The Noonan/Bond reunion gathering will take place this weekend in South Cappagh, Loughill, with more than 50 members of the clans travelling from all over the world to join their local relatives for three days of fun and reminiscence. One of the event organisers, Mary Noonan, said this week that family members who had not seen each other for years, maybe never even met, will gather under one roof, Sarah Noonan’s house in South Cappagh, Kilcornan. The reunion is one of over 160 festivals and events taking place this year as part of the Gathering.
Other events to look out for in the coming week include the Mountcollins Gathering weekend this Saturday and Sunday (see the Mountcollins notes inside), the Beast of Ballyhoura (2nd to 5th August), Ballygoughlan School Reunion in Glin (3rd August), the Festival of Speed at Greenmount Raceway (3rd and 4th August) and Ardpatrick Na Fianna Festival (9th August). Watch out also for the O’Riordan Gathering in Newcastle West on 10th and 11th August, Glenbrohane School Reunion on 9th August, Castletown Conyers Pattern Festival on 15th-18th, Harvest Day and Food Gathering in Meanus on 11th, Killeedy Gathering Festival on 16th-18th, Shanagolden Summer Festival on 15th-18th, Castletown School Reunion and Festival on 15th-18th, Dores and Kellehers of Killeedy Cross reunion on 16th-18th, Galbally Community Gathering on 23rd-25th, Kilmallock Walled Town Day on 17th, Mary From Murroe Festival on 23rd-25th, Galbally Garden Fete and Gathering Weekend on 23rd-25th, Knocklong Community Weekend on 23rd-25th, and the Cagney clan reunion in Ballinaha, Ballingarry, on 31st. These are just some of the events coming up to celebrate the Gathering. For a full list log onto www.thegatheringireland.com