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Linda Baker and I ended the day by searching for the other ring fort
behind Rath Raithleann. This is colloquially known as the Queen’s
Rath, which Canon O’Mahony, the celebrated antiquarian and
historian of the clan, had named after Sadbh, daughter of Brian
Boru and wife of Mathghamhna after whom our clan is named. It
was a flat circular space very near the main ring fort, but without
any features that could be distinguished by the non-archaeologist.
Both ring forts are now situated in the most beautiful countryside,
farmland with small houses and villages, a few ‘big houses’ and
Catholic and Church of Ireland churches, all a far cry from the
landscape of around 600 CE when Rath Raithleann was created and
surrounded by numerous other structures.
The evening was spent having a refreshing drink on another
sunlit terrace at Coolcower House, followed by dinner with Helen
Mangan’s family and with Pat and Sinead O Mahony, before going
back to Macroom and the end of the Gathering. But this was not
the end of my trip, as I was planning an additional day to undertake
some actual family history research in Cork City.

All told, I got an enormous amount out of my first Clan Gathering. I
have made new friends, I have got new knowledge, and I have made
some good connections for continuing my O Mahony research. Thank
you all and see you again, I hope.
Slainte!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to a variety of circumstances, Joel and I were unable to attend the O Mahony Society’s 70th Anniversary Gathering in
Ireland this year. However, as I do each year, I proudly coordinated and hosted the virtual portion of the OMS Gathering— I host it every year
whether I’m on Irish soil or in North America.
This year’s virtual celebration was hosted and broadcast live from a very special place during a very special event: Féile ag EireannRidge at
the O’Mahoney Public House at ÉireannRidge. ÉireannRidge is the name of our new home in Zionville, North Carolina, USA, and the O’Mahoney
Public House resides right within it—a heartfelt tribute to heritage, hospitality, and connection.

Féile ag EireannRidge

CELEBRATING THE OMS 70TH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING BOTH LIVE AND VIRTUALLY!
By William F. O’Mahoney-Badzmierowski, M.ED., CSW - O Mahony Society Council and Publications Editor
and Joel J. Kotchevar, MS – O Mahony Society Council and Graphic Designer

On 14 June, 2025, Féile ag ÉireannRidge blossomed into a celebration of heart, heritage, and home—
bridging continents and kindred spirits across every pond and shore. It was a day steeped in Irish
tradition, music, and the enduring warmth of community, all in honor of the O Mahony Society’s 70th
Anniversary and the joyful christening of our beloved ÉireannRidge.
Though we moved into ÉireannRidge on St. Patrick’s Day 2024, life’s rhythm hadn’t yet allowed for
a proper housewarming. So, we chose to mark the occasion in tandem with the O Mahony Society’s
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