La Asociación del Clan O'Donnell extiende bienvenidas a todos los O'Donnell y amigos a la Reunión de 2024. Esta asamblea marca el 550.º aniversario de la construcción del Castillo de Donegal y la fundación de la Abadía de Donegal.
Die O'Donnell Clan Vereinigung möchte hiermit ein Willkommen an alle O'Donnells und Freunde des 2024 Treffens aussprechen. Diese Versammlung markiert den 550. Jahrestag seines Baus von Donegal Castle und der Gründung der Donegal Abbey.
L'Association du clan O'Donnell souhaite la bienvenue à tous les O'Donnell et amis au rassemblement de 2024. Cette assemblée commémore le 550è anniversaire de la construction du Château de Donegal et de la fondation de l'abbaye de Donegal.
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 (9 June 2024)
The election of the following officers was ratified by the Clan General Assembly on 9 June 2024 in Lough Eske Castle, following adoption of a new Constitution, with amendments.
President
Francis Martin O’Donnell
Vice-President
Maria Angeles O’Donnell-Olson
Secretary/Registrar
Eibhlin O’Connor Counihan
Treasurer
Frank Hannigan
Funding/Outreach
Mary Louise O’Donnell
Genealogy/Septs
John McCaffery
Other Council Members
Vacant/pending
Panel co-signatories collaborating for listing Clan O'Donnell of Tyrconnell on the Register of Clans of Ireland for 2024 (by alphabetical order of first name)
1. Mag. Douglas Count O’Donell von Tyrconnell, Gmunden, Austria
2. S.E. Hugo O’Donnell, KM, 7th Duke of Tetuan, Madrid, Spain
3. Dr. Mary Louise O’Donnell, Dublin
4. J. Hugh O’Donnell, Ontario, Canada
5. Seán O’Donnell, Newcastle, Co. Down, NI
6. Amb. Francis M. O’Donnell, KM, Dublin & Vienna (Seneschal facilitating)
LATEST ODCA NEWS
6 June 2024
We now have almost 100 participant members of the O'Donnell Clan Association (ODCA), confirmed for our 70th anniversary on 8-9 June 2024 in Donegal, and an additional 11 Clans: 7 Chiefs/Representatives of Clans (Boyle, Gallagher, Lydon, MacFhionghaile/McGinley, McGrath, O Tighearnaigh, O'Neill, members of Clans of Ireland) along with others of their Clan names (McLaughlin, McSweeney, O'Doherty, Ward) joining, to march with their banners, in what is fast becoming a "Rally of the Clans" (with 12 clans including ourselves, the first real one in 400 years, bigger even than in 1954).
For the O’Donnell Clan, the national Irish tricolour will be borne by Lt. Shane O'Neill. One might recall also that it was the Viscount François-Henri O’Neill of Tyrone who recited his version of O’Donnell Abúin honour of the Count Jean-Louis Barthélemy Ô Donnell at the Gala Dinner of French descendants of the Wild Geese at Lemardelay’s salon on the rue Richelieu in Paris in May 1864. The O’Donnell Count presided over the annual dinner, under an engraving of Daniel O’Connell and under the harp-charged Arms of Ireland. O’Neill married the daughter of Amedée de la Ponce, whose records in the Royal Irish Academy describe the Count O’Donnell as “of the Princes of Tyrconnell”.
The Taoiseach, Mr. Simon Harris, T.D. extends his very best wishes. The Cathaoirleach of Finte na hÉireann (chairman of Clans of Ireland), Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh, has written to wish us every success and to extend an invitation to the next Clans of Ireland Summit, in April 2025, when the theme will be the "Association between People and Place in Medieval Irish Society". Dana akaRosemary Scallon (Eurovision 1970 “All kinds of everything”), recently invested as a Papal Dame of Saint Gregory, and who has strong Donegal connections, also wishes the Clan every success. Our efforts have the full support of Hugo O’Donnell, 7th Duke of Tetuan and Grandee of Spain; and also of Count Douglas O’Donnell von Tyrconnell of Austria. Archduke Radbot von Habsburg-Lothringen, who welcomed the Clan visit to Salzburg in 2012 has also lent his support. Prince Inigo von Urach, related to the Guinness family and to Prince Albert of Monaco, expressed keen interest as his wife Danielle is of a descendant of O’Neill of Tyrone.
The first Rally of the Clans was announced at the official launching of An Tóstal in 1953. The second President of Ireland at the time, Seán T. O'Kelly, declared: "An Tóstal will be a time of pageantry and national rejoicing, in which the Irish Clans from far and near come together in joyful reunion". The Rally of the Clans took place early the following year, Easter 1954, with the O’Donnell Clan in premier place: it was the last to fold to English domination, and would be the first to arise phoenix-like. Thus the O’Donnell Clan Association was born out of the O’Donnell Clan Rally under the auspices of An Tóstal, in Donegal, and revived periodically, in 1989 and 1997. Today’s revival of the Clan Association takes account of that heritage, with a much richer understanding of the diversity of lineages, mindful of the provisions and heritage preservation afforded by the International Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2003), ratified by Ireland in 2015.
Members of our diaspora in centuries passed were hosted by European countries and achieved notable distinction, usually military, enjoying titles as Counts in France, serving on the Conseil d’Etat, Counts in Habsburg Austria-Hungary as Graf O’Donell von Tyrconnell, and in Spain as Dukes of Tetuan and related titles, serving as generals, prime ministers, ministers, governors, etc. Many others served in other campaigns and were laid to rest in Valladolid, Leuven, Prague, and Rome.
Outcomes of Interim Council discussions
Following the renewal of the membership of the O’Donnell Clan Association (ODCA) in the Clans of Ireland on 29 February 2024, based on agreement by representatives of the principal historic lineages, and its subsequent reinstatement on the Register of Clans, an Interim Council was formed representing the principal lineages.
The Interim Council held its first meeting online on 5 April 2024, the International Day of Conscience, and, based on the mandate given at the ODCA Gathering in Donegal on 8 August 2013, namely to develop a new Constitution, adopted the new Constitution of the ODCA, with minor modifications, and subject to ratification at the Exraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 9 June 2024, St. ColmCille/Columba’s Day. Subsequent meetings have been held on the Zoom platform on 16, 30 April, and 7 May.
The Interim Council elected Amb. Francis M. O’Donnell in the Chair, and Seán O’Donnell as its Secretary. Other members participating including Dame Maria Angeles O’Donnell-Olson, Dr. Mary Louise O’Donnell, J. Hugh O’Donnell, and John McCaffery, and subsequently, Frank Hannigan and Comdt. Brendan Rohan. As he had done over a decade ago, Amb. O’Donnell represented the ODCA at the Clans of Ireland Cultural Summit on 12 April and at the Clans of Ireland AGM on 13 April in Dublin.
In advance of the ODCA’s own EGM on 9 June, when a new leadership and Council will be elected, the Interim Council is identifying ODCA members eligible to participate in the EGM on the following bases: (a) members with a membership certificate and number; (b) members who were subscribers to the former O’Donnell Clan Association Newsletter “Ô Domhnaill Abú”: (c) members who participated in previous ODCA clan gatherings/tours; (d) members who are distinguished by the special contribution they have made to the heritage of the O’Donnell Clan. An information circular and membership forms were issued to encourage broad participation in the EGM in June. These forms can be found below under the section "Briefs".
The reformed clan association aims to sustain the global community of Irish and diaspora kinship around the heritage of the O’Donnells of Tyrconnell, building on its previous iterations in 1954, 1989 and 1997, and provide a platform for Clan community renewal and promotion, including establishment of chapters in Ireland and abroad, cultural events, and publication of a new newsletter and annual journal.
It will support historical and genealogical research, and the preservation of clan tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including historic monuments, artefacts, customs, practices, and archives. It will also collaborate with the Clans of Ireland organisation for the placement of historical plaques on significant sites. It also aims in due course to sponsor scholarships, and promote related academic courses. Most of all, it will foster an inclusive culture and common celebration of Irish and other European heritage and traditions, with other clans, and relevant heritage, historical, and cultural institutions, especially those with whom the O’Donnell diaspora has held a significant historic relationship at home and abroad, e.g. in Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Italy and Spain.
This year, marks not only the 70th anniversary of the O'Donnell Clan Association, but also the 550th anniversary of the erection of Donegal Castle, and the founding of its Abbey. The ODCA will be commemorating 11 July, the date of the death in 1505 of King Aodh Ruaidh Ua Domhnaill (Red Hugh the First), founder of Donegal Town, builder of its Castle and Donegal Abbey, where he is buried in the crypt. The renovation of the Jacobite wing of Donegal Castle could serve as a Heritage Centre, in cooperation with the Country Donegal Librarian, the County Donegal Historical Society, and Ballyshannon Museum. In future years, a special focus will be given to marking the Feast of Domhnall (St. Donal, servant of St. Patrick) on Friday, the 26 April, as per the Martyrology of Donegal.
In preparation for implementing the revised Constitution, a preliminary outline of the functional areas of responsibility and respective portfolios has been adopted in draft (see below). The membership/registration form also offers area where those interested can volunteer their support.
Following exchange of views on optimal governance for the ODCA, it was proposed, in the interests of proper governance and probity that it should be registered as a CLG, i.e. as a “company limited by guarantee” under the Companies Act 2014 ("limited liability but does not have a share capital") . This may be the best way forward, as a non-profit, with lighter initial requirements, but in preparation for eventual registration as a Charity. This issue will be further discussed, and possibly be put before the EGM as a future option (i.e. CLG), whilst ratifying the draft Constitution as it is. The Council once elected on 9 June will review progress during its first year, and make recommendations for further improvements beyond.
The outline programme for 8-9 June continues to evolve, with a parade/procession including flag-bearers, and a piper, and some guided tours of the Abbey and the Castle are also being arranged.
Update: 21 May 2024:
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The parade is now mushrooming in support, with 8 Chiefs of other Clans joining or considering joining what will now become the first "Rally of the Clans" since that of 1954, i.e. a 70th Anniversary Rally!
Further information will follow shortly
Press Release 6 June 2024 (pdf)
DownloadAnnouncement (5 languages) (pdf)
DownloadInvitation to Reunion (pdf)
DownloadDraft Constitution for ratification at EGM (pdf)
DownloadObjectives, Membership & Admission (pdf)
DownloadMembership & Registration Form (revised) (docx)
DownloadLogistics: Travel & Accommodationl (pdf)
DownloadCouncil Portfolios (Draft) (pdf)
DownloadElection Candidates for Council (bios) (pdf)
DownloadThe O'Donnell Clan Association has participated in the Clans of Ireland organisation for many years, both as a member clan, and on the Board of Clans of Ireland, as well as in its Order of Merit. The Patron of Clans of Ireland is the President of Ireland. Clans of Ireland ~ Finte na hÉireann is an independent permanent authority established in 1989 to register Irish clans and historical families, thirty-five years after the O'Donnell Clan Association was first established when the O'Donnell Clan was itself the first to revive in its renewal at the historic Rally of the Clans in 1954. The Rally of the Clans was held in Donegal under the auspices of An Tóstal, and following the official launching of An Tóstal in 1953, when the second President of Ireland at the time, Seán T. O'Kelly, declared: "An Tóstal will be a time of pageantry and national rejoicing, in which the Irish Clans from far and near come together in joyful reunion". As a registered member, the O'Donnell Clan Association benefits from the fact that Clans of Ireland is an Irish registered charity (Charity Reg. No. 20032111), a company limited by guarantee (Company Reg. No. 159373) and a civil society non-governmental organisation accredited to the Economic & Social Council of the United Nations.
A shared history, every year.
Our partnerships
The late former teacher, piper, and most of all Secretary and President Emeritus of the O'Donnell Clan Association, Vincent O’Donnell, or Vincie Shíle as he was known to his family and friends, devoted the majority of his life to his passions and interests, namely Irish music and language, the genealogy of Rann na Feirste area in Tír Chonaill (Ranafast in County Donegal) and the O’Donnell Clan. From his upbringing in the Ghaeltacht he was surrounded by Irish music and language. Throughout his life he was in a number of pipe and flute bands, and as a national school teacher, he started a band in his school that were successful at many competitions. He was a keen scholar of the Irish Language and its history throughot the ages from annals and manuscripts. From his early twenties, he became interested in his own family and its roots. He began to research their connections in his home town in the Ghaeltacht, Rann na Feirste. In doing so he realised how connected the families in the town were and continued to record the genealogy of the town until he catalogued the many families going back a number of generations. As his son Rory put it, this simple question of “who am I”, was the catalyst to the many years of Vincent’s study into the O’Donnell Clan and its promotion. After joining the O’Donnell Clan Association, he worked on many projects which saw the preservation of the Clan’s history, the most significant of these was the housing Rupert O Cochlain's archive of the O'Donnell at The Lifford Courthouse Heritage Centre in Donegal and working with local committees to secure government funding to renovate the O’Donnell ancestral family home, Donegal Castle. While with the O’Donnell Clan Association, he has been instrumental in organising many Clan gatherings and trips to commemorate significant Clan events. In 2008, after the Clan trip to Kinsale to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the battle, he organised and led a follow-up trip to commemorate the journey of the Flight of the Earls through Europe to Rome following the same path as the Earls. It was wonderful to see the number of younger members that attended the gatherings and trips, learning about the O’Donnell Clan and now aware of their rich family history thanks to Vincent’s efforts. He fostered a great bond between the O’Donnell Clan in Ireland and those abroad in Austria and Span, as well as beyond. As such they have been present at many of the Clan events and have invited him to be a representative at events in their own countries, such as the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the death and burial of Red Hugh O’Donnell in Valladolid and the official renaming of Calle O’Donnell in Malaga. Vincent launched the published the Ó Domhnaill Abú Clan Newsletter in 1985 which was distributed by him globally to keep Clan members informed of future events and to promote the Clan’s history. He moved with the times and set up a website which took over from the newsletter and further spread the Clan name and gathered more interest from those abroad and at home and helped bring the awareness of the O’Donnell Clan to a new generation.
In 2012, Vincent was decorated by Leo Varadkar with the medal of Clans of Ireland as a Companion of its Order of Merit, and in January 2020, he received a papal decoration from the Bishop of Raphoe, Most. Rev. Dr. Alan McGuckian SJ. He continued to promote and record the O’Donnell Clan’s history as long as he was able to, and the legacy of his work is that he preserved the Clan's history and educated a new generation so that the O’Donnell Clan’s global community may continue for many generations to come.
Vincent O'Donnell at the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, during the Clan visit to Austria in 201
Rev. Fr. Hugh Ambrose O’Donnell, OFM, who passed away on 11 July 2023, was the last of the line of the O'Donels of Larkfield reckoned by male primogeniture and as registered in the Genealogical Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, and his father John O'Donel was recognised as Chief of the Name - "The O'Donnell of Tyrconnell" on 11 September 1945 in the official gazette of Ireland, Iris Oifigiúil, and almost nine years later inaugurated as Chief of the Clan Dálaigh Ua Domhnaill at Easter 1954 in Donegal. Fr. Hugh, succeeded his father, but having taken religious vows, was not formally inaugurated as Chief of the Clan, albeit was honoured by the Clan Association and others as Chief of the Name, Ua Domhnaill. He passed away peacefully in Beechfield Manor Nursing Home, Shankhill, County Dublin, where he had moved in recent times. He was received into the Franciscan novitiate in 1957, made solemn profession in 1961, and was ordained in 1965. After a few months in Cork, he went to Zimbabwe as a missionary and remained there for 42 years, before returning to Ireland. He later lived in the Franciscan convent in Dún Mhuire, Killiney, and assisted in St. Fergal's parish in Bray from 2008 to 2017. Thereafter he was chaplain at Miguel House in Castletown, County Laois, where he ministered to the De La Salle Brothers. In responding to condolences, the Provincial Secretary of the Irish Franciscans observed: "As a Friar Minor, Hugh lived his life quietly and without drawing attention to himself, giving himself generously in the service of the church both here in Ireland after his return from Africa, and in Zimbabwe during his many years of ministry there, especially during the War of Independence".
The ODCA clan secretary and later president, the late Vincent O'Donnell, had been in touch with Fr. Hugh on at least one occasion back in 2012, but Fr. Hugh told him in a friendly manner that he had no interest in Clan matters, let alone in the Chieftainship of any kind. I learnt much about his quiet vocation and sincerity through his confrères in Dún Mhuire over the years of my research visits, facilitated by Fr. Ignatius Fennessy, and collaboration with Fr. Vincent Gallogly, OFM, Fr. John Kealy, OFM, and Professor Fr. Micheál Mac Craith. OFM,. Fr. Hugh's vocational choice epitomised the calling in the cruciform arms borne by his and our ancestors and the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces". I know that many of us in the O'Donnell Clan Association share in mourning his loss while celebrating his life divinely-led. In giving his life to the Church and in service to others, in many years of ministry abroad in Zimbabwe, including during its War of Independence, and in service to parishes back home in Ireland, he exemplified the Christian calling, and by his example showed us how to follow. Chief of the Name, he earned a place as Chief of our Hearts, and we pray for his joyful repose in the loving embrace of the Creator, Our Lord Jesus Christ. May he rest in peace and may his family and community cherish his service as we may also find inspiration in his example.
Fr. Hugh Ambrose O'Donnell, OFM, wearing a sacerdotal stole bearing the Cross of Jerusalem.