Brackloon school and district are having a festive reunion as part of the Gathering festivities on August 23 and 25.
Up to the late 19th century, 80 per cent of this old rural postal area was part of the extensive Bekan parish. Currently as part of the Ballyhaunis parish, it borders the parishes of Aghamore/Tooreen, Loughglynn/Gorthaganny, Kiltullagh (Ballinlough ) and is within two miles of the Kilmovee and Castlerea (Kilkeevin ) parish areas. Brackloon is about 10 miles from the pilgrimage town of Knock and 13 miles from Ireland West Airport.
As part of their celebrations they are extending an invite to all those people living in the area and those who are no longer living in Brackloon or its environs to go to Brackloon for this festive weekend. Organisers are especially extending this invite to those abroad who are from the area or whose ancestors either went to school in Brackloon or have some association with the area.
Planned events over the weekend include a ceilí night on Friday; heritage visits, community Mass and a Brackloon reunion dinner dance on Saturday in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh.
Organisers are preparing a commemorative publication to celebrate this venture to record the local history and folklore associated with the school and people in the area. There are many stories associated with this old postal district noting the many trades and activities associated with the lives of the local Diaspora in times past. They are also acknowledging the cemetery Caldaire in Brackloon, which was the last resting place in the area.
One of the special projects being undertaken is offering assistance to people associated with the area relative to their heritage, family, and local history.
If you require any further information or any updates on the reunion, check the Facebook page Brackloon Reunion. You can also check the Gathering 2013 website and Ballyhaunis Mylocalnews for further progress. You can also contact Brackloon school and district by email at [email protected]
