The Spring, 2000 issue of the Journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland contains an article entitled "Some Unusual Irish Connections" by Bob Burke. In that article, Mr. Burke recounts his family history, and along the way, he mentions some Kirwan connections which may be of interest. "Louisa Jane Collingwood was married to my great great grandfather, James Dominick Burke. His father, Frank Burke of Becan in Co. Mayo married Marry Kirwan from Co. Galway in 1764. The Kirwans were wealthy and well connected, Mary's mother being a Bermingham of the Lord Athenry line. These marriages into the Kirwan and Collingwood families are a reminder of the many Irish connections with the wine trade in France. For example, the Chateau Domaine de Lasalle, just outside the village of Chantenac, was acquired by Sir John Collingwood around 1750. One of his daughters married Mark Kirwan from Galway and he inherited the Chateau and vineyards in 1781. The name was then changed to Kirwan. Mark Kirwan sired eleven children before losing his head and his property in the French revolution. Subsequently the family regained possession of the Chateau, known to this day as Chateau Kirwan."