As tradition dictates, we mark the beginning of every new year with the announcement of nominations for the Clan Order, The Merit Order of the Raven.

The Order is presented each year to those who have brought honour and dignity to the Byrne name. There can be no more than five nominations each year and this year there are two.

The nominations for 2013 are;

Mr. Paul Burns of the United States, for his work and dedication in co-ordinating the Byrne DNA project.

Mr. Gay Byrne of Ireland for his remarkable career in Irish broadcasting and work with the Road Safety Authority of Ireland.

Unfortunately, Paul Burns is unable to accept the Merit Order but Finte O’Broin/Clan O’Byrne of Leinster announce his nomination at least in recognition of the enourmous amount of work he has done in making the Byrne DNA project an invaluable resource to those tracing their family tree.

We will now contact Mr. Gay Byrne with news of his nomination and should he accept, he will be presented with the insignia of the Order at the Clan Gathering at Ballinacor Estate in July by Lt.-Col. Charles Artaud Byrne, the O’Byrne of Ranelagh and Patron of the Merit Order of the Raven.