The O’Donnells from Spain!
Say ‘Ola’ to Spain’s three most famous O’Donnell brothers.
They may not look like typical Donegal men but the three siblings are traveling to Ireland to celebrate the O’Donnell Clan Gathering.
The brothers – Carlos, Marqués de Altamira, Hugo, Marqués de las Salinas and Alfonso, Count de Lucena, all sons of Hugo O’Donnell the 7th Duke of Tetuan and a Grandee of Spain, will attend the event this August.
Their father, the present Duke of Tetuan, attended several O’Donnell Clan Gatherings as did his father, Leopoldo the 6th Duke.
The Spanish O’Donnells, and there are many of them, are descended from Joseph O’Donnell (1722 – 1787).
He emigrated from Mayo to the continent, eventually arriving in Spain where he became Colonel of the Regiment of Ultonia and rose to the rank of Lieut.General.
Joseph was great, grandson of Calbhach Rua who was moved from Co. Donegal to Mayo during the Cromwellian Plantation (mid 1600), Calbhach Rua was great, great grandson of Mánus (21st chieftain, died 1563) who in turn was grandson of Aodh Rua, died 1505 and is commemorated by a sculpture on the pier in Donegal Town.
The O’Donnell Clan Association, as part of the Donegal Gathering, is holding yet another Clan Gathering, again based in the last stronghold of the O’Donnells – Donegal Town.
The five-day event begins on the evening of the 5th of August and has much to offer to both the over-seas visitor and local alike.
The calendar of events includes, visits to places associated with this illustrious clan, talks and forums, social occasions etc.
One of the highlights will be an evening of Celtic Music in Donegal Castle performed by ‘Tale of the Gael’ and guests. This will be followed by a supper of smoked salmon with Guinness or wine in the Castle Bar, Donegal Town.
Already, over forty people from Spain, USA, Canada, Britain and various parts of Ireland are booked. With two months to go it is expected that this number will greatly increase.
One of the main aims of O’Donnell Clan Gatherings is to bring together both over-seas visitors and locals of O’Donnells and friends. Non-O’Donnells are equally welcome. It is hoped that a large number of locals will attend and make it a real ‘Gathering.’
Tags: