Collected Impressions and Memories of the 2004 Crowley Clan Gathering
Many of us came as first-timers and strangers to each other. We left three days later as friends and family.
The opening wine-and-cheese reception, courtesy of local pub owner J. J. Crowley, broke the ice nicely in a casual atmosphere and allowed us all an hour or so to get briefly acquainted with as many people as possible. Over the next few days we would have many opportunities to get to know them well. Welcomes were extended in person by Pat Bono Kelly, the Mayor of Bantry, and Paddy Sheehan, Mayor of Cork County.
The nametags were extremely valuable and helpful, although by the third day, we knew so many people, we almost didn't need them. Some other "Crowley Attire" seen included sun visors, tee shirts, and the wildly popular Crowley Crest pins generously handed out to many by Terry Crowley of Ontario, Canada.
Two nights of sing-alongs at J. J. Crowley's pub were enormous fun, with great music, great singing, great pints, and much hand clapping and foot stomping. Although not scheduled especially for us, the Bantry Fair (market day) and the Bantry Agricultural Show occurred the same weekend and were fun and interesting diversions.
Comfortable buses shuttled us around on Saturday to some memorable sites, with interesting commentary and history provided by Seamus Crowley, Dan O'Sullivan and others:
- Cariganass Castle, an O'Sullivan Castle undergoing restoration-- An inspiring talk on the history of the site and the restoration experience was given by Dan O'Sullivan, with many helpful suggestions about how the Crowleys can go about saving and restoring our own castle. Live, outdoor music on the "squeeze box" was provided by Johnny Crowley and Vincent Crowley. In the spirit (literally) of truce between the O'Sullivans and the O'Crowleys, a bracing drink was served to all within the castle walls. It wasn't poteen, but it had its own little kick.
- Gougane Barra, ancient and lovely site of St. Finnbarr's first monastery-- The Crowleys were able to "attend," or at least observe from afar, the two weddings that occurred in a tiny but beautiful chapel on the grounds while we were there. An informative presentation about Gougane Barra and St. Finnbarr's monastery was offered.
- Crowley Castle remains at Ahakeera-- It was incredibly moving and impressive to stand with others of our lineage on these ancient Crowley grounds and proudly watch our standard being borne down the hill to the site. We were transported back in time hearing a mournful hunting horn and seeing a knight in full armor approach the ruins of the Crowley Castle! James and Bill Crowley, brothers from California, demonstrated the armor and fighting equipment of medieval knights, and Michael Patrick Crowley from France demonstrated the ancient horn. Seamus Crowley offered a brief and fascinating history of the castle, and we all came to understand the importance of protecting and maintaining - at the very least - what remains of our family castle.
In the evening over 200 Crowleys from around the world gathered to enjoy food, drink, camaraderie, music, and dancing at the banquet. Taoiseach Tom Crowley of the U.S. handed over the chain of office to new Taoiseach Liam Crowley of Ireland. Accepting the appointment to Tanaiste was Marian Crowley Chamberlain of the US, editor of the Crowley Clan Newsletter. Brian Crowley, Member of the European Parliament, offered moving and inspiring comments. Brian underscored the importance of family roots, history, and the salvaging the Crowley Castle remains to ensure an unbroken connection with our past.
Sunday, yet another day of rare warm and sunny weather tested our athletic ability as we pursued the ancient game of Road Bowling on a back road outside Bantry. After watching some expert demonstrations, three teams of four volunteered to represent the United States, Canada, and the Rest of the World, respectively. A spirited but good-natured competition followed, with the US ultimately victorious by only a few meters. After presentation of trophies and team pictures, the teams and their fans repaired to the Cozy Cabin Pub to restore their strength, with the first round on the Crowley Clan treasury.
In the afternoon, a number of Crowleys made the short walk to the Kilnaruane Pill Stone, high on a hill overlooking Bantry Bay, where Seamus Crowley again presented one of his fascinating talks about the history and meaning of this ancient artifact.
At the end of the day, just before sunset, came one of the highlights, as well as the formal conclusion of, the 2004 Gathering. In yet another moment of pride and deep emotion, we met in a remote farmer's field at a Mass Rock that was used in Penal times when the practice of our religion was forbidden. We watched as the Crowley standard was carried down through the pasture, and we then worshipped and sang together at a Mass concelebrated by Reverend Liam Crowley and two assistant priests at this once-secret site.
Afterwards, J. J. Crowley again welcomed both clergy and lay to his pub for another few rounds of song as well as beverages and many hugs and fond goodbyes to new and old family and friends. Many of us are looking forward to gathering again in 2007. First timers agree that whatever considerable pride there is in being a Crowley is multiplied tenfold at a clan gathering.
The Crowley Clan Newsletter is
compiled by Marian Crowley Chamberlain