Brian Boru and his Famous American Counterparts in Political Dynasties

On Wednesday 17th of July we welcomed Jane O’Halloran of Dalcassan Origins and Ireland  Reaching Out XO to share her research on the similarities between the family of Brian Boru and that of John F Kennedy.  Jane outlined Brian’s family and the fact that his father was politically ambitious and groomed his first son, Mathgamain, for greatness, nearly 1000 years later Joe Kennedy who became US Ambassador to Great Britain also had plans for Joe Jnr his eldest son to climb the political ladder.  Both elder sons where killed and it fell on the second son to achieve their fathers’ ambitions, in the case of Brian he became King of Ireland and JFK President of the USA. 

Both Brian and JFK were supported by their families and recruited their siblings to help in their campaigns and governance.  Jane pointed out the influence of religion in both families Brian’s family being strongly allied with the Abbott of Armagh and the Kennedy’s being staunchly Catholic, Rose Kennedy’s standing with the Catholic Church and hierarchy enabled JFK’s message to be preached from the altar. 

Both married strategically, Brian had at least three wives each bringing more power and influence with the marriage, JFK through his marriage to Jackie managed to dominate the society pages and expanded his social connections beyond the Catholic Irish-American circle.

It was a really interesting and enlightening talk, a great view point and comparison.  During question time more comparisons were raised to other political families such as Donald Trump and his coterie of family in the Whitehouse, poor Brian is probably spinning in his grave! 

We would like to thank Jane for coming to speak to us, she is a busy lady and we really appreciate her making time for us.