Sorry all, it is late! 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 twelve "tribes" they are of Gaelic origin. They are first recorded in history as ernaghs in Co. Louth, and were not connected with Galway until the 15th century. In Irish, the name is O Ciardubhain, the sept being of the race Heremon. Early forms in English are Kerovan, Kyrvan and O'Quirivan, whence 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, KIRWIN-L