Photo courtesy of www.keithdowlingphotography.com

Two hundred and seventy four members of the extended Harper family, ranging in age from 9 weeks to 96 years gathered in Kilkenny College last weekend for The Harper Reunion This was the 4th reunion of the descendants of Samuel Harper (1881-1957). The previous reunions took place in 1990, 1999 and 2006.  The hosts were excited to extend the family reunion to those who are descended from Sgt. Robert Harper (1800’s) who lived in Coon, Co. Kilkenny.

Over 80 people travelled to Ireland from 11 different countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Hong Kong, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, the UK and USA, while others were connected to the event through Skype.

Over 1500 cups of tea and coffee, and over 30L milk were consumed over the course of the weekend, along with countless trays of home baking.

Since the last reunion in 2006 the family has recorded 70 new births, 14 marriages and only 3 deaths. The weekend featured a family church service which represented the main different Christian traditions within the family including  Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian, Non-dominational, Catholic and Charismatic/ Pentecostal, which was the highlight for many people.

Art exhibitions and a group art project were also a feature, with the fingerprints of all those in attendance being used to make up a large image of a fingerprint. You can read more about the event here and here.

The Law Enforcement Torch run for the Special Olympics took place in Kilkenny yesterday. Local Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement officers from around the world carried the Special Olympic torch to Kilkenny Castle, where a reception was held in the historic parade tower. 

The Special Olympics could not take place without the help of its army of volunteers. If you want to get involved with the Special Olympics, you can find all the information you need to get involved here

We had our Brochure Launch in Stathams Bar at the Pembroke Hotel here in Kilkenny on Wednesday night. You can read the event  here, and download the brochure here.

Kilkenny’s  first gathering event of the year took place on New Years Day in Castlecomer, when around 10,000f people turned out for the 33rd annual Wellie Race. This year, the race featured an international element, with Tyler Chuang of Toronto declared International World Wellie Race Champion!

Competitors were encouraged to run in the national colours of their home or adopted countries. Thousands of euros were raised for a variety of charities, and you can see s gallery of the highlights at the wellie races Facebook page here.