History has largely forgotten Patrick Ronayne Cleburne. Perhaps this is not surprising. Like many Irishmen throughout history, he fought on the losing side of a foreign war and, as we know, history is written by the victors. However, since Americans are presently given to Civil War retrospectives, it is fitting that we remember one of the Confederacy's greatest military … [Read more...] about Patrick Ronayne Cleburne: The Stonewall Jackson of the West
1992
Brothers In Arms
By John Cosden March 1992
Remembering the five Sullivan brothers, World War II sailors who, serving together on the USS Juneau, were all killed in action on its sinking around November 13, 1942. November 8, 1942: the largest U.S. naval task force yet assembled for the battle of Guadalcanal sales out of Noumea, New Caledonia. Among the American warships was the year-old, light cruiser U.S.S … [Read more...] about Brothers In Arms
Irish Roots : O’Donnell, McDonnell and Donnelly
These three names and others of a similar sound such as Donnellan and Donlon are sometimes confused, as spelling variations have occurred among emigrant families. They are, however, totally distinct, and indeed both the McDonnells and O'Donnells are made up of several distinct septs. The main branch of the O'Donnells, based in Donegal, is the most eminent of the Gaelic … [Read more...] about Irish Roots : O’Donnell, McDonnell and Donnelly
Roots: Dunne and Duffy
By James G. Ryan
April / May 2000
he names Dunne and Duffy have nothing in common except that they are derived from colors, the Dunnes from donn, the Gaelic word for brown and Duffy from dubh, the Gaelic for black. This is relatively unusual since the vast majority of Gaelic names are based on relationships i.e. "Son of," or "Follower of." The Dunne family name is derived from the Gaelic O'Duinn or O'Doinn, … [Read more...] about Roots: Dunne and Duffy
Roots: O’Malley and Molloys
By James G. Ryan
February / March 2000
These two families, although unrelated, share the same origin of their names, i.e. both are thought to derive from the Gaelic word for chieftain. The O'Malley family (from the Gaelic O'Maille) are very closely associated with the area of North Connaught and were, in ancient times, the Lords of the Mayo baronies of Murrisk and Burrishoole. The name is rarely found without the O, … [Read more...] about Roots: O’Malley and Molloys