ORDER OF COLM CILLE
The Order of Colm Cille (O.C.C) is a cultural fraternal Order belonging to the Cinéal Chonaill clans. The Cinéal Chonaill refers to the majority of Irish clans located in Tír Chonaill the 'land of Conall', now known as Donegal. The award can be given only to those deemed to have been important to Donegal culture and history and very rarely to wider Irish culture. Awards can be bestowed on individuals only by recognised clan chieftains within the Cinéal Chonaill, either by primogeniture or by Brehon Law, also known as Tanistry. The Order is named after St. Colm Cille (521-587), earlier spelt St. Colum Cille, the patron saint of all Donegal clans as well as one of the three patron saints of Ireland along with St. Pádraig and St. Brighde. Colm Cille, the 'Dove of the Church', spread Christianity throughout Ireland, Scotland and the north of England and it is fitting that this Order should hold his beloved and revered name. St. Colm Cille is regarded as the central figure ...