The sixth gathering, September 2003, was above all a handover. Thomas J Dowds’ six-year term came to a close at Enniscrone Castle as he passed the White Wand to his Tánaiste, Dr Richard F Dowd of New Jersey — the clan’s second modern Taoiseach.

The Gathering

Registration and a welcome reception were again at the Atlantic Hotel on Friday evening. The weekend had the settled feel of a tradition — a Saturday morning tour of the Turlough Park Museum of Country Life, the Mermaid Rocks at Scurmore, and Castleconnor, followed by an evening clan council. At the MacFirbis Centre in Kilglass, Conor MacHale launched Inishcrone and O’Dubhda Country, the fuller account of the territory and its history. Transport was laid on between the hotel and the MacFirbis Hall so that no one missed the launch.

The Inauguration

On Sunday afternoon the clan gathered at Enniscrone Castle — the fortress last held by O’Dubhda forces in the seventeenth century — for the formal inauguration of Dr Richard F Dowd as Taoiseach of Tireragh. The ceremony followed the Brehon form adopted at Cahirmore in 2000: the White Wand was passed through the hands of every member present before the Ollamh, Conor MacHale, held it over the new Taoiseach’s head. Richard Dowd, of New Jersey, became the first American-born holder of the office.

Tours & Sites

• Moyne Abbey, Rosserk Friary, Ardnaree Friary and Rathmullcah — the great friary corridor of Tireragh
• Scurmore / Mermaid Rocks and Castleconnor
• The closing banquet at Belleek Castle, with transport laid on both ways.

Voices & Visitors

Thomas Dowds, now Taoiseach Emeritus, remained at the heart of the Council. Ed O’Dowd of Chicago was named Tánaiste-elect, setting the succession for 2006. Paddy Tuffy, still at every rally, was acknowledged for his unbroken service to the local committee.