The second gathering, in September 1992, coincided with Ireland’s ‘Homecoming Year,’ and the clan emerged with the beginnings of a constitution: elections for an honorary Chieftain, a three-year rally cycle, and the start of what would become the Uí Dubhda archive.

The Gathering

Bord Fáilte and Clans of Ireland had named 1992 ‘Irish Homecoming Year’ and extended practical support to any clan willing to hold a rally. Clann Uí Dubhda took them up on it, and with a wider international mailing the second rally became one of the best attended of the year. Seamus O’Dowd, manager of AIB Bank in Ballina, formally opened proceedings at the Atlantic Hotel and read a goodwill message from Uachtarán na hÉireann Mary Robinson — herself a Burke from Ballina. Music came once again from Anthony Coleman and the Kilglass branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Paul Byrne, Sligo County Manager, opened an historical exhibition at the National School. Staff from the Sligo and North Mayo Heritage Centres were on hand to give genealogy advice, and for the first time the Clan opened its own archive, the ‘Modern Annals,’ with Lorcan Dowd and Conor MacHale gathering every published reference to an O’Dowd they could lay hands on — the modern heir of the MacFirbis bardic tradition.

Tours & Sites

• Ardnaree Friary and Moyne Abbey — the 14th-century foundations of the Uí Fiachrach
• Céide Fields, guided by Dr Seamus Caulfield, director of the excavation — a Neolithic landscape older than the Pyramids
• Inspection of the historical exhibit at the National School, and a first view of the Enniscrone Castle site

Decisions of the Clan

At the general meeting, the members settled the shape of things to come. A three-year rally cycle was adopted to spread the travel burden. Events would be held in September to keep costs down. A member register would be compiled and a newsletter circulated. Consideration was given to electing a Chieftain and a Tánaiste under the Brehon tradition — a question the next rally would formally decide. The next hosting was set for September 1994.

Voices & Visitors

Among the returning regulars were Thomas J Dowds and his family from Scotland; Richard F Dowd from New Jersey; and Sean Ó Dubhda from Kerry. The 1992 visitors’ book also welcomed a first-time contingent of Dowdakins from California — Renata, Sharon, Bill, John and David — together with Bill Ferguson, their cousin.