Annual General Meeting 2013
2013 Conference and AGM
Kingdoms, Peoples and Politics - Annual Conference and AGM 26 - 28th April 2013
The weekend began on Friday 26th April with a Gala Black Tie Dinner in the Oak Room, Mansion House, Dublin. This was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin who was represented by Councillor Pat McCartan. Grace was recited by The Venerable Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
On Saturday 27th events commenced with a Key Note Lecture – “Kingdoms, People and Politics” by Prof. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, RIA of the National University of Ireland, Galway.
The lecture was followed by the parade of Ceannairí Finte na hÉireann and their representatives into the Oak Room to music provided on the Irish Harp by renowned harpist Áine Ní Dhubhghaill. The Chiefs were greeted by Dr. Michael J.S. Egan, Cathaoirleach Finte na hÉireann, Sir Conor O’Brien, The O’Brien, Prince of Thomond and Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Ó Morchoe, The Ó Morchoe of Oulartleigh. Reports were then given by the Cathaoirleach [Chairperson], Cisteoir [Financial Controller] and Rúnaí na Cuideachta [Company Secretary] as to the Clans of Ireland's progress and affairs during the previous year and all were well received.
At the end of the AGM the honour of Companion of the Order of Clans of Ireland, or as Gaeilge ‘Ord Finte na hÉireann’, was conferred upon three individuals by the Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D. who presented insignias on behalf of President Higgins - Patron of Clans of Ireland. The recipients, Ambassador Brian Ó Ceallaigh, CIOM, retired Irish Diplomat; Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fionnachta, CIOM, retired Professor of Irish, Maynooth College and An t-Uasail Cathaoir Ó Tighearnaigh, Ceannaire Cumann na gClann Uí Thighearnaigh, will be entitled to use the post-nominal CIOM.
Following the conferring ceremony the Minister addressed the meeting complementing COI on their work and emphasising the importance of COI from an authentic historical and cultural perspective. He spoke about 2013 The Year of the Gathering and our assistance and support for the venture. He requested our continuing support for events and assistance in promoting and reaching out to our members.
The day’s proceedings ended at 17.15 hrs. after the Minister had stayed for photos to be taken with the Conferees.
On Sunday morning a large number of attendees gathered at Christchurch Cathedral where we had been invited to attend the morning Bell Ringing Service. Christ Church Cathedral was the location of the last great gathering of Irish Clans in Dublin in 1541. Today, it is the Anglican Cathedral for Dublin and the seat of Clans of Ireland. Following this those of us who had booked proceeded to the Mansion House to attend the Lecture on "Irish Clans and Heraldry" by Fergus Gillespie MA, former Chief Herald of Ireland. Following a educational and most interesting lecture all went home very happy and pleased with a great weekend.
If the above has wet your appetite check back soon as we are already planing the next AGM for April 2014 - the 1000th Anniversary of The Battle of Clontarf and the death of King Brian Boru. For photographs from the AGM please click here.
