Hi all, I think this is a terrific thread especially since we have had quite a few new subscribers lately who may not know the basics about our name. I found this posted to a website which is no longer free ;[ over a year ago. It seems to have a good summary: (O) Kirwan The Kirwans - the O is never used with the name these days - are best known as one of the "Tribes of Galway"; they are second only to the Lynches as a leading family of that city. Like the Darcys and unlike the other twekve "tribes" they are of Gaelic origin. They are first recorded in hiostory as ernaghs in Co. Louth, and were noit connected with Galway until the 15th century. In Irish, the name is O Ciardubhain, the sept being of hte race Heremon. Early formas in English are Kerovan, Kyrvan and O'Quirivan, wehence the Co. Clare place-name Craggykerrivane........." ...... the article then goes on about the easily traced Kirwan/ins (none of ours!); Most Rev. Francis Kirwan, John Kirwan, Richard (builder of Cregg Castle http://indigo.ie/~creggcas/ now run by very nice folks, Pat and Ann Marie Broderick, purveyors of fine original music and affordable rooms!) Walter Blake Kirwan and Owen Kirwan, who was hanged. New list members, please do not be shy! Post your lines, your walls whatever you have, and "oldsters", time to repost - who knows, the very connection you need may be sitting out there like you just waiting! We are up to 65 Kirwin researchers....... Jana Black Listowner, Kirvan wrote: > Tom, I have one more spelling for you. I have traced my family tree back > to the late 1700's with the derivitive of the Kirwan name spelled > "KIRVAN". I'm quite sure this came from the more common spelling of > Kirwan. My family origins have been traced to a John Kirvan from Galway > , Ireland. You will find Kirvans in the US, Canada, Austrialia, and > Great Britian. > > ==== KIRWIN Mailing List ==== > TO POST A MESSAGE: email KIRWIN-L@rootsweb.com > Tell us about yourself, your research, your brick walls! Tell us the lies > you heard and anything else to help us really understand the KIRWIN mind!