About The Cianachta - Clan Cian

Clan Cian was founded and recognized by the late F. J. O'Carroll, of ile O'Carroll, Chief of the Name. Frederick Arthur James O'Carroll, has since assumed the mantle of Chief of the Name with the backing of his Council of Chieftains. Chief Fred, descends from the ancient Kings and Princes of ile O'Carroll. The Kingdom of ile (Ely) resides in the heart of south-central Ireland. The O'Carroll is a recognized member of the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains. Not all of the current recognized Chiefs on the Standing Council live in Ireland, The O'Carroll, the Chief of Clan Cian, currently resides in the United States.

Clan Cian was also known as the Cianachta, the Race of Cian, who was the youngest son, of Olioll Ollum King of Munster, and Grandson, of King Eoghan Mor the 1st (known as) Mogh Nuadath of Leith Mogha (Mogha’s Half) of southern Ireland of the Milesian race of Heber, who contested for supremacy of all Ireland in the second century of the Christian Era.

The Cianachta were led well over 1500 years by a recognized King, Prince, High Chief, or Ruling Lord chosen from members of the O’Carroll-Carroll and rival Houses of the noble Septs of Éile

In the fifth century the Cianacht Chief, Éile Righ Derg (Eile, the Red King) ruled the territory that came to be known as Éile O’Carroll to distinguish the area from other O’Carroll kingdoms and lands.The Kingdom of Éile (Ely) was located anciently in Ormond in the Counties Tipperary, Waterford and extending into Offaly, Leix, Kilkenny.

Cearbhaill (Carroll) Son, of Aeodh, and Chief of the Cianachta was King of Éile at the turn of the first millenium. This Cearbhaill, the King of Éile, led the Elyans at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 with the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. F.J. "Eile" O'Carroll, the late O'Carroll of Éile O'Carroll created Clan Cian through the Charter of Re-Formation in 1982-1983 as his personal clan for all Cianachta whose families originally lived within the regions ruled by The O'Carroll of Éile O'Carroll in Ireland as well as to all people who wish to honor their background and the ideals that Clan Cian promotes - Irish culture in all its manifestations and the exploration of expatriate Irish's roots back to Ireland.

As there are many different families belonging to the Clan Cian, the menu selection entitled "Your Surname Connection" will tell you if you are a member and how you are related.

The name Cianachta in Irish means "of the Race of Cian," and so, Clan Cian in modern English. The Cianachta were recognized as a racial group in ancient Ireland and now called again to assemble as a clan in these modern times. We are dedicated to the preservation of the ile O'Carroll Territory including the Kingdom of ile and the O'Carroll family and all related families histories. The clan represents the O'Carroll/Carroll families and also includes of all the related, family septs, dependent family septs of ile O'Carroll and other parts of Ireland, and worldwide. Clan Cian has an appointed Council of Chieftains and Clan Officers that preside over certain designated regional areas appointed by The O'Carroll, Chief of ile O'Carroll and Clan Cian.

Historically according to Edward McLysaght the first Chief Herald of the newly-formed Republic of Ireland, the term "clan" or "clanne" in Ireland refers to the people living within a certain territory, whereas in Scotland a clan is comprised of people of a specific family. In ancient Ireland, the old kingdom of ile O'Carroll (ile Ui Cearbhaill) included many family surnames that you find today. Of those families, the powerful O'Carrolls were kings, overlords, and later chiefs of their people. A few of the major families related by blood to the O'Carrolls, which lived within the Kingdom of ile O'Carroll were the O'Meaghers, O'Caseys, O'Haras, and O'Garas. All of these family surnames and other related septs, are members of the Clan of Cian - the Cianachta.

What type of services does Clan Cian offer?

By joining the Clan, you receive a lifetime membership for yourself, your spouse, and your children (until they reach eighteen years of age). You'll receive a membership packet which contains several fun, and interesting items. Each new member receives a Clan Cian Membership Certificate, identification cards, and updated bulletins which contain Cianachta historical information.

Join now to take advantage of the full, lifetime membership for only $80.00, (unlike some other clan organizations which charge an annual fee) and receive the membership packet with valuable information today!

Where can I find more information about joining?

If you are interested in obtaining a membership, or just curious and would like more information about Clan Cian, you can write to the main office at:

Clan Cian
3708 North Ave W
Missoula, MT 59804