THE O MAHONY SOCIETY

Cork City was selected for the 1997 O’Mahony Gathering because it was from this area that thousands of emigrants departed (including O’Mahony’s). The emigrants point of departure is known today as Cobh (pronounced cove). Cobh is a few miles east of Cork Heritage Park. Cork is largest county in Ireland and contains some of the richest agricultural land, coupled with stunning scenery. Cork City is the major metropolis of the south. Corkonians refer to Cork City as Ireland’s cultural capital.” The name Cork derives from the Irish (or Gaelic) Corcaigh, meaning a marshy place. The river Lee, on which the city is built, was the cause of the marsh. When the marsh was drained, the river was divided into two main streams which flow through the city, leaving many picturesque quays and bridges. The river also inspired the lovely song, On the Banks of my Own Lovely Lee.

The O Mahonys gathered Sunday at noon in the courtyard of the Heritage Park in Bessboro. The weather was a little chilly, and threatening, but the rain held clear. Jim Coakley from Heritage Park had a lunch spread for those that did not bring their brown bag. Dermot O'Mahoney, former Taoiseach, interviewed the following:

1. Corneluis (Neil) Mahoney of Boynton Beach, Florida: Neil talked about his father, John Mahoney of Kilworth Co Cork, who served during the Troubles of 1920-23.
2. Julia Cotter is the daughter of Mary Cotter, sister of Eoin O Mahony. Eoin was the founder of the O Mahony Society.
3. Jerry O Mahony of Dublin was present with his wife of fifty years, Moria.

The setting was ideal from a historical vantage point in that the departure point of many famine ships that left Cohb was within eyesight across the water and the old railroad that used to run from Cork city to Passage West and beyond crossed the Doughlas river along side the Bessboro property. The hosts at Bessboro Park, Sisters Sarda and Mary, were very gracious, and we thank them, Jim Coakley and all of their staff.

At seven in the evening we gathered at Blackrock Castle where Anne and Carlos D'Avelez hosted the banquet. The setting again was outstanding in that we looked out on the River Lee flowing into Lake Mahon and turning south to pass Cobh and on out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Jerry and Moira Mahony from Dublin with Corneluis Mahoney from Boynton Beach with daughter Pat from Toronto, Canada

Dinner was served hot, quickly and it was excellent. The Irish Music, Irish step dancing, singing and program was enjoyed by all.

Tom Mahoney from Melbourne, FL, sister Deborah, and Kathleen O Mahony from Fiushia

Prior to the gathering, Diane Mahoney had arranged a genealogy session. It was well attended and Chris O Mahony of Limerick gave a very interesting talk on researching in Ireland. Nora Hickey of Kinsale was present and available to talk to those with questions regarding research of the O Mahony surname in Co Cork. The car tour of sights around the City went well on Saturday. Members joined along the way and most seemed to enjoy themselves. We wish to thank the following for helping make the 1997 Gathering a success: Emer (our Runai) and her Irish Mahony committee for the arrangements; John and Diane O Mahony of Semena Bandon for bringing the flags, and placement of directional signs; and Donal O Mahony for operating the speaker system.