2025-26 Denise O'Malley Kelly (No 69)

Denise O'Malley Kelly is from a family of O'Malley Clan Chieftains who trace their ancestry via Rathdowney, Co Laois to Clare Island, Co Mayo. Her father Michael O'Malley was Chieftain (No 25) in 1976-77 and her grand uncles Martin (No 19) and Gerry (No 21) were Chieftains in 1970-71 and 1972-73 respectively. Her cousins Declan (No 31) 1982-83, Ellen (No 42) in 1993-94, Mary (Moll) (No 54) in 2007-08, and Grace (No 69) in 2024-25 were also Chieftain of our Clan. Martain (No 19), Gerry (No 21), and Ellen (No 42) were also Guardian Chieftains. Denise went to her first Gathering in the late 1970's and has been an active member and regular attender ever since. Denise (No 70) is the 8th of her extended family to become Chieftain.

Denise studied tourism/reception and administration, before joining Dunnes Stores as an administrative assistant and later promoted as a buyer of household goods, children's wear and accessories. She later went onto work in childcare, which she highly enjoyed for over 10 years. This experience has stood her in good stead for planning the 2026 O'Malley Gathering in Ennis, Co Clare - her home county.

She was appointed O'Malley Clan Chieftain in June 2025, at a ceremony held at the Westport Coast Hotel in County Mayo, led by Clan Guardian Chieftain Ellen and outgoing Chieftain Grace, in the presence of many past Chieftains, her husband John, Mother Kay, her brothers Kenneth, John and clan members. This year, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of when her father Michael became Chieftain.

Denise is married to John Kelly and they live in Glin, County Limerick.