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The name O'Dalaigh signifies "descendant of Dalach," a derivation that remains somewhat unclear but widely accepted as originating from the same root as daeil, meaning "assembly." The Irish Parliament's name, Dail Eireann, confirms this theory, suggesting Dalach likely meant "assemblyman" or "councillor." The chiefs of high Corca Adhamh, O'Dalaigh of lasting renown, held esteemed positions. Many O'Dalaigh were hereditary poets to various Irish royal courts and several occupied the post of Ard Ollamh, Chief Poet of Ireland. One notable example is the O'Dalaigh of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, who served as poets to the royal court of the O'Conchobhair, kings of Connacht. The Ard Ollamh ranked alongside the High King of Ireland in social hierarchy and maintained his own court. Several members of the O'Dalaigh family concurrently held both this position and that of Chief Ollamh of Scotland. The chief poet was addressed as "The O'Dalaigh," similar to how the Prince of Thomond was referred to as "The O'Brien." O'Dalaigh clan members founded bardic schools across Ireland and in Scotland. Irish noble bards were highly respected, considered filid or "men of skill"; their social standing placed them below kings but above all others. The O'Dalaigh excelled at the demanding poetry form known as Dan Direach throughout the Late Medieval period. A significant portion of the prestige surrounding the Irish bardic ollamh stemmed from fear; a leader criticized in a glam dicenn, or satire-poem, by a skilled poet could suffer damage to his social position. Exceptionally talented poets were believed to possess the power to inflict boils on their targets or cause other physical harm (early Irish society placed great value on leaders' physical appearance). Conversely, the praise of an accomplished poet was highly valued for enhancing social and political prestige. In addition to their poetry, senior O'Dalaigh sept members served as chieftains. Their lands included Corca Raidhe in Meath and Mhuintir Baire in Cork, as well as the minor 'kingdom' of Corcaree. Royal courts often granted lands to bards, with many townlands bearing names such as Ballydaly near Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, commemorating this practice. In theory, Irish poets' lands were held sacrosanct and could not be despoiled during warfare or raiding. Other O'Dalaigh members held ecclesiastical roles: monks, abbots, and bishops; they often combined their church duties with producing religious poetry. The Irish bardic poet frequently played a significant role in dynastic politics and warfare. A number of O'Dalaigh died violent deaths, while others caused the violent deaths of others. Muireadhach Albanach O'Dalaigh, the axe-wielding crusader, exemplifies the warlike Irish poet archetype.