Dolan: as gaeilge ‘O’Dobhailein’ from “Dobhail” meaning “unlucky” or “unfortunate”
Ireland in the 1930s was a country trying to heal the deep scars inflicted by a brutal civil war, establish itself as an independent country after three centuries of colonial oppression, eradicate the resulting poverty, increase living standards for it’s citizens and deal with the curse of mass emigration. A time of the ‘American wake’, when parents said goodbye to their teenage children. The likelihood was they would never see each other again. Adult life expectancy was 55 years, travel was slow and expensive and money was in short supply. Communications were primitive by today’s standards. The best one could hope for was a letter and an occasional pre-arranged phone call on a dodgy line in the local Post Office.
This is the Ireland that James Dolan and Frances Shannon married into in the 1930s.
I am certain that they would be surprised, excited and delighted with the majority of the changes that have taken place in Ireland over the past 90 years. Changes that enabled ‘The Dolan Gathering’ to be held in the Slieve Russell Hotel on Sunday 21st August 2016. A celebration of family (immediate and extended), roots, place, heritage and loved ones who have departed. In short a celebration of what is truly important in life.
The new wealthier Ireland, built on the sacrifices made by James and Frances’s generation and their children’s generation, enabled the hosting of an event like this. Those generations can be very proud of their legacy. Life expectancy is 80+, emigration is by choice not necessity, citizen’s increased living standards is evident in houses, cars, clothes, holidays, education and jobs.
Prolific is the only word I can use to describe the ‘other’ legacy left by James and Frances. They have over 100 direct descendants! This includes 46 great grandchildren. Their direct descendants are distributed across the globe, this includes Central America, Ireland, UK, USA and Australia. John Dolan has performed the difficult and time consuming task of creating a detailed genealogical tree of the Dolan clan. This is fantastic reference material and will undoubtedly be heavily used by existing and future generations of Dolans.
The genesis of the Dolan gathering event had three sources:
1. The large numbers of family members and their global distribution.
2. At family events relations would enquire after each other and remark that it would be great if everybody could meet and
catch up.
3. In 2013 the Government launched ‘The Gathering’ initiative. This inspired four family members, Sr. Nuala, Carol Ann,
Collette and Therese, to organize a Dolan gathering.
With 100 globally distributed family members to contact, organizing the event took a significant amount of time, effort and skill. The event was a wonderful occasion. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Dolan clan, to formally acknowledge and thank the four ladies for their efforts. I am unsure how this reflects on the men!
The Dolan gathering was a celebration of what is truly important in life. The Family. Blood is thicker than water, never a truer word spoken. The event being low key, relaxed, informal and simple added to its value and enjoyment. The simplicity was a key component of the event. It enabled people to relax, converse, communicate, reminisce and bond with each other. For example, after the evening meal and the family party pieces were completed no formal entertainment was organized. The net result of this approach was no loud music being played. This enabled family members to mingle and converse. Old relationships were renewed and new relationships were formed. The primary purpose of the gathering fulfilled right there.
The day commenced with a simple Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Francis Duffy in St Mogue’s Catholic church of ‘An Bábhún Buí’ (Bawnboy). The Mass was accompanied by lovely music and wonderful singing led by Colm and Celine Fitzmaurice. Both have magnificent voices and it was a privilege to both listen and accompany them with their singing. The Mass set the tempo for the remainder of the day. Relax and enjoy. After Mass people took the opportunity to chat, catch up and to introduce themselves. Then it was on to the Slieve Russell Hotel to check in and get setup for the evening events which commenced at 17.00. The event was divided into four stages:
1. Pre-drinks in the bar at 17.00
2. A meal at 19.00
3. Party pieces by family members at 21.00
4. Finally the main event which consisted of ‘nothing’.
No entertainment, no music, no band, no disco, no comedian, no nothing. Just good old chat (over a drink or two). Which is exactly what people wanted, socializing and enjoying each other’s company. Devoid of any artificial crutches. Three generations having the crack. How refreshing.
The party pieces where very entertaining. Various family members participated in a variety style show of song, dance and music. In between the party pieces details of family history and local folklore were provided by P.J. Dolan and John Dolan. There were references to banshees, fairy forts and the like. For me the highlight of the evening was provided by Enda (Fitzmaurice) who spoke about remembrances she had of her late father. It was straight from the heart. The mutual respect and love they had for each other was very moving. Well spoken Enda. I remember thinking that I would rest easy, if after my time, my daughter and my son could speak as highly of me.
Why would anybody interrupt their busy schedules, travel long distances and splash the cash just to meet a bunch of people they rarely see or may never have met before? Why do people spend money and time on DNA analysis and ancestry research?
Because family, bloodlines and origins are core. They are the essence of what we are. The bedrock that we build our identity on. The ties that bind our loyalty. These are the reasons why Dolan’s from three generations wanted, organized and attended the reunion. It was a great event and a wonderful experience. The next challenge is to ensure, in our increasingly manically busy world, that those family ties are maintained and nurtured. That the great grandchildren and their children will retain that sense of identity and belonging. Giving each other a helping hand as they navigate their way through life.
Since the event some members of the Dolan clan have passed on.
Our deepest sympathies go to those closest to the departed and we hope that cherished memories bring peace, comfort and strength.
Fógra 1:
For anybody interested in the history of Bawnboy there is an excellent book written by local historian Chris Maguire titled ‘Bawnboy and Templeport: History Heritage Folklore’. It contains details on the origins of Bawnboy (i.e. from the Plantations) and it’s local history and folklore.
Fógra 2:
I am familiar with the area and the people of Mullinalaghta, Co. Longford. In the 1960/70s my family spent our laethanta saoire on my Uncle’s farm in nearby Gowna, Co. Cavan. We fished extensively all around that region. In 2016 Mullinalaghta GAA club won their first Longford Senior Football Championship in 66 years. Their third championship win in a competition first run in 1890. Their first act after that victory was to visit their local graveyard. To visit their own, pay their respects, share their success. Family, bloodlines, community. They know what is important.
Fógra 3:
Congrats to Mullinalaghta on their 2018 Leinster football championship success. Astounding. Meas mór.
–John Redmond