Written by Sheila Brennan on 2nd May 2024
Volunteer Siobhán Mc Gloin and I organised a meet and greet for a Michael Sheerin and his wife Colleen from Albany, New York, last Tuesday. Siobhán matched with him through DNA and reached out to him.
We met in a beautiful rural Community venue called the New Ballagh Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim (an old refurbished church)
21 Sheerin relations enjoyed a cuppa, chat and home made scones and cakes. The staff gave a presentation on the history of the building and its beautiful stained glass windows depicting the animals, heritage and scenery of the area. This reunion was a first for them, and they plan to expand this service for future diaspora families into the future.
Everybody got a chance to speak with Michael establish connections, and take photographs. The family tree was updated, there was music, songs resitations and presentations.
This was followed by a visit to the old homestead, graveyard, church and a general tour of the area his ancestors came from. It was overwhelming and emotional to say the least, but a very enjoyable day for all involved. Michael has promised to visit again soon.
Below is a photo of the group, and Siobhán and me presenting Michael and Colleen with a picture of Rosinver Braes, where his ancestral home is situated overlooking the famous Lough Melvin, on the Leitrim Fermanagh border.
