What is an Irish Clan?
At a very basic level, a Clan is a group of people who share either common ancestry or a common surname.
Traditionally, there are two types of Clan. One type is a group of people with the same surname,
but who are not necessarily related to each other. The other type is a group of people who are related
to each other, but do not necessarily share the same surname. Historically, the Clan system was popular
amongst the Gaelic-speaking tribes (Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Breton) and has survived with varying
degrees of success to this day.
The growing influence of the Gaelic League at the turn of the twentieth century rekindled an interest
in Gaelic culture and prompted the current cultural revival. The first modern Irish Clans were formed
in the latter half of the twentieth century, and today they function as special interest groups
which actively safeguard their cultural heritage.
Irish Clans are somewhat similar to genealogical societies or One Name Societies - but with an additional
social dimension which is unique. In recognition of the special rôle which Irish Clans play within
the national cultural revival, the Irish Government has granted them charitable status.
What is the Flannery Clan?
The Flannery Clan (Clann Fhlannabhra in Irish) is a collection of people who can claim descent
from a Flannery / Flannelly, and may be descended from any of the various component septs. We formally
registered the Flannery Clan on 1st January 1999, and we were awarded charitable status
(CHY 13530) on 29th November 1999. Foundation membership (up to 1st December 1998)
was one hundred and seventy-five souls scattered across Ireland, England, U.S.A., Canada and Australia;
our membership has since spread to Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Oman and Scotland.
Who can join?
Membership is open to everyone of Flannery / Flannelly ancestry; and includes partners, spouses
and children. It is firmly understood that there are many spelling variations of the name around the world
(especially in the U.S.A. where spelling variants Flanary and Flanery are common) and all phonetically
similar variations are deemed valid. It does not matter how far back the ancestry occurred in either the male
or female line, nor does it matter if the name is not your current surname (i.e. maiden names, etc.).
What does the Flannery Clan actually do?
The Flannery Clan organises cultural activities and events. These may be broadly divided into
RESEARCH and RECREATION.
Recreation : The Clan organises Clan Rallies at frequencies and venues to suit the members.
These gatherings are social outings where people can eat, drink and make merry. They are the ideal
excuse to travel to interesting places and enjoy the company of interesting people. A number of
cultural activities are usually organised at these gatherings to suit member's expressed preferences.
Research : The Clan offers assistance to anyone interested in tracing their ancestors by
co-ordinating the efforts of family historians. There are numerous websites detailing genealogical
sources - the Clan tells you where to find them. A lot of research has already been done - the Clan
helps you avoid re-inventing the wheel by putting you in touch with established trail-blazers. Archive
records are spread out all over the world - the Clan gives you the benefit of all centralised records,
and puts you in touch with members in your areas of interest. In 2003, we initiated a
Y-DNA project that helps members to trace their roots even when conventional records no longer exist
Do I have to pay for membership?
Yes, but just a token. The Flannery Clan is a registered charity staffed by volunteers and is not a commercial venture.
There is a nominal annual subscription which is put towards the production of a quarterly newsletter, occasional
publications, project research fees, membership drives, mailshots etc. Whilst we would be very reluctant to decline
an application from a prospective member who could not afford the subscription, we seek EUR 6.25 (US$8) per adult
- or EUR 12.50 (US$16) per family - and will gratefully accept any available donations.
What do I get for my money?
All new members receive a decorative membership certificate, genealogical record sheets, and are automatically
entitled to purchase Flannery Clan publications at cost price.
An informative quarterly newsletter entitled "Floreat Arbor" is issued to all subscribing members
of the Flannery Clan around the globe, and helps to keep everyone abreast of research development and
social events. Regular features include a topical editorial; progress reports on membership, archives,
gatherings, website; and special features on items of specific interest to members.
The Winter quarterly includes an annual Research Supplement which lists the individual research interests
of all of our members. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only research directory in the world
which is specific to Flannery / Flannelly research!
Members are cordially invited to attend our Clan Gatherings around the world. The next Clan Gathering
is scheduled to be held in County Sligo over the last weekend in July 2015.
Our Clan Gatherings reflect the interests of Flannerys / Flannellys from the chosen location
- which normally alternates between Munster and Connaught - and they also reflect the general
interests of Flannerys / Flannellys around the world. All members are welcome to attend
these events.
The Flannery Clan is actively researching relevant historical and genealogical information, and compiling
a comprehensive database to which everyone is welcome to both contribute and consult. Members receive
advice with their own personal research, and also receive priority in the overall research programme.
In due course, individual family trees shall be correlated for reference.
In the long run, members individually make a significant contribution to, and ultimately derive benefit from, the
collective fund of family history which will be available for future generations. In the process, members
are afforded numerous opportunities to attend convivial social gatherings at home and abroad.
How do I join?
If you are interested, contact the Flannery Clan by phone, fax, email,
or post, and ask to join. It's that simple. All eligible applications are accepted. Annual subscriptions fall due on 1st January and may
be paid by cash or cheque - made out to The Flannery Clan (Account No. 24006050) - or paid online using PayPal. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Contact . . . Lorcán J. O'Flannery
Phone . . . . +353 1 4592451 (home)
Email . . . . oflannery@eircom.net
Address . . . Flannery Clan, 81 Woodford Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland.
Registered Charity CHY 13530
Online payments 
All payments (charitable donations, book purchases, membership dues or annual subscriptions) may be paid online using
PayPal. Please click HERE to make a payment by PayPal.
Please check with your local tax office for details of claiming tax relief on charitable
donations: the Flannery Clan is a registered charity CHY 13530. Your support is greatly appreciated.
