Commander Thomas McDonnell (1788-1864)

Commander Thomas Mcdonnell (1788-1864) Michael O’Halloran’s wife Mary McDonnell is believed to have been connected to one of the two lines of the Antrim clan of McDonnells who were living in Clare at this time. Both were Church of Ireland and both regarded themselves...
Théophilus Desbrisay (1662-1767) & the Corkagh Deed of 1743

Théophilus Desbrisay (1662-1767) & the Corkagh Deed of 1743

Recounting the story of one of the more colourful families to take an interest in Corkagh House, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. The Desbrisays claimed descent from a warrior whom Charles the Bald entrusted with defending France against Viking and Breton assaults in the 9th...
Musgrave:  Migration from Leitrim to Cork

Musgrave: Migration from Leitrim to Cork

It was my ambition with this study to trace the Musgrave family of Derrinasoo on the Roscommon-Leitrim border (and by extension of Cork) back to the 18th century. The earliest forebear I’ve found is William Musgrave (1817-1876). Alas, concrete evidence still...

The Kinnears from Balmerino to Ballybay

THE KINNEARS FROM BALMERINO TO BALLYBAY Arms: Sable, on a bend or, three martlets (or canary birds) vert. Crest: Two anchors, saltier ways, proper. Motto: I live in hope. WHAT’S IN A NAME? There have always been numerous variations to the spelling of the name with de...
The O’Halloran’s: Merchants of Antrim & New Zealand

The O’Halloran’s: Merchants of Antrim & New Zealand

Early Origins   The O’Halloran family motto is generally given as “Ripis rapax, rivis audax”, meaning ‘On the banks rapacious, in the streams daring.’ Another version is “Rapax ripis, audax rives”, similarly translated as ‘Rapacious on the banks, audacious on the...