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This extremely well-researched history of a County Cork sept traces its origins from Cellachan of Cashel, the tenth-century king of Munster, down to modern times. As the English extended their rule over Ireland in the 16th century, more abundant historical data presents a detailed picture of the territory occupied by the sept and the activities of its chieftains. Steady encroachment by English adventurers and speculators, however, imposed severe pressure on the Gaelic way of life. As a consequence of the rebellion of 1641 and the subsequent conquest by Oliver Cromwell, O Callaghan lands were confiscated and the chieftain and his family were transplanted to County Clare. The Confiscated lands were allotted toCromwell’s soldiers as a reward for their service. Although some O Callaghans retained their estates by conforming to the Established Church, the majority, who remained on the land as tenants of English landlords, adhered to the Catholic Church. At the end of the 17th century the departure of many Irish soldiers for the continent, where they achieved renown in the service of the kings of France and Spain, deprived the common people of Ireland of their natural leaders. The Penal Laws of the 18th century throttled the Catholic people and condemned many to a life of servitude and poverty. In the early 19th century Catholic Emancipation relieved some of that burden, and the struggle over the land later in the century resulted in the Land Acts that put an end to landlordism and gave tenants a full right of ownership. The restoration of their dignity paved the way to future prosperity. Despite hundreds of years of penury and subjection, the native resilience and intelligence of the O Callaghans has enabled many proud bearers of the name to achieve distinction in nearly every area of human endeavor.
