Ted Cavanagh, Allora Advertiser

Following the Church Service at St Pat’s the Cavanagh families moved into the grounds of the School for photos and lunch. St Patrick’s brought back many memories for the Cavanagh children who attended the School over the years.

The reminiscing continued with a bus tour where well-known local Peter Cavanagh gave a running commentary on the way to Glengallan Homestead. The original Cavanagh family worked and lived at various times, mainly from 1910 to 1921, at Glengallan.

This was then followed by a trip to the Upper Free-stone Cemetery where the original Irish immigrant John Cavanagh Senior farmed from the early 1870’s to 1910. This is also where the first Cavanagh child (Martin) an infant was to pass away on Australian soil in 1875. Martin was buried at the original Upper Freestone cemetery.

From Freestone the bus trip and car convey continued to the former Cavanagh farm at Berat.

Everyone enjoyed the day and relaxed in the evening with dinner and drinks at the Allora Sports Club.

On the Sunday some of the Cavanagh clan joined the Allora Community’s celebration of Sister Monica Cavanagh’s 50th Jubilee as a Josephite nun. After the service morning tea was provided by members of the St Pat’s Parish.

Also on the Sunday golf was played for the prestigious Cavanagh Family Golf Trophy with Charles Black, Bob Freeman, Anthony List and Marat Frolov winning the competition.

The Allora Sports Museum opened its doors to welcome family members including former Australian rugby league player Noel Cavanagh.

This was the fourth reunion gathering of the Cavanagh’s and the families were very appreciative of the Allora Community’s support for this function.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 4 October 2023.