Donnchadh mac Eamonn Ó Cellaigh

Overview

Donnchadh's reign saw the final subjugation of Ui Maine to the Clanricarde's, after two centuries of virtual independence and seizure of lands conquored by the Burkes in the 13th century. The Clanricarde married the daughter of Ó Madadhan of Síol Anmchadha - a vassal of the Ui Cellaigh within their kingdom. Ó Madadhan's residence was Portumna, which became the new home of the Clanricarde's, who abandoned the town of Loughrea.

This, as well as a gradual reconquest of Ui Maine by successive Clanricarde's, finally brought the clan Cellaigh under Burke dominance.

Warfare and end of political independence

The Mac an Iarla wars, which flared up regularly between c.1544 and 1583, greatly disturbed and devastated Ui Maine. This, and the onset of the Nine Years' War (Ireland), had by the early 17th century destroyed its political independence and brought it fully within the ambit of the Anglo-Irish administration based in Dublin. The title 'King of Ui Maine' was abolished under the terms of Surrender and regrant in favor of the less threatening 'Captain of his Nation'.

Chiefs of the Name

In the 17th century this became modified by the Gaelic-Irish to Chief of the Name. The clan, in common with dozens of other Gaelic-Irish, and some Anglo-Irish families, has had a recognised senior chosen by primogeniture, called The Ó Cellaigh (or, The O'Kelly), ever since.

The current Ó Cellaigh is Count Walter Lionel O'Kelly of Gallagh and Tycooly, Count of the Holy Roman Empire. He lives in Dublin.