2003-04 Catherine O'Malley O'Reilly (No 51)

Incoming Chieftain Catherine with her mother Brigid at the 2003 Gathering. 

Catherine O'Malley O'Reilly is a native of Owenwee, Westport, Co Mayo. She is the daughter of  Edward O'Malley and Brigid Fadden of Owenwee, near Westport, Co Mayo. Her father published Memories of a Mayoman, an account of his experiences as an Irish Volunteer in the war of Independence and his life thereafter. By contrast, her uncle Patrick O'Malley joined the British army and was cited for gallantry in action on the Western Front in World War I.

She qualified as a teacher from Carysfort College, Blackrock, Co Dublin and also attended University College, Galway.  She was Principal of Brackloon National School, near Westport for many years and had previously been Principal of Bouris National School. She was auditor of the West Mayo Branch of the Irish National Teachers Organisation.

She was a founder member of the Westport Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and delegate to the organisation's County Board.

She married Vincent O'Reilly of Louisburgh and they have seven children: Margaret, Bláithín, Eamon, Píaras, Vincent, Seán and Martin. 

Her interests are in special education, history, Irish language, Traditional Irish music and song and archaeology.

Catherine was elected as the 51st Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan in 2003 and held her Gathering in Westport and an Clare Island in 2004.