River Ilen, Skibbereen. Photo: Daniel O’Driscoll.

• Early planning has begun for a commemorative celebration of this milestone, to be held concurrent with the first Association Annual General Meeting, likely in late summer 2025. Details will be forthcoming by the end of this year.

• We are continuing to work on the complex process of filing applications in the U.S. and Ireland, to create two legal entities through which to conduct Clan business. Once our applications have been approved, we will apply for tax-exempt status as a non-profit with the IRS. This will allow some donations to be tax deductible, and any item sales to be tax-exempt.

• The year 2025 will be a building year for our Clan Association.  Objectives include establishing a Membership Program as well as the O’Donovan Heritage Fund, a vehicle for fundraising to acquire and preserve historic sites relevant to the Clan. The Membership program will launch in the first quarter, giving O’Donovans and supporters the opportunity to become Charter Members and to support the establishment of the Heritage Fund. Volunteer effort will be crucial if a viable preservation and acquisition program is to be successful. Please consider joining the Volunteer Force to get involved!