MAG ARTICLE GUIDE FOR EACH

ref. p. 24-26 "...Driving Mrs. Breda"

by Paul Maguire

p. 10 "The Exploits of Members of the Tyrrell Family"

by Marie Dillon

p. 27-28 "USA Update - The Petersons"

by Nora Rogers p. 28 "USA Update - The Pratts"

by Joan Pratt also ref. p. 19-20 "First Grandchild to Emigrate to USA" by Seamus Healy 17

ref. p. 19-20 "First Grandchild to Emigrate to USA"

by Seamus Healy

BRANCH OF THE MORAN FAMILY

p. 19-20 "First Grandchild to Emigrate to USA"

by Seamus Healy p. 21 "Latest Additions to the Healy Line" p. 4-5 "Pat Moran - Painter"

by Niamh Despard p. 6 "Four Patricks and a Banbha" p. 8 "Tongue-twisting telegram" p. 29 "Happy Birthday Patsy"

by Trish Fagan

p. 7-8 "The Hard Yards" by Helen Berney p. 9 "Home in One Piece" by Paul Maguire p. 11 "Fun Times Down Unda with Granny and Betty"

by Rosie and Ellie Sheehan p. 12-14 "My Australian Experience 2016" & "The Gatton Murders" by Helen Sheehan p. 15-16 "The Bradley Brothers" by William and Austin Bradley p. 22-23 "Miraculous Survival Tale from Tragic Helicopter Crash in Australia" (Danny Gray) p. 24-26 "...Driving Mrs. Breda" by Paul Maguire p. 30-33 "Happy Memory Day" by Angela Anderson 18

First Grandchild to Emigrate to USA

and appreciated her coming to meet me and welcome me to the USA. I had left Cobh aboard the SS Mauritania on August 30, 1956 and five days later arrived in New York on September 4th. The trauma of leaving home was softened somewhat by the fact that there were 23 other newly ordained priests aboard including a few of my classmates. It helped that I was the only one who did not succumb to sea-sickness and was able to celebrate Mass daily for the many who attended. We sailed past the Statue of Liberty and over the spot in New York harbor where the liner, Andrea Doria, sank only a few weeks before. We gaped at the sight of the iconic New York skyline which is so impressive when first viewed from the deck of a great ocean liner entering the harbor.

We were ill prepared for the oppressive heat of New York as we waited in line in our black serge suits to clear immigration. It took more than two hours before we were admitted, holding our x-ray pictures to prove that were free of TB (tuberculosis).

Seamus Healy

Sept 1956: (L-R) Marianne Wynne, Delia Moran, niece Helen McCormick, Ray Wynne, Seamus Healy (recently arrived from Ireland), John McCormick

I have been informed by a reliable source, Claire Maguire, that I have the distinction of being the first of Pat Moran's grandchildren to emigrate to the USA. In fact, my sister Maura and I are the only ones to do so. On further reflection, I realized that I was the only Irish grandchild to have met Aunt Nora, who came from Minnesota to New York when I arrived there for the first time. She came to visit her sister Delia Fahy and her Fahy nieces, Rosemary, Helen and Catherine. She also visited her nieces, Helen McCormack and Marianne Wynne who lived nearby in Clifton, NJ. Along with Brother Terrence I became their second nephew in the United States.

Aunt Nora was a very impressive personality and every inch a lady. I regret that this was our only meeting

Our luggage had been unloaded and placed under the appropriate letter of the alphabet in the large Arrivals Hall.

We passed quickly though Customs and a porter brought it to where Aunt Delia and my cousin Catherine Fahy waited with her brand new, green 1956 Ford car. It had a huge boot or trunk which easily accommodated my large trunk and suitcase. I had met Aunt Delia and Catherine the year before on their visit to Ireland. I was most fortunate to have them meet me and welcome me to the new country 19

which would be my new home for the next sixty years and counting. My most lasting impression of landing in New York was my first sight of a policeman with a big holstered gun on his hip. It was a totally new experience, but one with which I have become all too familiar.

the center of attention among relatives I never knew I had, who treated me like royalty. I took the train back to Penn Station where Catherine Fahy somehow managed to find me among the throngs of people in that very crowded station. She took me back to Oceanside and I was given a wonderful guided tour of the whole area by Catherine, her sister Helen and Aunt Delia. They were all most kind and hospitable to me.

The trip to Aunt Delia's in Oceanside, Long Island is a blur. I had never seen anything like the bridges and freeways over which we travelled at great speed. Waiting for us was Jack Fahy, Delia's husband and Aunty Babe's brother. He and Aunt Delia left Lavallyroe to be married in the United States. Jack was a grand, kind, gentle man who welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home.

Unfortunately, this was my only meeting with Jack who passed away the next year. Aunt Delia cooked a hamburger to introduce me to American food and laughed heartily when I said it did not look or taste like any ham we had in Ireland.

Then on September 12th, they brought me to nearby Idlewild Airport (later Kennedy). I took the long flight across country to Spokane, Washington where I began my priestly ministry under the watchful eye of Father J. Francis Fahy from Dunmore.

Six years earlier he had convinced me that Spokane was the place I should go after ordination. In retrospect it was a good choice and I have happily spent the last 60 years in the state of Washington, with frequent trips to Ireland, where the annual gathering of the Moran Clan is always a highlight.

I had ten days to spend before I was to fly to Spokane which was almost 3000 miles to the west, and an interesting ten days it was. I was introduced to my mother's three Glynn first cousins, Paddy and Tom who lived near Fahy's, and Peg who lived in Manhattan. Then two of my Healy cousins, whom I had never met, arrived from Philadelphia in a big Dodge car and whisked me down the Jersey Turnpike to meet my father's Aunt and many cousins who had settled there. They thought nothing of driving the round trip from Philadelphia to New York and back so that I could meet and visit with my father's relatives. For two days I was

Delia Fahy and her brand new green 1956 Ford Pat & Ellen >> Kit & Martin Healy >> Seamus Healy

20

MORAN STORIES Latest additions to the Healy line

Here are the two newest additions to the Healy branch of the Moran family.

They are first cousins, Cian Scally, son of Áine and Paddy, born 20th January 2016 ... and Éabhaoin Healy, daughter of Dominick and Sinéad, born 26th January 2016. Welcome to the clan, little ones!

Pat & Ellen >> Kit & Martin Healy >> Seán & Pat Healy >> Áine & Paddy Scally >> Cian Scally Pat & Ellen >> Kit & Martin Healy >> Seán & Pat Healy >> Dominick & Sinéad Healy >> Éabhaoin Healy

MORAN STORIES Healys and Morans in Lavallyroe

Back: Jimmy Moran, Kit Healy, Katie Moran, Paddy Moran, Seamus Healy, Betty Moran, Maura Healy, Breda Maguire. Middle: Ann and Mary; Front: Albert Moran, Ronan Maguire, Tom Moran, Sean Healy, Jim Moran 21

Miraculous Survival Tale from Tragic Helicopter Crash in Australia

IT BEGAN as the ultimate mates' fishing trip – it ended in tragedy.

The passenger of a helicopter which crashed off Cape Tribulation in April has given a harrowing account of its final journey, revealing he sent a terrified message to his wife and recalling how close he came to death.

Pilot Brad Maisel’s body has never been found, while passenger Daniel Gray had to swim around 800m to shore.

The Port Douglas man described how poor weather buffeted the small R22 helicopter as they travelled from Princess Charlotte Bay back to Mossman, leading up to the April 7 crash.

Danny Gray being interviewed by Channel 7 News in Australia

So bad was it he texted wife Laura: “F**k this is scary”.

On the 7th of April 2016, Danny

Mr Gray recalled suggesting to Mr Maisel they spend the night in Cooktown after heading through a big storm.

Gray, husband of Laura Berney, was involved in a helicopter accident off the north Queensland coast in Australia.

“I said to Brad ‘This is not cool man.

Are we going to be able to get home while it is still light as it is getting dark?’,” his statement said.

Tragically Daniel's friend, helicopter pilot Brad Maisel, was killed in the accident. Miraculously, Daniel survived the gruelling ordeal, escaping from the crashed, sinking helicopter and swimming 800m through pitch darkness and shark-infested waters to reach the shore and raise the alarm.

“Brad said ‘We should be fine. The wind won’t be as bad along the coast’.

“I said to him, ‘Why don’t we just crash in Cooktown, have a few beers and head home in the morning?’.”

“Brad said: ‘We should be fine’.”

An article from a local newspaper, The Cairns Post, tells the incredible story with Danny's first-hand account of what happened.

They refuelled at Cooktown Airport and continued on. Mr Gray said the weather only got worse with Mr Maisel becoming gradually more “stressed”.

Light faded and conditions worsened.

------------------------------------------

As they passed Bloomfield he asked Mr 22

Maisel: “Are we running out of time?” and whether an emergency landing should be made.

He screamed Brad’s name and thought he heard him but now wonders whether it was just his echo against the waves.

“I was panicking and just wanted to land,” Mr Gray said.

He made his way to shore, guided by a fire on the beach, alternating between side-stroke and lying on his back.

“Light kept fading and so Brad turned off his GPS and the lights inside the chopper.

“As the waves came through I would pull myself along. In between I would be screaming ‘help’,” he said.

“He did this so he could see through the window as lights were reflecting so he couldn’t see.”

Staggering into Noah Beach campground his yelling roused campers. One drove him to the top of the range for phone service and to call help.

At one point Mr Gray believed they were only metres above the water and he could see Mr Maisel speaking on the headphones, but could not hear the words.

They returned to the beach and began searching for Mr Maisel, finding what he believed were Mr Maisel’s black sandals, plus his own shoes.

He believed he may have been looking for somewhere to land.

“I looked and saw water."

His wife and emergency services arrived around an hour later. 

“I didn’t even have a chance to say “f**k”. All I heard was a massive bang and the next thing I woke up under water still in my seat,” he said.

“I couldn’t see anything underwater.

Once I realised I was alive I fiddled around and popped my seatbelt.

“The whole time I am thinking the blades are going to hit me.

“I took off my seatbelt, had a quick look around but couldn’t see anything.

I didn’t see Brad or anything else.

“When I unclipped my seatbelt I popped out of the chopper and started to swim to the surface. I only just got there. If it was another stroke I wouldn’t have made it.”

Laura and Danny with sons Finn and Rory

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard Berney >> Laura and Danny Gray

Pain throbbed in his right leg and he thought it may have been amputated.

23

Aussies - Graduations Reunions Driving Mrs. Breda

Philadelphia to Virginia to visit Maura and Peter Joyce and clan.

Sharon and Maura dropped “herself” off to join the rest of us prior to the pre-graduation dinner having had a cracking time together.

Paul Maguire

The graduation on 8th of May in DC was awesome – proud grandparents all around and some pretty chuffed parents too.

Summer started with a visit from some Aussie cousins. I was delighted to meet up with Dermot and Maggie Sheehan, with daughters Lauren and Allanah.

>>>

Aussie cousins at Ben Franklin's grave in Philadelphia, USA Graduation Then along came Liz’s College graduation. Graduations are always joyous occasions, allied to the pride of your youngest procuring her degree is the realisation that August will not bring a tuition bill.

Plans were in place for the big day when Mom’s announcement that she was joining us was the cherry on the cake. Upon her arrival the planning for the family visits began in earnest.

Stage one saw her off by train from

Graduating Lizzie Maguire with proud grandparents, Gert and Gene Scholl, and Breda Maguire ... and chuffed parents Paul and Linda Maguire 24

Chicagoland Monday arrived and the next leg of the Moran Clan visit began. Back to Philadelphia and off to Chicago. There is no stopping her now!

As a reward for her maturity she gets to bypass security and I have the benefit of getting on planes first as her “minder”.

Bill, Breda and Norrie

The” Wynnedy” City

"Pensioner couple celebrate 50 years of marriage after meeting on CIE bus tour"

Where better to meet for a meal in Al Capone’s old city than at an Italian restaurant.

In 1962, Nora ‘Norrie’ Coakley (87) booked an Irish bus tour that would change her life forever. Living in Dublin at the time, she and her father took the CIE Tours International bus tour to see more of their homeland.

On the trip, she met an Irish-American World War II veteran William ‘Bill’ Short (90). Bill hailed from Chicago and he too was travelling with his father (Bill) on a quest to learn more about his Irish roots.

Finnegan cousins Dolores and Karen joined Moran cousin Susie Wynne and her dymanic duo Jack and Katie in welcoming us in style.

In true Disney fashion, somewhere along the line, the two took a side trip to Killarney by car. The rest, as they say, is history. Three children and six grandchildren later, they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Shelbourne hotel wedding. The pair have a vintage 1962 CIE Tours poster hanging in their Illinois home to remind them of their meeting.

Karen and Dolores Capria, Breda and Susie The Shorts Next day we got to spend some time with a very special couple, Bill and Norrie Short. Norrie is a relative on the Maguire side, sorry Morans, and Bill is a WW2 vet from the Pacific theatre, two most interesting and enjoyable folks. But the real story is how they met….

Dolores and Family Following lunch with the Shorts, I delivered Mom to Dolores and went to find a therapist, later rejoining the whole clan at an Irish bar. >>> 25

journeyed a great distance to bring their Mom Marianne to meet her cousin Breda. Apparently a great time was had by all.

Having been deemed a useless minder and slowing her down, I was banned from this NY trip, but as he would have said himself….

Breda with the Caprias. Back: Dolores and Karen. Front: Nancy, Laura and Breda. Dan and I were there also, taking deadly photos !

Fond memories and sweet adieus made in Downer’s Grove we headed for a night’s rest and a return flight to Philadelphia.

Drama in Illinois – rosary beads out, bad weather in the Midwest, apparently started by a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon, resulting in our flight getting cancelled. An all-American breakfast at Denney’s followed by some good support by present wife Linda saw us changing airlines and airports but arriving back safely many hours later.

So back home she headed, to spend time with us meeting and visiting family and friends. She enjoyed time with Becky and Bill and her two great grandchildren Jinny and Trip.

The rosary probably helped and I am not lying I was getting used to this priority boarding.

New York

The American cousins look forward to her next visit with great anticipation. I am really looking forward to the  priority boarding!

Hardly back in the City of Brotherly Love before the planning for the New York side of the trip kicked off in earnest. Off on Amtrak to visit with John Pratt and family, Marianne Wynne and the Cronins, Mary and Barry, who

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Breda & Ronan Maguire >> Paul Maguire 26

USA Update!

- The Petersons -

hunted in Nebraska is headed to Columbus, Ohio; Mark Jr is heading to Rome in the fall; John and Lisa are heading back to Cincinnati, while his sister Ellen and family are on the move to Boston.

Nora Rogers

Many of ‘the grandchildren’ are in university, some in high school, and one on the way. Mark and Ellen Moran are excited about meeting their new grandchild. Joan and Paul are busy getting ready for their son’s wedding.

Dan’s a busy man. He’s teaching a class at the University of Cincinnati and working with Sue on renovating an old home in the historic district of Loveland, Ohio.

It’s busy schedules all the way. Lots of the clan enjoy sports … basketball, baseball, fishing, dancing, softball to name a few. Lauren is happily working with horses again. Mark Jr is continuing his baseball career at University of Texas. Patrick (Joan and Paul’s youngest) is working on an independent film and in senior year at college in Iowa. Moving on a generation, Ellen Siobhan Love, who has wowed us at the ‘Do’ with her dancing ability, continues to compete in competitions, often supported by her uncles and extended family.

Bostonites take note!

At Mark’s retirement party. From left to right: Back row: Jason Love, Mark Sr., Mark Jr., Michael. Middle row: Ellen, John, Ellen Moran, Dan, and Sue. Up front: Ellen Siobhan and Connor

I am pleased to be able to inform you that the descendants of Pat and Ellen Moran’s second eldest daughter Nora are busy and living life to the full in the USA. Patte Peterson (nee Hart) continues to enjoy good health and also volunteers in her community. In between she spends time at the local Beethoven and Shakespeare Festival.

That’s the Moran spirit, go girl!

The Petersons and extended families of the clan love an opportunity to get together. At present, Nora is a teacher of English in Rochester, Minnesota.

Rosemary has finished first year in university and Grace and Margaret are keeping their Mom and Dad busy with their activities. But in May, Noran and Jim managed to get away for a short but worthwhile trip to Israel. While Jim

The Petersons are all well, the family growing. Dan and Mark have ‘officially’ retired. Watching from the wings, Joan, Paul and Nora are busy balancing family and work commitments. Some in the clan are on the move…. Steven, having fished and 27

worked, Nora toured ... good deal! Jim was able to join Nora for some of the touring. So, where to next ... Ireland?

Patte Peterson with her granddaughter Grace

Nora at the River Jordan

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Nora Rogers

USA Update - The Pratts Joan Pratt

John, Jacqui, Jay and Kelly Jeanne, Richard and Wesley, Anne, her son Christopher his Girlfriend, Jessica Moran, Susan and Joan Pratt, Pohean and children Ashley Chua and Ethan Hart. Marianne Wynne, Breda Maguire, Barry and Maryanne Cronin

On the occasion of CJ’s (Christopher Colross) recent graduation from Pratt University with a Master’s degree in Architecture and City Planning, a gathering was held at our family home in May. We missed the presence of my Mom and our brother David, who were with us in spirit. We were thrilled that our Mom’s first cousin Breda was in the US visiting and could spend a few days with us! We were also joined by Marianne Wynne, Mary and Barry Cronin and a great time was had by all.

28

Happy Birthday Patsy!!

On 15th March 2016, Patsy Moran Burke turned 80, though she looks only 60!!

Her family organized a lovely Patsy and family, family party in The County Arms Eimear, Orlaith, MairĂŠad, Patsy, Donal and FionĂĄn in Birr at the beginning of May, as she had a lot of parties to attend. We had a wonderful night.

Happy 80th birthday to our Aunty Patsy, from Trish and all of us. xxx Pat & Ellen >> John A & Babe >> PJ & Kathleen >> Trish Fagan

Family from home and abroad celebrating Patsy's 80th!

Sisters-in-law Mary, Patsy and Kathleen

29

Happy Memory Day

struggled with a title until last year when sending flowers to mammy for what would have been her and daddy’s 56th wedding anniversary. I wasn’t sure wishing her happy anniversary was right, so wished her a ‘Happy memories day’ and then thought ‘do you know what, that will be a good title for my Moran Mag piece’ because that is what I will be writing about, my happy memory days! So with no more excuses available here it goes.

- The ‘Moran Do’ – Reflections of a 50 something year old!

Angela Anderson

My memories take me back to those days when as a child every summer seemed to be glorious... who can remember a rainy day when they were young? Those summer evenings in Ballybrit and the excitement of meeting the cousins from the east coast and England, the Maguires, Morans, Berneys and Sheehans.

Angela, Ellen, Oisín, Tom

Over the years the Moran clan and the ‘Do’ has adapted to changes in our world and our lives, and that it why it is so enduring. My earliest memories are of a weeklong affair culminating in a posh dinner dance on the Saturday night. Only those who were 13yrs and over were eligible to attend – I never got to go! How many of us couldn’t wait for their thirteenth birthday when you would come of age and be allowed to attend the ’DO’ at the Hermitage in Tuam!! Dressing up, drinking out of posh cups, as Seamus demonstrated so well in one of the pictures. Then the year that Brona and Gemma were able to go the dinners finished. I have no recollection of why they ended but I do remember how disappointed the girls were. I still think it was because the Hermitage heard how rowdy they were and couldn’t risk it!!!

It is a scorching day, the hottest of

the year so far and I am sitting waiting for Oisin, my son, and his team to take to the field, to play their game of ..........Cricket!!!! Who would have thought that a ‘Moran of Lavellyroe’ or a descendant of said Moran clan would ever participate in this game. Surely it would be GAA or Golf!! This got me thinking about the family reunion and how it has continued for so many years, what it has meant to me and going forward what it will mean to my children to be part of this wonderful clan…………

So the truth is that the paragraph above was written in July 2013 and never got finished despite annual promises to Claire Maguire. I also 30

In those days family living far afield would return ‘home’ and would make it their business to go to the Galway races. You would always be able to find a member or two of the clan in the top right hand corner of the stand.

Being ‘local’ the Ballinrobe Morans would often high-tail it to Galway after daddy had finished work; Most years Cathy and Jimmy or Breda and Ronan rented a house across the road from the racecourse and that became the meeting point with a car park conveniently in the back garden.

Nuala, which even as a young child was tangible. Albert’s homemade toffee and Nuala’s baking were always welcome treats (could possibly be mixing ‘memories’ here with the toffee, that might have been when on my holidays in Claremorris, but was still great!).

We spent the afternoon climbing trees, playing all sorts of games, and some of us (no names mentioned, but for once it wasn’t me!) did things that got us in trouble later when we got found out, all part of growing up boys! But the most important part of this was the fact that our cousins were our friends and to this day those relationships and friendships endure and that is what is so special about being part of this wonderful family.

Sometimes we haven’t seen each other for a year or two but it doesn’t seem to matter we just pick up where we left off.

I remember the fun we had as kids messing around together and especially walking round the footpath for hours wearing the latest fashion shoes from England, courtesy of aunty Cathy – I hope I didn’t ruin any of those lovely shoes Cathy, and clearly practice didn’t make perfect as I have never been able to walk in high shoes as a ‘grownup’! The children didn’t always go to the races but we did spend hours at the funfair on the racecourse, eating candy floss and losing our pennies. Then there was the after races evenings when the adults would go off to their fancy restaurants and we youngsters would be let loose in Salthill amusement arcades or on the camp site, oh happy days.......

For me the Moran do was always the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend.

I was never that aware of the golf back in the early days but what I loved was spending the Saturday in Claremorris. In those days it was the men who played the golf and the women and children instead congregated in aunty Nuala’s to wreak havoc!! What was always so lovely was the welcome from Albert and

Angela and family in Lavallyroe Back: Seamus, Daisy, Johnny holding Michael, Granny Moran, Betty Front: Nicola, Angela, Bryan, Brona, Ciara 31

Probably my most favourite place in the world as a child was Granny & Grandad Morans - Jim and Katie. I spent many a holiday in Lavallyroe, walking back the bog with granddad once I almost lost my welly boot in the bog - spending time with Johnny & Daisy, at times probably being a hindrance rather than a help when Ciara, Nicola, Michael and Jonathan were little. But I was never made to feel anything but welcome. I will always remember the excitement of the grocery delivery, sitting at the kitchen window waiting to see the van pull into the road, then waiting to see if grandad’s ‘Fox’s’ mints arrived and anxiously waiting for him to confirm whether or not I deserved to have one of his precious cargo. The hours spent up with Maggie Glynn listening to her and Granny Moran’s stories and helping granny in the kitchen separating the cream from the milk and then having ‘milky bread’ before bed time (I am convinced this is where I got my sweet tooth from!!)

What made it special was the fact that this was the day that we met the whole family - the Morans from across the road, Jack and Mary from Ballyhaunis, the Ballinloughs. I was always in awe of how beautiful Helen Healy was, and still am! Aunty Kit and Martin, the Tyrrells and the Dillons. We always had visitors from across the Atlantic and this continues today, several generations down the line, and has extended to visits from family in far flung places such as Australia and Hong Kong. Who would have thought that although in a different format all of those families would still be meeting, 47 years later, on the same weekend each year.

I look at the experiences my own children have had as a result, sleeping in a sleeping bag under a table in the golf club in Ballinrobe (that drowsy hum as you drift off to sleep while the adults play on!), joy-riding in golf buggies late at night (doing things that get you in trouble later when you get found out - sorry daddy & Ballinrobe golf club), getting to know their cousins, joining in with the golf, either caddying or playing, getting to dance for their family and to enjoy the entertainment and talents of all of our extended family. It has given them a sense of belonging to something special and an understanding of the richness of family. All of us, me, Tom, Oisin & Ellen look forward to the Moran weekend every year and on the couple of occasions we haven’t been able to make it have felt we are missing out.

I loved those lazy Sundays of the Moran weekend where all of the family gathered at Granny and Grandad Morans. The poor suspension of the Ford Orion (and its predecessors) as we sped across the bog road to make it on time for 1 o’clock Mass, the plates of cold meats, salads, cakes; all the games, the men playing handball, I think against the wall of the house but I might be wrong. They were all so competitive (think that runs in the family still!), the card games late into the night and that drowsy hum as you drift off to sleep while the adults play on!

The lead up to the Moran weekend has changed over the years and that is good and necessary, what we do on the Saturday and Sunday has also 32

changed with the times. All of these changes offer a different opportunity to have ‘happy memory days’ for the current and future generations of the Moran family. What is certain is that we need to continue to share hospitality with our extended clan, the descendants of Patrick and Ellen Moran of Lavallyroe. What we do is special and long may it continue.

For those interested in the outcome of the cricket match, Oisin took 4 wickets for only 13 runs in that match and went on to be the top wicket-taker in the club for the 2013 season, taking 38 in total. He also won the award for... but maybe that’s another story...

Happy Memory Day to you all, wherever you are on 30th July 2016 and beyond.

I hope you have enjoyed my musings and I would like to dedicate this article to my daddy, Paddy Moran, who for many years helped to make sure we continued to have a reason to come together and party. I miss him greatly and especially at the Moran Cup. We will always need a few people to make this special thing we have happen, and I am sure we will continue to endure for at least another 50 years. With the 50th anniversary of the Moran Cup coming up in 2019, the future is looking bright. >>>

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Paddy & Betty >> Angela Anderson

Seanfhocal Gaelach

Ní neart go cur le chéile! (nee nyart guh curr leh kay-lah)

There is no strength without unity!

MORANSTORIES Hedge School in Lavallyroe

Last year's Moran Mag featured a piece "From a Hedge School in Lavallyroe to a Life of Learning".

Tony Moran was straight on the phone from England to say that the hedge school in question was actually on the Moran's land. Tony says it was in the left-hand field on the road leading up to the homestead (see picture). The big field was previously two fields separated by a ditch. Along the ditch was a rock and a tree, under which the hedge school was apparently located.

However, Tony's claim has stirred up some debate, with Mary Berney saying she heard the hedge school was actually in Martin Fahy's field in Baile Thiar, just before John A's house ...

So who can solve this mystery? ... Where was the Hedge School of Lavallyroe?

33

At Journey's End...

Every new journey begins where one ends. So, please keep the following in mind…

As your memories of this year’s event or previous ones come flooding back, please record them in a Word document and fire it off to the rep from your family line (or volunteer to be the ‘new’ rep and save for inclusion in next year’s magazine).

Please think about writing an article for next year’s mag regarding... * * * * * * * *

news updates or special events from your branch of the family a biography of a family member some research into family history interview a family member (e.g. grandson/daughter interviews grandmother/father about their early Moran family memories) submit a poem or piece of creative writing share a photo spanning generations or families solve the Gatton murder mystery share a joke … it’s an open plan event

And please don’t wait three years……

Speaking of three years, the 50th anniversary of the first Moran Do will take place on Saturday 3rd August 2019. Start planning now to be with us at what will be a very special occasion (if the 40th was anything to go by!)

If you have any ideas regarding those celebrations, please email Angela at asaanderson@ntlworld.com with suggestions.

You can access and read the Moran Mag online in full colour by typing this into your browser: https://issuu.com/moranmag. This can be an easy way to share the Moran Mag with family members abroad. Readers can increase the page size according to their needs.

So finally... looking forward to when we all can meet again...

Next Year’s Moran Cup and Do will take place on ...

Saturday 5th August 2017 34