At the fourth rally, on 11 September 1997, the clan did what it had set out to do since 1990: it elected a Taoiseach. Thomas J Dowds of Scotland was chosen unanimously, with Dr Richard F Dowd of New Jersey as Tánaiste — the first such election in 400 years, to be sealed at Cahirmore in the year 2000.

The Gathering

By 1997 the gathering had the rhythm of an old friendship. A California party of O’Dowds touring Ireland heard about the rally and simply arrived in Enniscrone, where they were welcomed like anyone else. A commemorative vellum scroll, again prepared by Sr Emer Mulderrig, was signed by every attendee. The week was as much about choosing the first modern Chieftain as it was about visits and talks.

A delegation from Bonniconlon asked the gathering for its support for a memorial to Colonel Baron James Vippler O’Dowda, who had been hanged in 1798 after the collapse of the Franco-Irish rising. The clan agreed, and would attend the unveiling the following summer.

Tours & Sites

• Castleconnor, Ardnaree Friary, Moyne Abbey
• Easkey, Skreen and Culleens — heartland of the ‘Slíocht Buí’ line
• Rosserk Friary, Killala, and the coastal watch-towers at Rathlee Castle

The Election

At the general meeting on Saturday evening, Conor and Gertie MacHale outlined the history and authority of the Uí Dubhda chieftainship. Nominations were taken, and the members unanimously elected Thomas J Dowds, from Scotland, descended from the O’Dowds of Kilglass, as Taoiseach-elect. Dr Richard F Dowd of New Jersey was elected Tánaiste. Both formal inaugurations were set for the rally of 1 – 3 September 2000 — to be held, by then-established plan, in the ring-fort at Cahirmore.

Voices & Visitors

Two young Australians, Tammie Smith and Andrew O’Dowd, announced their engagement at the Belleek Castle banquet. The clan stretched now across Australia, North America, Europe, Africa and Ireland — and, for the first time, New Zealand.