Moran Mag 2019 - 50th Anniversary Special

MORAN MAG

2019

"We walk in the footprints of good people"

MORAN CUP & CLAN REUNION 50th ANNIVERSARY

1969 - 2019 Welcome one and all to this year’s edition of the Moran Mag. A very special Moran Mag commemorating 50 years of Moran Clan members gathering in the West of Ireland, in various golfing and socialising locations, to meet and play, and sing, and celebrate, and grow together, year after year, generation after generation, drawn from all parts of Ireland and around the world. It is a remarkable human achievement and a powerful family legacy.

This Moran Mag is very much a community affair. You are reading this magazine because so many people gave their time and energy and insight and humour to write their stories, search their trove of family photo archives and send them into the Moran Mag, not only this year but in years past as well.

Over the years of producing this annual Moran Mag, one thing that has become clear is the essential value of capturing people's stories. For some stories we are reaching back in time, trying to piece together fragments of memory and historical records. For other stories, people tell in their own words of the life and times and adventures they have lived. As the years pass, these first-hand accounts prevail beyond the limits of memory and life itself. In this way, the Moran Mag becomes a priceless archive of family stories and histories.

We know that many family members have been steadily building their own personal library of Moran Mags to pass on to their children. It is a powerful thing to be part of a big family, spanning generations gone and generations to come, spanning thousands of miles across countries and continents. Who we are in this life is built on the foundations of the land and the family that has produced us. The love and support family gives us is the basis for everything we do or achieve in our lives. Family is something important to be nurtured and nourished.

In terms of producing this 50th Anniversary Moran Mag, heartfelt thanks go to everyone who sent in their stories and articles. There would be no Mag without you! Mega thanks go to Linda Meehan, not only for her continuing important research into Moran family genealogy, but also for gathering so many great photos and articles for this year's Mag. Thanks also go to the reps for each of the family lines who sourced the articles, photos and other features you see in this Mag. Those reps are Diarmuid Moran, Nora Rogers, Susie Wynne, Triona Dillon, Trish Fagan and Ă ine Scally. Where would we be without ye?!

The annual Moran Cup and Do is possible thanks to the continuing family attendance at the event and the behind-the-scenes work of many. Sincere thanks to Angela, Brona, Betty, Alan, Peter, SĂŠamus, and all at Ballinrobe Golf Club for their tireless work every year.

As a closing message for this 50th Anniversary Moran Mag, we invoke the newly commissioned stone on Pat and Ellen's grave... "May we all continue to walk in the footprints of good people. And may we in our turn leave good footprints behind for those coming after us to follow."

With love and best wishes to all the Moran Clan for the 50 th Anniversary celebrations.

Shay Moran, Ann Meehan, Claire Maguire.

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Morans Doing the Do for 50 Years "Marching on Together"

This annual festival was attended by many of the hard working people of the West of Ireland having brought the crops in, returning emigrants, musicians, con men (three card trick specialists). If Capistrano has the swallows the west of Ireland had the “races” until they were taken over by the politicos.

Paul Maguire

Thanks to the Internet I can tell you Royal Day won its second Galway Plate that year but honestly I don’t have any solid memory from that year, as opposed to 1976 when watching on the small TV in Ballybrit we joined the country in mourning as Eamon Coghlan, a St Vincent’s Glasnevin alumni as was my Dad, didn’t quite make medals in the Olympics and a nation suffered.

However again thanks to the “Net” apparently a lot of folks had fun at the races in 1969! The Morans were certainly no exception.

That year was the 100th running of the races, which makes this year the - well you all have smartphones now and can figure it out! More importantly it makes this year for the Moran "DO" its 50th! (Just in case you were struggling here.)

Offspring of the pioneers – Paul Maguire & Séamus Moran

It all kicked off “formally”, the Moran "DO" that is

What you may well ask is a "DO"?

in 1969. Ireland was certainly a different place then; Dublin again did not even get to the Leinster Final, Mayo beat Galway in a replayed Connacht Final (the day after the DO) and went on to…... lose by a point to Kerry in the semi final (they make a point of losing by a point it seems to me); Dev was in the Áras, Jack was Taoiseach, the Troubles were kicking off big time, NASA put a man on the moon, Leeds won their first league title, captured my imagination, and still make me act like a 10 year old many times during a season, which is actually good for the soul.

Not wanting to bother the mature members of the clan, who will doubtless answer this definitively this weekend, I researched many sources of Irish slang without any success.

Thought Synge might be a source but all I learned there was that some of the residents if shoeless, were light on their toes and built like Mr. Universe!

Our own family annual summer routine commenced in late July with two ever so patient parents and five ever so good in confined spaces (not), young ‘uns ranging in age from 10 years to 10 months, packed into a car for the then day long trip from Kildare to the “West”, ending up in a much less developed Ballybrit where commenced on the Tuesday of the last week of July the then three day, Galway Race Festival followed by a Friday meeting in Tuam.

Before there is uproar I hereby stipulate that all Morans had shoes!

As a family I can attest that the Morans were ahead of their time in recycling as we always spent time collecting glasses from the stand in the racecourse and bringing them over to the house to be washed and reused, not sure about returned!

2

Another memory is how Grandad (Jim) affected my yelling at horses in a race when he asked me if I had ever heard one talk, and as I had not, he enquired what made me think they could understand me.

Dad (Ronan) developed and published the “Moran Book” which was likely one of the first networking devices developed and documented - who needed Linkedin when you have the “book”! In the early 70’s when I did attend the DO in my best bib and tucker I learned his reward was always to be announced as “Breda’s Husband”.

He obviously had never seen "Mr. Ed" but he was a lot bigger than I was so I wasn’t going to argue, and now watch quietly!

I was only around for a few of the early DO’s and went off piste in 1977 but well may one marvel at how the tradition has continued and how it gives a sense of connection to so many of us who are now spread all over the world.

On the Saturday after the races these "Morans" played golf in Ballyhaunis, which I do (there’s that word again!) remember had what was heaven to a young lad - Club Orange, Tayto and bars and bars of Fruit and Nut - diabetes had not been invented then.

Many of the customary faces from my youth from those years have passed on, though fondly remembered and their memories live on through these gatherings.

We also had visitors - Jimmy and Tony would come from England ... but what was the story with these "Yanks"! Jasus they had put a man on the moon AND shown up in Ballyhaunis, which was likely a harder trip! If only Ann had been born by then she would have enjoyed all the craic, I am looking forward to her 21st!

We, the offspring of these "pioneers", please do not confuse with the Jesuit organization, are now spread far and wide and many of us have met at unscheduled and surprising times - indeed in May as I strolled up Dame Street with the present wife, who should leap from a Pub but himself, pictured above! You can’t make this stuff up.

For a young lad it was a time of great excitement to hear them tell of the craic they had at “Furbo” the night before and various other locations.

So to those who are in the younger range, Ann and Co, in Ballinrobe this year, I hope that in 2069 you have a great weekend at the 100th.

Seamus and I will be watching from afar and expect a spectacular event, and our grandchildren to sponsor many rounds in our memory!

Then on Saturday came the "Cup". As opposed to the "DO" at least I know what a cup is. The question I have is how before the age of “Go Fund Me” did they all chip in to buy it? Life was a lot less complex then I guess?

The “Cup” (Patrick Moran Cup) was played for and I assume won by a Moran, or a Healy, Sheehan, or Dillon - certainly someone with a serious look and competitive handicap. Having lost it in 1994 on some ruling which I doubt came from the R & A "last six holes played under a full moon or something", I can attest that this was a most serious event and more important than life and death matched perhaps only by the attention paid to the card games in Lavallyroe.

I was explaining this requirement to our latest grandchild Ci Ci - number three! And I believe she may have thought I was nuts.

So after the Cup they then proceeded to have a bang up feed at a local hotel to which we youngsters were not invited but rather we picked up tidbits later and the legends grew - John A , PJ, etc. etc. For a while I thought of calling myself PG but moved on. It was the year of four marriages and truly the start of an Era. Ci Ci sees!

3

Anyway enjoy the connections and continue to build on them, dead handy if you are carting a heavy bag and a tired missus up Dame Street, let me tell you!

So now I am going to be 10 again and go back to my affection for that City and team from South Yorkshire. There is a section of the club's anthem “Marching on Together” that I believe can be well applied to my hopes for the future of the Moran Clan and “DO”...

As they say if you want to travel fast then travel alone but if you want to travel far then travel together, and in the words of my main man, remember ...

“We've been through it all together, And we've had our ups and downs We're gonna stay with you forever, at least until the world stops going round.”

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts."

Winston Churchill >>>

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

MORAN STORIES "Themorandu" or

On Safari in Wildest Mayo

by Bernard Berney I was talking to a friend recently about "The Moran Do" when she asked me: "What is that?"

"What is what?" was my startled and very predictable response to her question.

"Themorando" she answered, "where in the world is it?"

Obviously she had assumed from what I had been telling her, that The Moran Do was like Kathmandu or Xanadu, a strange exotic place in some distant part of the globe, peopled by intellectual giants and women of such beauty that they can only be viewed through half closed eyes.

The Moran Do becomes Themorando. Do you get it?

And in a way she was kinda right, you know what I mean, like. In a way, you know, kind of right, sort of, like. At The Moran Do, you do meet intellectual giants and women of great beauty. So yes, it's true in a way. Or so they have led me to believe...

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard Berney

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The Best Day of Our Holidays

the bulls!! Wow they were scary. As soon as they saw us they came toward us, mooing and scraping the dirt. They were protecting their territory. "Never go in a field of animals without a big shtick" says Johnny. Wise words indeed.

Rosie and Ellie Sheehan

Then he brought us to the sheds to show us some turf. In the shed was a slice of the big tree Johnny had cut down. Granny Helen showed us how to count rings (that's how you can tell the age of the tree). She reckoned it was 120 years old but we think her eyesight's not what it used to be. We took the sods of turf into the house and Daisy let us throw them on the fire.

As we were saying our goodbyes Johnny told us all about the cows in the front field. There were two young bulls and four heifers. Two of the heifers were pregnant and would be having calves in a few months. We had our photo taken with them and then had a big family selfie in front of the home before we left.

Over from Australia - Brendan, Rosie, Ellie, Cassie; with Daisy, Helen and Johnny in Lavallyroe

This year our family went on holiday to Europe.

First we went to London and Paris for a few days each.....and then we landed in Ireland for 3 weeks.

One of the highlights of our time in Ireland was visiting the Moran family homestead in Lavallyroe.

This was the best day of our holiday so far and we would definitely give it a 5 star rating on TripAdvisor. Highly recommended.

Johnny and Daisy were very hospitable from the moment we arrived. Daisy must have spent the whole morning cooking. First she served up the most delicious Lasagne with a lovely fresh salad of greens from the garden - which definitely passed Ellie's taste test (she's a pasta expert) followed by a beautiful strawberry cheesecake and a rhubarb tart for dessert with some fresh berries and cream on the side and a pot of tea. "Where did you get those strawberries?" we asked. "They're beautiful". "In the garden" says Johnny. And away we went for a tour of the "faa-rim".

What an amazing experience. We picked raspberries fresh from the shrub, learned how to scare pigeons away from the cabbage and saw the fruit starting to grow on the apple trees. We heard the story of the big tree that Johnny had had to cut down recently and saw the wall of the old house which is now a cattle shed. Then just as Johnny was telling us all about the bog down the end of the field... we saw

Rosie and Ellie feeling bullish in Johnny's field Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Helen & Eamonn Sheehan >> Brendan & Cassie >> Rosie & Ellie

Katie's Wise Words The man who made time, made plenty of it.

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MORAN STORIES

Paddy Moran in Duluth, 1919 This is the story Marianne Wynne (now aged 94) told her son Terry regarding Paddy Moran (1895-1961)

Patrick (Paddy) Moran visited Mom's parents house at Gilliat Street in Duluth, Minnesota in 1918-1919. At the same time Granddad's brother, Patrick McLaughlin, stayed there for that period. Paddy’s sister Nora (b.1890) was another family member who resided at that address around that time.

One day, both Patricks wanted to heat water for their baths. They turned on the gas, but didn't light the pilot light. The smell of gas permeated the house and lawn. Aunt Helen, who was an infant in a stroller in the yard, cried out loud. When Grandma came to attend to her, she smelled the gas and entered the house. Both Patricks had been overcome with the fumes and were almost asphyxiated.

They had come to America to find work. Patrick McLaughlin stayed and made a life for himself and his family in Chicago.

Paddy Moran returned to Ireland after he saved enough money.

Family legend reveals that when Patrick returned, his girlfriend had fallen in love with another man, might have been his brother, not sure about that. According to Marianne Wynne, Paddy and his brother Jimmy (b.1899) were very close to her.

Helen, John P (Bro Terence) & Mary Ellen McLaughlin, c. 1924

After Paddy Moran returned to Ireland, he left his painting supplies in the basement. When Marianne’s mom (Mary Ellen, b.1888) was sick, Marianne painted a silver tray with that paint, as a gift to her mother. She served her lunch with that tray. Her mom appreciated the effort and kind thoughts.

Paddy Moran told the story at a family reunion fifty years later, citing Aunt Helen as saving both Patricks lives.

Paddy's son Tom Moran confirms...

This story is true, and I have heard it a few times before. The reason dad gave Auntie Helen the credit for saving both their lives was if she had not cried, it would have been too late before they were found.

Yes my dad, Paddy, saved a lot of money and brought it back. When he married my mother Mae Kelly, he spent most of it modernising the house in Ballindine. He built the back kitchens, with a water tank over one of them, all the sheds, turf shed, cowshed, hayshed, and two outdoor loos. He also covered most of the front yard with concrete, which I had to brush regularly and wash after fair days.

Yes, he was a good father and husband, and died too young at sixty-six.

Pat & Ellen >> Mary Ellen & John McLaughlin >> Marianne & Ray Wynne >> Terry Wynne Pat & Ellen >> Patrick & Mae >> Tom Moran

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Fair Days and Memories

Navy Cut, which as the War went on became scarcer and scarcer. Tom has clear memories of himself and Padraic being sent from shop to shop to purchase five Players and not being very successful.

The shop across the road, where we delivered milk never let Paddy down, but eventually restricted him to five cigarettes per day.

Ballindine Co Mayo in the 1940’s …

Tom Moran

This was the shop where Tom often went for a halfpenny worth of biscuits. Good ones were required if they had visitors, or broken ones if for Tom, as one got twice as many broken ones for the same half-penny.

While food was scarce in general, rural Ireland was reasonably okay for basic produce.

The family had a small holding of land on the Claremorris road, where Matt now lives, and here Paddy always kept a number of milk cows, which produced calves and milk.

The cows were milked twice a day and the fresh milk was strained through fine muslin into large earthenware crooks. A certain amount was sold to a number of people in the town and Padraic and Tom delivered this in quart or pint cans on a regular basis.

Paddy & Mae Moran c. 1955

Paddy (Patrick) Moran having spent a number of years in America, firstly in Duluth and then Chicago on construction, saved money and after returning home married Mae (Mary) Kelly from Ballindine, Co Mayo in 1934. They moved into the original Kelly house in the middle of Ballindine, now a village but a much busier town over 100 years ago.

The unsold milk was cooled in the crook and twice daily the cream was skimmed off the milk and put aside. When enough cream was available, this was put into the dash churn and converted into butter.

Everyone in the house, and also the visitors who came into the house, had to take a turn with the dash.

Paddy spent some of his money and used his construction skills to build two back kitchens. One had a large roof supplied water tank, which fed water down to a sink below. This was rain-water harvesting and a big advance in dwellings in those years.

The family had a large garden behind the house, and every summer this produced enough cabbage, carrots, parsnips, onions, lettuce and such vegetables for the year. A number of blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes supplied fruit which were used to make jams.

“Topping and tailing fruit was a very tiring and boring job for small boys, I assure you”, said Tom.

Padraic was born in July 1935 and Tom was born in October 1936. Before Tom’s third birthday the Second World War (1939-45) had begun. This had a huge effect on both the Moran family and Tom’s life for the next ten years. There was a shortage of everything, especially items like tea, coffee, flour and items that had to be imported such as petrol / diesel fuels, farm machinery, tools, detergents and medicines.

Dashing, churning, making butter...

Like most men at the time, Paddy smoked cigarettes and would only smoke one brand called Players® 7

One of Tom’s main memories of the 1940's is of the "Fair Days". These took place on the Main Street and

occurred once every month, some were small but the majority were very large. Cattle and sheep that were walked in from the surrounding areas were corralled up against the front wall of most houses or the smaller lots spread all over the road and wide street.

to improve, and the availability of petrol enabled uncle John A, Jack and P.J. to purchase their own transport, and the cattle were loaded directly into their trucks. Cars also slowly started to appear on the roads, and relations started to visit outside of "Fair Days".

The cattle were bought mainly by the jobbers who arrived before dawn and haggled or bargained with the farmers. One of those was our uncle John A Moran, who Padraic and Tom were delighted to see because he always gave them money.

The revenue generated by Paddy’s infrastructure and milk-cattle combined with the hospitality business that Mae Moran was developing enabled Padraic and Tom to go to Garbally College (1948 and 1949), a boarding school in County Galway. At this stage Matt was in primary school in Ballindine, and his memories are covered in the story of Mae Moran’s Rural Electrification lodging house from 1947 to the 1950’s.

Most animals were purchased in the morning but would not be paid for until afternoon, when the money was available from the bank. Uncle John A would be attempting to buy a worthwhile load to be shipped to Dublin or across the Irish Sea on to Liverpool. As our house and yard (built and extended by Paddy) were in the middle of the town, the cattle were assembled in our yard before being driven to the railway station and loaded into one or more cattle wagons. Mattie was born in 1941 and was a baby at this stage. Padraic and Tom gradually helped with small jobs until they were old enough to handle and herd cattle.

In the early days only uncle John A's animals were held in the yard, but other people started to use it over the years, and by the time Padraic and Tom were old enough the yard and cowshed would be full. Occasionally a young heifer would calf in the back and we might not be able to identify the owner until he arrived to collect, so Tom would mind the pair. Later the boys decided that a charge could be made to mind the animals and this proved to be very lucrative for two young people, and Tom was soon able to buy his first bicycle.

Fair Day (Dunmore, near Ballindine!)

Uncle Jim from Lavallyroe also came to some fairs but not as often as uncle John A. Then John A’s sons Jack and P.J. started to arrive, and they brought in calves which had been purchased in the south of Ireland, mainly from Bandon and west Cork. They sold these calves in the afternoon and evening to the local farmers.

Mary (Mae) Kelly, 10yrs old, 1911 Census return

Mae Moran ran the equivalent of the local cafe, and Fair Days in the 30’s and 40’s were very busy. All the uncles and cousins usually had a meal and a family chat.

Mae outside the house in Ballindine

Shortly after the war ended in 1945 things started

Pat & Ellen >> Paddy & Mae >> Tom Moran

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My Journey as a Druid

At the core of Druidry is magic and mystery. It is interesting that the Irish word for Druidry is Draíocht and it’s also the word for Magic. I have learned a lot about Druidry from the Irish language.

By magic I do not mean performing spells but rather it is something you feel, for example, when in ritual or when walking in the woods. Druidry opens a doorway to other realities, other states of consciousness and the Otherworld. This is done through meditation & visualisation, ritual & ceremony, shamanic journeying, chanting, music. It teaches us to work with the power of Imbas meaning Divine illumination or inspiration.

Eimear Burke

Because Druidry is an oral tradition there are no written accounts of what Druids actually did. The only sources available to us are those of the Roman writers who wrote about the Druids of Britain and Gaul. The writings of the Irish Celtic Christian Monks are the richest source of material about our early history and that of the druids. So, for example, our ceremonies are not ancient druidic rituals because they were never recorded. Druidry is an organic evolving spiritual path that is relevant for our lives today. So it's not something that is preserved in aspic but it is a living spiritual path which makes it very alive. Therefore, we do not get caught up in dogma because we have that freedom to honour nature, the earth and her beings in a way that comes from within ourselves rather than being dictated to from a so-called higher authority which makes it a very rich and alive spiritual path. You can be monotheistic, duotheistic, polytheistic, atheistic or animistic, etc.

Eimear Burke, Druid

I was delighted when I was asked to write an article about my druidic practice. It is important to acknowledge the diversity within the Moran clan.

This is something I value highly.

What is Druidry? Well essentially it is a nature based spiritual path. This does not just mean that as druids we like and respect nature, rather we see ourselves as being part of nature, we are nature.

We are aware of our inter-connectedness to the earth and her beings, recognising the sacredness of all life. This acknowledgement of our close relationship to nature is similar to the world views of indigenous peoples around the world whose survival depends on having a close and harmonious relationship with nature and the world around them. This is at variance with the Abrahamic and industrial world view which sees humans as superior beings who control and have dominion over the natural world.

I belong to the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) which, although based in the UK, is an international order with over 20,000 members from all over the world. Not all druids regard themselves as Pagan. Within the order I have Druid colleagues who are Interfaith ministers, Christian ministers, Buddhist Monks. There is a space for anybody to be a Druid and people are free to bring their own beliefs and values into their Druidry. For me, Druidry is about accepting diversity and recognising the great strength and unity there is in diversity “aontacht in ilíocht”. All people are welcome, regardless of colour, creed, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc. We welcome all faiths and none.

We do have a Druid’s Prayer which is a beautiful prayer.

Druidry is a very pragmatic spirituality which keeps us grounded on the earth rather than having us escape from life. Within Druidry today we look to the landscape as a metaphor for our lives following the seasons of the year. This is marked by the eightfold wheel of the year where we hold ceremonies to mark the Solstices, Equinoxes, and the four Fire Festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lúghnasadh and Samhain.

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Grant oh Spirit, thy Protection, And in Protection, Strength, And in Strength, Understanding, And in Understanding, Knowledge, And in Knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice, And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of it, And in the Love of it, the Love of all Existences, And in the Love of all Existences, the Love of Spirit and all Goodness.

'send' this surge of energy came up right through me and I knew then I had made the right choice and I have never looked back. That was the summer of 2003. I got my first lessons in the post which also contained a ceremony for the Autumn Equinox.

Howard, Shabani and I were running a workshop and we decided to hold this ceremony. It went very well and Shabani told me that I had been given a key and if I didn’t use it the lock would get rusty. So I continued to hold the ceremonies thoughout the year and have been holding them ever since.

One of the strengths of Druidry, for me, is that we don’t dictate to people, how they should be. What we have is our own internal moral compass, that we are responsible for actions and their consequences.

We honour the Law of the Harvest, that is ‘What you sow, you will reap’. We look at our actions through an ethical lens.

We started off with three or four people attending our ceremonies. Now sixteen years later we have a strong community of people. Not everyone who attends our ceremonies is a druid, however, they have a resonance with a nature-based spirituality.

One very important thing which nourishes us as human beings is having a community that supports us. Having shared rituals brings a community together. As part of our ceremonies we always hold a healing circle so we will hold hands in a circle and create a cauldron of healing and we name the people, events, situations that need healing. It can be really powerful. We can feel the power of community being together, calling on spirit and help of the divine to support us in our work and also in the healing for others. This is very meaningful. In addition to ritual and healing at our gatherings we also hold a Night Court where people are invited to share their poetry, stories, songs, music, etc. The Bardic arts are an important element in Druidry.

What are my influences? Well I grew up in rural Ireland with nature all around me and I went to the local primary school and it was from the nuns that I first heard the Irish myths and legends. I was really fascinated with them and so from there the seeds of my interest in the Otherworld were sown. I also loved Irish and history, they were my favourite subjects in school. My father, Donie, had a great love of trees and I have great memories as a child of planting trees with him. He would go to the bog and bring back Silver Birch saplings and plant them in the garden. Another influence was my mother, Patsy. She would often tell me to have the courage of my convictions and to remember my culture and my heritage. That’s what I did.

What has Druidry given me? In addition to a rich spiritual life I have found a supportive community. I have made a lot of friends as a result, both in Kilkenny but also when I go over to the UK to our druid gatherings, it’s like a second home. I’ve been very surprised, given our history and the relationship between Ireland and Britain, that it has healed that wound for me. When I can during ceremony I will speak Irish and invariably people come up to me and say “I had no idea what you were saying but the hairs was standing at the back of my neck… I just love when you speak Irish”. I have been asked what changes I am going to make when I take over as Chosen Chief and I say (as a joke) that people will have to learn Irish and the response is usually, “Yes, bring it on”. It is interesting that I would not get such an enthusiastic response here in Ireland.

When I started out on this path I didn't know any druids so I suppose it took a bit of courage to follow the path. I had been working with a Native American Medicine Woman doing sweat lodges. I was fascinated by the spirituality of it and all of it connected with nature. I also met Shabani Kalula, who came to a Moran Do many years ago. He is a very gifted traditional healer from Tanzania and we had worked together. My husband Howard and I filmed his work and presented it at Psychology and Psychiatry conferences. But none of this was from my land so I found that very frustrating. Then I was in a bookshop one day and I came across a book called “The Modern Day Druidess” by Cassandra Eason. In this book the author mentioned that she had trained with OBOD and recommended the training and so I went onto their website. I signed up for the introductory pack and as soon as I clicked 10

Following this path I’ve discovered the art of storytelling and I started to learn the harp about eight years ago. In addition to rituals, what feeds my soul and spirit is walking in the woods, particularly at night, when there is no one else around. This is a wonderful opportunity to commune with the trees and to hear what they have to say. Science is now acknowledging that trees are conscious beings, for example, that they communicate with each other, send healing to trees who are ill. I love to visit ancient sacred sites and to connect with the power, magic and mystery of these places that were so sacred to our ancestors. Many churches are built on pre-Christian sacred sites. Our holy wells, now dedicated to Christian saints, were sacred to our pre-Christian ancestors as they were seen as portals to the other world. They were also associated with healing, as they are today.

I am also a priestess dedicated to Danú, in the Fellowship of Isis, which is a multi-faith organisation dedicated to honouring the Divine Feminine.

In 2020 I will become Chosen Chief of OBOD. It is going to be a huge task and Philip Carr Gomm the current Chosen Chief is a hard act to follow. My role will be as a figurehead, as a spiritual leader rather than as a manager of an organisation for which I am very grateful. I will still be based in Kilkenny and I will be doing a lot of travel to various druid gatherings around the world.

Druidry has enriched my life and continues to do so.

Go raibh amhlaidh!

Part of my service as a druid is as a celebrant where I hold rites of passage, mainly weddings. I am Pagan Solemniser, that is, I have a license to perform legal pagan marriages. I was delighted in 2015 that my first legal marriage ceremony was for my cousin Fiona, on my father’s side. I love to work with the couple to create a ceremony that is in keeping with their values. The response to my ceremonies has been very positive. My sense is that they awaken in people something long forgotten. Just scratch beneath the surface of any Irish person and you find someone who is drawn to the land and the oldways.

This was very evident at Howard’s funeral in 2015 when we held a druidic funeral ceremony for him in our grove in the garden.

Eimear and late husband Howard Campbell Pat & Ellen >> John A & Babe >> Patricia & Donal Burke >> Eimear Burke

>>>

The Tyranny of the Ages!

- Time, Energy & Money Three things needful - time, energy and money.

But what a game life plays with us...

When we are young, we have time and energy, but no money.

In the family years, we have energy and money, but no time.

When the Golden Years are finally attained, we have time and money, but alas, no energy.

Such is the tyranny of the Ages!

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Y o u n g A r o u n d

M o r a n s t h e

W o r l d

Penny Moran

My full name is...

Penelope Joyce Moran

I live in...

Giffnock, Glasgow, Scotland

Age...

9

I’m one of the ‘Pat & Ellen Moran Clan’ because...

My daddy Jonathan is Jim & Katie's grandson

I was given my name because...

Dad and mummy (Rhona) liked it

I am told I look like...

My Aunt Nicola

The person who talks about Ireland the most in my family is... My daddy So, what do they talk about/mention to you: Jot down the THREE things you’ve heard mentioned...

1. The farm in Lavallyroe 2. The Moran family 3. Daddy's football teams (Michael Glaveys and Cloonfad United)

What have you learned about Ireland in school?

The Celts lived in Ireland

Have you ever visited Ireland? Pick a word(s) that describes your visits.

Yes. Playing with cousins and seeing Nana (Daisy) and Grandad (Johnny)

What part of Ireland would you most like to visit and why?

Anywhere with Irish music or a cathedral

Has anyone ever spotted the Irish in you? What do they say?

Yes, I sometimes say Irish things I’ve heard

Mention TWO of your hobbies:

Singing and dancing

Who is your personal hero or role model?

Lisa from Korean pop band "Blackpink"

Have you ever heard anyone in your family singing Irish songs? What songs?

Grandad is always singing songs.

Dad sings "Seven drunken nights"!

Do you know any Irish musicians/singers/bands?

My cousin Caoimhe Glynn (Ciara’s daughter) is called "Reylta"

Have you read any stories, plays or poems by Irish writers?

What were they?

Yes, I’ve read all the stories in the "pocket Irish legends" book

How do you celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day?

I wear green

If you have heard an Irish joke, will you kindly share it?

What's the fastest town in Ireland? Tuam

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Johnny & Daisy >> Jonathan & Rhona >> Penny Moran

12

A Semester Abroad in Galway

Tuesday. We had heard rumors that Tuesday was an important day for this celebration and that none of the students would be in school. Skeptical, I rushed to school for my 9am class to find… 4 other students out of a class of 20.

A collection of stories and memories that transformed Ireland into a home away from home Rosemary Rogers

After class, we got ready and headed over to one of our favorite pubs, Hole in the Wall. This pub was nearly always empty, but today there were so many people you could barely move. We spent the day meeting Irish people and celebrating something we still did not full understand.

Later that day, I headed over to meet the first of the Moran cousins that I would meet in Galway - Brona, Alan, Angela, and Angela’s daughter, Ellen. We had a blast having discussions over dinner about all sorts of things from life in Ireland to politics. Even though we had all just met, I felt so comfortable talking to them. They truly embodied the welcoming spirit of Ireland I had come to treasure. We talked and danced all night while testing our alcohol tolerances. I was thrilled to have finally met some of the cousins my mother told me about while I was growing up.

Rosemary atop snowy Croagh Patrick

I arrived in Ireland nervous and without knowing anybody. I met up with a couple of other students at the airport who I recognized from the University of Wisconsin. We sleep-walked through Dublin airport onto the GoBus that we would ride many more times throughout the semester. We then shuffled through the streets of Galway into Niland House which would become our home for the next five months.

Upon entering Niland House we were hit with a smell so unique it is not possible to be put into words. We were greeted by Oliver Niland, an old man who at the time was wearing eye glasses with one of the stems missing. Throughout the semester, his interactions with us included asking hungover students if they had been at Monroe’s the night before and randomly calling my roommates and I to ask what school we attended in the United States.

Brona, Alan, Rosemary, Angela & Ellen Westport and Croagh Patrick One of the things I grew to love about Ireland was the accessibility of nature and hiking throughout the island. One of our first and more strenuous hikes was climbing Croagh Patrick just outside of Westport, a gorgeous town whose winding streets and colorful houses enchanted me. This was also my introduction to county Mayo.

Despite its quirks, Niland House would prove to be a wonderful home in Galway. It is nestled between the Long Walk and all the pubs and restaurants downtown, making it the perfect place from which to get to know my new city.

Donegal Tuesday and Meeting Morans

We set out to Westport and stayed in a tiny Airbnb house all together. The next day, we caught a bus to the mountain. The climb was significantly more

A little ways into our education, we were introduced to the craziness that is Rag Week and Donegal 13

difficult than we originally thought it might be. We took it slow, especially once we reached the shale near the top. Despite the test of physical fitness, the views from the top on a clear day were stunning. Of course sliding down the snow cap instead of walking was also a highlight.

getting lost trying to find things on the map we had been given. We also made friends with dogs and a horse and narrowly avoided being trampled by cows. All in all, it was a very fun day and we learned the important lesson that you should not take a cycling class the day before biking around an entire island.

The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands

Ed Sheeran and the Music

I was very fortunate during my stay in Ireland to experience much of the beauty that surrounds Galway town. One of the most famous in America is of course the Cliffs of Moher. I had seen every single friend who travelled abroad post a picture of themselves standing on these cliffs, and I could not wait to experience them for myself.

As someone who was raised on American classic rock, coming to Ireland and hearing my childhood played live in pubs each night was like a dream come true. I will never get over the amazing live music that we got to experience each night. In Galway even the people playing in streets were absolutely incredible.

However, all of the Instagram pictures in the world could not prepare me for the majesty of seeing the cliffs in person. They were higher than any picture showed, and looking off them, I felt infinite. I wanted to sit and watch the ocean roll onto the rocks below for hours. I walked as far as I could along them until there were no other tourists around. The cliffs were one of the “tourist attractions� abroad that truly lived up to the hype. I would go back a hundred times.

Rosemary, only slightly excited for Ed! Of course another musical highlight for this American girl was hearing Ed Sheeran play live in Galway. The Salthill stadium we saw him in was much more intimate than the music venues I had been to in America. Hearing him play Galway Girl in Galway was a surreal experience. As someone who has been a fan for a long time, I could not imagine a better first time to hear him play live.

Infinite! On the Cliffs of Moher In contrast, the Aran Islands were not something I had heard much about before arriving in Ireland.

When I got to Galway, all of our teachers enthusiastically recommended them. They described them as a place where most people speak Irish and the landscape is stunning. My friend Kelsey and I set out to experience them for ourselves.

Sligo and Getting to Know Brona When I met Brona in Galway, she had graciously offered me an invitation to come to Sligo and stay with her. I was thrilled to accept and to experience Sligo. Our first day, we got a golf lesson from a

When we arrived, we decided we wanted to bike. It was cold out, and we were the only tourists that came over on the ferry that biked instead of taking a bus tour. We met so many friendly islanders while 14

professional, and I got to use a putter that has been passed down through our family.

had been the original purpose of the trip. Although the trip was not as we expected, we saw the true beauty of the Irish wilderness.

The next day we did some exploring. We climbed Knocknarea, a tabletop mountain in Sligo, and learned about W.B. Yeats. We also got to go out for drinks to the local pub with Brona. We had a grand time singing and swapping stories. As the night progressed, we were also careful that my smallest friend Kara sat down before continuing to consume alcohol. At the end of the night, the pub owner drove us home, again showing the amazing hospitality and friendliness of the Irish people.

Dublin, More Morans, and Saying Goodbye The last place that I went while in Ireland was Dublin. Although I had passed through it countless times to fly to new places, I had not yet explored it.

We got to go on all kinds of touristy adventures like the Guinness Storehouse and hopping between the Temple Bars. My favorite part of the city was the hustle and bustle coupled with the music filling every corner of the city.

Getting Lost in the Mountains, My Wicklow Story

My last day in Ireland, I was graciously invited out to Seamus and Eleanor’s house to stay. I loved getting to know them, hiking with them, and seeing a different side of Dublin. I enjoyed hearing all of Seamus’ amazing stories of being an actor and appreciated that he too knew Oliver Niland and the distinctive Niland House smell. Staying with family was the perfect end to a magical five months in my new favorite place.

One day my friends and I decided that we wanted to hike some of the Wicklow Way. We settled on hiking from Enniskerry to Glendalough. We stayed overnight at a hostel in Enniskerry which we fondly referred to as summer camp. The next day we planned to take our backpacks and head on over to Glendalough. My map said that it was a 6 hour hike which was reasonable. We asked the person running the hostel desk to make sure. She said she thought it would be more like a hilly four and a half.

Although saying goodbye to Ireland was difficult, I knew with certainty I would be back. There is something addicting about the fresh air, stunning landscape, and kind-hearted people that calls me back. Ireland will always have a place in my heart.

We thanked her and went on our way with all of our stuff on our backs, including my textbook I was reading for finals the following week. The hike began pleasant and sunny. As the hours passed and we climbed more and more hills, there began a driving sleet. We soldiered on thinking we were almost there. When we finally came to a road, we met an elderly couple.

They mentioned they had just come from Glendalough and were shocked we were trying to get there as it was another 4 hours down the trail.

We were now on hour four, so we laughed and went on our way. There’s no way it would take that long, right? Wrong!

Our pace slowed as the hours stretched on. In our delirium, we began referring to the stick figure on the trail markers as Phil and admonished him for forcing us to continue. Finally, after nine hours, we reached the town of Glendalough. Muddy and unable to move, we entered a hostel that was much too nice of a place for people in our state. We scarfed down a meal and then realized we would not have the time or strength to hike the hour round trip to the lake surrounded by mountains that

Please focus on our happy faces and not the fact that we accidentally held the flag upside down … Rosemary Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Nora & Jim Rogers >> Rosemary Rogers

15

Our Father, Seamus, All-Hallowed was your name

Insight

I remember once you shared with me This insight, light-fingered, typically.

When we mere mortals meet, you said, A challenge, you said, We rush in, Adrenalin Charged, nerves out of control, Blundering, usually, Into a deeper quandry.

But the champions, you said, the greatest, And golfers were the ones you knew best, Slow right down, Step away, Take a deep breath, Then address the problem with clear, fresh eyes.

-

A Triptych Poem

Love

There were only two women in your life.

Each held your heart in equal measure.

Your mother Kitty and beloved Ellen.

Their love was reciprocal, pure and devout.

One brought you into this world, the other Comforted you, on your way out.

A tribute by Séamus Moran

Faith

Singer, priest, lover, friend.

You inherited traditional faith, Became its scholar and preacher, Wore its vestments with pride until, You no longer could, Without feeling shame.

Because you drank from a deeper well, Painted on a broader canvas, Sang from a universal hymn-sheet.

Your faith was in each Individual, Regardless of credo or none, To be the best person they could Bearing testimony To every god's truth.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Paddy & Betty >> Séamus Moran Pat & Ellen >> Kit & Martin Healy >> Séamus Healy

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary Maura & Peter Joyce Maura (Healy) and Peter Joyce celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on the 27th June 2019. They were married in New York

by Maura's brother Séamus Healy, on his way home from Washington State to Ireland.

We wish Maura & Peter lots of love from the Moran Clan.

Pat & Ellen >> Kit & Martin Healy >> Maura & Peter Joyce

16

The Eternal Game

The centre piece of The Moran Do is an 18-hole golf competition, played at Ballinrobe golf course. The course itself is like many of the people in the area, beautiful but unforgiving. Anyway I didn't win the golf competition for the 47th year in succession. I blame that bloody neck brace.

Bernard Berney

The previous year I didn't win because I just had an off day. The year before that, the lace of my right shoe wouldn't fasten properly. I have 47 perfectly good reasons why I've never won the Moran Cup. One year, 1998, the winner was actually a better golfer than me. Would you believe that?

Anyway, back to the most recent event. The post competition speeches kicked off with the usual eulogies lauding the various groups of Morans present, some from Ireland, some England, others from the USA and still more from different parts of the globe even further afield.

Listening to it all suddenly the pain in my neck didn't seem so bad. Well as they say, everything is relative.

After a round of golf, a not very good round I will admit, I got a few muscular pains around my shoulder and neck.

Amid all these convivial speeches there was one dissenting voice.

"Must see Gerry about the plane of my swing," thought I.

You guessed it, the pain in the neck. Me. I boldly stated that the organising of the event had become so complex and such a burden on the people involved that I would understand if they decided to abandon the whole thing.

However the pain disappeared and my swing remained as dysfunctional as ever.

August. Down to Mayo to attend "The Moran Do," an annual Moran family get together which was in its 49th year. So not surprisingly I was once again in some pain. (That's a joke. Honestly.)

"Don't be stupid Bernard, next year is the 50th anniversary," came the mighty protest from the crowd, to which my lovely wife added by whispering in my ear: "It is also our 50th wedding anniversary."

I had completely forgotten that. I mean, how long is a man expected to remember these things? In all honesty, I ask ye!

The lingering pain meant I did have to wear a neck brace which I felt helped me blend in better with the group. Many of the other attendees are of my vintage and present with a variety of physical and psychological disorders. In the past this had made my perfect mental and physical condition somewhat isolating.

Now as I sit here in the Beacon Hospital, April 2019, in the full knowledge that the original pain in the neck indicated something much more sinister than a mutated golf swing, I recall the American comedian WC Fields who made a running joke of his great dislike for Philadelphia. He always said: "The first thing I want to do when I arrive in Philadelphia is get the hell out of the Godammed place." His final joke about the much maligned city came when he had written on his tombstone: "On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."

An array of illnesses, various cardiac conditions, arthritis, phlebitis, dermatitis and any other "itis" you might care to mention, usually had someone claiming ownership of them and wearing their illness like a badge of honour.

So naturally my undiagnosed pain in the neck, evidenced only by wearing a neck brace, without even a doctor's recommendation, was a source of amusement rather than sympathy.

>>>

17

Maybe I'll write on mine: "On the whole I'd rather be in Ballinrobe," the difference being that in my case I really mean it.

"The Moran Do" was the highlight of many of my past 49 years.

Ballinrobe has been a source of great joy to me. The welcome I always received from my Moran in-laws was wonderful. I exulted in the way their various friends and relatives included me so easily within their circle.

But it's not Ballinrobe.

Indeed on the whole I would rather be in Ballinrobe although, in truth, heaven isn't too bad.

Bernard Berney 1942 - 2019

>>>

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard Berney

Bernard Graveside Eulogy He was a man we loved, who loved us back.

He taught us how to be in the world, not to be distracted by the shiny surface, but to see beneath, to meet people as they chose to present themselves, at whatever stage of the journey they were on.

He was a kind a generous man.

Quick to rant, quick to laughter.

He knew the value of listening.

He was a deep thinker.

He questioned.

He often used the medium of wedding speeches to pose his questions and propound his theories.

At the centre of it all was love.

Love that held him and Mary when they were children, that joined and cascaded to envelop us – Helen, Emma, John and Laura.

And in loving, love grows.

We don’t just pass it on.

We harvest, sow and reap.

It is the bountiful place.

It is beautiful.

And yesterday they came, all his people, the people whose lives he touched.

“He was a gentleman.”

“He was a character.”

“He made us laugh.”

“He helped us.”

“He was the King of Kilcullen. No, he was its servant.”

And one man said “He deserves a monument.”

And I tell you this … you are his monument.

18

Dublin Girl Goes West

bare feet and lovely blue leather sandals. Johnny thought this was hilarious and he brought me over to the cowshed to wash the muck from my feet. To my dismay, he got the cow, pulled the udder and sprayed my feet with hot milk. I was in shock, but soon learned a thing or two about farming.

Kay Moran

On another occasion we got up early one morning to go to the mart in Ballindine. This was another new experience for me so I wanted to bring the camera to take some photos. Not a chance. Johnny wouldn't hear of my bringing a camera to the mart.

This was the daily business of farming life, not a novelty tourist attraction for a Dub on her summer holidays! I enjoyed the experience at the mart, and I remember going into Aunty Mae's house in Ballindine afterwards and having a lovely breakfast there with all the farmers.

I have many great memories of my visit to Lavallyroe and particularly of the 'Three Counties' pub in Cloonfad, where there was always music, dancing and plenty of craic in the evenings. I also remember sitting around the kitchen table in Lavallyroe playing '25' til the early hours of the morning.

Kay in Johnny's hayshed, Lavallyroe, 1968

As we look forward to celebrating the 50

th

anniversary of the 'Moran Do' my thoughts go back to my first visit to Lavallyroe. It was the summer of 1968. Tommy and I had been 'going out' together for about three years and it was now time for me to be introduced to the rest of the Moran clan.

I was a Dub at heart, born and reared there, and had never been outside the capital for more than a few days. I certainly had never visited the West of Ireland!

I met family members and neighbours including Albert, Nuala, Paddy, Betty, John A, Maggie and Mick Glynn, Aut Mac and many more, all of whom were very friendly and welcoming.

Granny Moran arrived back from England during my time there and she also made me feel very welcome. I always remember the 'curranty cake' she made regularly... a handful of this, a handful of that, and mix it all up. Nothing was measured or weighed but it was delicious every time. And of course the country butter! It too was delicious. When I was leaving to go back to Dublin, Katie gave me a big wrap of country butter to take back home to Dublin with me.

We drove down in our old turquoise coloured Volkswagen, stopped a few times along the way and eventually arrived at Lavallyroe. Granny Moran was in England visiting Jimmy and Kathy at the time, and Grandad, Johnny and Ann were at home minding the house. I received a great welcome from all of them and felt at home straight away.

One of my first memories was the day Johnny brought us for a walk around the fields. I had only recently returned from a holiday in Spain and I was wearing my new blue leather open-strap sandals.

Not wanting to get my new sandals too dirty I carefully picked out some 'rocks' to step on as I walked. Of course they were not rocks at all but cowdung. They looked very solid to me on the outside but unfortunately they were very soft on the inside! Down I went into the cowdung with my

I remember my first visit to Lavallyroe with great fondness. It's hard to believe that that was all of fifty-one years ago. A lot has changed since then.

The older generations have passed on, the younger ones are taking over. It's great to see the family coming together every year for the annual reunion, and the 'Moran Do' is still going strong. Long may it continue.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom & Kay Moran

19

MORAN PHOTOS

Wedding Wishes for Peter & Amber

"Irish wedding" group at the Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin, November 2018 An Irishman met an American girl in India. You could call it a 'whirlwind' romance but given the geography, probably a monsoon.

Two weddings would be the least that was required for this most international of unions. The first wedding took place at Amber's Guru's ashram in Kerala, India in August 2018. The second wedding was in Dublin in November 2018, with Amber's parents, brother and cousins coming over from the USA. Peter, of course, is Mister Music at the Moran Do every year, so in that spirit we wish Peter and Amber a lifetime of sweet music and harmony together. >>>

Peter & Amber in traditional attire, dhoti and sari, at their "Indian wedding" in Kerala, August 2018 Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom & Kay >> Peter & Amber Moran

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #4 (After Peter singing 'Danny Boy') ... If you put that song, O Danny Boy, beside another song it has a completely different meaning. If you listen you'll hear what I mean. “ ... Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me; twice on the pipes, if the answer is No! ... ... O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling!”

20

Homecoming ... "Teacht Abhaile"

suffered from a condition known as sweet itch. This is an allergic reaction to gnat bites which can cause the tail and mane to fall out due to the itching which makes the pony rub the affected areas. I was ecstatic of course as it is every little girl’s dream to have a horse of their own, mine just happened to be balding and was certainly never going to win at the Curragh - but then neither was I for that matter.

I feel I am rambling now, as there is so much I want to say without ‘hogging’ the whole 2019 Mag. Also I am not so sure Morans are very good at keeping things short.

Allison Moon

So here goes, to try and sum up in a nutshell how I feel about being a Moran, what my family means to me and how this came about. While I visited Ireland I spent time with as many family members as possible. Helen and Ann in Dublin… I remember Ann taking me to the theatre to see Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Jimmy and Kathy (my Godparents) at their pub on the River Shannon where I won the jackpot on the fruit machine.

(Clearly this was a good time for me in the gambling stakes). The big moment came in my life when I met my Father, Tony Moran, for the first time at Albert & Nuala’s house in Claremorris, which was full of too many relations to mention, who came to support myself and Tony on this special occasion - I am sure Tony was feeling as apprehensive as I was. I had been insistent for some time about meeting my Father and fortunately I had a Mum and Dad who were pro-active in supporting this. Naturally, it felt strange at the time, having never met properly before, but now I could start to understand more about who I was and where I came from, which is so important for all of us in life.

Moran Legacy – Allison Moon showjumping, aged 16

It was 1979 when I came to Ireland to meet with my family. I was 12 years of age and it was a summer I will always remember. I arrived initially with my Mum, Stella. We stayed in Newbridge, County Kildare, with Ronan, Breda and family. They shared a lovely home, which fortunately for me, being a big horse lover, was situated opposite a Stud Farm which I visited as often as I could, just to look at the horses, and if I was lucky, stroke their soft nuzzles. I always remember Paul Maguire making me laugh out loud and it’s good to see that things haven’t changed!

This was a very long-awaited, happy and magical time for me in Ireland… riding round the garden literally, in Newbridge on Ronan’s ride on mower (as I don’t think a single blade of grass was cut!), going to the Curragh on Irish Derby day and seeing Willie Carson win the Irish Derby on Troy. I backed the horse and unless I dreamt it and if memory serves, I was able to place my own bet at that point in history (I was quite tall for my age). Nowadays you can get married, pass your driving test and start a family before you’re even considered old enough to have a £1 each-way bet on the horses! Anyway I digress… this had a big impact as it wasn’t long after this when I returned back to England that my Mum and Dad bought me my first pony, who incidentally

The next big excitement was meeting my Grandparents at Lavallyroe and my only sadness is that this was only one of two times that I ever saw them. I think of them often and what their lives might have been like living on the farm, and I try to live my own life in a way I hope would make them proud. I stayed at Lavallyroe with my Grandparents and Johnny, Daisy and family of course. Ciara has reminded me since that it was my idea for us cousins to have a ‘midnight feast’ (surely not Ciara!)

It was an eventful stay with Nicola falling into a bed of stinging nettles (ouch!) and myself into a peat bog, among other things… you’ve never visited Ireland until you’ve been in a peat bog!! We also 21

visited Paddy, Betty, Bernard, Mary and all my cousins. I am sure Bernard thought it was hilarious to send me off walking his three very strong greyhounds across the fields, two in one hand, one in the other, who nearly pulled my arms from their sockets. Bernard recently offered me his apologies for this and told me this was when he was going through his ‘greyhound phase’. In spite of this abject cruelty my Mum returned to England whilst I remained in Ireland and immersed myself fully into Irish family life. I even attended school for a time where Breda was working as a school teacher. After all this wonderful experience, life got in the way somehow and we all very sadly lost touch.

After many years it is down to the determined persistence of my cousin, one Angela Anderson, that thankfully we are all now reunited again. So rather than dwell on what has been lost, I would rather look to the future and my time with this amazing family.

I still feel like that 12 year old girl who always wants to come back to Ireland and this wonderful family heritage, celebrating the ‘Do’ and meeting relations from all over the world. I very much hope that on the next part of this journey that one day my own immediate family, my son Jamie, granddaughters Ella, Grace and Jamie’s partner Shannon, will embrace this as I have, as it would mean the world to me and to the rest of the Moran family. They really don’t know what they are missing.

Finally, apologies, I know I didn’t really sum up in a nutshell did I, but I cannot finish without giving another mention to my partner Darren and how much he has supported me throughout in terms of becoming reunited with my family. Darren has thrown himself into Moran life whole heartedly and loves every bit of it! Based on this I must give a special mention to one of Darren’s own family members who is very close to his heart, and to mine, and that is his Grandad, Ivor Gardner, who will be 100 years of age on 21st December 2019.

Ivor is a wonderful man who fought in the Second World War and was recently awarded the French Legion d’Honneur. This is the highest merit that can be awarded by the French Government for military services which Ivor received for acts of bravery, including belonging to the first troops to liberate the Belson concentration camp. Happy Centenary Ivor… and Happy 50th Anniversary to a very special family - the Morans!

Thirty four years later since that last visit to Ireland, Darren and I came to our first Moran ‘Do’ in 2013 when Seamus Healy presented me with the Family Tree (2013 revised edition). It was so lovely to meet Séamus and Ellen Healy and we are sad that Séamus is no longer with us. Séamus is one of many of the older generation that have kept this special Moran family reunion going over the years and I hope long may it continue for generations to come.

I felt very emotional on the night of the Moran Cup when I observed so many members of my family together for the first time, loving, living, laughing and let’s not forget performing together as well. Oh my goodness, what a treat! (I fear the talent gene missed me in that respect but Darren does a good ‘Elvis’ as some of you now know). I felt like a big jigsaw puzzle had finally come together and that a gap in my life had been filled. I was able to recognise big parts of the Moran family in myself as a person, not just characteristics but physical attributes as well, right down to ‘the chin’ and the short legs (thanks Ann for pointing that out – you know who you are, and Brona). Seriously, I cannot describe in words the love and affection Darren and I have been showered with and how much it means, which always makes us feel like the most special people in the world each time we meet with fellow Morans, whether it be in England or Ireland… a love and affection that is fully reciprocated.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tony & Stella >> Allison Moon

Allison's son Jamie, with granddaughters Ella and Grace <<<

Ivor Gardner receiving his Legionne d'Honneur.

Happy 100th Birthday Ivor!!

22

>>>

Get me some more tinfoil Ann!

were still living in the area. Thus began his adventure around the church ruins, identifying graves at a frightening pace.

Linda Meehan

So, what about the Moran grave you ask?

We have three sources that tell us that the location is inside the ruins and immediately on the right hand side of the door up against the wall. The first is Seamus Healy, who was at the funeral of Pat Moran in 1945, and remembers the coffin being carried up the hill and buried in the plot there. The second source is of Johnny himself, when he was a young lad. He was helping dig graves up there, and a neighbour, who had also been present at Pat's funeral, pointed to the same spot and told him that his Moran ancestors had been buried there. The third source is Tom Moran who as a ten year old boy was in Kiltullagh Graveyard with Aut Mack and Paddy Moran digging the grave in advance of Pat's funeral. Happy days.

There's a big grave slab covering that spot and it's totally unreadable due to weathering. That is unless you have Aldi's tinfoil and a paint brush. I spent yonks trying to press through the letters. I mean YONKS. I got so excited when the words “departed this life” appeared. We have a grave at least! I was bursting to find out what new Moran names we might discover on the stone. Names of those around long before church or civil records were kept. There it is a J, U, D...

“Eh...did we ever have a Judith in the family Johnny?”

No. “How about a Pendergast?”

Sigh.

Wrong gravestone. The full inscription reads: “Harry Pendergast who departed this life on the day 20th July 1788 and for his wife Judith Tobin”.

Sound for wrecking our buzz Harry and Judith.

Stone rubbing in Kiltullagh – wrong grave!

The title words are Johnny Moran's, as he bounded around the ruins of Kiltullagh church, pressing tinfoil on overgrown and worn gravestones, eagerly waiting for the previously unreadable names of those long deceased to appear in front of him. And Ann trailing behind him with a roll of Aldi's best, unable to keep apace with the sprightly septuagenarian. Not one hour previously, he was questioning our sanity in driving all the way up and back from Dublin to Mayo in one day, to climb up a hill and wedge tinfoil on gravestones with the faint hope of finding the location of where our Moran ancestors were buried. I was questioning this too. It was my day off and it was a Saturday. I'm aware this reflects poorly on my social life.

“Sure why does it matter that we find out exactly where they're buried?” he politely questioned. I tried to share some of my enthusiasm for genealogy and how generations after us will be delighted that we trekked up there and found and marked the spot. He was having none of it, but was happy to escort us lunatics up. And then, as the letters on the gravestones began emerging, he started to recognise the surnames of families who had lived in the area generations ago. And Johnny, being Johnny, was able to connect most of them with families who

After some further research, we have discovered that the building was operating as a church during the 19th century. There could be no way that a grave from 1788 would have been dug inside. We rooted around under the stone and you can see that there's a cavity and subsidence. We reckon that at some stage over the years, the grave began to collapse and instead of rectifying the problem properly, that an old slab from outside was dragged inside and placed over the hole. The true Irish 23

solution to a problem, “sure it'll be grand”. So when you're standing up in Kiltullagh this weekend at the memorial event, remember that our lot didn't have much money, so paying for a gravestone would have been out of the question. There were likely no markers of any kind. Bet you feel bad for laughing now?

nine children. She died of TB aged only 42 years. It actually says “2 years exhaustion” on her death cert.

Too right you'd be exhausted after all that! In the generation before that, Pat's mother Norah Moran nee Gallagher (1833-1883) died of “colic”, which was an old-school way of saying abdominal pain but-we-haven't-a-clue-what-caused-it. She had 12 months of that. Again, a hoard of children, numbering eight. Her age at time of death is down as 50 years. Well now, either Norah was telling fibs about her age or himself had to take a stab at it because if that really was her age, she would have fired out her first child aged just 12. And just like that, I found the source of the old tradition of Moran women hiding their true age. Remarkable!

So what else have I dug up in my snooping through the Moran generations?

Feck all. They certainly won't be doing an episode of “Who Do You Think You Are?” with Séamus Moran.

I did find a record from the Mayo Petty Court Sessions in 1897. A certain Patrick Moran of Lavallyroe thumped Thomas Finnegan of Ballinastocka in Ballyhaunis on the 9th of March.

Little did these lads know, they would be in-laws when their children Jim Moran and Katie Finnegan married in 1930. Oooh, that might have been awkward. Nothing else really juicy I'm afraid. For the most part, they worked hard and reproduced at a tremendous rate. And don't bother with a DNA test. Auntie Mary did it and discovered that we are...

DRUMROLL....

Then there are the many, many stories of those women who had to emigrate to make a better life Mary Ellen, Nora and Delia, just some of the names of the many Morans who had to leave their families and their home, and set up a new life at a time when they didn't even have dial-up broadband!

Some women wha? And while I jest that we don't have any Queen Maeves or Michael Collins's in our family tree, I do marvel at all of the deadly people we have produced. We have teachers, engineers, nurses, teachers, lecturers, scientists, actors, pharmaceutical engineers, restaurateurs, composers, teachers, farmers, accountants, athletes, singers and teachers! And can you believe that we (pretty much) all get along? That's a testament to the people who came before us.

Especially the women!

99.8% Northwestern European: 96.1% of which is Irish and British, predominately Mayo (SHOCK) with the last few percent being French and German. Oh dear. No viking blood.

But as I delved a little deeper into birth and death records, I found a strand running through almost every branch of the family, that of tough women who had to live hard lives and who just got on with it. Ellen Moran nee Murphy (1860-1902), was married to my Great Grandfather Pat and they had

Ann and Johnny rubbing headstones Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Ann & David Meehan >> Linda Meehan

Three official records – two deaths and a donnybrook!

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Gravestone for Pat & Ellen

MORAN STORIES As part of the 50th Anniversary of the Moran Clan Gathering, one idea that came up was to commission a commemorative stone for the grave of Pat and Ellen Moran, the forbearers of all the branches of the Moran clan who still gather in Mayo every year for the Moran Cup and Do. In Linda Meehan's article above you will see the work that has been done to identify the location of the grave site of Pat and Ellen. That information would soon have been lost, so as well as honouring Pat and Ellen, the gravestone will mark the location for future generations of Morans from Ireland and overseas to visit.

Gravestone for Pat and Ellen Moran Kiltullagh Graveyard

At the time of writing, the plan is to have a graveside blessing and mass by Father Micheรกl Kelly (grandson of Ellen Moran's sister Margaret) on Sunday 4th of August 2019. Any and all family members over for the Do are welcome and encouraged to attend.

This commemorative project was made possible by the contributions of family members to the 50 th Anniversary fund. Your generosity is much appreciated!

Pat and Ellen Moran's Marriage Certificate 27th March 1887

Katie's Wise Words Sure what can you do, just live as long as you can, and die when you can't help it.

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A Patriarch’s Prelude by

Katie Moran

These are my people, This is my tribe, The grey man's gaze fixed to the fire, A transient stare.

Clearing the lump from his throat he continued, In response to your question: ‘where do we go to after we die'?

Well folks, my view is clear, You'll be reincarnated on this very day, year after year.

You see family, It's through you, Mo chlann, That I'll live on, Many years after I'm gone You'll gather round this fire, Rejoice and regale In the song I sang so well.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Paddy & Betty >> Séamus & Eleanor >> Katie Moran

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Surprise Visit to China!

MORAN PHOTOS Trish says... Shane & I surprised Gerard, arriving at Eden School in Nanning one Friday evening in March 2019. Gerard's girlfriend Steph had it all organized. It was a fantastic moment to walk in and see where he was teaching. He got the shock of his life!

We had a wonderful week... memories that will last forever. Life is too short not do the things you think are impossible.

Pat & Ellen >> John A & Babe >> PJ & Kathleen >> Trish & Ger Fagan >> Gerard Fagan, Shane Fagan

Trish, Gerard and Shane in Nanning, China

Academic Excellence in the Clan - Professor Niamh Moran Did you know that there are a few academics in the Clan? Not alone are there a handful of PhD Morans, the Clan have had a Professor since the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Niamh Moran is a Professor in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

Her main research area is related to cardiovascular and thrombotic disease and she is also the current Head of School of Postgraduate Studies. She lectures in undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate in areas of pharmacology, hematology, molecular medicine and immune systems.

Niamh Moran achieved her PhD at University College Dublin in 1987. She worked in the University of Copenhagen and followed this with a 2 year post-doc position in Vanderbilt University (1989-1991) in Nashville Tennessee, where she met her future husband (and her cousin Diarmuid Moranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend) William Despard who runs the Bretzel Bakery.

Niamh returned to UCD as a Newman Scholar in 1991 and was appointed as a lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology at RCSI in 1994. Niamh and William live in Dublin 8 and have two children Oscar and Clara.

Clara is completing her PhD in the UK, while the younger Oscar occasionally writes letters to the Irish Times.

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

Katie's Wise Words Are you talking or are you playing cards?!

(In a stern tone while playing 25) 27

Rural Electrification !

toothpaste, soap or cigarettes and Mattie acted as messenger boy. He learned about e-commerce pretty early because not alone would he be rewarded with the change but also got free icecream from the shopkeeper to guarantee his return the following evening. Two shops were in competition for this business in the village.

1948 to 1960s Mattie & Bernadette Moran

Workers usually travelled home after working a half day on Saturday, many of them cycling 50+ miles.

Luckily 'Connacht Laundry' took care of the sheets.

There were a few fellas from Connemara and it was not uncommon for them to return on Sunday nights with a couple of bottles of "PoitĂ­n" which was an illicit alcoholic drink.

Activities were varied during the winter nights.

Lodgers took over the big dining room and Mattie was enthralled watching them playing rings.

Remember this was pre-Television, pre-Netflix and Whatsapp. Mattie once witnessed five pounds being gambled on a game of rings. This was a couple of weeks wages for a working man in those days. Everyone sat on the edge of their seats. That was Mattie's first introduction to gambling, which thankfully he never succumbed to... No "online" gambling in those days. So Mae and Paddy's house was a hive of activity... "if only walls could talk".

Mattie Moran, aged 11 Outside the house in Ballindine c. 1952

Mattie Moran is the youngest of the three sons of Paddy Moran and Mae of Ballindine, just inside the Mayo Galway border on the N17.

Mattie's final anecdote to this memory was the arrival of two younger men whom Mae took extra care of to shield them from older and more "seasoned" fellas. One of them was Jimmy Daly who called on her many times later and came to her funeral. Is it not an uncanny coincidence that Jimmy's niece is Sinead, the long term partner of Padraic Moran (Mattie's eldest son).

Listening to a debate recently about Rural Broadband and its implications, sent Mattie's mind back seventy years to his childhood. Moran's house at Main St. Ballindine was a hub of activity. Mae Moran, with Paddy's input was at this stage running a Boarding House with approximately twelve lodgers. These were mainly ESB workers erecting poles and installing electricity metres in houses that were prepared to accept the ESB rural electrification offer. These skilled workers spent a number of years in south Mayo travelling to neighbouring towns and villages. But the Moran/Kelly house was a constant.

As Mattie looks at his grandchildren now, scrolling on their iPads, he quickly reflects on the progress and technology that transformed Ireland since the 1950's. That Rural Electrification Programme first switched on the "Light" for many, and created business and opportunity.

Catering for that number of men fell on my mam Mae's shoulders, with no running hot-water or indoor toilet; A far cry from the en-suite bedrooms of today.

Pat & Ellen >> Paddy & Mae >> Mattie & Bernadette Moran

Mattie remembers the lodgers after the day's work was done, washing up and preparing for their night out. Sometimes they wanted razor blades or 28

Journey to Retirement in Spain

my beloved classical concerts; visits to the opera would be a thing of the past and theatre would be light holiday fare. Also the twelve-month tourist vibe of the islands was way too frantic.

Noel Dillon

We got back to Ireland in March 2017 and began looking at mainland Spain. It became clear that the Costa Blanca would meet many of our needs and it contained the cultural centres of Alicante and Valencia. In May we set off on the three month journey that was to change our lives. We quickly established that the major resorts did not suit us.

We fell in love with the beautiful traditional Spanish town of Guardamar and the small, stylish Los Alcazares in Murcia. Neither would be the site of our dream home but we knew we wanted to live close to one or the other. We came to realise that unless you lived in a town or community with a significant portion of the population not involved in tourism, you would likely find yourself living in a ghost town in winter. Battling the 24 hour traffic and tourist crowds along the coastline is hard work in summer. The holiday experience is great for a few weeks but not for six months! We really needed to think of living four or five kilometres inland. Having reached this conclusion, we viewed some duplexes and apartments in the Villamartin area in early July, ending with a visit to what the agent referred to as a somewhat neglected house.

Noel and Sanjeev basking in Spain

I have always loved the sun and the sea. The combination continues to inform my idea of heaven on earth. I have always taken at least one long holiday a year to laze in the warmth, watch the waves crash to the shore and see the sun set in a blaze of glory beneath the watery horizon. So, retirement to a place of sun and sea was pretty much inevitable. Having developed a particular fondness for Spain over the years, it was clear that our home from home should be there. I retired in June 2014, after forty-two happy years working at different times in the Education, Health and the Voluntary Sectors. I had a good pension, and as my partner Sanjeev and I had both managed our affairs prudently, we were financially secure.

The house was 35 years old, had not been lived in for years and was in desperate need of renovation.

It was an end house on a well laid-out urbanisation called Blue Lagoon built on the side of a hill. It was dusty and dirty with flaking paint all over and we fell head over heels in love with it. From the terrace, the uninterrupted 180 degree views of the mountains, the Pink Lake of Torrevieja and the Mediterranean were absolutely stunning and once the shutters were open, the entire inside just flooded with light. The house was 5km from the sea, 4kms from the magnificent Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre and about twenty minutes drive from both Guardamar and Los Alcazares. Location, location, location and views.

There had been many lovely holidays in the Canary Islands with my parents in the latter years of their lives, so we decided we would investigate living there. Tenerife was the island of choice. We learned that renting was quite a popular choice for retirees.

We went for two months in 2016 and again in 2017.

We concluded that purchasing was wiser and gave us more options. It also became clear that I needed to stop looking through the prism of holidays and look at issues of community, convenience, activities, interests, mobility, resources and language. I realised that with island living I would rarely get to

We put in a cheeky offer the following day, mindful of the major renovation work that had to be done.

It took time but we eventually agreed a price. We had a great solicitor who took over and handled everything efficiently. We gave her power of attorney and returned to Dublin in August with an 29

easy mind. The solicitor kept in regular touch.

Eventually, in late November, we got a call to say that the transaction was complete and we were now the proud owners of No 1 Callé Jumilla, Blue Lagoon and could pick up our keys from her office at our convenience.

start the process of taking out residency in Spain.

This has been an exciting and enjoyable adventure and has kept me very active during my retirement to date.

We are delighted to make the move to Spain - the way of life, the excellent healthcare system, the slow pace of living, the food, particularly the fresh fruit and vegetables, the walking, the beach, and my beloved sun and sea.

We returned to Spain for January and February 2018 to work out what needed to be done and who might do it. On our return in May the renovations began in earnest. The place was gutted to a shell.

We knocked outside storage into the house and demolished a dome on the roof terrace to create space. Then it was Sanjeev’s, the artist, turn to shine. Apart from the tiling, the fitting of the kitchen and bathroom, Sanjeev did all the interior decorating from planning through design to execution. I provided moral support and tea! In June, we moved into our new home with lots of work still to do. In November a new roof went on the front terrace and Sanjeev painted the entire outside in time for Christmas. We had a lovely Christmas in our new home and came to realise that our move to Spain would be full time and permanent. In February we finished the outside work including the garden and added some craftily recycled treasure from a number of local skips. We planted our own mandarin, lemon and peach trees.

Inside No 1 Callé Jumilla Pat & Ellen >> Margaret & Tom Tyrrell >> Maureen & John Dillon >> Noel Dillon

The Dublin house goes on the market in June and we hope to sell it quickly. Once that is done we will

MORAN STORIES Posted in the window of Berney's Chemist shop, Kilcullen, 5/7/2019

BERNARD V. BERNEY, SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, FATHER, UNCLE, CHEMIST, ACTOR, GOLFER, GAMBLER, FRIEND, LISTENER IS DEAD. WE WILL CLOSE TODAY FRIDAY TO BURY HIM, TOMORROW SATURDAY TO REFLECT AND REMEMBER HIM AND WILL BE BACK MONDAY TO CONTINUE TO TRY AND DO WHAT HE TAUGHT US. WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard Berney

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Mary's...

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

Moran Cup Memories

We went back to the house in Galway we were renting, so none of us ever stayed over. When they got older, they didn't come down at all! There wasn't as much entertainment after in the early days, so it never went on too late.

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY? The first one in 1969 because we got married that year and were on our Honeymoon.

How did you do in the golf?

I started playing in 1996 and kept going every year up until about 3 years ago. I was sure I was going to win in that first year. I was playing so well and had won a few prizes in the Curragh. But I had the worst game of golf that I've ever had. I never really got over 30 points. I found it a very hard and long course.

A slap on the wrist for Bernard!

What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup?

Any special stories associated with the Do that you'd like to share?

The night in The Hermitage in Tuam (1972). I think Helen was expecting Kevin. We stayed in a B&B nearby. I don't think we had any of the children with us. We'd never have left them in a B&B. I remember Jack Moran conducting the orchestra. I remember him as a dour, quiet man who would hardly say hello to you and here he was, full of fun, laughing and standing up to the music. The dress I wore was much admired, a long, pink Maxi dress. I don't think we went too often until we started playing ourselves, because Bernard was never off at the weekends.

Being mortified every time Bernard got up to speak and the language that would come out of him. I was so used to it because it was part of his every day language. But it was shocking for some! There's a photo of Breda slapping him on the hand. I'm sure it's for something he said in his speech. As the entertainment became more formal over the years, he began to prepare more and use jokes that he had used in stand up in Kilcullen. In 2016 he told the story about the man who had his leg amputated and had gone to visit the Pope. He asked the Pope, since he was close to God, could he have his leg restored. The Pope said that it was ridiculous and out of the question, but was there anything else that he would like? He said he would love if Bernard Berney could win the Moran Cup. The Pope said “Give us another look at that leg...”

What was the lead up to the day like?

We came very late to the Do as we would be coming up after the shop had closed. Then, for many years, we were on holiday in Galway and we would come down then for the evening. We never came during the day time.

Another story was when we were playing on the old golf course and I was coming down the long Par 5.

The Clubhouse was over to the left and I heard “Hi Mammy!”, and it was Laura, standing to the side and holding a baby (Lizzie Maguire) in her arms. I took my shot and it went at a sharp 90 degree angle and hit her in the bum and for days after she was really sore and had quite a bruise. That was typical of me, that if I got distracted by anything, I'd hit the

What did you do the next day?

Seamus Healy said the mass. He used to come every second year. We had it in Lavallyroe at the start, out in the garden. Another year we had the mass down in Ballinlough in Auntie Kit's house. I remember Paddy and Albert playing that game that was popular at the time, Tetherball.

31

ball wherever the distraction was. But then the opposite worked too. If I was in the Curragh, I'd say â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm aiming for that sheepâ&#x20AC;? and I'd land nearly on the sheep. Betty scolded Laura for coming onto the

golf course with a baby in her arms, while people were playing. I didn't get scolded for hitting a bad shot, but the child got scolded for going onto the course!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Mary & Bernard Berney

MORAN PHOTOS

Marriage of Katie Moran & Andy Brown

Wedding Group on the Beach at Carbis Bay, Cornwall, England Katie says... This picture was taken on the 28th of September, 2018 in Carbis Bay Hotel Beach Club. 75 Irish crew travelled over, most staying for a few days after to explore Cornwall. Andy and I went to Portugal for five days straight after the wedding. Then we went to Vietnam on honeymoon in March 2019... with a little bun in the oven!!!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Micky & Julie >> Katie Moran & Andy Brown

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #21 One of my favourite Morans got engaged, Katie, daughter of Michael and Julie.

I met her intended Andy, and he's a lovely fella. Then I found out his surname was Brown. So if she has any boys, they'll be called Mrs Brown's Boys..!!

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FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM

33

34

Ann's...

What was the lead up to the day like?

Moran Cup Memories

In 1970, I was asked if I wanted to go for the meal afterwards. I think it was in The Hermitage in Tuam.

I could have also minded the kids that night but I chose not to because I wanted to go and have my night with the adults. I didn't have to pay for anything. I had my big steak and was delighted. The bill was divided between all the husbands and because I had no husband, Jimmy paid for mine. I had just completed my first year of an Arts Degree in UCD and had spent the Summer in London working in Jimmy and Kathy's pub, “The Gardener's Arms”. I came back to Ireland with them in the car and went out with them to Tuam that evening.

What did you do the next day?

We had the mass the next day in Lavallyroe. It always seemed to be sunny because all the pictures showed us in our short sleeves, standing outside having tea and cake. All the gang would come; Uncle John, Jack and PJ and all our own.

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? I remember back in the early 60's, all the lads going off to the Galway Races and Mammy throwing the tongs from the fire after them because that brought good luck and I thought that was very funny. She used to hit some of them on the heels! I loved when they came home with the winnings because they brought all the goodies and chocolate for me, things that we wouldn't normally have in the house.

I haven't a clue! All I know is we felt they had plenty to entertain them, especially with the golf buggies, which of course they weren't supposed to use. In the original golf club in Ballinrobe, nobody minded them. They came in and out every time they wanted some Fanta or crisps. We used to look out the window and they would be running up and down the race track. We kept a general eye. I suppose each parent had a quick look to check that their one or two or three were alright. We never worried about them because we knew they would come in.

The first gathering at the races I remember was when Breda had a house, “Derrane's”, across from the racecourse in Galway and that was where everyone congregated. All the sisters and brothers and their kids would meet there. I think it was 1968 when they left all the kids with me. I had a choice and I chose to stay with the kids because I knew I was going to make good money. I was only a secondary school student and needed the few bob and really did well out of it. They were all exceptional. Nobody got hurt and there was never a row so it was a peaceful time. I can't believe that it went so well!

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY? I'd have missed the earlier ones. I wasn't involved really. I think one year I went to the post-golf celebrations in the Central Hotel in Ballyhaunis. It wasn't celebrated the way it is today.

How did you do in the golf?

I played once and was disgusted that I didn't win. It was with Kay and her sister Margaret. They had taken lessons from a guy in Howth and they were half decent but I was brutal. We had our 36

I stayed in Lavallyroe in the early days. The women didn't go to the races so we would have stayed at home; Helen, Kathy etc.

35

handicap but we did play the full round and thoroughly enjoyed it. If the ball wasn't going in the hole, it might have gotten a little nudge from my toe. Not that Kay would cheat! It was just me...

Purcell, the famous Galway footballer, had joined everyone in the house for drinks and was a great character and I missed all that. I remember absolutely nothing except the bathroom, the bedroom and the basin. They brought me home then in the car and I remember thinking that I just wanted to get to bed. Earlier in the evening, Kathy, as usual being so generous, had given me a lovely outfit that she had never worn before, but had asked for it back afterwards because they were heading off early to catch the boat the next morning. By now, I wasn't thinking of Kathy's clothes. I just wanted to get to bed and avoid waking Mammy. Anyone who knows Lavallyroe, knows how steep the stairs are. Somehow I got to the top, holding on to the bannister...and there was this vision, with her arms folded “Jesus, Mary and Joseph what happened to you??”. I just pushed past her and conked out in the bed.

Any special stories associated with the Do that you'd like to share?

After my first night out in 1970 or '71, we came back home and went to Cloonfad in a convoy of cars full of people. They decided they would pull into the “Three Counties” pub. As it was near closing time they wanted to make sure they they got their drinks in so the men were doing all the buying and they gave me the money. The first person would send me up to the bar - “Get the drinks Ann”, and I told the barman the order and got one for myself. So when that round of drinks was brought down, the next man would give me money and say “get another round”. That went on for 9 or 10 drinks.. The barman was saying “jesus Ann we better put these into a pint glass for you.” So when they finally all had their drinks, my pint glass was getting fairly full of vodka and the barman just topped up the small space at the top with lemonade and I sat down with the crowd and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't have too much time to drink it because at this stage it was definitely past closing time and they were urging us to go home. I remember going into the loo and thinking “God, I feel great. Imagine I had 10 drinks. This is brilliant.” Then we went outside to the car. It felt like something had hit me and everything was spinning. I could hear Kathy saying “jesus, she's drunk!”. The next thing I remember is being woken and told we were at Uncle John's. They brought me in and I thought, 'I have to get to a toilet!' There was only one bathroom in the house and that's where I stayed, getting sick! They were knocking on the door, but the men had to use the outdoors. Kathy was dying to use the toilet so I took a basin and I went down to Uncle John's bedroom; I knew it was his because his bedspread was covered in cigarette burns, as he was a chain smoker. Sean

The next morning I heard a noise and I remembered that I was sleeping in Kathy's clothes and that she wanted them back. So I got up, but she came in and said “No, keep them Ann, you're grand.” I then found out the rest of the story from the night before. When I had conked out in bed, everyone else came in from the cars and never noticed where I was. Mammy never pretended anything and said “Where's Ann?.” And they were all shifty looking.

“She was with you??”

“She wasn't in your car, was she?”

“She was in John A's, wasn't she?!”

Mammy then said “Don't tell me you've lost Ann! Go out and find my girleen who you've lost!”.

Out they went with flashlights searching. One car even drove all the way back with full headlights on.

They came back then saying they couldn't find me and mammy said “Well it's just as well she's up in bed then” and had a great laugh at them.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Ann Meehan

Katie's Wise Words I've lost my glasses and I can't look for them till I find them.

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Y o u n g

M o r a n s

A r o u n d

t h e

W o r l d

Ellie with cousins Lily and Mary Moran (back row), Isabelle and Conor O'Rourke and Ellie Moran (front row) and Zebo the dog <<<

Jan 2019 - Tom Moran and his 3 children, Gráinne, Diarmuid, Aengus - plus 6 grandchildren Mary, Ellie, Lily, Conor, Isabelle, Gillian

My full name is...

Ellie Rose Moran

I live in...

Sydney, Australia

Age...

7

I’m one of the ‘Pat & Ellen Moran Clan’ because...

My father is Aengus

I was given my name because...

My mother and father thought of my name at the same time

I am told I look like...

My Mum

The person who talks about Ireland the most in my family is... My Dad So, what do they talk about/mention to you: Jot down the THREE things you’ve heard mentioned...

Grandad Tom

What have you learned about Ireland in school?

Very little

Have you ever visited Ireland? Pick a word(s) that describes your visits.

5 times Home, happiness.

What part of Ireland would you most like to visit and why?

West Cork – nice beaches

Has anyone ever spotted the Irish in you? What do they say? “You need to put sunscreen on because you have very Irish skin” Mention TWO of your hobbies:

Sports, dancing

Have you ever heard anyone in your family singing Irish songs? What songs?

Yes, mummy – the Irish National Anthem – I can sing it in Irish!

Do you know any Irish musicians/singers/bands? Who are they?

The Pogues - Fairytale of New York We listen to Today FM on Sunday mornings (Sat night in Ireland)

Have you read any stories, plays or poems by Irish writers?

What were they?

I have read about Irish legends

How do you celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day?

On St. Patrick's Day I wear green

Pat & Ellen >> Paddy & Mae >> Tom & Ann >> Aengus & Laura >> Ellie Rose Moran

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50th Anniversary Best Wishes... from John Pratt

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Bert Hart >> Jeanne & John Pratt

Moran Do 2011, L-R: Stephanie Hart, Jeanne Pratt, Patte Peterson, Joan Lussenhop, Catherine Lussenhop, John Pratt Congratulations to the Moran Family of County Mayo from the John Pratt family in the USA on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary of the Moran â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doâ&#x20AC;?. Our joining in with everyone at the annual festivities in Ballinrobe and at the Country Club was one of the highlights of the year for Jeanne and me.

In 1995, Jeanne stated she wanted to visit with her Irish cousins in Ireland every year for the remainder of her life, which she was able to do. Jeanne also wanted our children to know their Moran relatives and on our different visits all were able to join us at the memorable celebration. All are excited to receive Moran news relayed periodically through the Internet to help keep abreast of happenings in Eire.

Obtaining a copy of the Moran Mag is looked forward to each year.

God bless all the Morans and keep them healthy, happy and eager for liquid enjoyment.

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Jeanne & John Pratt

Katie's Wise Words To hell with poverty, put down the other half of the Herring.

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A Few Memories of Grandfather Moran

Of his eight children, three sons and two daughters lived in Ireland - Paddy and his family in Ballindine, John and Jim in Lavallyroe, Maggie and Kit in Ballinlough.

- May he rest in peace Breda Maguire

I particularly loved the visits when they came to visit him - especially the townie cousins. As I was the only girl, Maura Healy's and Maureen Dillon's visits were especially exciting for me. Maura was like the sister I didn’t have at that time.

When the letters from America came they were read to us many times. They always started 'Dear Dada' (pronounced: Da-Daah), as all his family called him Dada. We called him Grandfather.

He always looked out for us. If we were up to any devilment he would appear in the shadows, making sure we were safe. I never remember him scolding us and he never told on us.

I know he looked after the pony and trap and tacklings so that it was respectable for trips to mass and town.

As he got older we took turns to collect his pension and bring him the packet of canned sweets.

In late March 1945 he did not come downstairs. The doctor came and he was in bed and I don’t remember him talking afterwards. A vigil was kept by his bedside and all of us as well as other family members took turns. We kept his lips moist with a damp feather. “Trí lá na riobhóige” was spoken by all visitors. The story was that if the patient didn’t die by March 31st, three days were borrowed from April. Well he defied that myth as he lasted until April 11th, when our home was filled with family, neighbours and friends. The wake was the order of the time and went on for most of the night. We were all sent to bed. I did hide beside the dresser for a while until I was spotted and sent to bed.

Pat Moran with granddaughter Breda, 1938

As I am the oldest living Irish grandchild, my few memories are... he was a neat, clean and tidy man.

He had his special place at the table and his own chair by the fireside.

I thought he was a big man but I believe he was not.

Must be when I saw him in his Sunday suit, with stiff white shirt front and black, hard top hat, gave me that idea. He got up late and had his usual breakfast which included a soft boiled egg. When he topped his egg, the top was given to one of the boys. I feel Jimmy got it most often.

Aut Mack (or Arthur McManus as Nora would insist) and Paddy went to dig the grave in Kiltullagh. Tom aged 10½ also went I believe as overseer.

Maura Healy and I minded the boys and house while they were at the mass and funeral. I don’t know who minded Helen, six-months old.

He walked the fields daily and always related the condition of the animals, water tank and fences, kept the turf reek tidy and carried the daily turf supply to mammy in the kitchen. He loved to hear the stories from the local fair as he had been a cattleman himself.

Our instructions when the horse-drawn hearse would stop at the gate as a mark of respect, "Don’t put a finger to the curtains and have the house tidy when we return". We obeyed. >>> 39

Story told about Grandfather... After a fair day in Ballyhaunis he took the pony and trap at Durkan's yard and turned for home, reins in hand, but he could not get his legs into the trap, so he walked behind holding on. He arrived home safely, singing “if I can’t ride I’ll walk”. He also sang to us to keep us entertained if Mam was out.

a great time climbing trees until I fell out of the Ash tree. Someone ran into grandfather saying Tom had fallen out of the tree and he was dead. I remember grandfather was very worried, and I played it up to be worse than I was, limping back to the house, holding my back. He was minding me, he sat me in the chair and gave me some sweet cake to eat. But before long the others were off on some new adventure, so I jumped up to join in and my ruse was revealed. Later I remember him laughing describing the incident to mam, of the crippling fall and miraculous recovery!

Hope you enjoy the memories.

Happy 50th "Do" to all, Breda!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Breda Maguire

While grandfather was dying, Uncle Paddy and Uncle John came around every couple of days, which for us children brought some excitement to the house. The cards would come out and the game of 25 would start. I remember sitting up late at night watching them play. One vivid memory I have is during one card game, there was a sudden noise of distress coming from grandfather upstairs. Uncle John swung his legs athletically over the back of his chair, falling and flying in one move to rush upstairs to grandfather's bedside.

Further Memories of Grandfather

One day, mam called me and told me, "go down and get your father, tell him grandfather is dying." He died that day.

Aut Mack and Paddy (my brother) were assigned the task of digging the grave in preparation for the burial. Paddy told me to come with them and he carried me to Kiltullagh on the bar of his bike.

Pat Moran close-up

I watched the lads digging the grave and I remember we uncovered the remains of whoever was already in there, probably my grandmother Ellen.

Tom Moran

My earliest memory of grandfather, it was probably on one of the fair days in Ballyhaunis. Dad would have gone to the fair and mam would have gone on later in the morning to George Delaney's to look for an outfit. She would go to town when Dad was selling a bullock or a heifer at the market, so there was money for a new coat or dress.

What I remember of my grandfather is his quiet presence sitting on his chair by the fire as we kids played wildly around him. I remember him as a quiet, gentle and caring man.

Grandfather was minding the children at home probably myself, Breda and Jimmy. We were having

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom Moran

Katie's Wise Words The man who never made a mistake never made anything.

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Back Through the Moran Generations Going even further back through the Pat & Ellen Moran family tree, here is the information Linda Meehan has discovered about Pat & Ellen Moran's parents, and also the siblings of Pat Moran.

You may notice a familiar Moran naming pattern emerging here. To all named variants of Pat, Ellen, Nora, James, Mary, Kate etc. you certainly know where you come from. And to all young Finns, Graces, Lucys, Maeves etc. out there, celebrate your originality. The future is wide open, make it your own!

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #9 People tell me I don't like the Morans. I do. I love the Morans.

I love the Morans more than anyone else... except maybe the Morans themselves.

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Y o u n g A r o u n d

M o r a n s t h e

W o r l d

Breagh Moran

Back: Leonie & Michael Moran Front: Clara, Breagh <<<

My full name is...

Breagh Marie Moran

I live in...

Lenzie, Glasgow, Scotland

Age...

8

I’m one of the ‘Pat & Ellen Moran Clan’ because...

My daddy is Michael (John & Daisy)

I was given my name because...

It has meaning in both Ireland and Scotland

I am told I look like...

My Daddy (Michael) and sometimes my Aunt Ciara

The person who talks about Ireland the most in my family is... Grandad / Daddy So, what do they talk about/mention to you: Jot down the THREE things you’ve heard mentioned...

1. Lavallyroe 2. Mayo GAA 3. How Grandad’s golf game was

What have you learned about Ireland in school?

Nothing yet – maybe in Primary 4 …!

Have you ever visited Ireland? Pick a word(s) that describes your visits.

Yes. Exciting and fun (to see my Nana, Grandad and cousins)

What part of Ireland would you most like to visit and why?

Lavallyroe (Daddy), Portaferry (Mummy)

Has anyone ever spotted the Irish in you? What do they say?

When I come back from Lavallyroe or Portaferry my friends say I sound Irish

Mention TWO of your hobbies:

1. Dancing 2. Gymnastics

Who is your personal hero or role model? Why do you admire Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande – I love their them? voices Have you ever heard anyone in your family singing Irish songs? What songs?

Grandad always sings songs to me – he has a song for everything!

Daddy and I sing ‘the black velvet band’

Do you know any Irish musicians/singers/bands?

1. Christy Moore 2. Luke Kelly

How do you celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day?

In school assembly there’s always a St. Patrick’s day celebration with Irish dancing.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Johnny & Daisy >> Michael & Leonie >> Breagh Marie Moran

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Moran Cup Winners: 1969 – 1995 1969: Paddy Moran 1970: Michael Moran 1971: Albert Moran 1972: Séamus Healy 1973: Paddy Moran 1974: Michael Moran

1970 Micky Moran becomes the second Moran Cup Champion, receiving the trophy from Séamus Healy in Claremorris >>>

1975: Paddy Moran 1976: Eamonn Sheehan 1977: Albert Moran

>>>

1978: Séamus Healy

1984 Tom Moran toasts himself receiving the Moran Cup from Micky Moran

1979: Michael Moran 1980: Paddy Moran 1981] competitions cancelled 1982] as a mark of respect 1983: Michael Moran

1984: Tom Moran 1985: Paddy Moran 1986: Michael Moran 1987: Paddy Moran 1988: Tony Moran 1989: Alan Moran

>>>

1992 Paddy Moran and Dermot Sheehan start playing 'Back to You Again' with the Moran Cup!

1990: Tom Moran <<<

1994 Dermot Sheehan wins the 25th Anniversary Moran Cup

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1991: Paddy Moran 1992: Dermot Sheehan 1993: Paddy Moran 1994: Dermot Sheehan 1995: Alan Moran

Moran Cup Winners: 1996 - 2018 1996: Séamus Healy 1997: Séamus Moran 1998: Pádraic Moran

<<<

2006 Derek O'Neill receives the Moran Cup from Seamus Moran

1999: Bernard Berney 2000: Linda Meehan 2001: Cormac Delaney 2002: Linda Meehan 2003: Nuala Moran 2004: Bryan Moran 2005: Padraic Moran 2006: Derek O’Neill >>>

<<<

2008 Jonathan Moran with spot prize in one hand, Moran Cup in the other

2007 Ray Spain claims the Moran Cup for the Tyrrell line, presented by Brona and Alan <<<

2011 Mark Meehan, all smiles at winning the Moran Cup

2007: Ray Spain 2008: Jonathan Moran 2009: Sean Delaney 2010: Pádraic Moran 2011: Mark Meehan 2012: PJ Moran 2013: Fionán Moran 2014: Alan Moran 2015: Alan Moran 2016: Stephen Moran

>>>

2016 Stephen Moran holds aloft the Pat Moran Cup

2017: Padraic Moran 2018: Donal Moran

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Micky's...

Moran Cup Memories

We asked SĂŠamus, "where did you find the cup?" because we thought the shops would be closed late on a Friday, but the chemist shop was open. It was a bit of a laugh when he said he spotted a cup up on one of the shelves. It was just a cup, but it became the Moran Cup. We probably all threw him a few pounds for it, that was the kind of attitude we had anyway, because we thought it was a great idea. It was just, who would do it and where would they find it, and Seamus took it on to head up town and see. He brought the story back and everybody was delighted with the idea. I'm not sure who won the first one, but I know my name is on it 4 or 5 times.

What was the lead up to the day like?

We played everywhere, it moved around.

Ballyhaunis a couple of times anyway, then Claremorris, Ballinrobe, we even wanted to play the Open in Westport so we played for the Moran Cup there once that I remember, because we could include both in it. We played in Ballinrobe before it settled there. It depended on the family thing.

Paddy was in charge of things in Ballinrobe, and Albert was in Claremorris, and I was coming down on my summer holidays, visiting various places, so I was available to play in it. It was finally fixed for the first Saturday in August â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well, the day remained the same, the first Saturday after the races.

Micky singing at the Moran Do c.1986 What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? I remember being left in Lavallyroe way back when I was really young, while the aul ones went off to the Galway Races on the Wednesday and Thursday. The young ones would help pick the winners the evening before the aul ones headed off.

Fast forward then to the 60s when the lads and I would be going to the Galway Races ourselves, and on to the Tuam Races on the Friday. The Tuam Races stopped so we were at a loose end and decided to play golf.

The Galway Plate and the Hurdle was Wednesday and Thursday, possibly Friday, so it was more or less all racing up until then. It was a social occasion, bit of a sing song always, in my memory anyway. So it was a big week, the Galway race week and the golf on the Saturday.

Do you remember the competition on the Saturday in the late 1960's before it officially became the Moran Cup in 1969? Do you remember buying the trophy?

There were quite a few golfers; myself and Paddy and Tom, Seamus Healy and John Nolan, PJ Moran and Jack... so there were at least two fourballs, but I'm not sure if I have everyone mentioned there or not. Anyway it came up in the conversation after the golf, in the house that was kind of the clubhouse, while we were having a drink, it was suggested that we get a cup for the winner and call it the Pat Moran Cup. So Seamus went up town, I'm not sure did anybody go with him, and he found a cup in a chemist shop that was still open in Ballyhaunis, and he came back with the Moran Cup we have today. Except they've extended the base to make room for more names on it.

Micky and daughter Katie, Moran Cup 2007 45

How did you do in the golf?

We were delighted that Ballinrobe could take that on. They found that places to stay were handy enough around.

I was able to hold my own in the golf at the beginning. I didn't win any of the first two, maybe the third or fourth one if I remember right. There were good golfers there. Paddy was probably the first, and Seamus Healy, and Jack Moran wasn't easy to beat, so they were pretty good golfers. Then we'd have a meal and a couple of drinks that night. We'd have to link up with the non golfers so we'd have a social evening in one place or another.

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY? I must have missed one or two but I can't remember missing them. It was very seldom if I did.

I could have been to them all I suppose.

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

I remember staying with Nuala - Julie and myself - it must have been pretty early on. It was very easy to get the kids placed for the duration of the golf until they came of golfing age themselves. Betty's house was popular that time because there'd be various family members to look after the younger kids for the few hours or take them out around the area.

The Moran Cups were all very competitive and interesting. There was nothing going to be won easily in those days. Anyone and everyone who was related could play in it, it was very inclusive.

Eventually it became something that you'd have to be looking forward to, to keep the date free. It was that kind of a competition. Turnout depended a bit on where it was held.

The rest of the week depended on various things, there might be an open week in one of the golf clubs, and the golf would continue for a day or two anyway. There was a list of all the Connaught clubs that would have Opens one after the other so you could play golf into the month after the races! There was midweek work to be done in the various houses and homes, but the weekends would be for the golfers.

Any other memories associated with the Do – would you like to share?

Just as much as the golf, I remember the good nights we had with the singing and the dancing. Just like everything, as we were getting a bit older the golf wasn't improving so the other part of it - the comedians and the singers and the dancers - made a lovely evening of it. And a nice place to have a pint as well.

We decided Ballinrobe could host it for quite a while, in the end it became permanent. It had the facilities, particularly when it moved to the new course. It was originally the small course out at the race course. It was a gradual growth, depending on where families were holidaying. I don't know was it through Paddy's influence because he was course manager or something like that, but they could do all the catering so it became a kind of family fun day, and people contributed to the music and the singing and various things if they weren't golfers.

Dad Jim never played golf, but he was around. He wasn't involved too much, but I'm sure he'd come out for the meal with our mother, Katie. I can't remember when the women started to play but I'm sure it didn't take too long, once it was accepted that it was going to be an annual thing. Golf spread very quickly among the families, and the younger people started to get interested.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Michael Moran

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #17 On the 17th, I said to Jason, “What do you think of my game?

He said, “It's not bad Bernard, but I prefer golf!”

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Nuala's...

Seamus Healy, Jack & PJ were the first to play. I've memories too of the old course on the racecourse in Ballinrobe. It was a smaller more low key event then.

Moran Cup Memories

How did you do in the golf?

I won the golf on one occasion, scoring an eagle on the 9th while playing with Micky! Only time I ever had an eagle. I was beaten into second another year by ........ my son-in-law Derek!

I missed a few years after Albert passed away but joined back in when my golf was up to scratch. I've played pretty much every year since.

What did you do the next day?

Mass in Lavallyroe and Ballinlough were lovely days.

I remember Albert coming home one night saying “Seamus is saying mass in Lavallyroe tomorrow” - a great plan concocted late in the night I think!!

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? My earliest memories were from the hotel in Tuam and all the older generation ladies being there like Aunty Kit, Aunty Mae, Granny. They were great nights and everyone dressed up! I remember Albert winning the golf but no big presentations at that time. He started playing golf in 1968 and he,

MORAN PHOTOS

Granny Giblin (my mother) was the babysitter for the children when Moran get-togethers were happening. She minded quite a few other Moran kids too!!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Albert & Nuala Moran

Br. Terence's 75th Jubilee

This picture is from Brother Terence McLaughlin’s 75th Jubilee Celebrations as a Christian Brother in 2015. From L-R: Susie Wynne, her brother Terry Wynne and their mom Marianne Wynne; Next is Brother Terence, Patte Peterson and her daughter Joan Lussenhop.

Marianne and John McLaughlin (Brother Terence) are children of Mary Ellen Moran. Patte Peterson is Nora Moran’s daughter. All lived in Duluth, Minnesota in the 1920-1930’s.

L-R: Susie, Terry, Marianne, Terence, Patte, Joan 47

- 1969 The year of the four marriages

MORANPHOTOS

Kay Kavanagh & Tom Moran Married: 26th of July, 1969 Church: St Agatha's, Nth William St, Dublin Reception: Clontarf Castle, Clontarf Menu: Chicken & Beef Band: Hotel Resident Band Honeymoon: Ostend, Belgium

Mary Moran & Bernard Berney Married: 12th of July, 1969 Church of the Holy Trinity, Allen, Co. Kildare Reception: Osberstown House, Sallins, Kildare Menu: Prawn Cocktail, Chicken & Ham, Trifle, … Sherry reception!

Band: Jimmy Dunny & his Band Honeymoon: Tour of Scotland

Daisy Higgins & Johnny Moran Married: 31st December, 1969 Church: St. Asicus, French Park, Roscommon Reception: Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Menu: Beef & Salmon, Pavlova Band: Jonny Brandy's band from Claremorris Song: Help me Make it Through the Night Honeymoon: Snow interrupted Tour of Ireland!

Helen Moran & Eamonn Sheehan Married: 23rd September, 1969 Church: St Gabriel's, Clontarf, Dublin Reception: Hollybrook Hotel, Clontarf Menu: Chicken, Baked Alaska Band/Song: Noel Melia sang “Oh My Papa” Honeymoon: Majorca, Spain

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50th Anniversary Best Wishes... from Patte Peterson My warmest best wishes to all the family of Pat and Ellen Moran together tonight. I know the members of my family in attendance are enjoying the fun and joy of being with so many of our Irish family. I miss being with you, but know you are all in my thoughts. I know that Paddy Moran, who originated the idea of this family gathering 50 years ago, is smiling down on all of us. Cheers and love to all, Patte.

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

Moran Cup Memories - Ellen L. Wolf My first trip to Ireland with Seamus was 30 years ago and the reason for the trip was for him to introduce me to members of the Healy and Moran families. My memories of that trip are the warm welcomes I received in each home we visited.

The first time I attended the Moran Do was about 20 years ago. My memories of that day begin with the drive from Ballinlough to Ballinrobe with Seamus and his golf clubs. He told me stories about the people I would meet and the activities for the day.

Though golf seemed to be the “center” of the Do, it became clear to me over the years that there are many other integral parts of this day. They include visiting, music, talking about golf, stories, “catching up with family”, dinner, prize giving, more stories, songs, meeting new family members and dance. Moran families include babies to seniors and they come from all parts of Ireland and from other countries as well.

Over the years Seamus and I have welcomed Morans and Healys into our home in Walla Walla, WA and have been guests in both Healy and Moran family homes here and in the USA. Over the years we looked forward to the Do and often planned our Irish trip to include the date. Today I think of both the Healy family and the Moran family as two of my families.

Pat & Ellen >> Martin & Kit Healy >> Séamus Healy & Ellen Wolf

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Chernobyl Moran (Diarmuid)

soils. The “important radiation-blocking” results were presented to Irish and EU experts.

While Diarmuid didn’t visit Chernobyl, he did spend three weeks in Russia, passing close to the Ukraine, en route to Georgia in 1990. One of Diarmuid’s funniest memories of the nationwide survey were lunch-breaks in small rural pubs with Prof McAulay.

One time there were three local farmers discussing Chernobyl effects on produce, as the lunchtime news played an interview with Prof McAulay.

Diarmuid in the lab!

The bottom line was that Ireland was lucky. The main exposures in 1986 were from milk products, although the soil still contains traces of both “Chernobyl” and “Nuclear Weapons-testing” contamination. Long term deaths in Ireland from Chernobyl would be very small double digit numbers. However, many thousands of Polish and eastern European people, typically aged 35 to 60 have now developed the predicted thyroid and long-term radiation-induced conditions.

Many people are interested in the current HBO/Sky Chernobyl series which gives an insight into the drama that arose in 1986 when the world’s greatest Nuclear Accident occurred. That August our own Diarmuid Moran joined an academic team in Trinity College that was the primary Irish facility capable of mapping and analysing the detail of the Nuclear Fallout from Chernobyl in Ireland.

Diarmuid has continued his career in safety, environmental, high-tech education and wireless radiation areas.

Diarmuid had just graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Chemistry, and this was his opportunity to do a PhD and play rugby for Trinity College. Working with Prof Ian McAulay, Diarmuid’s first objective was to map the distribution and extent of Chernobyl fallout over Ireland. This was achieved by driving routes through the country, collecting soil samples for high resolution lab analysis.

He also discovered and mapped natural radioactivity in soil. One paper “Radiocaesium Fallout in Ireland from the Chernobyl Accident” presented the Chernobyl fallout pattern over Ireland which was useful for estimating the ultimate doses and focused much related research. Later work examined the biological pathways and soil eco-systems. One important activity involved a tomato-growing experiment where radiocontaminated compost was mixed with mineral

Chernobyl nuclear accident site Pat & Ellen >> Paddy & Mae >> Tom & Ann >> Diarmuid Moran

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #5 After five holes of this I said to Diarmuid, I've never played as badly as this, EVER! He said, 'Oh, you've played before?!'

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Kathy's...

What did you do the next day?

What I remember most is mass the next day in Lavallyroe in Granny & Grandads

Moran Cup Memories

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

The girls were usually in Dugra with Granny and Grandad Halligan and Ian was sometimes with us and usually with the Claremorris Morans (I think!!!)

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY? I've only missed a few years and usually made it.

When Jimmy was sick I didn’t go.

Any special stories associated with the Do that you'd like to share?

I have many happy memories of the Do. I remember once Ann and myself deciding that we needed to get a tan... so off we went up the bog in Lavallyroe wearing just our bikinis.... A green on and a yellow one and we thought we were fabulous..!! When we walked back a couple of hours later everybody was home and, of course, all outside... We were caught with nowhere to go only walk (run) by them all... I just remember lots of teasing and laughing....

Back: Ann, Kathy Front: Caroline, Ian, Audrey, Ciara What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? My memory is the lads going playing golf leaving the women together in Lavallyroe and then going to the Hermitage in Tuam for a meal that night.

Another memory that always makes me laugh is when Katie and Jim - Granny & Grandad, came home from the races late one evening and when looking out the window the next morning, Katie shouted "Jesus Jim, look at the field!". Ann and I had spent the previous day "learning to drive" in Tom's car and we drove it round and round in circles around the field, we’d ploughed it all up with mud everywhere. We stayed clear for the next few days.

What was the lead up to the day like?

The lead up to the 'Do' was always exciting and great fun - it was all about visiting relations - we would come home from England and drop Caroline and Audrey to my mother’s, Granny Halligan's Farm in Dugra, Roscommon, and Ian nearby in my sister Nancy's or in Claremorris to Nuala and Albert.

How did you do in the golf?

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Jimmy & Kathy Moran

I never played but Jim loved it but unfortunately he never won the Cup!

6th Generation Moran!

Andrew Mark Peterson Welcome the latest addition to the Peterson side, Andrew Mark Peterson, born on May 14th in Cincinnati, Ohio, pictured here with his big sister Nora.

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Mark & Ellen >> John & Lisa >> Andrew Peterson

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MORAN PHOTOS

Susie Wynne's Ice-skating show comes to Dublin, 1995

Backstage at the Point Depot - Helen Berney, Breda Maguire, Brona Moran (holding Jenny) Kathy Moran, Helen Sheehan, Tom Moran, Susie Wynne, Paddy Moran, Betty Moran Katie Moran.

Susie says... The Torvill and Dean show came to Dublin in January 1995. Eighty-three Moran Clan cousins came to cheer us on. I felt so happy and excited to meet everyone... my face hurt from smiling so much!

Pat & Ellen >> Mary Ellen & John McLaughlin >> Marianne & Ray Wynne >> Susie Wynne

Bernard Berney's Moran Do One-liners #8 I realised that my gift is not an athletic one. I saw Susie Wynne... my God, you should see her on the skating rink. I mean, there's athleticism. I was just thinking about Susie Wynne yesterday and I sprained my ankle!

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Don’t Call It “Extreme” Frisbee

proud to identify as an "outgoing" bunch. Ask my mother: during the summer months she will regularly try to contact either myself or Patrick only for us to remind her we're 'away at frisbee', drinking on a beach in Poland or Spain or wherever it might be this time around. But the game offers much, much more. Speed, agility and vertical jump are all important attributes to make a good frisbee player.

Unlike a football a frisbee doesn't rise and fall, it floats. You must run faster and jump higher to beat your opponent. However, the most important trait is integrity. To be an ultimate player means being willing to compromise, admit when you're wrong and communicate calmly and respectfully at all times.

Fergal Moran

Now, I'm no saint. Far from it. But ultimate has given me the opportunity to see the world and grow as a friend, a teammate and a human being. I've chased this magical slab of plastic in over 10 countries across 3 continents, made amazing friends from all over the world and I've even had the chance to compete for a spot to represent my country on an international stage. So, if you're looking for a new sport that doesn't compromise on fun - try Ultimate. If your playing days are over, let your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours, or any random strangers know that Ultimate Frisbee is the next big thing!

Ultimate Frisbee* might be the best sport you’ve never heard of, but for the last 7 years it’s been my obsession. I’ve committed my mind, body, soul and wallet in pursuit of a flying plastic disc since my brother, Patrick, introduced me to the sport in 2012.

For the unacquainted among you - those who are presently remarking to themselves: “Frisbee? You mean the thing you throw with your dog?” - allow me to explain…

Ultimate Frisbee is seven-a-side sport played on a field roughly the size of a soccer pitch. There are endzones at each end of the field and the aim of the game is to pass the disc between your teammates until it is caught in the endzone. You can't run with the disc and you can't tackle the opposition. If the frisbee is thrown out of bounds, hits the ground or is intercepted there is a turnover of possession.

There are men's, women's and mixed-gender divisions, and the game can be played on grass or on sand. But what makes Ultimate unique is the idea of the "spirit of the game". See, Ultimate is self-refereed at almost every level. That means the players themselves are responsible for upholding the rules of the game. It's even enshrined in the rulebook. I won't bore you with the details, but if you're thinking that it could never work you would be surprised.

*'Frisbee' is a trademarked term, so the sport goes by 'Ultimate', 'Ultimate Disc' or 'Flying Disc' usually.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Micky & Julie >> Fergal Moran

In truth, it's the parties and the craic that gets you hooked in the first place. The frisbee community are

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MORANPHOTOS The extended Moran clan had several graduates this spring:

Graduation Season USA

Left: Rosemary with Abe Lincoln, completing a graduation tradition! Middle: Margaret, Rosemary, Patte, Nora, Joan; (back) Tommy, Paul. Right: Tommy Peterson.

Left: Rosemary Rogers (great granddaughter of Nora and daughter of Nora and Jim Rogers) graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She will go on to graduate school in August in Houston, Texas; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studying to be a genetic counselor.

Middle: Margaret Rogers (great granddaughter of Nora and daughter of Nora and Jim Rogers) graduated from Lourdes Catholic High School and will attend the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis this fall with a major in the biological sciences.

Right: Tommy Peterson (great grandson of Nora and son of Paul and Kathi Peterson) graduated from Mounds Park Academy and will continue his baseball career in Florida. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll spend a year attending a baseball academy which is designed to help him prepare to play at an upper level university.

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Nora & Jim Rogers >> Rosemary, Margaret Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Paul & Kathi >> Tommy Peterson

>>>

L: Mark on the field R: Bee, Ellen Moran Ellen, Mark Jr. Mark, Michael Mark Peterson, Jr. (great grandson of Nora and son of Mark and Ellen Peterson) graduated with Honors on May 19th, 2019 from the University of Dallas. He will remain at the University of Dallas to pursue his Master of Science in Financial Analytics. Mark also started on the baseball team for his four years and won many accolades for his abilities on the field and in academics.

Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Bert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Mark & Ellen >> Mark Peterson Jr.

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The Name Game Shay Moran Moran is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic word mór, meaning big or great. The family name originates in Mayo, where the Morans were a ruling sept (descendent branch) of the family of Uí Fhiachrach. The Uí Fhiachrach descended from Fiachra son of Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin, legendary 4th century king of Ireland. The Uí Mhóráin ruled over an extensive district on both sides of the River Moy in Mayo and Sligo. Their chief family resided at Ardnaree near Ballina.

The Moran family crest shows three gold stars on a black background. The family motto is "Lucent in Tenebris", meaning 'they shine in darkness'... or if you prefer Séamus Healy's alternative translation, "they come out at night".

Thanks to the many waves of Irish emigration throughout history, the Moran name is found in all corners of the world. Where do you think the highest number of Morans live? Well, if you said the USA, you are correct, coming in at No.1 in the Moran world population charts with 102,000 American Morans accounted for. After that, you might be surprised to learn the second highest incidence of Morans is in Mexico, followed by Ecuador in third. Ireland herself only makes it in at No.13 on the global Moran charts, behind England and Panama!

Apart from the original Gaelic family name, Moran is also one of those phonetic words that tends to pop up in various languages and cultures. Let's take a quick trip around the world to see what the 'other' Morans are up to...

Moran is a common name in Israel, which depending on your Internet source, means a large building, a Viburnum shrub, or a teacher. So yes, there may be even more Moran teachers out there.

Staying in the Middle East, the Syriac word Moran means 'Our Lord', and is the particular title given to Jesus. For example, the Syriac prayer "Moran esraham Melayin" means 'Lord have mercy upon us.'

Moving further into Asia, to Assam in North-East India, we meet the semi-indigenous Moran tribe. The Moran language fell out of use around 1900, but Moran town remains a census town in the tea-producing Dibrugarh district of Assam. Moran reportedly means 'forest-dweller'.

Travelling west across the Indian Ocean we come to the Masai people of East Africa. The initiated Masai warriors are called morans. The morans' duties in Masai culture are to protect the village and herd the cattle.

Young morans in Africa

So in conclusion, it seems that wherever you go in the world, you will find Morans either teaching or tending cattle, probably fond of a cup of tea, with the strong possibility of a God complex!

Famous 'other' Morans include His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch; Masai Moran Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu; And Israeli technologist, Dov Moran who invented the USB memory stick.

Go on the global Morans!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom & Kay Moran >> Shay Moran

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(Song composed by Peter Moran) Chorus

It started as a four-ball back in 1969 Says one â&#x20AC;&#x153;They've got some more balls out there in Ballindineâ&#x20AC;?

From Ballinlough to Ballinrobe, they came to try their luck And fifty odd years later they're still playing for the Moran Cup

When August comes around don't find yourself at a loose end The place to go is in Mayo, the Bank Holiday Weekend Where the aul ones bring the young ones and the young ones bring the tunes There are stories told, with the craic and the ceol, sure we're going to the Moran Do Some say the Moran Cup is carved from purest, solid gold An ancient long lost treasure, forged back centuries ago Some say that deep within that vessel many secrets hide And the names of our great heroes are inscribed along the side Chorus If your golfing skill's not up to par and you need a place to hide You can down a few at the barbeque and restore your Western Pride Have a game of cards, like King of Hearts, and with your winning hand You can spend the lot on the Salthill slots or the rides at Leisureland When Sunday morning comes you realise the price you've paid Meet your cousins in O'Connors for a pint of lucozade And pray to God to please forgive this poor lost child, a sinner But not before I've had a pint and a roast in Flannery's for dinner Chorus Now if you're going to be in this family tree You'll need a good degree in advanced genealogy When we're not sure which uncle we're addressing, can you blame us?

Sure it's either Padraic, Paddy, Pat, or Jim or James or Seamus Which auntie was that were you talking to? If you're having trouble telling: It's Ellen, Ann or Mary, Mary-Anne or Mary-Ellen Then there's TJs and PJs and JPs The five or six Michaels, a half dozen Katies Chorus

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom & Kay >> Peter Moran

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The Social Misfits

poems while he had been living on the streets, and his work could be seen hanging on the walls of the shelter all around us. That first poem he gave me, called No Regrets, soon became an anthem that we would sing together on my regular visits. “We're all in the same boat / Just trying to float.” Diego would round up all his friends in the shelter to come and listen, and he would call up his distant family members to tell them about it, holding up the phone in front of me while I sang.

Peter Moran

As I met more poets and musicians who were using the homeless services, I began to develop a new idea. I approached the Dublin Simon Community's homeless services with the proposal to run a series of songwriting workshops. They loved the idea, and as it happened, there was already a group of musicians who met at a weekly social club there, so that was our starting point. I met with the group, we sang a few songs, and we started kicking around a few ideas as to what we might write together.

Peter and the Social Misfits during rehearsal

The housing crisis in Ireland can seem like such a huge problem, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But if a problem seems insurmountable, sometimes all we can do is to do what we can. That's why, to try to help in the only small way I knew how, I began organising music sessions in a homeless shelter in Dublin City Centre.

From there I visited a range of different homeless services around the city, seeking out more talent to join our group, from emergency shelters and addiction recovery clinics to homes for the elderly.

And everyone had their story to tell.

This was, at times, a difficult and thankless task. I was volunteering in what is known as an emergency shelter. (There are different categories of homeless shelters, depending on the needs of the clients, and the level of stability in their lives.) This was the front line of the housing crisis, where people are brought in directly off the streets, often struggling with a range of drug, alcohol and emotional problems.

Here they are given a hot meal and a bed, just for one night at a time.

*** My first visit was to a rehab clinic, where several of the residents all happened to be coping with recent bereavements, so that became the focus of a group conversation. One older woman shared memories of her late mother. A younger woman remembered how her boyfriend would make a game of pushing her around when she was in a wheelchair for a few weeks. Slowly their words formed the shape of a song, and we all sang together “Through the good times and the bad times / I'll push you all the way / If you just won't leave me / If you'll only stay.”

It was in this turbulent environment where I first met a man who went by the name of Diego Montana. I had finished singing for the night when he waved his arm and called me over. He was sitting slouched over a table, so drunk he was barely conscious. He was trying to tell me something, but his words were almost unintelligible as he slowly pulled a tattered old piece of paper from his pocket and pushed it towards me. I opened it up and saw that it was a poem. He was asking me to use it to write a song.

In another emergency shelter, I got chatting with a large man, with a deep, gruff voice, covered in tattoos. He made a joke of my soft accent, assuming I was a southsider who hadn't seen much of the inner city. It turned out he was also a poet. He recited his poems to me from memory and I wrote them down. “I don't know what I'm doing / I've no place left to go / No place to rest a weary mind / No place to call my home.” The structure and the rhythm of his words were already so well formed, that the musical cues I needed to make a song just

As I got to know him better over the following months, I learned that Diego had written many 57

seemed obvious to me, quite simple actually. But as I began to sing his deeply personal poetry, there was an electricity in the air, and the big man was dumbstruck. He looked up at me with tears in his eyes and and gave me an emotional and heartfelt thanks. He recorded me singing it one more time so he could send it to his son, and told me again how much this whole experience had meant to him.

for the occasion. Finally, our players chose a name for their new band: The Social Misfits.

When the big day came, the group was in fine form, singing all of the songs we had written together over the past few months. The performance went off without a hitch and the audience showed their appreciation with rapturous applause and a standing ovation. Soon afterwards we were approached by the Irish Sun newspaper, who ran a two-page spread on our story.

*** From that time on, musicians from all of these different services, as well as others, all came to join us in our weekly music sessions in the social club. Of course, people living such unstable lives can't always be reliable participants, so part of my job was to hold everything together, welcoming in people of all ages, with different levels of sobriety, and wildly varying levels of musical ability, and all coming and going from one week to the next.

With the unexpected popularity and success of the whole project, it was decided that we should continue to run the songwriting workshops on an ongoing basis. We hope to use our current momentum to reach out and get more people involved in the group. So if you keep your ear to the ground you might well catch The Social Misfits appearing at a local festival near you next year!

As the weeks passed, our collection of songs grew bigger. Some participants even started writing lyrics by themselves, borrowing the chords or melodies from other songs. We began recording all of the material we had and, after four months of activity, we had eventually created a CD containing a dozen new songs, all written by members of the city's homeless community. It was a remarkable achievement and, after my previous experiences in the emergency shelters, it had far exceeded my expectations.

*** I still occasionally see Diego Montana at the songwriting sessions, or when we bump into each other on the street. He's always bright-eyed and in good form, and he's been sober for over eight months now. A man of faith, he had often told me that he should have died many times by now, only for the grace of God. When I last saw him just a few weeks ago, he was excited to tell me that he's been working on a new song for us to sing, entitled 'Alleluia'.

*** The grand finale came when Dublin Castle offered us the use of the Chapel Royal for a concert. We rehearsed our songs well, printed up 50 copies of the CD, and the performers were all brought to the Dublin Simon charity shops to pick out new clothes

*** You can listen to Diego Montana's No Regrets at... www.youtube.com/petermoranmusic Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom & Kay >> Peter Moran

The Social Misfits on stage in the Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle

The Social Misfits article in the Sun 58

Helen's...

What they didn't know was that a few of us were up in Fitzmaurices drinking Baileys and playing darts.

We never told them that though...

Moran Cup Memories

Once I was married, we didn't come down until the day of the golf. We stayed in guesthouses usually, across the road from Nuala and Albert's. Micky, Tom, Kay and Ann would have stayed in Claremorris too.

What did you do the next day?

On the Sunday, Seamus Healy said mass in Lavallyroe. I don't know how many years it went on for but it was a few years at least.

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

Oh they were in Lavallyroe. We were minding them, when we weren't in Fitzmaurices of course! Ann was definitely a good babysitter. She loved them.

Well we told ourselves she did anyway..

What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup?

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY?

I remember going to the Hermitage Hotel in Tuam where we had the dinner. We weren't really prepared for it but Kathy wore my brown spotted dress and I remember sitting opposite Padraig Moran. Sitting at the top table were Aunty Kit, Daddy, Aunty Mae and Uncle John. There was a good crowd there that night. We met one of the nuns from Claremorris outside, Sister Joseph, and it was the first time we had seen them without their veils. She had very grey hair!

Brendan was born one year when the Do was on.

We were in Bahrain for two years. I also missed it when I had to get my first hip replacement.

The early days were cosy - Jack Moran, Mary and the kids, Helen Healy and her kids. I remember Freida Penrose and Christy being there one year because Christy was working on the Tote and was in the area. It was a lovely time. There are more people there now and it's more spread out but I like the way it's done now. I like the Ballinrobe cottages and the barbeque and I like that we do something on the Saturday now, rather than just waiting for Saturday night to arrive. I even tried to climb the reek once myself. I didn't make it mind you but I did try! I look forward to the Do every year and try and get there if I can.

What was the lead up to the day like?

During the day we were always at home in Lavallyroe while everybody else went off and played golf. We were at home minding the kids. Kathy and myself decided we would make them feel guilty about it and how we were fed up with this every year: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh it's alright for ye off having your shteaks in Ballyhaunis while we're at home minding the kids!â&#x20AC;?.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Helen Sheehan

Katie's Wise Words The four roads are out there, take whichever one you like!

(Pointing out the window to the crossroads at Lavallyroe)

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MORAN STORIES

Death of Old I.R.A. Veteran (article taken from The Western People newspaper, August 1981)

Mr. Jim Moran, Lavallyroe, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, whose death occurred at the Regional Hospital, Galway, on the 4th of August, was one of the last surviving members of the South Roscommon Brigade of the Old I.R.A. and as a member of the Brigade he played a prominent part in the fight for Independence.

A member of a family highly regarded in the area and further afield, he was a courteous and kind gentleman who made many firm friendships during his long life. Aged 82 years, he and his wife Katie celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their wedding in June 1980.

His passing evoked deep regret over a wide area and this was evidenced by the very large attendances at the removal of his remains, Mass and funeral.

The officiating priest at the concelebrated Mass for the repose of his soul in Cloonfad Church were â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rev. Fr. SĂŠamus Healy, U.S.A. (nephew); Rev. Fr. Sweeney, Claremorris (cousin); Rev. Fr. Martin Newell, St. Coleman's College, Claremorris; Rev. Fr. Tom Griffin, Cloonfad; Rev. Fr. Kelly, Ballinlough, and Rev. Fr. Jackie Conroy, Granlahan. Burial took place in the local cemetery. Deepest sympathy is tendered to all the bereaved ones.

Jim & Katie 1958

Jim and Katie and a lotta family celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary at Logboy Church, June 1980 Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie Moran

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The Moran Do A Ballad written by Claire Maguire [Tune: Grace (sung by Jim McCann)]

As we gather here in Ballinrobe in the county of Mayo ‘Tis hard to believe a year has passed since we were here before.

Have a look around the room tonight, there are relations over there, And cousins once and twice removed, aunts and uncles everywhere.

This annual social gathering is called ‘The Moran Do’, Where we meet and have a bit of craic and sing a song or two.

We welcome all and stories tell and chat and have a sup The music lulls as one is called to lift The Moran Cup. Oh Pat and Ellen Moran, we don’t think you had a clue That centuries after you were wed that there would be a ‘Do’, Mary-Ellen, Nora, Maggie, Delia, Anne, Pat, John A, Jim and Kit You brought into this world and surely thought that that was it.

But descendants of your family still meet up every year To golf, to sing, to have the craic, they come from far and near: From many parts of Ireland and all over the world In the USA, Oz and UK, travel plans unfurl……

‘Twas back in the 1960s, that a plan was conjured up In Tuam during the Galway Races, talk of golf and of a Cup. Dates on calendars were checked, handicappers had a goal To have their name on the Pat Moran Cup, back home in old Mayo.

Then the clan met up as they do still and ‘in the darkness shine’ As they’ve done for years in Lavallyroe, Claremorris and Ballindine, Played oft in Ballyhaunis, the golf comp’s now in Ballinrobe And we’ll continue to meet as long as we can, while there are Morans on the go!

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie Moran >> Breda & Ronan Maguire >> Claire Maguire

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Johnny & Daisy's...

Did you know where your children were – who minded them?

Moran Cup Memories

No – But I knew where their mother was.

Any special stories associated with the Do - would you like to share?

Every year Bernard Berney’s speech was something to look forward to, and to meet all the “new” relations that we didn’t know about and hear their stories.

When did it change from just the brothers playing golf to the all-out event it is now?

I remember it starting with the brothers, brothersin-law and first cousins. It followed the races in Galway on Tues, Weds and Thursday, then Tuam on Friday (when Tuam still had a racecourse); they had feck all to do on Saturday so they played golf in Ballyhaunis for a couple of years before the official do!

Courtin' in the kitchen

I couldn’t understand it at the time, I was so busy not having a structured job – it just looked like a waste of time, but look at me now – my name for the Moran Cup this year.

Johnny... What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? 1969 (obviously) – I had no interest in golf at the time – because in the early days I was too busy. I thought they were daft, “big men following a little white balleen around a field for five hours”.

Daisy’s Memory – not sure of the year exactly as I wasn’t there for 1969 but early 70’s. Fr Seamus said a lovely mass in the Garden in Lavallyroe, I organised a meal for all at the house. There was probably around 70 people, it was a lovely sunny evening.

I remember a story about Dad turning his walking stick (into a putter) and hitting a 10-foot putt straight into the hole and saying “now what’s all the fuss about”.

I remember all the family gathered in Lavallyroe out in the garden with a plate in one hand and a bottle or glass in the other.

All the days have been memorable for different reasons; I remember some great times in the old golf course in Ballinrobe (when it was in the centre of the race course).

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup and why?

I have never missed the night life, I played for the first time in about '98, the year after I took up golf after my heart attack. I’ve played every year since.

First I would play the Captain's prize in Ballyhaunis, out at 8am, then I would go to Ballinrobe for the Moran Cup, and I would play Ballyhaunis on the Sunday for the second 18 in the Captain's.

The legendary Sunday Mass in Lavallyroe celebrated by the equally legendary Séamus Healy c. 1974 Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Johnny & Daisy Moran

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MORAN PHOTOS

Wedding of Michael & Bee, USA

Back: Steven, Kelsey, Dan, Paul, John, Jason, Mark, Little Nora, Michael, Lisa (with Andrew), Mark, Grace, Tommy, Jim. Front: Disha, Lauren, Sue, Joan, Ellen Moran, Ellen, Patte, Connor, Bee, Ellen Siobhan, Nora, Rosemary, Margaret, Paul. Not pictured: Alex, Lisa, Patrick, Charlie Michael Peterson (great grandson of Nora and son of Mark and Ellen) married Bee on June 15th in Lincolnshire, Illinois. All of Patte (daughter of Nora) and Duane Petersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren attended. Paula, Jean, and Mary (granddaughters of Nora and daughters of Rosemary) attended as well. It was a great party and rare occasion to have us all together! <<<

L-R: Paul, Paula, Nora, Joan, Mary, Jean, and Jim Pat & Ellen >> Nora & Albert Hart >> Patte & Duane Peterson >> Mark & Ellen >> Michael & Bee

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Tom's...

Claremorris, where he was living at the time. And then, subsequently, Paddy organised it for Ballinrobe and we have been playing there ever since.

Moran Cup Memories

How did you do in the golf?

The year I won, I was drawing with Paddy, so we had to look over the last few holes to see who had won the most recent hole. I was declared the winner, but Paddy was the one marking the cards, so I suspect he handed it to me, since Ballinrobe was Paddy's home course and he was already winning every year!

What did you do the next day?

Seamus Healy celebrated outdoor mass at the Moran homestead. They didn't have any host for the communion, so Katie would take out a sliced pan. (“...by the power of Johnston, Mooney and O'Brien...”)

Tom & Kay

Have you ever missed a Moran Cup? Why? WHY? The only one we missed was the very first one because we got married. We arranged the wedding for that week so everyone could be there. Then we went off to Belgium for our honeymoon.

What is your earliest memory of the Moran Cup? There was no racing on the Saturday of the Galway Races in those early days (1960's) so we had a golf competition every year and money was paid in. The winner collected the kitty and stood at the bar and bought drinks for everyone. It cost the winner more than he collected in the kitty so was he a winner or a loser??

Kay had a friend who was a photographer, who sent our wedding photo into the Evening Herald, and it ended up on the front page. Meanwhile, at the Galway Races, my cousin Jack picked up a copy of the Herald and, seeing my face on the cover, declared “See, I knew Tom couldn't miss the races!”

Then in 1968 Seamus Healy proposed the idea of an annual competition and he proposed presenting a cup for it. When the cup was first played for in 1969 they decided on naming it the “Pat Moran Cup” as he was the grandfather of all the cousins. But that's all I remember because I wasn't there in 1969, as my wife decided it was a good time to get married!

Seamus Healy was to perform the ceremony, so the marriage had to be a week before the Moran Cup, and so I missed out on the inaugural event.

Did you know where your children were? Who minded them?

Sometimes Granny Giblin (Nuala's mother) would mind them while we were at the races.

Any special stories associated with the Do that you'd like to share?

In the early days, I remember all the older siblings pooling their money together to pay a teenaged Ann Meehan to mind the kids, so we could all go out to the amusements in Salthill or go and see the Fureys or the Dubliners play in Teach Furbo.

Do you remember who played in 1968, the year before the official Moran Cup? From Jim's family, there was Paddy, Al, Micky, Jimmy, myself and Ronan Maguire. From John A's family there was Jack and PJ. From Auntie Kit's family, Seamus Healy. I think that was about it.

Pat & Ellen >> Jim & Katie >> Tom Moran

The early competitions were all played in Ballyhaunis until Al organised it to be played in 64

“Report from West of the Shannon for the Period 1970 - 1973.

By Albert and Michael Moran” 4th May 1970: The happy addition of Alma to the family of Nuala and Albert at Kilbeg Claremorris.

Galway Race Week 1970: Many overseas members of the clan attended. Most of them played in the Pat Moran Cup golf competition and all of them attended the inaugural dinner in the Hermitage hotel Tuam. Guests of Honour were John & Helen McCormack - with their daughter Patty and friend Tommy. Also present from overseas were Catherine and Helen Fahy, Fr Seamus Healy, Peter & Maura (Healy) Joyce and John & Dympna Joyce. Tony Moran and Jim & Kathy Moran attended from London. Nora Kelly attended from Wicklow. After the meal the Moran Cup was presented to the winner Michael Moran. All seemed to enjoy the evening, meeting some of their cousins for the first time or renewing old acquaintances.

August 1970: Michael (Bro Patrick) Moran transferred to Tuam, Co Galway.

October 1970: First child, a daughter Ciara was born to bring joy to John & Daisy Moran at Lavallyroe 1970: Mr James Moran receives the first installment of the Old Age Pension to mark his 70th year (1969).

July 1971: July saw the biggest gathering of the clan to date. Fortunes swayed as usual at the the races during the week. The Pat Moran trophy changed hands - being won by Albert Moran, Claremorris. A total of 41 people attended the dinner in the Hermitage Hotel Tuam including first-time visitors Albert and Kathy Hart, Rev Bro Terence (McLoughlin), Margaret and Mary Moran (daughters of Anthony). The other overseas visitors were Helen & Catherine Fahy, Jimmy & Kathy Moran. Festivities went on far into the morning in Tuam and Ballinlough, and a special afternoon mass was celebrated in the Moran homestead in Lavallyroe to facilitate the late night revellers.

Christmas 1971: The next stirring event came as Christmas surprise in 1971. The marriage of Patrick (P. J) Moran of Lavallyroe and close neighbour Kathleen Scahill. A quiet but happy event.

February ‘72: A second daughter Nicola born to John & Daisy at Lavallyroe.

Easter ‘72: Matthew Moran married Bernadette Morrin. They reside at Ballindine Co Mayo.

Spring ‘72: Sean Healy returned, after a period of recuperation, to Ballinlough for a visit. We are glad to report a good recovery after an accident.

July ‘72: The usual pilgrimage to Ballybrit for the race week and the tired golfers turned out at Ballyhaunis for the Pat Moran Trophy where in spite of the inclement weather the spirit of the competitors was not dampened and Fr. Seamus Healy took the honours out of the country for the first time. Betty Moran won the ladies’ prize. The dinner was held in Central Hotel Ballyhaunis and the party retired to while away the hours in the golf club. The overseas visitors were, Bro. Terence, Maura Joyce and family, Fr. Seamus and the English visitors Jim & Kathy Moran and Martin Joe Healy. A very welcome visitor who helped to enliven the evening was Fr Michael O’Neill. Some of the party retired to Ballinlough - the Healy homestead - to shorten the night. Frs. Seamus and Michael celebrated Mass in the Healy home the following morning.

Oct. ‘72: Happy event in the birth of first child Patricia Margaret to P. J. & Kathleen Moran at Lavallyroe.

Oct. 28th ‘72: The Stations at Lavallyroe.

'The Stations' which is a gathering of neighbours in one of the village homesteads to hear Mass is a custom inherited from the Penal Laws period of the 18th Century when all religious denominations other than the established church (Church of England) were forbidden to practise openly, and priests were outlawed. Catholic priests and laity had to celebrate Mass surreptitiously - either in caves, secluded places in the open (Mass Rocks) or in a house of the locality while a look-out was maintained for the soldiers of the crown. Every year a house (in turn) in each village in the parish has the station Mass celebrated to commemorate this former custom. This year it was the turn of the James Moran homestead to be the venue for the Stations at Lavallyroe. There was a large gathering of neighbours, and most of the Irish-based branches of the clan were represented. It was a special pleasure to have Bro. Terence present. He travelled from London to honour the occasion. The traditional collection for the support of the local clergy was taken up and the ladies of the family reflected the hospitality of those former penal times in the excellent breakfast provided for the 75 people who took part in the celebrations.

1972: Mrs Katie Moran having turned 70 years of age is now also in receipt of the pension.

1973: Jack Moran, Lavallyroe and Ballyhaunis, appointed Captain of Ballyhaunis Golf Club, announces plans for construction of a new clubhouse.

Feb. 1973: Son to John & Daisy Moran, Lavallyroe. Son to Mattie & Bernadette Moran, Ballindine.

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THE ULTIMATE MORAN DO SLEUTH *

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The Places and People who have shaped us can be found in THE ULTIMATE MORAN DO SLEUTH Places, People, Events at our Gatherings, and moreâ&#x20AC;¦.

Find ALL these words... Look Up, Down, Left, Right, and Diagonally - No Spaces in between People

Places

Events

Family Pat Ellen Jim Murphy Moran Maguire McLaughlin Fahy Tyrrell Hart Healy US American

Home Lavallyroe Farm Cloonfad Claremorris Ballinrobe Mayo Galway Athlone West Dublin England Australia Asia Lands

Emigration Rove The Moran Do Welcome Golf Cup Love Cards 25 Craic Songs Fun More

66

I love this life; I love this night.

I love the way the people here encourage the ones who are on the up, embrace the ones who are in trouble, and heartily welcome the ones who are new to the group.

God bless ye all.

Bernard Berney, 2017