Origins of Clan Donald: The Irish Connection

[Ptarmigan]

Origins of Clan Donald: The Irish Connection

Clan Donald tradition traces its roots deep into the first century AD to the Ard Righ (High Kings) of Eire (Ireland). For over a thousand years Eire was divided into many small kingdoms each with their own Righ (King). He was elected from a family in the clan called the derbfine which literally means 4 generations of family in Gaelic (pronounced Gal-ick in Scotland and Gail-ick in Ireland). The Ard Righ was also elected from a derbfine. Leaders were chosen from the derbfine after they demonstrated leadership ability rather than the "divine" right of rule philosophy (birthright) of Norman and Anglo/Saxon feudalism. Under feudal law the eldest son inherited the throne (later imposed upon Scotland). Under ancient Celtic law any or all of the sons, grandsons, or cousins who could trace back to a common grandfather Righ was a candidate to be the next Righ. Under Celtic law local leadership was chosen (or elected) by the people and those local leaders elected the high King. Usually Celtic Kingdoms were divided among the children and grandchildren to maintain strong local rule. The local rulers then formed a confederation rather than a strong central government(Clan Donald is descended from the derbfine of the Ard Righ of Eire beginning with Conn Ceudcathach (hundred battles) who was Ard Righ of Eire in 125 AD.

Origins of Clan Donald: The Irish Connection