MacNAMARA CLAN The Story of an Irish Sept. Their character & struggle to maintain their lands in Clare. By a member of the Sept. Illustrated.

London: Dent, 1896. Octavo. First edition. Green cloth, title and MacNamara armorial device in gilt on spine and upper cover. Top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Minor spotting to endpapers. A very good copy. Rare.

This book tells the story of the MacNamara family from the dawn of history to the close of the nineteenth century. With genealogical charts. The MacNamara family were a Dál gCais sept and after the O’Briens one of the most powerful families in the Kingdom of Thomond as Lords of Clancullen (a title later divided into East and West families). They are related to the O’Gradys, also descended from the Uí Caisin line of the Dál gCais. The name is a contraction of “Mac Cú Na Mara” meaning “Son of the Hound of the Sea”. They were an influential clan in Thomond, building numerous castles across the region indicating their power and influence, such as Knappogue Castle. Some notable ancestors included: Sioda Cam MacConmara who rebuilt Quin Abbey, where many members of this clan were subsequently laid to rest. Donnchadh Ruadh Mac Conmara (1715-1810) was a Jacobite poet.

Sean Buidhe Mac Conmara (c.1750-1836), more commonly known as John “Fireball” MacNamara, is remembered because of his daring exploits and his flair for the dramatic which has since featured in verse and in story. The author was Nottidge Charles Macnamara. Prefatory note signed “N.C. MacNamara”. Includes index.

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