The Ely O'Carroll Research Group and the Clan Cian Research Group, were created in direct response to claims made members of the Clan Cian Group and Clan Cian Services led by the current claimant of the title of: "The O'Carroll" Chief of the name, Ard Tiarna, Prince High Chief of Eile. Frederick James O'Carroll of California.

For several years many independant researchers have debated, the motives of the Clan Cian Group of California. Members of the Clan Cian Group make the claim that they are members of a recognized Irish Clan, but demonstrate no evidence of the claim; in fact; they are by definition a paid membership society or association, and not a clan (a family group). They claim to be dedicated to the preservation of the Eile O'Carroll Territory or Carroll Kingdom of Eile O'Carroll's History; but fall short of sharing, citing, or even giving recognition to many of the most indepth studies of the region. That group claims connection (amplying historical relevents) to hundreds of families, but fail to demonstrate how or why those connections are relevent to any of their family histories.

Some researchers are of the opinion that the Clan Cian group of California, break from historical tradition, confuse cultural issues, refuse recognition of and embellish histories and folklore, and exploit the wants or needs of those who are in search of a more accurate understanding of where they come from; what helped to make them who they are and of the histories and culture from which they sprang. Thus our research began.

While the groups website actually mentions little history. It demonstrates only statements that might enhance the view of the O'Carroll history; (with the exception of Hitchcock).but fails to reference materials that might demonstrate a less honorable view of O'Carroll history. (i.e.; In The Midland Septs And The Pale by F.R. Montgomery Hitchcock, published in 1908, Chapter XI The Rise of the O'Carrolls and O'Mulloys, pg. 167-

"The history of the O'Carrolls begin with a sacrilege--the murder of a king, O'Hendersgeol of Cathluighe in South Munster, who was stabbed as he was leaving the church, and fell dead on the theshold (1154)."

Chapter XII: The Fall of the O'Carrolls Pg 184 of the same reference talks of the deeds of Calvagh O'Carroll (1585). After hiring others to help in his plundering expeditions, instead of making payment- provided the mercenaries with a banquet....

" But at the end of the banquet, when the revellers were overcome with the pleasures of the table, the orders were given to close the doors, and the perfidious host, violating all the traditions of hospitality, which were often of more weight in the eyes of the Celt than the laws of God, caused his armed retainers to fall upon the defenceless men who had fought his battles, and slew them to a man."

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

As pertains to research source materials:
"A work should be judged by the standards of its time and not by the more exacting standards of historical research of later times. It is the fate of all historians to have their work corrected and updated by the better research facilities available to their successors." ... His Lordship Dr. M. Harty; Bishop of Killiloe.

While the ClanCian-Carroll website have a few references book cited for researchers or genealogists on their website, they are for the most part, general in nature. Not to diminish the works of such authors as Gleeson, Hitchcock, Bell, Cotter, and MacLysaght.

The Clan Cian website seems to avoid referencing more specialized publications; updated through the used of archives, state papers, survey results, and data bases and private collections by such authors as C.A. Empey, George Cunningham, Elizabeth FitzPatrick, Kenneth W.Nicholls, David Edwards, Tim Venning, Harman Murtagh, William Nolan, Timothy P. O'Neill, Aoife Leonard, Rolf Loeber, and Peter Davies, etc. who have studied the region of Ireland once considered the Ely O'Carroll Country.

By avoiding a clearer and possibly a more accurate, understanding of the region, its people and its history; its easier to exploit an individual's acceptance of and willingness to support a history made to fit one's enterprises.

To find original truth should be a researcher's quest. Seemingly, the researchers for the Clan Cian-Carroll group only share those histories and or source materials that support the views of the current claimant to the title of "The O'Carroll" Chief of the name, Ard Tiarna, Prince High Chief of Eile.

While it may be said that the Clan Cian-Carroll group researchers have fullfilled their responsibiliies as per the guidelines placed upon them. It must also be pointed out that; the research falls short of being, by any means, complete or publically announced as ongoing.

With the knowledge and understanding that the research being performed by both the Ely O'Carroll Research Group and the Clan Cian Research Groups has been on going and is far from complete; anticipating the discovery of new source materials, drove the group as a whole. Many of our researchers feel they have made their case and proven their point, several individuals feel no need to continue, while several others feel the need to conclude at a point in which the "O'Carroll" Lordship ended.The fact that the Clan Cian Services was founded over two decades ago, and has publically announced limited reference materials (as per their website); might lead other researchers to debate that groups intent. Whereas, the Ely O'Carroll Research Group was founded in 2006 and the Clan Cian Research Group was founded in 2008 both groups has surpassed the research reference materials list as is displayed on the Clan Cian-Caroll website.

In regard to the research preformed by the Clan Cian Research Group that pertains to the Clan Cian Services of California and the group whos membership is represented on the Clan Cian-Carroll website. It is clear that, the membership group clearly omits information concerning its intent to market (exploit) the rich Irish heritage and culture that group shares.

The Clan Cian-Carroll website clearly states the membership is dedicated to the preservation of the Carroll Kingdom of Eile O'Carroll's History. However, it selectively omits its intent to market the region and the heritage; both considered funding actions of a society or association.

"It [Clan Cian] is dedicated to the preservation of the Eile O'Carroll Territory or Carroll Kingdom of Eile O'Carroll's History. Representing Carroll~O'Carrolls, inclusive of all the related, Family Septs, Dependent Family Septs of Eile O'Carroll and other Parts of Ireland, and Worldwide."
[from: http://www.clancian-carroll.com/whatis.shtml]

"....and other Parts of Ireland, and Worldwide." This statement allows for a very open target audience; and pinpoints no specific relevence to Eile O'Carroll Territory or Carroll Kingdom of Eile O'Carroll's History.

The site facilitates the means by which members can purchase jewelry, tours to Ireland, books, etc. But makes no mention of other publications which better explain the marketing and business perception.

In an interview with the author of "Erin's Blood Royal: The Gaelic Noble Dynasties of Ireland"; Peter Berresford Ellis, "The O'Carroll looks on the promotion of his heritage very much as a family business." pg. 136.

In the book; "Signifying Place: The Semiotic Realisation of Place in Irish Product Marketing" by: Sheila Gaffey, states that the Ely O'Carroll Tourism is a regional product marketing group... The name was chosen as a unique heritage feature which could be used as something a little different to sell the area. Figure 4.11b Ely O'Carroll name, Figure 4.11a Ely O'Carroll logo.

"There is a unique heritage here, we see it as a draw, something different.
Ely O'Carroll is a key to get into places that we wouldn't normally [be able
to enter], access to the media. The publicity you can get with a story is
easier than if you didn't have a story."

An Open Invitation To All Researchers?