Irish America

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Irish roots

Irish Roots: O’Connell, Connolly, Conlon and Connellan

James G Ryan

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The name Connolly is derived from several different roots. In Connaught and Monaghan it derives from the Gaelic O'Coingeallaigh. Both are anglicized to Connolly although the spelling form Connelly is often found in Galway. There have been several famous bearers of the name. In the early 18th century William Connolly (1660-1729) was an eminent lawyer and politician. His family … [Read more...] about Irish Roots: O’Connell, Connolly, Conlon and Connellan

Manx, Music, Military, Moxie, and a Bit Irish

By Megan Smolenyak
IA Newsletter May 27, 2023

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Roots detective Megan Smolenyak researches Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham's roots What can’t Hannah Waddingham do? I’m late to the party discovering her talents in her portrayal of team owner, Rebecca Welton, in Ted Lasso, but oh, how I wish I had seen her in Spamalot, Into the Woods, or Wizard of Oz. And if I weren’t enchanted enough already, her turn as one of … [Read more...] about Manx, Music, Military, Moxie, and a Bit Irish

Irish Roots: The Kennedys

By James G Ryan
March/April 1995

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The name Kennedy or O'Kennedy is derived from the Gaelic O'Cinneide, which is itself derived from the original Gaelic form Cean Eidig meaning "rough head." This was the name by which the father of Brian Boru was known, and the name refers specifically to the line of Dunchad, who was one of the sons of Cean Eidig and a brother of Brian Boru. Brian Boru was perhaps the most … [Read more...] about Irish Roots: The Kennedys

Finding Your Irish Roots
Is Easier Than Ever Before

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By Megan Smolenyak Now is the time to get all your documents together so that when the time is right to visit Ireland and discover your ancestors you are ready to go. More and more Irish genealogical sites are now online, including parish records, so you can do the research here, and as soon as you land you can head straight for that place from whence your ancestors … [Read more...] about Finding Your Irish Roots
Is Easier Than Ever Before