Nearly 200 members of the McShane family clan convened in Kilcar, County Donegal, for what was the first ‘family reunion’ since 1974.
From New York to Connecticut, Letterkenny to London, McShane’s travelled from far and near to assemble in their ancestral homeland of Kilcar for a week of celebrations, the cornerstone of which was an event in the Blue Haven venue.
Welcoming attendees, designated spokesperson Ian McShane opened proceedings with a light-hearted overview of the history of the McShane clan, which descends from the sons of Shane O’Neill, considered the rightful High King of Ulster in the mid-16th century.
Guests then enjoyed a sit-down meal, followed by a sample of local traditional song and dance, with Kilcar DJ Ciaran Cannon providing entertainment for the late revellers!
Other events over the course of the reunion, which ran from 2-9 August, included a golf outing, poker night and day trip to Malin Head.
The strong McShane roots in Kilcar began in the early 20th century, with Patrick McShane and his wife Elizabeth. Patrick is still remembered locally as the headmaster at the school in the parish during the early 1900s, and many of the McShane’s in attendance comprised three generations of his descendants.
Speaking at the event, family patriarch Connell McShane, son of Patrick and Elizabeth, noted with pride the strong connection between the McShane family and Kilcar, remarking: “I travelled from New York, where I’ve lived most of my life, to be here, but every time I come home to Kilcar it’s like I’ve never left.
“We all have such a bond with this place, even the family members that are coming for the first time this week! It’s particularly nice to see so many young people travelling for the reunion- cousins who have never met before who will now be friends for life!”
