royal clans. The larger or more important clans were led by a taoiseach or chief who had the status of royalty, and the smaller and more dependent clans were led by chieftains. Under Brehon law, the leaders of Irish clans were appointed by their kinsmen as custodians of the clan and were responsible for maintaining and protecting their clan and its property. The clan system formed the basis of society up to the 17th century.

Origins

The O'Rahilly doctrine

According to T. F. O'Rahilly,

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