ne of the most ancient family names from old Ireland is that of
Ó Gallchobhair, or Gallagher.  Originating near the northwest coast of Ireland, the Ua Gallchobhair claim absolute seniority over all the Cenéal Chonaill -- kindred of King Conal Ghulban, son of Niall na Naoi nGiallach (aka Niall "of the Nine Hostages") in the fifth century -- and they remained one of the three more powerful clans within the entire Tirconnell (County Donegal) well into the 16th century.

But the Irish defeat at the Battle of Kinsale brought final sentence that the Clann ÓGallchobhair would be stripped of their family lands and eventually scattered to the four corners of the world.  By the flight of the "Wild Geese" in the 1690s, the disarray of the clann was in the final stages, and though "Gallagher" remains the most common surname throughout all County Donegal to this day, the clan never regained the degree of unity and dominance it once enjoyed several centuries earlier.

Like the Tribes of Israel, emigrating family branches and individual members wound up being scattered to every continent on earth where they remain to this day.  But it is written that "to every thing there is a season," a time to tear down and a time to build up; "a time to sow and a time to reap."  The time for sowing is past.  Now is the time for the reaping of what we have sown -- the time of the GATHERING is now, if not to our former geophysical territories we once roamed, than in our newly identified "virtual Tír Chonaill" of cyberspace.

If you, your family or friends world-wide are interested in the study and celebration of the histories, traditions and genealogies of our proud family throughout time, then you might be interested in participating in the Clan Society.

The Clanna Ghallchobhair World-Wide is the newly restored society for created for your participation and belonging.   The mission and objectives of the society are:

 

Mission Statement.

he purpose of the Clann ÓGallchobhair Society World-Wide is to find and gather all individuals and families who claim descendent to The ÓGhallchobhar by right of birth or fosterage, living or dead, throughout all time and space into an international family society where the bonds of love and kinship will serve to promote the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being and prosperity of all its members.

1.   To recover, restore, establish, record, educate, promote and preserve the history, cultural heritage, traditions and genealogies of the Uí Ghallchobhair through all time and places of our sojournings.

2.   To identify The ÓGhallchobhar, chief of his name and nation, and see to his election to the International Tuath na nGhallchobhair as well as the Rí of every associated tuath and deirbhfhine which make up the International Tuath.

3.   To provide a focus and forum for communicating information concerning the Clann O'Gallchobhair world-wide.

4.   To engage in the scholarly research and publication of all matters relating to the culture, traditions, heritage and history of the Clanna Ghallchobhair, and to promote the love of learning our heritage to all clan members.

5.   To award, register, publish, and distribute all clan, ensigns, arms, flags, banners, standards, crests and badges, as well as posters, genealogy charts, reports, books and journals of interest to member families of the Clan.

6.   To maintain a genealogical register of all people claiming Clanna Ghallchobhair ancestry world-wide.

7.   To liaise with national and local authorities and other bodies in matters of interest to the Clan, and to raise a standard of responsible cultural values to all nations.

8.   To organize, operate and promote Clan gatherings in Ireland and other nations related to our heritage, and to promote and assist all O'Gallagher families gatherings in whatever place may be determined inasmuch as is reasonable and prudent.

9.   To raise and manage funds and resources necessary for the advancement of these mission objectives of the Clann O'Gallchobhair World-Wide.

10.  To encourage each other and all our members assembled to live up to their highest and most noble potential by recognizing and loving the truth, beauty and life inherent in all things.