Clans of Ireland

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Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Hiberno-English Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 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,[1] and is accredited as a "civil society NGO" by the United Nations.[2][3]

It is a voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting clans and their chiefs through research, promoting clan rallies, and advancing DNA studies.[4][5]

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.[3][1]

Background and foundation

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". The influence of the Gaelic League (formed in 1893 as Conradh na Gaeilge) "rekindled" an interest in Irish clans in the early 20th century.[6] During the late 20th century, Rory O'Connor wrote to Irish newspapers and individuals, encouraging the organisation of Irish clan associations.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

On 6 November 1989, a press conference was held in Dublin to announce the opening of an umbrella body for these clan associations.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The purpose of the new body, Clans of Ireland (Finte na hÉireann), was to support these clan associations and create a "register of clans".Script error: No such module "Unsubst". 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.[7]

In 2012, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, became patron of Clans of Ireland.[1]

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.[8][9]

Structure and appointment

File:President Higgins Receives Order of Clans of Ireland.jpg
President Michael D. Higgins, patron of the Order of Clans of Ireland since 2012, receives his insignia from Michael J. Egan, chair of Clans of Ireland, in May 2012

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".[8] As of 2024, the Clans of Ireland website indicated that "no more than four individuals can recieve [sic] the award each year".[10]

The order is administered by a council who are appointed by the board of Clans of Ireland.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". 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.[8] 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.[8]

File:Insignia of the Order of Clans of Ireland.jpg
Breast Insignia and Miniature 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.Template:Fact

Companions of the Order (Members)

File:CLANS AWARDS 17.jpg
Minister Leo Varadkar presenting the Order of Clans of Ireland to Dr. Nollaig Ó Muraíle RIA at the Mansion House, Dublin

Appointments to the order are made each year, and presentations made at a ceremony sometimes overseen by a related dignitary.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". 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.[11]

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.[12]

Notable past inductees have included:[12]

See also

References

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External links

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