Clans of Ireland
| Formation | 1989[1] |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rory O'Connor Kerry |
| Type | Irish clans Irish genealogy Gaelic culture |
| Website | www |
Clans of Ireland (Irish: Finte na hÉireann) is an Irish charity established to authenticate, represent and co-ordinate the activities of Irish clans. Founded in 1989, it has operated under the patronage of the President of Ireland since 2012,[2] and is accredited as a "civil society NGO" by the United Nations.[3][4]
It is a voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting clans and their chiefs through research, promoting clan rallies, and advancing DNA studies.[5][6]
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Clans of Ireland in 2013 at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. As part of the agreement they agreed to mutually recognise each other's authority.[4][2]
Background and foundation
The influence of the Gaelic League (formed in 1893 as Conradh na Gaeilge) "rekindled" an interest in Irish clans in the early 20th century.[7] During the late 20th century, Rory O'Connor wrote to Irish newspapers and individuals, encouraging the organisation of Irish clan associations.
On 6 November 1989, a press conference was held in Dublin to announce the opening of an umbrella body for these clan associations. The purpose of the new body, Clans of Ireland (Finte na hÉireann), was to support these clan associations and create a "register of clans". In 1989, the Genealogical Office (which includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland) "found space" at its premises in Kildare Street, Dublin, for the new organisation.[8]
In 2012, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, became patron of Clans of Ireland.[2]
Order of Clans of Ireland
In 2010, the 21st anniversary of its foundation, Clans of Ireland instituted the Order of Clans of Ireland, an order of merit established to honour individuals who contributed to Irish culture and heritage or who have brought honour to their clan.[9][10]
Structure and appointment
An invitation for nominations is sent each September to all clans which have "maintained their registration with Clans of Ireland for three consecutive years or more".[9] As of 2024, the Clans of Ireland website indicated that "no more than four individuals can recieve [sic] the award each year".[11]
The order is administered by a council who are appointed by the board of Clans of Ireland. This council convenes each Spring to consider the nominations received. The names of the successful nominations are published on 17 March (St. Patrick's Day). Recipients have sometimes been inducted at a ceremony in Dublin in April when they have received their insignia.[9] Inductees are designated as Companions of the Order of Clans of Ireland or in Irish Compánach Fhinte na hÉireann and may use the post-nominal letters CIOM.[9]
The order's insignia, designed by heraldic artist Tim O'Neill, consists of a gold medal under an azure blue ribbon on a gold bar.
Companions of the Order (Members)
Appointments to the order are made each year, and presentations made at a ceremony sometimes overseen by a related dignitary. For example, a number of 2013 conferrings were presented by the then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht at the Irish Embassy in Italy.[12]
From 2011 to 2024, between one and seven appointments were made to the order annually. There were no appointments in 2015, 2021, 2022 or 2023.[13]
Notable past inductees have included:[13]
- (2011) James O'Higgins Norman, author and academic at Dublin City University[13]
- (2012) Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland[13]
- (2012) Nollaig Ó Muraíle RIA, author and academic at NUIG who transcribed and translated MacFhirbhisigh's Great Book of Irish Genealogies[13]
- (2013) Mary McAleese, President of Ireland 1997–2011.[12]
- (2013) Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, Irish-language scholar, poet and priest.[13]
See also
References
- ^ "Fáilte roimh Finte na hÉireann ~ Welcome to Clans of Ireland". clansofireland.ie. Clans of Ireland. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
established in 1989 to register Irish clans and historical families
- ^ a b c "The OSullivan Clan of Munster". osullivanclan.com. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Governance – Clans of Ireland". clansofireland.ie. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Clan Walker - About Us". clanwalker.org. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Clan O'Byrne registered with the Clans of Ireland 2018". clanobyrne.com. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Irish Chiefs' and Clans' Prize - About" (PDF) (Press release). Retrieved 10 May 2025 – via Trinity College Dublin.
- ^ "History". clansofireland.ie. Clans of Ireland. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012.
- ^ "Irish Historical Mysteries: MacCarthy Mór Hoax". homepage.eircom.net. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Order of Merit (2016)". clansofireland.ie. Clans of Ireland. Archived from the original on 29 August 2016.
- ^ "Longford Farrell Clan Chieftain receives top accolade". LongfordLive. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Order of Merit (2024)". clansofireland.ie. Clans of Ireland. Archived from the original on 2 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Press Release - Minister to Confer the Order of Clans of Ireland at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Saturday 27th April" (Press release). Merrionstreet.ie. 26 April 2013. Archived from the original on 25 February 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f "Order of Merit". clansofireland.ie. Clans of Ireland. Archived from the original on 10 May 2025.