The Oak and Serpent
A definitive history of the illustrious Ó Súilleabháin clann was commissioned by the Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster and published in 2007. The second edition has been published and is available in e-book form, hard back form, and deluxe, leather-bound, heirloom form.
The History of the Ó Súilleabháin Clann Research Project
Continued research into the history and heritage of the Ó Súilleabháin Clann is sponsored by this organization.
Succession of Clan Chief Research
In 2011 the Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster commissioned Fiona Fitzsimmons of Eneclann, Dublin, Ireland, to research the chiefly succession of the Ó Súilleabháin family. Her areas of specialization include Gaelic lordships and Irish lineages; Irish land law 16th to 20th Centuries; Dublin Guilds and artisan-business 17th to late 19th Centuries; and Irish records for fostering and ‘boarded-out’ children, prior to 1952. She has also made a particular study of collections including the records of the Valuation Office, the Registry of Deeds, and the Petty Sessions Courts in Ireland. She has published scholarly articles in academic journals and books of essays, and was also a contributor to The Encyclopaedia of Ireland (Rutledge Publications New York), and The Oxford Companion to Irish History (Oxford University Press).
Etymology of the Ó Súilleabháin Name Research Project
The original meaning of the name ‘Ó Súilleabháin’ has eluded modern day etymologists. The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster continues to support research in this area.
The Ó Súilleabháin Seminar
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster hosted the Irish Educational Association annual Ó Súilleabháin/O’Sullivan/Sullivan seminar at Georgia Southern University in 2004. This event brought Ó Súilleabháins from around the United States to learn about their unique place in Irish and world history. The event was co-sponsored by the Georgia Southern University Center for Irish Studies.
The O’Sullivan Gathering
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster continues to investigate the feasibility of a meaningful and educational clan gathering in the future.
The Ó Súilleabháin yDNA Project
Clan member Kathleen Sullivan Kerwin continues to advance the Ó Súilleabháin / O'Sullivan / Sullivan Y-DNA Project with the goal of accurately identifying to which sub-branch of the clan we all belong. To keep abreast of the latest news concerning the project, please consult the Clan Correspondence page.
Knockgraffon Archaeological Dig
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster has contacted Professor Tadhg O'Keeffe MA, PhD, DEA, FSA, Head of School, UCD School of Archaeology, and is arranging for an archaeological dig on Knockgraffon Motte. Knockgraffon was originally the sacred inauguration site for the kings of Munster. It eventually became the primary residence of the chiefs of the Ó Súilleabháin clann. In 1192 the Normans successfully wrested the site from the Ó Súilleabháins and built a classic defensive motte there. Knockgraffon remained in Norman hands for the next 806 years until it was acquired by the Taoiseach of the clann.
The O’Sullivan Clan Tartan
In June, 1994, the derbhfine of the Ó Súilleabháin MhicRaith Sept commissioned the Ó Súilleabháin MhicRaith tartan to be designed by Chris Aitken of Geoffrey (Tailor) High-land Crafts Ltd.
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann Battle Flag
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster commissioned the Battle Flag to be designed and produced in 1995. Since the Ó Súilleabháin clann is the most senior line of the royal family of the Milesian Celts and Milesius, King of Spain, was the forefather of the family, a version of his personal insignia is the official Battle Flag of the clan. The three lions of Milesius, reminiscent of his hunting trip in Africa and symbolic of his courage, are displayed in a Celtic art motif to reflect the ancient Scythian heritage of the family. The round design in gold on a black background forms a solar disc, announcing the clan’s divine right of kings, as allegorical descendants of the sun.
The Ó Súilleabháin Clan Song
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster commissioned lyrics to be written to the music of the Ó Súilleabháin March Planxty in 1995.
Dunderry Castle Restoration Project
(Dun Daire, Fort of the Oak Wood)
The Ó Súilleabháin MhicRaith sept of Cappanacush Castle later acquired Dunderry Castle in the village of Gravier, near Nevers, France. Dunderry remains the family home of this illustrious sept and serves as the headquarters of the Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster. Many Ó Súilleabháin icons and symbols are found in the architectural elements of the castle. Continued restoration and preservation of the castle is supported by the clan organization.
The ridge upon which Dunderry Castle stands was originally the site of an ancient Celtic fort built by the Bituriges-Cubi tribe. The name “Bituriges” means “King of the World” in the proto-Celtic tongue. When Vercingetorix unsuccessfully rebelled against the Romans in 52 BC, the Bituriges were forced to abandon their stronghold at Dunderry and retreat to their hilltop capital, Avaricum (present day Bourges). After an extended siege they were eventually slaughtered with 120,000 of their fellow tribesmen by the superior Roman forces.
Delegation to Finte na hÉireann ~ Clans of Ireland
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster is recognized by Finte na hÉireann ~ Clans of Ireland, the official representative organization of Irish Clans to the Government of Ireland, the United Nations, and the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. A delegation representing our clan is sent each year to the annual Clans of Ireland General Meeting in Dublin, Ireland.
The Ó Súilleabháin Clann of Munster Website
A very successful and oft-visited website is maintained by the clan organization, including a clan correspondence blog, a genealogical forum, and a very popular Facebook page.
