2009-10 Tony O'Malley (No 55)

Chieftain Tony O'Malley with his wife Maureen at the Welcome Inn, Castlebar in 2010

Tony O'Malley was born in 1941 into a large family of 9 boys and 3 girls in Feenone, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, the children of Pat-Micheál  O'Malley and Mary O'Grady. The family were known as the Pat-Micheáls. Pat-Micheál was the son of Micheál O'Malley and Kat Navin. He was proud of his O'Malley heritage and loved to attend the early O'Malley Clan Gatherings in Westport. Tony went to Kiladoon National School, close to his home and left at age 13. 

He worked for Mayo County Council until he dscided to move to England in 1960. There he learned to operate earth-moving machines, which he continued todo for the rest of his career. In Wigan in 1962 he met Maureen Frain and they later married and had two daughters, Ann-Marie and Catherine. They moved back to Ireland in 1973 and settled in Castlebar where they had 4 more children: Anthony, Margaret, Rosaleen and Patrick. Tony has eight grandchildren.

Tony enjoyed playing golf for many years and then boules in his later years. 

He was elected the 55th Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan in 2009 and held his Gathering in Castlebar in 2010.

Tony as a boy with his family. He is the barefoot boy 3rd from left in front. His father, Pat-Micheál is wearing a cap on the extreme left.

Young Tony at work in Birkenhead, UK.

Tony being presented with his golf prize by Chieftain Eoin O'Malley 2001

Tony with Chieftain Brigid at her Gathering in Louisburgh 2015