Irish America

Irish America

Genealogy

Irish Family History Day – January 24

By Adam Farley, Editorial Assistant
January 22, 2013

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Irish Family History Day is Thursday, January 24. In partnership with The Gathering and the launch of more than 21 million birth, marriage, and death (BDM) certificates to the site, FindMyPast.com has declared Thursday, January 24 to be “Irish Family History Day.” It’s more than just a nominal accolade though, because this Thursday the site is opening their Ireland records to … [Read more...] about Irish Family History Day – January 24

CALLING UP THE ANCESTORS:
Genealogist Megan Smolenyak

By Sheila Langan, Deputy Editor
February / March 2013

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Digital archives, DNA testing and increased interest have made finding ancestors easier than ever before. But tracing one’s roots – especially Irish roots – is still no easy task. Megan Smolenyak^2 is the genealogist behind such important discoveries as President Obama’s Irish roots and the real identity of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. It’s … [Read more...] about

CALLING UP THE ANCESTORS:
Genealogist Megan Smolenyak

My Mother the Imposter: A Roots Mystery

By Dermot McEvoy, Contributor
February / March 2013

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A search through Dermot McEvoy’s family history revealed an eye-opening secret. Here’s what he discovered, plus a guide to researching your own Irish ancestors. (This article has been updated since its original publication to reflect the most recent re-location of the General Registry Office.) Mary Josephine Kavanagh was born in Dublin on March 18, 1907. She was my mother, or … [Read more...] about My Mother the Imposter: A Roots Mystery

Roots: The Bold O’Briens

By Liam Moriarty, Contributor
December / January 2013

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The O’Briens are an illustrious and prominent clan that has shaped the history of Ireland. The name, also spelled O’Bryan or O’Brian, means “of Brian” indicating descendance from Brian Borumha mac Cennetig, or Brian Boru, the celebrated High King of Ireland. Brian Boru (925-1014) received the throne of Thomond (an area which covers much of modern day County Clare as well as … [Read more...] about Roots: The Bold O’Briens

Roots: The Marvelous McDonaghs

By Maeve Molloy
April / May 2012

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McDonagh is one of the rarer surnames of Ireland, but exists also as MacDonagh, MacDonough, Donogh, and Donagh. The modern forms of the name are derived from Mac Donnchadha, which originates from the first name Donnchadh, a compound of  “donn” meaning brown, plus “cath,” a battle. Often translated as “brown one,” Donnchadh was a common first name in ancient times. Given its … [Read more...] about Roots: The Marvelous McDonaghs