Farrell Clan Rally honoured with Official Welcome by Longford County Council
Members of the Farrell Family from across the world gather in Longford for unique celebration
Press Release: Friday, 24 July 2026
Longford County Council was proud to celebrate the Farrell Clan’s links to County Longford with a Official Welcome on Monday, 20 July to highlight the vibrant history and enduring connection between members of the Farrell Clan and their ancestral home of County Longford.
The event marked the start of a series of events across the county as part of the Farrell Clan Rally 2026, which will run until Friday, 24 July.
Almost 200 guests from Ireland, the UK, America and Australia were warmly welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District Kevin Hussey to Áras an Chontae to mark the opening of the 10th International Farrell Clan Rally.
The first day of the Rally started with a tour of The Camlin Quarter in Longford town, an area with deep historical links to the Farrell name. A gathering also took place at The Remembrance Garden on Great Water Street before the Official Welcome in Longford County Council buildings which was then followed by a Parade of Nations through the town, led by the Longford Pipe Band.
A key highlight of this year’s Rally was the inauguration of the new Farrell Clan Chieftain, Charlotte O'Ferrall, who succeeds her father, Conal, who has led the clan with dedication and distinction since 1993.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said, "It is a real pleasure to welcome members of the Farrell Clan to Longford County Council today for this special Official Welcome. We are delighted to see so many people here, having travelled from near and far to reconnect with their Longford roots and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Farrell name. On behalf of the people of Longford, I want to thank you for your continued enthusiasm for your ancestral home. I hope your time here is filled with great memories, warm reunions, and the opportunity to enjoy all that our wonderful county has to offer during this year's Farrell Clan Rally.
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan, said, "It is a great privilege for Longford County Council to welcome the Farrell Clan back to Longford for this special gathering in 2026. Seeing families and friends return from across Ireland and around the world to celebrate their Longford roots is something that fills us with great pride. The Farrell Clan Rally has a long and valued history, with the first gathering taking place over three decades ago in 1993. Since then, it has become a wonderful celebration of heritage, community and family, helping to keep the strong connection between the Farrell Clan and County Longford alive for future generations.”
Longford County Council Director of Services Barbara Heslin, who closed out the ceremony, wished the attendees the very best for their time in Longford and hoped they would return in the future: “To all our visitors, thank you for choosing to spend your time in Longford. We hope that during your stay you will enjoy our county, strengthen family connections, make new friendships and create memories that will last for years to come.”
An Official Welcome is one of the highest honours awarded by Longford County Council and is reserved for individuals and groups whose achievements bring pride to the county and their local communities.
