My vision for the MacCarthy Reagh clan is one of renewal rooted in tradition — to honour our past while forging a dignified path forward. Since time immemorial — right through to the recent Dearbhfhine election that restored our chiefship — we have been bequeathed a storied legacy, crafted from our forebears’ bravery on the battlefield, stewardship of their homes and families, and the cultivation of arts and learning. It is my hope that we can continue that legacy.
Titles and Associations
It is not enough to rest upon the laurels of antiquity. We must remember that heritage is not a static monument but a living wellspring from which future generations draw strength, identity, and joy. By reviving the traditions of our forebears we reconnect with the values that once sustained a thriving and vibrant Gaelic polity. In this spirit, I plan to reinstitute the traditional organizations associated with Gaelic-Irish clans, and foster within them a renewed reverence for the Brehon laws in order to pay special care to authenticity.
One such initiative will be to establish a company of "Gallowglass" to recognize and honor those who have devoted themselves to preserving our traditional Gaelic-Irish customs. But this will not be a mere honorific as members will be charged to continue to fight for the preservation of Gaelic-Irish traditions.
In an age of increasing fragmentation, the key to a thriving community lies in the bonds we cultivate among ourselves, near and far, across Ireland and the wider global diaspora. To this end, I envision a network of local Gallowglass "Commanderies" where clan members can gather, not only to celebrate our common ancestry, but also to support charity efforts.
Charity
Our Gaelic heritage is more than a relic of the past; it is a wellspring of identity that can guide us in the present and inspire us toward a brighter tomorrow. While we cherish our heritage, we must also address the challenges of the modern age. The Brehon Laws championed the vital importance of helping the poor and those in need, and today's economic hardships, social fragmentation, and cultural disconnection culminate in increasing rates of homelessness. The MacCarthy Reagh Clan can once again champion our heritage and be a beacon of hope by establishing “Carbery Cares” — a charitable foundation dedicated to serving the homeless and assisting organizations who bring aid to those in need.
Genealogy
Of course, a monumental aspect of Irish Brehon law and the clan system is genealogy. I invite each of you to participate in the creation of the “Registrum Familiarum Carberiæ - A Compendium of the Families of Carbery.” This living compendium will preserve our genealogies, record our oral family histories, and showcase the achievements of MacCarthy Reagh descendants across the globe. It will serve as an authoritative record of family genealogies, specifically designed to support and reconnect members of the diaspora who trace their origins back to the traditional territory of Carbery.
Join me
The MacCarthy Reagh Clan’s path forward lies in honoring the indelible legacy of our forebears while breathing new life into the institutions and values that once bound us as a thriving Gaelic community. By restoring authentic clan organizations we reinforce the bonds of kinship across Ireland and the diaspora, while recognizing merit and achievement. Through “Carbery Cares,” we answer the ancient call of the Brehon laws to assist the vulnerable, ensuring that charity remains at the heart of our communal identity. By compiling the Registrum Familiarum Carberiæ, we safeguard our genealogies and family histories as a living testament to our shared heritage and the clan's resolve. Together, these endeavors will not only preserve what has been entrusted to us, but also illuminate a dignified and purpose-driven future for every member of the MacCarthy Reagh Clan.
With strength (fortis) to build upon the solid foundation of our ancestors’ stewardship of the clan, a fierce (ferox) determination to safeguard our heritage, and prompt (celer) efforts to assist the needs of the vulnerable today, I believe the resolve of the Clan MacCarthy Reagh can achieve truly amazing deeds for the world.
Fortis, ferox et celer!