Chieftain

Denise O'Malley

Tánaiste

Don O'Malley

Guardian Chieftain

Brendan O'Malley

The O'Malley Clan Association was formed in Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland, in 1953 with the aim of fostering links and connections between people of O'Malley heritage worldwide and promoting awareness of the rich history of this Gaelic Clan.

Over the years, many O'Malleys have made contacts and built friendships through the O'Malley Clan Association. The O'Malley Clan have been involved in reaching out to our Diaspora for 70 years. We plan to continue this work for many years to come!

The highlight event, for the Clan, is the Annual O'Malley Clan Gathering. This is held each summer in one of the O'Malley strongholds in Ireland, often in the hometown of the Chieftain, and is always a fun-filled weekend for all who attend. The Gathering is organised by The Chieftain and a voluntary committee. 

Each year the Clan appoints, by election, a new Chieftain, and Tánaiste. The Chieftain is elevated to this position during a ceremony at the Annual Gathering, surrounded by The Guardian Chieftain, Past Chieftains, and members of the Clan. In June 2025 Denise O'Malley from Clare was appointed Chieftain following on from Grace O'Malley of Dublin. Chieftains have hailed from Mayo, Galway, Limerick, Dublin, UK, and USA. Don O'Malley of Murroe, County Limerick in Ireland, is now the current Tánaiste.

A Guardian Chieftain is appointed, from among the Past Chieftains, to serve a four year term, to provide continuity of traditions. The new Guardian Chieftain is Brendan O'Malley from Limerick, who took the reins from Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop of Dublin and Clare Island at our Clan Gathering in June 2025

History.  Friendship.  Loyalty.

The aims of the O'Malley Clan Association are set out in the Constitution of the organisation.
​The main aims are as follows:

• The O'Malley Clan Association is an association of people bearing the O'Malley name, their spouses, relatives, and friends.
• The purpose of the association is to promote friendship between the members, knowledge of the history of the clan, and loyalty to its traditions.
• Friendship between the members is fostered by the Annual Clan Gathering, which strives to attract participants from the home country and overseas.
• Knowledge of the history of the Clan is fostered by visits to places associated with the clan, and by the sale of publications dealing with Clan history.
• Loyalty to the Clan's traditions is fostered by encouraging the members to cherish the Clan heritage by watching over the surviving monuments associated with the clan heritage.

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