Clans of Ireland ( Irish: ''Finte na hÉireann'') is an Irish charity established to authenticate, represent and co-ordinate the activities of

Irish clans Irish clans are traditional kinship groups sharing a common surname and heritage and existing in a lineage-based society, originating prior to the 17th century. A clan (or in Irish, plural ) included the chief and his Patrilineality, patrilineal ...

. Founded in 1989, it has operated under the patronage of the

President of Ireland The president of Ireland () is the head of state of Republic of Ireland, Ireland and the supreme commander of the Defence Forces (Ireland), Irish Defence Forces. The presidency is a predominantly figurehead, ceremonial institution, serving as ...

since 2012, and is accredited as a "civil society NGO" by the United Nations. It is a voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting clans and their chiefs through research, promoting clan rallies, and advancing DNA studies. 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.

Background and foundation

The influence of the

Gaelic League (; historically known in English as the Gaelic League) is a social and cultural organisation which promotes the Irish language in Ireland and worldwide. The organisation was founded in 1893 with Douglas Hyde as its first president, when it eme ...

(formed in 1893 as ''Conradh na Gaeilge'') "rekindled" an interest in

in the early 20th century. 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 Dublin is the capital and largest city of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Situated on Dublin Bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster, and is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, pa ...

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 The Genealogical Office is an office of the Government of Ireland containing genealogical records. It includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland (), the authority in Ireland for heraldry. The Chief Herald authorises the granting of arm ...

(which includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland) "found space" at its premises in Kildare Street, Dublin, for the new organisation. In 2012, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, became patron of Clans of Ireland.

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.

Structure and appointment

President Higgins Receives Order of Clans of Ireland

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". As of 2024, the Clans of Ireland website indicated that "no more than four individuals can the award each year". 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. 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. Insignia of the Order of Clans of Ireland

Insignia of the Order of Clans of Ireland

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. 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. Notable past inductees have included: * (2011) James O'Higgins Norman, author and academic at

Dublin City University Dublin City University (abbreviated as DCU) () is a Third-level education in the Republic of Ireland, university based on the Northside, Dublin, Northside of Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Created as the ''National Institute for Highe ...

* (2012) Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland * (2012) Nollaig Ó Muraíle RIA, author and academic at NUIG who transcribed and translated MacFhirbhisigh's Great Book of Irish Genealogies * (2013)

Mary McAleese Mary Patricia McAleese ( ; ; ; born 27 June 1951) is an Irish activist lawyer, academic, author, and former politician who served as the president of Ireland from November 1997 to November 2011. McAleese was first elected as president in 1997, ...

1997–2011. * (2013) Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, Irish-language scholar, poet and priest.

References

External links