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THE CHIEF OF THE NAME
MAC CARTHY REAGH

— Prince of Carbery —

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AN CEANN FINE MHIC CÁRTHAIGH RIABHAIGH
Rí Mór Túath Chairbreach —

“A chief is not merely a dynast, but a steward of the túath and its legacy.”
                                                      

Sir Evan Patrick McCarthy was elected Ceann Fine of the MacCarthy Reagh by the clan’s Dearbhfhine following more than a decade of dedicated work restoring the social histories and many of the lineages of the MacCarthy Reagh—even recovering and certifying four pedigrees of the medieval chiefly family previously lost to history—and establishing the first initiative to elect a chief after a 271-year interregnum. He regards his election as a solemn call to service, restoring the dignity and rightful stewardship of the Chiefship after centuries of tribulation: a commitment to uphold the traditions and histories of the MacCarthy Reagh clan and the numerous kindred families with ancestral ties to Carbery.

Determined to revitalise clan engagement, he established the Organising Committee to spearhead the revival of the MacCarthy Reagh Clan. His leadership strives to integrate fidelity to historical customs with meaningful service to present-day communities—safeguarding Carbery’s histories, aiding the impoverished and vulnerable, and fostering a living Gaelic culture. 

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The Chief’s leadership draws upon a distinguished and varied background. As a decorated military officer he continues to pioneer strategic innovations in leadership with a steadfast commitment to advancing the welfare and resilience of those he leads, while developing technology-enabled solutions that save lives and strengthen national security. Beyond military service, he has directed many nonprofit organisations focused on religious education, Celtic heritage preservation, and humanitarian outreach to the homeless.

Furthermore, the Chief holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Philosophy, as well as a Master of Science degree (with Merit) in the Philosophy of Science and Religion. His scholarly pursuits encompass particle physics, cosmology, epistemology and ontology, complemented by specialised coursework in Genomic Data Science. He has published numerous essays on Irish genealogy, moral philosophy, and nobiliary ethics, and is the author of the most comprehensive historical account of the MacCarthy Reagh dynasty published in a century.

In keeping with the ancient Gaelic ideal of
fír flaithemon—the just and truthful ruler—he is committed to nurturing traditional Gaelic culture while enabling the clan to share an active role in charitable works, and ensuring the rich narratives and histories of Carbery’s communities endure for future generations.

In recognition of his labours, the Chief has been made a Companion of the Companionate of the Kingdom of Desmond Association, created Marshal of Dromiscane by The MacCarthy Mór, and invested as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He has also been inducted into the Noble Company of Knights Crossbowmen of Saints Philip and James, under the patronage of His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain, and thereby bears the style of
Don as a Hidalgo of Castile and León.

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