Immediate and extended members of the Noonan clan (Ballyduff Upper) gathered in Ballyrafter House, Lismore recently for a very enjoyable re-union.

All those present were able to trace their ancestry to Jeremiah Noonan (1861 to 1912), who is buried in Mocollop Cemetery (near Ballyduff). Relatives of Jeremiah Noonan, based in the USA, also made the trip with Noreen Begin from North Easton, Massachusetts helping to co-ordinate the event - an extensive branch of the family are also based in Boston.

SADNESS

A celebratory occasion for all concerned, this particular gathering was tinged with sadness as those present remembered 8-year-old Richard Martin - a relation of the Noonans who tragically lost his life when he was caught up in the bombing of the Boston City Marathon earlier this year. Martin's sister, Jane sustained very serious leg injuries in the atrocity. They, and all those affected by this act of terrorism, were remembered at the re-union.

It was a chance for younger members of the clan to learn about their relatives and an opportunity for those who hadn't met in several years to renew acquaintance. Staff at Ballyrafter House looked after their guests very well and musical accompaniment was supplied by Edmond O'Gorman from Killavullen aka, 'Pacific Blue'.

For more senior members of the clan the occasion was one to savor as it may be some time before a similar gathering will take place. Well done to all those who made this reunion possible - everyone in attendance was proud to be able to say they were direct descendants of Ballyduff man, Jeremiah Noonan. 

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