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Irish Chiefs and the Modern Clans
Irish Chiefship is a sticky business by any account. The vast majority of Irishmen and women, whether in Ireland or around the world, are not represented by a Chief. It is a sad fact, and one that does not have to be continued. There were three methods for an Irish family to have its Chief recognized. Until July 2003, only 19 Irish families had representation by a fully recognized Chief. Another 150 families have organized themselves into clans. This is to clarify the differences based on the recent decision by the Irish government.
There are two aspects of recognition with regard to Irish Chiefship. It is important to remember and differentiate between the two, for that is how much of the confusion surrounding the issue starts. The main difference is between "Chief of the Name" and "Chief of the Clan". As stated, there were three organizations that recognized and work with Irish clans.
Until July, the Chief Herald of Ireland, via the Genealogical Office was the only organization that had to power to recognize a "Chief of the Name". However, in July the government decided to rescind that power. Further, the un-recognized all but two Chiefs. The two who kept their recognition were The O'Brien and The O'Connor Don. Each had been recognized during the 19th century by an outside government (Britain and The Vatican). Due to this change, the Genealogical Office will only register pedigrees. Thus no official government body will recognize Clan Chiefs. The bodies that do still recognize chiefs are:
- The Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains
- The Clans of Ireland
The Chief Herald, due to the republican nature of Ireland, was only able to give courtesy recognition to a Chief. The proof was difficult and in many cases impossible. With the destruction of the Irish Order by 1609, most families lost their inauguration ceremonies within a generation or two, or saw the line of Chief sail away to France, Spain or the New World. Thus only 19 families were ever given courtesy recognition as being Chiefs of the Name. Recognition came with no privileges within Ireland, except some heraldry privileges. But on the Continent some are recognized as Princes and the rest as Counts.
The Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains is the next body. This organization has a direct relationship to the Chief Herald, as membership to this council was only given after courtesy recognition by the Chief Herald. The fact that membership was en-masse unrecognized is unlikely to affect the members. What will be interesting is whether or not this move by the Chief Herald will affect new membership.