O'Halloran [1] is the surname of the ultimate and at least two distinct Gaelic-Irish families, one in County Galway and another in south-east County Clare linked to the Dál gCais. On occasions it is translated as "stranger" or "from across the sea". The name states that this family were "importers" and were the lords, and dominant sept of Clan Fergail (Clann Fhearghaile).[2][3][4]
In the twelfth century the O'Hallorans were chiefs of twenty-four town lands of the túath of Clan Fergail. These lay east to the river of Galmith (or "Galway"). In the 13th century the O'Hallorans were dispossessed of their ancient inheritance of Clan Fergail by the "De Burgos" (Burke) invaders. The O'Hallorans and the O'Flahertys were obliged to emigrate to Iar (west) Connaught, where they built the castle of O'Hery.[5][6]
The motto of the Galway family is Clann Fearghaile Abú, which comes from their dynastic name.
Name Variations include: O'Halleron, O'Hollearn, Halloran, Holloran, Hollern, Holleran, Haloran, and in Gaelic, Ó hAllmhuráin or Ó hAlluráin)
- ^ Derham, Roger (28 October 2016). "RIHLA (Journey 61):EATS SHOOTS AND LEAVES PANDA STYLE– Witness to the Beginning and End of a Medieval City State 1232 -1694". WINDSONG. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
- ^ Hardinan's West Connaught
- ^ "Lords of Clan Fergail County Galway".
- ^ Derham, Roger (28 October 2016). "RIHLA (Journey 61): THE HALL OF THE RED EARL, GALWAY – Witness to the Beginning and End of a Medieval City State 1232 -1694". WINDSONG. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
- ^ Hardinan's West Connaught
- ^ "Lords of Clan Fergail, County Galway".