Ancient Ireland was a highly stratified society. Everyone had their precise place in the clan based initially on their birth. Life began and ended with your own clan. You were obligated to the clan, and the clan was obligated to you. Your rights and obligations were spelled out in the Brehon laws. The clans were made up of extended families of 17 relatives through a common grandfather. This was called the geilfine system. This did not mean you could not rise or fall in your ranking in the clan. You could improve your status by acquiring a valuable skill like metal working, carpentry or animal husbandry. Or you could lose your status due to poverty related to war, criminal activity, or just plain laziness.

In my book, I explore the structure of the society and make comparisons with how contemporary authors and filmmakers have portrayed Irish Americans as “clannish.” I also focus on our very own famous Irish American clan; the Kennedys.

Sources:

Ancient Laws of Ireland Tectugad and Certain Other Selected Brehon Law Tracts, Vol 4, Commissioners for Publishing the Ancient Laws & Institutes of Ireland (1879) p. 17

The Brehon Laws: A Legal Handbook, Laurence Ginnell (1894) p. 142