Limerick woman set to become chieftain of the O’Malley Clan

A LIMERICK woman is set to be elected leader of a clan which counts more than 20,000 members worldwide.

This weekend, almost 300 members of the O'Malley Clan will gather in Mayo for their annual rally.

And it will be a big occasion for Cappamore teacher Nano O'Malley McMahon (pictured) who will be installed as the chieftain of the tribe.

It follows a year of her acting as tanaiste to this year's chieftain Martin O'Malley, a former governor of Maryland, USA.

Marking its 70th anniversary this year, the O'Malley Clan was formed in Westport with the aim of fostering links and connections between people of O’Malley heritage worldwide and promoting awareness of the family.

One of the main events each year is a gathering in June, which will return to Limerick next year under Nano's watch.

A teacher at Cappawhite National School for almost 30 years, her uncle Paddy, now 87, is one of five O'Malley brothers.

She first got involved in the O'Malley Clan in 2013 when the first cousin of her father, Denis O'Malley from Murroe asked her to help organise a gathering.

Following this, she went in full throttle, joining the committee where she has arranged photobooks and linked up with O'Malleys from all around the world.

After her election as tanaiste last year, she will be crowned chieftain after a special Mass in Mayo on Sunday.

“I will become 'the' O'Malley for a full year. It'll be lovely. I have my brother coming from Saudi Arabia where he is working. His partner is coming from Thailand, and I have a sister coming from the south of France. It's a real family affair and a world affair too,” Nano explained.

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In preparation, the mother-of-three is currently getting her cloak and staff made.

One of her friends has a wolfhound, so she will get an image taken with the creature at her fitting on Wednesday.

“I'll love the reaction of the children I teach in school. They know I'm going to become chieftain of the O'Malleys. I'll come to school with my cloak, staff and new chieftain medal on Monday morning,” she revealed.

All are welcome to attend the O'Malley Clan's gathering this weekend, with the current chieftain stressing you just need to be someone who is keen to hang out with the O'Malleys!

For information on the weekend, call 085-1349651.