Ollam

[1] Generally, ollam referred to a professional poet or bard of literature and history, and a member of the highest of the seven ranks of filí, achieved after at least twelve years of study, [2] As part of a king's court, the ollam might combine the functions of poet, story-teller, and historian, including an accurate recitation of genealogies.

[4] As early as 574, members of the Ó hUiginn (O'Higgins) clan were recorded as hereditary poets in the courts of Irish Princes and Chiefs.

[5] As such they were accorded a status of nobility second in rank only to the King and were entitled to wear the same number of colours in their robes.

Ollav was also applied to a druidic rank; meaning much the same as "professor", or person of great learning.

[6] Ollamh Fodhla was the title of the mythical 18th High King of Ireland who is said to have first formed the assembly known as the Feis Teamhrach, or Feast of Tara around 1300 BCE.