Celtic History??

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 5th December 10, 08:15 PM

For starters, there are to separate (and totally unrelated) O'Conor/O'Connor tribes-- those in Connaught from which came the Irish High Kings and those in Kerry who have no royal pretense.

As kings of Connaught there developed in time two branches of the family, O'Conor Rua and O'Conor Don. The suffix of Rua (red) and Don (brown) referred to the colour of the hair of the two brothers who founded each of those lines. When the line of O'Conor Rua died out, the senior line (and hence the kingly line) became that of the O'Conor Don. In the 13th century the last two High Kings of Ireland were both O'Conor Don. In the 19th century the then O'Conor Don was officially recognized by Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms, as the undisputed heir to the high kingship of Ireland. In the early part of the 20th century the style of O'Conor Don passed to Fr. Charles O'Conor Don, SJ, and upon is death to the eldest son of his younger brother, Denis O'Conor Don. The present O'Conor Don, Desmond, succeeded to the title "O'Conor Don" on the death of his father, the aforementioned Denis O'Conor Don. Desmond O'Conor Don is a retired international banking executive and presently resides in England. He has a son and grandson, as well as two brothers, both with children.

The title "O'Conor Don" applies only to the chief of the Connaught O'Con(n)ors, in much the same way that only a Scottish chief would use the style "of that ilk". In continental Europe O'Conor Don (never "The" O'Conor Don) is regarded as being of princely rank, and is often so styled. On page 29 of theScottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia there is a photograph of Lord Elgin (Chief of Clan Bruce) and late Denis O'Conor Don in which he is quite rightly styled "Prince of Connaught".

**Bugbear** · 5th December 10, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Woot22

I wonder if that has anything to do with the "San Patricios". The Irish immigrants who fled the US Army service and ended up fighting along side the Mexican Army. I do not have any real knowledge on the matter only what I read on the inside of the CD cover for the Chieftains album of the same name. Anybody have any good info on the matter perhaps a good book on the subject.

No, these would have probably been descendents of Irish soldiers-of-fortune as cajunscot was discussing, or something along those lines. Like I said, I'm trying to remember from a long time back, but I got the impression there were other Irish groups of people or families in Mexico, beyond this one community.

**Slowburn** · 5th December 10, 08:56 PM

To my knowledge there is a region of Spain that was predominatly Gaelic either by migration or origin I would like to find out more about htis unique chapter of the migrations of these sea fairing people.

**Burly Brute** · 6th December 10, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

I don't recall your mentioning the name of your school, but I seem to recall
your mentioning your pursuit of a degree in biblical studies. The Celtic Christian
tradition supposedly goes back to Joseph of Arimathea, and successfully
coexisted with the mystery schools around Glastonbury until the 5th century or
so, when Rome began to exert its influence. In Wales, Ireland, and Scotland,
the Celtic traditions had influence for centuries later. The conflict between
the attitudes and teachings of the Celtic lay and independent abbots is what led to the Pope "giving" Ireland to Henry II in exchange for his promise to go over there and make them do what he (the Pope) said. This is the root of
the Irish "problem". The combination of a drive to power with the greed of Henry and Pope and their inherent lack of respect for individual freedom of choice has produced hundreds of years of conflict. Most history programs and professors have no wish to delve into this, but it's definitely church history,
Celtic history, and relevant in today's world. It might be the basis of an argument for such a course.

My college definately attempts to be as truthful as it can in all its classes, so no worries there and great information! Thanks!

**Burly Brute** · 6th December 10, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Not to be a "kill-joy", but generally in the world of academia, if you don't have the graduate credits, you don't teach the course, especially in this day of accreditation. You'd do better to approach a local community college and see if they offer a sophomore seminar/capstone course, but again, you'll either need the MA with courses in the field, or an instructor willing to do so.

It's a great idea, but be prepared for disappointment.

T.

True! And thanks! I did say, however, that I would definately pursue a graduate degree in the field. I just wanted to get something in the works, to test the waters I suppose and see how apt they would be to even developing a class like that.

**macwilkin** · 6th December 10, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

True! And thanks! I did say, however, that I would definately pursue a graduate degree in the field. I just wanted to get something in the works, to test the waters I suppose and see how apt they would be to even developing a class like that.

As an alternative, why not start by forming a "Celtic interest" club on campus, and see how much interest you get from fellow students? Such an organization might lead into a full-blown course down the road. You have to show the faculty and administration that there would be an interest for such a course.

T.

**Dale Seago** · 6th December 10, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Slowburn

To my knowledge there is a region of Spain that was predominatly Gaelic either by migration or origin I would like to find out more about htis unique chapter of the migrations of these sea fairing people.

You're probably thinking of Galicia.