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Roots

The Finnegan Clan

By Maeve Molloy and Mary Gallagher

December/ January 2021

May 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Finnegan is an Irish surname coming from the Gaelic Ó Fionnagáin, meaning “son of fair-haired.” James Joyce immortalized the name for all time in his 1939 novel Finnegans Wake. But literary giants aside, Finnegan is one of the most recognizable Irish surnames of our times. The Finnegan clan’s ties to America have only bound more tightly since the election of Joe Biden as … [Read more...] about The Finnegan Clan

Roots: That’s Not an Irish Name!

By James D. Ryan, Contributor
December / January 2020

December 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Names such as Kelly, Murphy, O’Brien, and Ryan are distinctively Irish and are widely known to be. However, there are many other names that are Irish – but far less obviously so. Names such as Holland, King, Waters, Rabbitte, Woods, Smith, Kidney, Bird, Salmon, Moore, Traynor, Moss, Fox, Dean, and many others can be of Irish origin due to some strange evolutions of language and … [Read more...] about Roots: That’s Not an Irish Name!

Roots: Murphy, O’Murchu, and O’Murphy

By Gregory Chestler, Contributor
October / November 2019

October 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The Irish surname Murphy is a modern form of the ancient Irish name O’Murchadha, which means “descendant of sea warrior,” from the Gaelic muir, meaning “sea,” and cath, meaning “battle.” And, true to the clan’s moniker, the Murphys have traveled and battled far and wide. It’sthe most widespread surname in Ireland, and according to the 2010 census, it’s the 64th most common name … [Read more...] about Roots: Murphy, O’Murchu, and O’Murphy

Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
March / April 2019

March 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The O'Neill family crest.

Members of the O’Neill Clan (anglicized from Ui Néill, “Néill” meaning “champion”) can trace their origins back to Niall Noígíallach “of the Nine Hostages” (c. 361-452). Niall united all the provinces under his rule, using hostages as a way to get power and influence. He also was up for a spot of kidnapping and that’s how the Welsh lad with Roman parents – a lad whom we now … [Read more...] about Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

Discover Your Ancestors on this Interactive Map of Irish Surnames

By Dave Lewis, Editorial Assistant
April 6, 2018

April 6, 2018 by 10 Comments

Have you ever wondered where your Irish family name is most common or originates from in Ireland? If you’re like most Irish Americans in the weeks following St. Patrick’s Day, the answer is almost certainly yes. And to get the answers, cartographer Kenneth Field and the American Geographical Society have shared an interactive map of Ireland based on the 1890 census that … [Read more...] about Discover Your Ancestors on this Interactive Map of Irish Surnames

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Today in History

June 26, 1970

Riots broke out in Londonderry after mid-Ulster MP Bernadette Devlin was arrested. Devlin, who participated in the Bogside riots of 1969, was sentenced to six months in jail. She had previously applied for an appeal, which was rejected by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeals. When police attempted to arrest Devlin at a roadblock in Londonderry, violence quickly escalated with the use of petrol bombs to which soldiers responded with tear gas.

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