Crowleys Return to Ahakeera

On Sunday, September 15th, the Crowley Clan returned to its ancestral home in County Cork! As the piper began playing, Taoiseach Jerry Crowley and Tanaiste Michael Patrick Crowley lead about 80 Crowleys down the lane and through the pasture to the site of the ruins of O'Crowley's Castle. Crowleys had traveled from Canada, Europe, and the United States.

As the group began the walk down to the castle, the skies were overcast and the wind was blowing. There were umbrellas and raincoats, but the weather didn't dampen the spirit of the Crowleys, some of whom were seeing the castle for the first time. During the next hour, patches of blue sky did appear, but during the Mass, the wind picked up and the rain fell.

Father Liam Crowley from County Cork and Father Joseph Crowley from Connecticut co-celebrated the Mass. Most appropriately, the gospel was the parable of the prodigal son.

The group was lead in song by Larry Crowley (Father Liam's brother) who played his banjo and sang. Songs included Amazing Grace and Mary We Crown Thee with Flowers Today. Phillip Crowley from the United States and Timothy Crowley from Ireland gave the readings.

The transfer of the Crowley Clan chain of office happened directly after the Mass. Taoiseach Jerry Crowley took off the chain and put it around the neck of Michael Patrick Crowley who will lead the clan for the next three years.

After the Mass group photos were taken, and during the entire time at the castle, a video tape was made. A video was made of the entire weekend and is available for sale.

When everyone came back up the hill to the buses, driven by Martin and Liam Crowley, the group continued on to Jerry Crowleys pub at Crossmahon. There hot soup and brown bread were served, and the Irish Road Bowling competition began.

After a demonstration of the sport, three teams were formed, Canadian, American and European. No one proved to be a true championship bowler, but the European team did advance the ball the farthest and won the competition.

The evening concluded with a steak barbecue and singing lead by Larry Crowley.

by Marian Crowley Chamberlain, Crowley Clan Newsletter, November 2013