Clonmacnoise

One of the wonders of Ireland is that there are ancient ruins everywhere you look.

Clonmacnoise was perhaps a little out of the way in our travels to family townlands, but then it has a bit of a Kelly connection and was in fact the center of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 8th century.  Travelers from throughout Western Europe visited.

Founded in the mid-6th century by St. Ciarán, the site has ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (dating 10th to 13th centuries, two round towers, three high croses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs found anywhere in Western Europe.  The crosses and some of the graveslabs have been moved inside for preservation purposes.

Located on the eastern bank of the Shannon, Clonmacnoise experienced the liberality of the chiefs of Hy-maine (our Kelly ancestors) and the kings of Connaught through the 9th century.  

Among the burials are  High Kings as well as Kings of Connaught.  In later times the monestary aligned with the Kings of Meath.   

The  monestary which survived plague in the 7th century and many attacks during the next four centuries by English, Irish, Vikings, and Normans, was in decline by the 12th century.  The end came in 1552 when the English garrison at Athlone looted it one more time, leaving it in ruins.

Clonmacnoise Pictures 

Heritage Ireland - Clonmacnoise
Irelands Ancient East -Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise - Wikipedia

Cavan's Creations

Another Family Artist

Cavan Donovan

Courtship, Wedding and Honeymoon

In telling the stories of Mom and Dad, one area never got fully covered.  The pictures were placed in a special folder in anticipation of further stories.  Somehow, we never got there....so here are a few notes and some links to the pictures.

Jim and Jean met at a Eucharistic Congress in 1941. They hit it off right away because neither one was into the silliness that often accompanied meetings of teenagers.  

That first meeting was on the banks of the Mississippi.  Four years later, on 27 Oct 1945, they were engaged again on the banks of the Mississippi.  The engagement was announced on November 8.  At the time the Maddens had moved from Duluth to St. Paul and were living on Cretin Street. There were a number of luncheons and a shower was hosted by Jim's Aunt Helen.



The Bridal Dinner was held at the Minneapolis Auto Club.  The reception after the wedding which was officiated by Rev. Joseph A Corrigan at St. Mark's Church was held at the Dehn's house.


Jim and Jean honeymooned at Phil DeGraph's Lodges at Trout Lake MI.The owner of the lodge was Phil DeGraph. None of the guests at the lodge knew, or at least they never let on if they guessed, that Mom and Dad were on their honeymoon.  While there the guests made a model of the lodge for Phil, whom both Dad and Mom remember fondly.

After the wedding they returned to Notre Dame, where Jim was pursuing his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. There first residence was 2340 Dixie Way but that story has been told! 


Pictures of the Wedding and Honeymoon
Wedding Documents