Hundreds of Harpers!

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.