O'Cathain Clan Festival looms

Thousands of visitors from America, and up and down the country, with the surnames O'Kane, Cane, Keane, O'Mullan and McCloskey, to name a few, descended on the Roe Valley for the 1991 gathering.

Another clan festival is planned for this year and the excitement and interest in the O'Cathain history is something Danny O'Kane can't wait to see again.

We are looking forward to it with great excitement. Already we have groups from England coming," said Mr. O'Kane.

Planning for the festival started last summer and is scheduled for the weekend of Friday, April 30 to Sunday May 2.

"The festival is intended as an opportunity to examine and celebrate the history and traditions of the O'Cathain Clan in Ireland and beyond. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the demise of the last chief and free his spirit after 400 years of imprisonment," said Mr. O'Kane.

During the weekend there will be several activities laid on for the Clan gathering, including a tour of historical sites and a drive through "O'Cathain country".

"Limavady Borough Council has supported us and it's good because it will bring people back to the area and let visitors who are not familiar with the area see everything it has to offer," said Mr. O'Kane.

The O'Cathain Clan occupied an area in north east Ulster bounded by Lough Foyle in the north, the river Bann in the east and the Foyle in the west. Ancient records show that their lands extended to Lough Neagh in the south. The Roe Valley was the heart of their territory and the castle by the Dogleap on the River Roe was their chief seat.

The last chief of the O'Cathains was Donnell Ballagh who joined with O'Neill in the rebellion against England in the Nine Years War. After the Flight of the Earls he was arrested in 1608 and firstly imprisoned in Dublin Castle and then The Tower of London. Records show that he died in 1616 still in the Tower, but there is no record of his burial site. The death of Donnell Ballagh brought to an end the line of the O'Cathain chiefs.

Mr O'Kane said the Festival committee is hoping to get a symbollic letter of release from the Tower Of London which they believe would honour Sir Donnell's memory, giving some form of freedom which "we would be entitled to".

For those who want to get a feeling for the festival can do so through a DVD of the 1991 O'Cathain Clan gathering, which features a young Cara Dillon "singing her heart out".

For more information about the DVD and festival contact [email protected]