O’Callaghan of Munster Clan Society

An affiliated society of The Council of Irish Clans

Who are we?

We are the children of Irish ancestors who share a common ancestral homeland (Munster, Ireland) and a surname derived from Cellachán Cashel, the formidable Chief of the Eóganachta tribe and King of Munster from AD 935 until 954 who, amongst many other famed accomplishments, is said to have subdued the Vikings and defeated the father of Brian Boru of the Dal gCais, in battle.

Common kinship is reflected in our surnames which are variations of Ceallachán and, through the turmoil of history, have found themselves transformed into numerous modern variants such as O'Callaghan, Callaghan, O'Callahan, Callahan, O'Kallaghan, Kallaghan Kallahan, Kalahan, Keelaghan, Kealahan & Keelan etc.

DNA testing reveals we are more than one bloodline, but history tells us that we were bound together into a single union, marked by a shared surname and membership of a historic fraternity.

Our Goals

Our first goal is to establish an O’Callaghan of Munster Clan Society. Modern life means that the “Callaghans” (in all varieties of the name) are dispersed throughout the world, so we are using this web page as a medium to connect with potential members, and to assess the demand for an O’Callaghan of Munster Clan Society. Thus, if you think this is a good idea, please make sure you let us know by emailing us at “O'CallaghanOfMunsterClan” (click to open an email).

The Goals of the O’Callaghan of Munster Clan Society are to:

· Foster and facilitate surname spirit, diversity, friendship and networking amongst members.

· Encourage and promote the study and preservation of the history, folklore, and traditions of our clan.

· Research the history and genetic genealogy of our clan.

· Support our clan members in seeking to understand their roots and connections.

· Provide opportunities for members to participate in international and regional gatherings and to network with their clan.

Should I Join This Society?

If you or your ancestors bore the name Callaghan (or any variant) either now or sometime in the past¹, and those family members originated from Munster in Ireland, then this is the Clan society for you. If you are interested in joining our clan society, please email us at “O'CallaghanOfMunsterClan” (click to open an email client).

Note 1: For example, the way inherited names work, the female line of Callaghans lose their Callaghan surname, but clearly they remain genetically part of the clan as much as any male and thus, would be very much welcomed into this society.

Is There a Membership Fee?

No, the society is run by volunteers with the aims outlined above.

Are There Ways I Can Help?

Currently, the society is in the early stages of being set up. Thus, simply registering your interest in becoming a member is most helpful to us, since it allows us to assess the level of interest there is in establishing this society.

Whilst we have no expectation of members contributing their precious time to help us set-up and run this society if, by any chance, you were interested in helping us with any of the following tasks, please let us know:

· Secretary (first point of contact for potential and existing members etc)

· Writer / genealogist (members newsletter, interesting genealogy articles, advising members on genealogy research etc)

· Media Officer (publicity, social media engagement etc)

· Website Manager (maintaining and expanding the society’s webpage as the society grows)

We can be contacted by emailing us at “O'CallaghanOfMunsterClan” (click to open an email client).

Further Information about the O’Callaghan of Munster Clan:

· Joseph F.O Callaghan, "Clan Callaghan: The O Callaghan Family of County Cork", 302 pages, publisher Genealogical.Com, Inc, published 23 Nov 2020 (revised edition), ISBN: 9780806359168, 2020 (revised)

· Chris O'Callaghan “Book of The Callaghan“, 396 pages, Co. Cork, Ireland, 2013, 2014, 2017 & 2020, ISBN: 978-0-9565354-2-9 (provides an in-depth factual account of Ceallachán Caisil). Click on Chris O'Callaghan to get a free download version of his book.

· Callaghan Webpage, discusses the history of the Callaghan surname.

Finally, we hope you can join us on this journey, for what will surely be an interesting new adventure for our clan,

Professor Joseph O'Callaghan

Professor Victor Callaghan

Contact: O'CallaghanOfMunsterClan (click to open email client)

Our thanks to Dr Mike Fitzpatrick and Proinsias Mag Fhionnghaile for their valuable guidance in creating this web page.