12 McHales gather for happy family reunion in Castlebar

THE fact that large families were common in the past was brought home to me in the nicest waywhen I bumped into a happy bunch – the McHale family, formerly from Laragan, Parke.

All twelve sons and daughters of the late Catherine (Katty) McHale and her husband, Michael, were in Castlebar for a yet another family re-union.

Through thick and thin over the decades, even though family members are now scattered worldwide, the McHales have kept in touch with each other.

Following a meal in Bosh, the delightful group – all aged between 60 and 82 - enjoyed a drink in a pub owned by a family member, Frank, who owns Stacks Bar in Thomas Street.

Fittingly, Frank christened his pub “Stacks†in memory of his dad, Michael.

Hardworking Michael was renowned for his ample stacks of turf, hay and grain in late summer of every year – hence the nickname.

Over a drink in her brother's pub, Kathleen McHugh (McHale), who has been resident in Philadelphia since 1959, filled me in a little on the family history.

She explained: “Four of us emigrated to the States, myself, Mary, Ann and my brother, Chris.

“Mary was the first to go in 1953 followed by Ann three years later. I went in 1959 to an aunt, Bridget Chambers. I was homesick the first years but things improved after that.â€

Six others in the McHale brood emigrated to Britain – Teresa, Mick, Jack, Martin, Jim and Patricia.

Two stayed at home, married and reared families, the aforementioned Frank, and Margaret.

In total, the McHale's have 35 children, some married with children themselves.

When they first emigrated in the 1950s, those family members who went to America went by boat.

Now, planes are their only mode of travel as they congregate in Castlebar for their regular re-unions. Nothing is planned as yet as regards another get-together next year. But don't rule out another homecoming. 

Despite the thousands of miles between them the McHales are admirably close as family.