Historically, a clan was made up of everyone who lived on the chief's territory, or on territory of those who owed allegiance to the chief.   Through the long passage of time, with the constant changes of ‘clan boundaries’ (often through inter-clan warfare, and later as a result of territorial expansion by English ‘plantations’ in Ireland), and through migration or regime changes, clans would be made up of large numbers of members who were unrelated … some had variations of the family name, and some even bore different surnames.   Often those living on a chief's lands would, over time, adopt the clan surname.   A chief could add to his clan by adopting other families, and also had the legal right to outlaw anyone from his clan, including members of his own family.   Anyone who had the chief's surname was usually considered to be a member of the chief's clan.   Also, anyone who offered allegiance to a chief became a member of the chief's clan, unless the chief decided not to accept that person’s allegiance.   Those who were unrelated to the chief could be ‘adopted’ into the clan through a formal bond of manrent;  an ancient practice whereby they would bind themselves to the chief and the clan by means of an obligation to keep the secrets of the clan, and to provide loyal service and faithful allegiance during peace and war and in all ‘quarrels’.

The modern Clann DubhGhaill/ Clan Doyle offers two kinds of memberships: (i) ‘Supporting Members’; and (ii) ‘Life Members’.

Supporting Members renew their membership every year by paying a nominal membership fee.

Life Membership can be obtained by paying a one-time fee* designed for life membership.

*        Life Members pay the following fees:   €220 for Ireland and the rest of the European Community;  £198 for the U.K.;  US$300;  or Aust$289.   If you are paying by personal cheque from outside Australia, please add €18 , £16, or US$25 to cover bank charges (we would advise the use of registered post when forwarding cash).

Life Members are listed below, with hypertext-links to their personal information:-

Michael R. J. Doyle

Margaret M. FitzGerald

John C. Doyle

Kevin G. Doyle

Brian K. Doyle

Mary A. Elliott

Margaret C. Leaahy

Kevin E. Schmidt

Gail P. Vaughan

Helene M. Doyle

Noreen Doyle

Ray H. Blakeney

Robert S. Doyle

Preston E. Doyle, Sr

John E. Doyle, Jr

Robert S. Doyle, Jr

Joseph C. Doyle

Peter D. Doyle

Cyril W. Doyle

Francis J. Doyle

Edward T. Doyle

James M. Doyle

Michael D. Doyle

Michael D. Doyle