Muintir Mhathúna
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The O Mahony Castles
Ours is a proud and ancient Clan
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
Muintir Mathuna - The O Mahony Society, is the international association of members and friends of the O Mahony Clan. The O Mahonys (O Mathuna in Gaelic) descend from Mathuin (Mahon), son of Cian mac Maol Muadh, Prince of Raithleann, and Saidhb, daughter of Brian Boru. Mathuin became Prince of Raithleann and chief of the Ui Eachach Mumhan in 1014 A.D.
The O Mahony Society's purposes are to foster studies on the history of the Clan, to promote interest in Clan and Irish genealogy, culture, history, and heritage as well as to encourage the restoration and preservation of the historical sites associated with the Clan while promoting fellowship among members.
Activities embrace historical and cultural events via social meetings, social media, quarterly e-mail updates, periodic newsletters, and the O Mahony Journal. The programme includes the Gathering of the Clan each year in Ireland, and Get-Togethers in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, or other countries as possible. We invite you to join us! Details for membership can be found here.
WE'VE WAITED 100 YEARS:
The 1926 Irish Census is now available online and for FREE!
The 1926 Census of Ireland (Irish Free State) was released online for free by the National Archives of Ireland on April 18, 2026, featuring over 700,000 digitized household records. Taken on April 18, 1926 and released exactly 100 years later, it is the first comprehensive census of the independent Irish Free State, covering 26 counties, with a separate report for Northern Ireland.
Key Details of the 1926 Census:
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Access: Available free to search on the National Archives of Ireland website.
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Population: The population was 2,971,992, showing a 5.3% decrease from 1911.
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Information Recorded: Includes name, age, relationship, religion, birthplace, occupation, and Irish language ability.
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Key Data Findings: 92.6% Catholic, 18.3% Irish speakers, and 51% in agricultural occupations.
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Scope: Records for the 26 counties (Irish Free State) are on the main website, while Northern Ireland records are available through the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
Background and Significance:
This census was crucial for the new government to plan for infrastructure, housing, and transport. It offers a detailed glimpse into Irish society just after the Irish War of Independence, highlighting a population that was 92.6% Catholic and predominantly agrarian. It also offers insight into the "cultural revival" of the era.
Searching Tips:
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Institutions: For hospitals, workhouses, or barracks, search by location/institution name rather than individual names, as records are often listed under the head of the institution.
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Language: Irish language returns have been transcribed, with initial efforts focusing on names and surnames.
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Northern Ireland: The 1926 Census for Northern Ireland was also taken on the same day and consists of preliminary, general, and county reports.
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH
A growing awareness of family identity in recent years has led to a universal search for roots. The O Mahony Society was founded in 1955, partly in response to inquiries from overseas but chiefly because of a pressing need to tap in Ireland the oral tradition for the history of families who might still bear the individual sept names adopted by various groups of the O Mahony family. There were eight principal sept names and five minor septs. The historian, Canon John O Mahony, recorded with a high degree of scholarship a remarkable account of the O Mahony septs of Kinelmeaky and Ivagha down to the 17th century. From thence, however, the record-keeping is meager. The Irish diaspora in the wake of oppression, poverty, and famine left a gap in the legacy of family history: much of the oral tradition has gone unrecorded and whatever exists today perishes with the passing of each generation. Requests for research of family ancestry continue to grow, and although the Society is not a genealogy service, per se, members do support others' searches whenever possible. Initially, members should conduct a thorough search of family records in their possession, consult parents, grandparents, and other relatives, inspect civil and church records, legal documents, and other sources of recorded information such as newspapers and census reports. This advice applies particularly to members outside Ireland. It is hoped that all members will participate in their family tree research and share that information (please see the Research tab for more information). Annual meetings of the O Mahony Society in Ireland will always include a genealogical workshop.
The O Mahony Society is not responsible for the content of external websites linked to from its own pages nor does it guarantee in any way the quality, reliability, or viewing suitability of such links. We have, however, made every good-faith effort to ensure that its links are relevant and suitable.