Saturday morning, a loaded bus of O’Mahony’s toured Las Vegas stopping at local Mahoney establishments: Mahoney’s Silver Nugget Lodge and Casino, Mahoney’s Pub and Casino, and Mahoney’s Music Store. Meanwhile, those that opted to remain at the hotel were involved in genealogy sessions with Nora Hickey, an internet demonstration of genealogy sites, and booths featuring Mahoney Estate wine, the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska, and Sons of Erin.
Francis and Kathleen Mahoney graciously hosted a wine tasting on Saturday night opening several cases of their delicious wine. We sampled a very smooth 1994 Pinot Noir which was selected as the feature wine for the June 13, 1996 White House State Dinner honoring President Mary Robinson of the Republic of Ireland. The 1992 Chardonnay was also supurb.
The Sunday Dinner Banquet was a fabulous buffet “Las Vegas” style. Selections of salads, roast beef, fish, chicken, vegetables, breads and wonderful desserts fed 105 guests ( picture of Kevin, Janet and Maureen Mahony). The Irish Affair provided lively song and dance...the children had “happy feet” and were frolicking on the dance floor. The traditional Irish tunes were played, as well as a couple of Elvis songs. Even Dermot O’Mahony belted out a familiar tune. Of course we ended with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” while holding hands and swaying to and fro...but not before we heard “Dirty Old Town” for Rick and Sharon Mahoney who couldn’t make the trip.
We assembled for a group photo...6 rows deep. Afterwards, the microphone was handed to Nora Hickey, who spoke of Eion O’Mahony. Eion called the first O’Mahony gathering in 1955 by inviting all O’Mahony’s by blood or affection to a picnic on Sunday afternoon...Nora remarked that Eion had no idea what he started and would be amazed if he knew his picnic had expanded across the mighty Atlantic to the United States. Kevin O’Mahony gave words of praise to Danny and Kathy Mahoney for all their hard work in hosting the gathering. Finally, the Taoseach spoke of the proud heritage we all uphold...pointed to the little children on the dance floor, and said “this is what it is all about...family.”
