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From: Stephen Cassidy <shcassidy(a)sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 22:07:33 -0600
To: shcassidy(a)yahoo.com
Subject: Article on the 2005 Cassidy Clan Rally
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4135852.stm
Clan gather for historic ceremony
Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is a popular tourist attraction at this time
of year, but at the weekend it was the site of a unique ceremony.
The clan gathered for the ceremony on Devenish Island
For the first time, members of the Cassidy clan, which originates from the
area, gathered on Devenish Island to inaugurate a new leader.
The round tower that dominates Devenish Island dates back to the 12th
century.
The island's links to the Cassidy clan go back almost as far.
Its modern day members are keen to keep that history alive.
This summer is the first time a head of the clan has been inaugurated on the
island.
Although it is ancient in origin, it is also the first time this ceremony
has been heard.
Dr Cathal Cassidy said a lot of research went into the event
Clan treasurer Dr Cathal Cassidy said: "The ceremony has been resurrected
and put together from a lot of the medieval literature that we've
encountered in our researches.
"It draws on the symbolism of Cassidys over the last 1,000 years."
But the occasion is more remarkable because the clan's new leader, Dr Sheila
Cassidy, does not live in Fermanagh, or even in Ireland.
Her grandfather was born in the area, but she is firmly attached to her home
in Plymouth.
Sheila said: "I'm really enormously moved by the whole thing. I'm very moved
to be invited to be the head of the clan.
"But coming to this island has been something enormously special for me.
"It just gives me a greater connection with my roots, a greater sense of
history.
Dr Sheila Cassidy is the clan's new leader
"My home is very much in Plymouth and I live on the Hoe and have no
attention of moving from there, unless I'm dragged screaming."
Sheila will be the first clan leader who will not hold the position for
life.
In three years it will awarded to another Cassidy who has achieved success
in their field - and there is every chance they will hail from even further
away.
But for now the title of "an Casedaech" will rest on the south coast of
England.