Denis O'Conor Don

Denis Armar O'Conor, O'Conor Don (Irish: Donnchadh Ó Conchubhair Donn; 1912–10 July 2000) was hereditary Chief of the Name O'Conor and principal claiment to the High Kingship of Ireland.[1]

The coat of arms of the O'Conor Don are, Argent an oak tree eradicated and adorned proper. For a crest, An arm embowed in armour holding a short sword entwined with a serpent all proper. As a Chief of the Name, the O'Conor Don is granted the privilege of bearing supporters in his armorial achievement.

Born in London in 1912 to Charles William O'Conor and Evelyn Lowry-Corry, he inherited his title in 1981 from his second cousin Fr. Charles O'Conor, a Jesuit priest. He used his position to promote an interest in Irish heritage from genealogy, local history to archaeology. He became President of the Dún Laoghaire Genealogical Society in 1991 and President of the Genealogical Society of Ireland in 1999. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains.

He married Elizabeth Marris and they had a son, Desmond. With his second wife, Rosemay (née O'Connell Hewett), he had two sons: Kieran and Rory. A daughter, Gail, died aged thirteen.

His eldest son, Desmond, inherited his title of O'Conor Don.

References

  1. Curley, W. Vanishing Kingdoms.