15 - Ruling Clan in district. (15)
The O'Shortalls were chiefs in Clara district for many years. Some say this family were here before the Norman Invasion.
Clara Castle was their home. Their descendants continued to live here as ruling chiefs until 1649 or there abouts. There is a sad story relating to their eviction from their home by Cromwell's soldiers.
It is said that the Castle was bombarded with cannon and the inmates thrown out on the road-side one cold wet night in winter. They were ordered to Connaught, but it is said nearly all of them perished on the road with