The following are the collective opinions of many researchers involved in the research groups of The Ely O'Carroll Research Group and the Clan Cian Research Group.

Without explaination or a clear, understanding of the culture and traditions of its people and its history; it is easier to confuse the understanding of an individual's acceptance of what someone tells them at a festival or games, without having researched or visiting the region, its history or its people. Confusing a target audience is more likely to be successful.

By their own admission, the definition of the term "clan" used by the Clan Cian services of California is the same as this definition of society.

"A society is a grouping of individuals which is characterized by common interests and may have distinctive culture and institutions. Members of a society may be from different ethnic groups...." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society

Though it is understood that in ancient times a tribute was paid, and fees were exacted on subjects by their leadership. It is not clear if the Cheif of the Eile, made members of his family pay to be family. If so, this seems to be unique in the history of Ireland. If not, it seems to break from Irish tradition and culture.

It is the recommendation of the researchers of both the Ely O'Carroll Research Group and that of the Clan Cian Research Group that if you want to learn more about Irish culture and or histories of Irish Kingdoms/lordships; that an individual locate, independant source materials. This provides for a more objective view of those histories.

It is our collective opinion that you should not pay a for a membership to any group that charges an $80.00 fee to belong to a family group (Clan) that you might have a birthright to, by virtue of your surname.

A clan society, that tells you up front, that it is a society, association or club and explains what its goals are and clearly lays out the benefits and or advantages of membership is more likely to provide you with a more satisfying experience. Research the group first or prepare to be exploited for your membership fee.

It is the opinion of at least one of our researchers that the surname connection page has at least one fabricated title, (and connection to that title) not found to have any historical validity, other than to embellish claims made. Just one example:

Section:(1) O'Carroll, High Chief and Taniste of Eile, Clan Cian
Kennedy- Earl of Kennedy, Scotland - Nova Scotia, New Jersey

There is no such title in Scotland, Nova Scotia, or New Jersey. This seems to be an apparent attempt to make a connection by that group, without researching a Kennedys of Scotland or the titles of that family.

1. Marquess of Ailsa (a one time Baronet of Nova Scotia (b.1770) having had no connection to Ely O'Carroll)
2. Baron Ailsa
3. Earl of Cassilis
4. Lord Kennedy
5. Chief of Kennedy (Scotland)
6. Kings of Carrick (Styled)

To date, our researchers have located no record of any connection; between the well documented histories of the Marguess of Ailsa, Earl of Cassilis, or the Kings of Carrick and "The O'Carroll" of Ireland.

There is no known record of the Chief of Kennedy, charging clansmen a fee to be included within his clan. However, even if that were the case; the Clan Cian members insist that the Scots and Irish defined the term "CLAN" differently.

If you are Irish, descended from anyone surnamed Carroll, and you are of the surname of Carroll or O'Carroll [or any varient thereof] should you not be included within the O'Carroll clan? What is considered a birthright? "Chief of the name," is traditionally elected or nominated, and is not an automatic title given to the next in line; in this to, the Clan Cian-Carroll group appear to break from Irish cultural tradition.

A valid point, of interest, might include the fact that a society, association, or heritage club, is typically charged a membership fee, described as dues, annual or lifetime. Clan Cian-Carroll charges $80.00.