Sorry I haven't answered back yet
. I've been away for a while.
So back to the O'Briens. I just have old some names and dates to give but I hope they will help either or both of Kerry and Ninatoo.
The Irish sept where I found the O'Brien surname was of the Dalcassian origin, which was a branch of the McNamara's, seated in north Clare and their ancestor, Cormac Cas was the son of 3rd century King of Munster, Oilioll Olum. This is where I found the Clancy's connection to the O'Briens. The Clancys were hereditary brehons to the O'Briens who had great power in county Clare.
Apparently one of the last Clancys brehons rescued Murrough O'Brien(Chief of the Dalcassian Sept). Story goes that in 1543 Murrough returned home to County Clare after accepting a peerage from Henry VIII. The O'Brien clanmen rallied together and ambushed Murrough and was saved when this unknown Clancy( cannot find a first name) diverted the clansmen wrath elsewhere and hide Murrough to safety. I guess in laymans terms the Clancys were not of the same class as the O'Briens. They were bodyguards/personal policemen to the O'Briens.
Thats all I have but I find this history fascinating and I am still digging so I will keep you informed. Sorry my info isn't very accurate in the dates though, but it is interesting to say the least
. Have a great day.
caclancy
