On the 17th of March 1998, the head of the 700,000 member O’Brien Clan, Conor, The O’Brien, Prince of Thomond, and Chief of the Name, founded The O’Brien Clan Foundation “by and for O’Briens” with the noble goals of supporting the scholarship of young O’Briens, promoting awareness of our royal and ancient origins as the direct descendants of Ireland’s greatest High King, Brian Boru, advancing learning and appreciation of Irish heritage, as well supporting peace and prosperity in Ireland.

Tom Tracy, the internationally renowned Irish peace activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was a prominent and very generous early supporter of the Foundation and its programs. The Tracy Family, in the persons of Tom’s widow, Irma Jean Tracy, and his daughter Killian Tracy, continued to be counted among The O’Brien’s and the Foundation’s dearest friends. (see O’Brien Clan Mardi Gras Banquet article)

In 2002, the Foundation was the animating spirit behind the grand gathering of O’Briens from all over the world in commemoration of the millennium of Brian Boru’s accession to the High Kingship of Ireland in 1002. Attendees enjoyed making their choices from a variety of scheduled events which included lectures, tours, a religious ceremony, and an O’Brien Clan banquet in the Great Hall at Dromoland Castle, seat of the O’Brien Clan since the 16th century.

Now, a newly expanded, energized, and dedicated Board of Directors including Conor O’Brien, President John J. O’Brien, James O’Neill O’Brien, Peter R. O’Brien, Raymond O’Brien, Morgan Llywellyn, Moira O’Brien, Carter O’Brien, Bart O’Brien, and Paul O’Brien are gearing up for the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf, and death of Brian Boru, in April 2014. A wide range of fun, interesting, and even exciting events are being planned, so mark your calendars, and watch for announcements about the program here, on the O’Brien Clan website.

Learn more about the Foundation

Click here to make a tax deductible contribution to The O’Brien Clan Foundation