Alfonso, Carlos and Hugo set to join the clan

Say hola to Spain’s three most famous O’Donnell brothers.

They may not look like typical Donegal men but the siblings are travelling to Ireland to celebrate the O’Donnell Clan Gathering.

The brothers — Carlos, Marqués de Altamira; Hugo, Marqués de las Salinas and Alfonso, Count de Lucena, all sons of Hugo O’Donnell, the 7th Duke of Tetuan and a grandee of Spain, will attend the event this August.

Their father, the present Duke of Tetuan, attended several O’Donnell Clan Gatherings as did his father, Leopoldo, the 6th duke.

The Spanish O’Donnells, and there are many of them, are descended from Joseph O’Donnell (1722-1787) who emigrated from Mayo to the continent, eventually arriving in Spain where he became colonel of the regiment of Ultonia and rose to the rank of lieutenant-general.

Joseph was great, grandson of Calbhach Rua who was moved from Donegal to Mayo during the Cromwellian Plantation (mid-1600). Calbhach Rua was great, great grandson of Mánus (21st chieftain, died 1563), who in turn was grandson of Aodh Rua, who died in 1505 and is commemorated by a sculpture on the pier in Donegal Town.

The O’Donnell Clan Association is holding the Clan Gathering in the last stronghold of the O’Donnells — Donegal Town.

The five-day event begins on Aug 5 and has much to offer to both overseas visitors and locals alike.

Events include visits to places associated with this illustrious clan, talks and forums, social occasions, and more. One of the highlights will be an evening of Celtic music in Donegal Castle performed by Tale of the Gael and guests. This will be followed by a supper of smoked salmon with Guinness or wine in the Castle Bar, Donegal Town.

People are coming from far and wide for the event, with visitors already booked from Spain, the US, Canada, Britain, as well as from various parts of Ireland.