O'Shea family comes from across the world for Waterford family reunion

Generations of the O'Sheas made their way from across the globe to the Tower Hotel in Waterford for a family reunion last month. 

On Friday, July 5, the O'Shea family came together to celebrate the generations to come and their ancestors. 

"It had been spoken about for years, but only from many Zoom conversations during the strange Covid times, did we finally talk about making it happen," said Sarah Flynn, a member of the family. 

Originally hailing from Kilkenny, before moving to Ferrybank, Waterford in 1962, the O’Shea family had nine siblings, four of whom have since passed away.

"My grandmother Eileen Cantwell (Née Murphy of Maynooth) was especially the one we honoured at the centre of our reunion," said Sarah.

"Her first husband Frank O’Shea died when her youngest baby of nine, was just five-days-old in 1957. She then went on to marry Jack Cantwell and they had nearly 40 happy years together being our doting grandparents who were a huge part of our lives," she continued.

"Eileen was the stereotypical matriarch of the family. She adored all of her children and grandchildren, very much involved with everyone and never forgot a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion. Even though she died in 1996, she is still very much missed today by us all. She travelled to visit her two daughters and two sons in America very regularly, and they all came home often too. Especially during the summer holidays when they came for long stays and we created these close cousin bonds that have remained so many years later," Sarah added. 

She explained: "There are nine siblings, five in Ireland and four in the USA: John (RIP) - Dublin, Mary (RIP) - New Jersey, Francis (RIP) - New Jersey, Eleanor - New York, James (RIP) - Ferrybank, Waterford (also the father of former professional footballer John O’Shea), Gerard - Cincinnati, Ohio, Anne - Ferrybank, Waterford, Imelda, Ferrybank, Waterford, and Dermot, Waterford

From the nine siblings, there came 32 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

For the reunion, family members travelled from Dublin, Roscommon, Manchester, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas, with 73 family members from three generations altogether on the big day. 

"We first got together for a special family mass, where we honoured all of our passed loved ones, and the family past and present as all being part of the one big family tree, then we had our reception in the Tower where we had a special memory table, and a photo wall too.

"The five remaining siblings were all present, along with a big group of cousins, and second cousins some who’ve never met until this trip. For some of the American side it was their first time in Ireland in many years, and the first trip ever for some of their partners and children. 

"It was such a special all being together, one we will never forget," Sarah concluded.