A Call Went Out
Calling All Gallaghers
Calling all Gallaghers and those with Gallagher connections in their family trees. You are summoned to a colossal family reunion in the original Gallagher homeland of County Donegal, Ireland, from 8–15 September 2007.
Not only will local Gallagher families be in attendance, but Gallaghers from the four corners of the world will gather together. We will meet and chat, dance and sing—whatever takes our fancy—as we celebrate our shared heritage.
We will explore our own family stories and the road travelled over some sixteen hundred years. Each of us has a story; each of us adds a piece to the jigsaw that is the Gallagher story. Together, these pieces enrich our understanding of both our immediate families and the wider Clan.
There will be many opportunities during the week to gather, mingle, enjoy good food and drink, and listen to good music—especially, though not exclusively, traditional music. There will also be visits to sites of interest and occasions to explore the history that shaped us all.
Stand up and be counted!!
Guinness World Record™ Attempt
We also hoped to establish another claim to fame by setting a Guinness World Record™ for:
“The Largest Same Name Gathering – Last Name”
This record attempt was scheduled for Sunday, 9 September 2007, and we called on all Gallaghers to join us and help establish a record that would stand for many years.
Let’s go for it!!!!
The Launch at Dublin Castle
Preparations for the Gathering began over two years before the event, but momentum truly accelerated with the press launch in Dublin Castle, which included a meeting with the then Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D.
This launch was arranged with the assistance of Minister of State for Health Promotion and Food Safety, Mr Pat “the Cope” Gallagher T.D.
Location:
The Round Tower (also known as the Garda Museum), Dublin Castle
Date & Time:
12.00 midday, Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Event: A Prisoner Escapes from Dublin Castle
Media speculation suggested that the spirit of an ancient prisoner would escape from Dublin Castle after more than 400 years, in order to attend the Gallagher Clan Global Gathering in Letterkenny.
Owny O’Gallagher, captured in Rathmullen alongside Red Hugh O’Donnell in 1587, was to once again escape from his prison in the tower at Dublin Castle—using a rope—before making his way home to Donegal.
He was answering the “welcome home” call of the Gallagher Clan Committee to all Gallaghers (and those with name variants) and those with Gallagher connections worldwide.
Witnesses included:
Adrian Gallagher, Joe Gallagher, Niamh Gallagher, Minister Pat “the Cope” Gallagher, Brian Gallagher, and Superintendent Jim Gallagher.
Right: Owny, Minister Gallagher and Joe head home for the Gallagher Global Gathering
A Historic Call to Gather
It was 400 years since the Clan had last gathered in such a way, and the Committee urged all those with Gallagher connections to take part in this historic family reunion.
The Gallaghers aimed not only to match the current record holders—the Jones family—but to surpass them and keep well ahead. A strong turnout was vital to set a benchmark that would be difficult to challenge.
Speculation even arose regarding the possible attendance of a famous Manchester duo, though the Committee declined to comment.
Mayor of Derry City Informed
Location: The Guildhall, Derry
Date: 13 July 2007
The Gallagher Clan informed Alderman Drew Thompson, Mayor of the City of Derry, of the upcoming Global Gathering and Guinness World Record™ attempt.
Gallaghers from Derry had been involved from the outset and were expected to play an active role during the Gathering. Many visitors from overseas also planned to visit Derry, tracing family roots in the city.
Clan Launched in Mayo
Date: 23 July 2007
Location: The Traveller’s Friend and Theatre, Mayo
Mr Enda Kenny T.D., then Leader of Fine Gael, formally launched the Mayo branch of the Gallagher Clan.
Mayo had offered refuge to Gallaghers during troubled times some 400 years earlier, and the shared history of Donegal and Mayo—through hardship at home and emigration abroad—was acknowledged. Gallaghers of Mayo descent have contributed greatly worldwide, including Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame.
Photograph by Michael Donnelly
First Gallaghers Arrive
Date: 28 August 2007
The first overseas participants in the Guinness World Record™ attempt began arriving in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
- Philip Gallagher – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Clarence Gallagher – Vancouver, Canada
- Alice Wilke – Queensland, Australia
They were welcomed by members of the Gallagher Clan Committee at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology, the venue for the record attempt.
Media Interest and Global Reach
The Gathering attracted international media attention, including:
- ABC News (USA) – confirmed television crew
- Zip-fm (Japan) – radio interview on family and culture
The Japanese media, in particular, resonated strongly with the themes of family, heritage, and cultural preservation.
Vice-Chairman Joe Gallagher remarked that the Gathering would reconnect old links, renew friendships, and forge new ones that would last long after the event ended.
The Waiting Is Over
The Gathering takes place.