The King of the Claddagh was the title given to the leader of the Claddagh community in Galway City. It is now a honarary role.
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Up to the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Claddagh was a distinct Irish speaking community across the Corrib River from Galway City[1], with its own king, who led the fishing fleet and made the big decisions. The King of the Claddagh sailed a galway hooker with a special white sail, and settled disputes between the locals.
Historically he was elected annually, he enforced the local bye-laws, settled disputes, and his power was described as being absolute among the fishermen[2].
The King of the Claddagh today is Mike Lynskey. The first recorded King of the Claddagh was the Rev Thomas Folan, who died in 1887.