Clan Mac an Fhilidh - McNeill of Antrim

Greetings McNeelys:

My name is Richard Upton Neely, Jr., and the reason I'm writing today, other than to introduce myself, is to let Neally, Neely, Neeley, MacNeill, McNeil, McNeely, and related family members know that I've recently become the applicant of record to register the Clan Mac an Fhilidh - Clan MacNeill of Antrim with Finte na hÉireann - Clans of Ireland. This organization, as you may know, is an independent (non-governmental) authority founded in 1989 to maintain the official Register of Clans in Ireland, and in this regard they work closely with the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains. You can learn more about the organization on their website:

http://www.clansofireland.ie/home.htmhttp://www.clansofireland.ie/home.htm

I should note here that there are two distinct historical Irish clans whose descendants use variations of the Neely surname - Clan Mac an Fhilidh which originated in Ulster, and Mac Conghaile which originated in Connaught. I'm reaching out to descendants of the former.

I'm covering the registration costs myself so let me be clear up front that I'm not looking for money, just your interest and assistance in getting the word out to Neelys, Neeleys, Nealys, MacNeills, etc., who might be interested in helping get the organization up and running. I'd like to get a good cross-section of members not only from the U.S. but around the world as well (Ireland would be nice!). Can I count on your help?

Best regards,

Richard U. Neely, Jr.