The Nobiliary
Fraternity of the
Nia Naisc
Prior to the arrival of Norman
mercenaries in 1167 AD, Irish Kings retained the equivalent of knights
appointed from amongst their kin and nobles. This was supplemented in
time of war by conscription of Kern (catharnach, meaning friendship or
mutual benevolence)(7), who served as basic infantry in any
conflict. Long before the advent of Christianity and the concept of
European chivalry evolved, Canon Bourke, examiner in Celtic History at
the Royal University of Ireland, identifies 5 separate military orders:
-
An Niagh Nasc - knights of the golden chain , in modern Gaelige "niachas" is used as an alternative for the word chivalry
-
An Curraidh na Craoibhe Ruaidhe - knights of the Red Branch, lit. Champions of the red branch or bough
-
An Clanna Deagha - knights of Munster, lit. Family of Deagha
-
An Clanna Baoisgne - knights of Leinster, lit. Family of Baoisgne
-
An Clanna Morna - knights of Connaught, lit. Family of Morna. (There existed in Connaught the Gamhainride - literally knights of the calf, perhaps one and the same)
Keating’s “History of Ireland” states that “no king should settle down in Tara with a view to assuming the sovereignty of Ireland till he should first wear the nasc niadh round his neck.”
The original order of the Niadh Nask was created by Terence MacCarthy, a native of Belfast who assumed sometime in the early 1980s or late 1970s the style of MacCarthy Mór. The Chief Herald of Ireland withdrew Terence MacCarthy's recognition as clan chief and courtesy title of MacCarthy Mór in July 1999.
In 2001 the order was restructured as a nobiliary fraternity under the guidance of Charles McKerrell of Hillhouse. The US branch is organized as a charitable “not for profit” corporation governed by a Council chaired by the Ceann Cumain. The Nia Naisc’s aim is to attain recognition by the Lord Lyon of Scotland as a legitimate Celtic organization.
I am a Knight of the Order.