making connections with family

Today about half the clan set out to see the Leddy/Luddy farmstead and visit Leddy/Fitzgerald/Donovan cousins.  Little did we know we were in for an all day trip through the verdant countryside, experiencing that legendary Irish hospitality.  We met cousin Neill Donovan in a town square about an hour away and then he led our caravan on a multi-stop tour with stops in at least two counties (perhaps three, we'll have to check the map).

Neill has taken up the responsibility of mapping out all the Leddy family geneaology and was a treasure trove of information.  The cousins were riveted as he unveiled binders full of info, town records, ancient letters, and more.  And, as a bonus, another cousin, Eamon, had a sweet collection of racecars and tractors to entertain Rick and the rest of the boys while Ellen, Michelle, Peggy, Tommy, and John learned more about their family.

Next it was on to the actual Leddy farm itself, currently a dairy operation in the capable hands of Aidan (Leddy?  Fitzgerald?) and family.  Cousin Shane (Sean?) and Desmond were fast friends and Shane gave us the sort of farm tour that only an almost-4-year old can deliver (complete with a lilting "Ay that fohcking donkey, always running dis way an dat!").