O’Dubhda Clan Council

The O’Dubhda Clan Council is the governing body of the O’Dubhda (O’Dowd) clan association, uniting descendants of one of the most distinguished Gaelic dynasties of north Connacht. Rooted in the ancient territories of Mayo and Sligo, the council serves as the modern steward of a lineage stretching back over a millennium.

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Role of the Council

The council exists to support the Taoiseach — the elected Chief of the Name — and to coordinate the governance and strategic direction of the clan. It brings together leadership, officers, and senior advisors to guide the association’s activities with continuity and purpose.

Among its core responsibilities, the council organizes international clan rallies and gatherings that bring together O’Dubhda descendants from across the globe. It promotes historical, genealogical, and archaeological research into the clan’s deep roots in the Irish landscape, and it works to strengthen the living connection between the historic homeland in Mayo and Sligo and the worldwide diaspora.

Membership of the council includes the current Taoiseach, the Tánaiste (deputy chief), all surviving past Taoisigh, and the elected council officers.

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Council Leadership

Sean Stephens — Taoiseach

Sean Stephens serves as the current Taoiseach of the O’Dubhda Clan, holding the elected office of Chief of the Name. As Taoiseach, he leads the council and represents the clan in international contexts, carrying forward the traditions of the chieftainship in the modern era.

His tenure has focused on deepening diaspora connections, supporting historical and archaeological initiatives tied to O’Dubhda lands in Mayo and Sligo, and helping to organize contemporary clan rallies and heritage projects that keep the clan’s identity vibrant and engaged.

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Terry Rochford — Tánaiste

Terry Rochford serves as Tánaiste, the deputy chief of the clan. In the tradition of Gaelic succession, the Tánaiste is the designated successor to the Taoiseach, ensuring that leadership transitions are orderly and that institutional knowledge is preserved.

Terry supports the Taoiseach in leadership responsibilities and council planning, playing a central role in maintaining the continuity and coherence of clan governance.

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Past Taoisigh

The modern O’Dubhda chieftainship was revived in the late twentieth century, drawing inspiration from the medieval chiefs who once ruled substantial territories across north Mayo and Sligo. Unlike the hereditary succession of the ancient Gaelic order, the modern Taoiseach is elected by the clan association — a democratic expression of the clan’s living community.

Former Taoisigh remain active and valued members of the council, serving as senior advisors whose experience informs the work of current leadership.

Tom Dowds — Taoiseach (1997–2003)

Tom Dowds holds the distinction of being the first Taoiseach of the modern clan revival, elected in 1997 and formally inaugurated in Ireland in 2000. Based in Scotland, he played a foundational role in re-establishing the clan as a functioning modern organization.

His leadership launched the era of modern clan rallies and began the work of reconnecting diaspora descendants — many of whom had been separated from their Irish roots for generations — with the living heritage of the O’Dubhda name.

Mike Dowd — Taoiseach (2009–2012)

Mike Dowd served as Taoiseach from 2009 to 2012. Based in Australia, his tenure gave meaningful expression to the clan’s truly international character, representing the breadth of the global diaspora at the highest level of clan leadership.

He promoted active participation in clan gatherings from members across the world and supported the development of historical and genealogical initiatives that deepened understanding of the clan’s origins.

Andrew Dowds — Taoiseach (2015–2018)

Andrew Dowds served as Taoiseach from 2015 to 2018, continuing the expansion of the modern clan council and encouraging productive collaboration among O’Dubhda descendants in Ireland, North America, and across the wider diaspora.

He remains active within the council as a senior advisor, contributing the perspective of long experience to ongoing clan matters.

Kieran O’Dowd — Taoiseach (2018–2022)

Kieran O’Dowd was first elected Tánaiste in 2015 before assuming the role of Taoiseach in 2018, serving until 2022. Her tenure was marked by efforts to modernize aspects of the clan organization and to strengthen engagement with members across the global diaspora.

She brought energy and vision to the role during a period of significant change, and her contributions continue to shape the direction of the council.

Colum O’Dowd — Taoiseach (2022–Present)

Colum O’Dowd was elected Taoiseach in 2022. Based in Ireland, his leadership reinforces the direct connection between the clan council and its historic homeland in Mayo and Sligo.

He is an active supporter of cultural and historical initiatives in the region and represents the clan in heritage and historical activities, ensuring that the ancient lands of the O’Dubhda remain central to the clan’s modern identity.

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Council Officers

Carianne Rochford — Secretary

Carianne Rochford serves as Secretary of the O’Dubhda Council, managing communications, documentation, and the coordination of council meetings. She maintains the council’s administrative records and ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization.

Renee Shahan — Treasurer

Renee Shahan serves as Treasurer, overseeing the financial administration of the clan organization. She manages the funds that support gatherings, heritage projects, and clan initiatives, and is committed to the principles of financial transparency and responsible stewardship.

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Historical and Genealogical Role

Conor Mac Hale — Mac Firbis (Clan Historian)

Conor Mac Hale holds the distinguished title of Mac Firbis, the clan historian — a role linked to one of the most celebrated scholarly families in medieval Gaelic Ireland. The Mac Fhirbhisigh were hereditary historians and genealogists who served the O’Dubhda chiefs for centuries, responsible for recording lineages, preserving clan histories, and transmitting the knowledge of the Gaelic learned class.

Conor continues this tradition in the modern era, contributing genealogical research and historical scholarship that helps preserve and interpret the lineage of the O’Dubhda clan. His work ensures that the records and stories of a remarkable Gaelic dynasty remain accessible to descendants and scholars alike.