The Annual Lalor Rally returns to Abbeyleix this weekend to celebrate the O’Leathlobhair Clann and their storied history.
All those of the name Lalor, O’Lalor, Lawlor and Lawler – by blood or by marriage – are invited to the annual gathering.
The event will be held from Friday, July 25, through to Sunday, July 27, in Abbeyleix – the same as it was last year when they celebrated their 30th anniversary.
The Lalor clan is the second-most principal Irish clan in County Laois (after the O’Moores), and the name holds substantial historical significance in Ireland.
Patt Lalor MP of Tennakill, Raheen, was elected as the first Catholic Member of Parliament in 1830 after the Catholic Emancipation Act had been passed.
Patt’s three sons also hold significant acclaim. James Fintan Lalor, the champion of land reform, Peter Lalor who led the gold miners at the Eureka Stockade Rebellion in Australia, and Richard Lalor who succeeded his father as MP.
There are plenty of sporting ties as well. Denis Lalor was a part of the Laois Senior Football team that lost the Leinster Final to Meath in 1991 as well as Mike Lalor who was an ice hockey player in the NHL.
The name has certainly travelled far and wide as members of England, Australia, America and Canada have attended the event in previous years, and this is is expected to be no different.
Details on the clan gathering are available from Mary Lalor O’Mahony on 087-9015280. The Itinerary is as follows:
Friday, July 25
– 5pm – AGM at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel
Saturday, July 26
– 10.30am – Leaving Manor Hotel for a tour of Emo House.
– 5pm – Mass.
– 6pm – Dinner (€35 per person); election of Chieftain; raffle; music by Joe Coogan.
Sunday, July 27
– 11am – Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix.
– 12pm – Ecumenical service in Nun’s Chapel, Abbeyleix.
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