Calling all Lalors, Lawlers and Lawlors in Kilkenny

Are you a Lalor, Lawler or Lawlor? You are invited to attend the O Leathlobhair annual clan rally which takes place in Abbeyleix, Laois from Friday, July 7 to Sunday July 9, inclusive.

The Lalor Clan was the second most powerful family/clan unit in the ancient territory of Laois after the O’Moores, and their castle was at Dysart, Portlaoise. Little of the castle remains now but its outline can be still defined.

The clan is now in existence for over 30 years and attracts people from all over the world. However during the pandemic activities were suspended and this year’s gathering will be attracting clan members from Spain, England and USA as well as Ireland.

Foremost among the clan in recent years was the Lalor family who resided at Tennakill, Raheen. Their ancestry were members of the Seven Septs of Laoise who were transplanted to the Tarbert area of Kerry following the enforced signing of the deed of Transplantation at Lalors Mills, Portlaoise on St Patrick’s Day 1607. The other septs which were transported to Kerry were O’Moores, O’Kellys, O’Dowlings, O’Dorans,O’Devoys (O’Deevys or later Dees in Kerry) and the McEvoys (Cladeboys). 

Prominent among the Lalor names are those of Honest Patt Lalor the first Catholics to be elected, with his friend, Daniel O’Connell, The Liberator, to Westminster since the reign of King James 11. 

Eldest of Honest Patt’s sons was James Fintan Lalor, advocate of land reform and Young Irelander who was jailed for his involvement in the abortive uprising at Cashel, Co. Tipperary. Other sons included Richard who succeeded his father at Westminister and who was opposed to the Act Union and was active in the Repeal Movement. 

Another son, Peter, went to Australia where he led the gold miners at the Eureka Stockade, suffered a gunshot wound and had to have his arm amputated and later was on the run with a price on his head.

He was subsequently pardoned, stood for parliament and was elected and held many government posts and was appointed Speaker of the House of Parliament in Victoria State. 

A daughter of Honest Patt also went to America where she founded a an Order of Nuns. There are many, many others of the name who have distinguished themselves in so many diverse fields. The event is open to all Lalors, Lawlers, Lawlors, their spouses, partners or descendants.

For Further details contact Clan Secretary, Mary Lalor O’Mahony at 087-9015280 or Clan Treasurer Paddy Lalor at 087-9015780