The Name Game

by Patrick O'Hara

Ireland is a country that has always placed a certain amount of credence in the family name. Family names that were in use at the time of St Patrick are still in use in the same areas of the country today. Sections of the country that were named for old Irish families maintain them in this modern age.

The Irish are unusual in one way from most people of the world. Their names are footprints upon the history of the island, and resound with the stories of people and the places they inhabited. Names are the Irish path to the past.

Some of the most ancient names in Ireland have current residents who bear them. How many O'Neills, O'Briens, Kennedys, and McCarthys are around, many of whom are not even knowledgeable about where their names came from, much less the proud ancestry behind them?

Ireland has been a melting pot of cultures, and each new group brought their own influences and names. The Celtic invasions of the island over the centuries before Christ left the land dotted with various place names of the newly conquering group. The Firbolg, or the men of the Belgae, Celts from the north of Europe, attached the names of gods and goddesses to landmarks and rivers of Ireland. The Tuatha De Dannan, the people of the goddess Dana, also left as their legacy, names on rivers and places.

The last of the Celtic invasions of pre-Christian times was that of the Gaels. The Laighian, or spear-carriers, forced their way into southern Ireland, and in the process gave the area their name, Leinster. From this group came a number of other names. Kinsella in Wexford takes its name from the tribe of Ui Ceinnselaigh, while Ossory in Kilkenny comes from the Osraige, and Idrone in County Carlow, occupied by the Uì Drona.

Irish families have given their names to areas of the island. Tirconnell, the northern section of the western part of Ulster, was named after the O'Connell family. Tyrone means the land of Eoghaean. An area of south Munster is called Fermoy, named after the Fir Maige, or the men of Maige.

Subsequent invasions of Ireland contributed new names. The Vikings left their mark via description and association. Doyle originally meant dark foreigner. MacAullife is from Olaf. The McLoughlins were men of the lakes of Scandanavia. The Casements were descended from the sons of Osmand.

The Norman invasion also brought another set of appellations. The use of Fitz in a name comes from the Norman word for son. The Burkes, Fitzgeralds, Barrys, Lynches and Butlers can all trace their origins back to these French Vikings.

The Ulster plantation of settlers from Scotland brought back to the island peoples whose ancestors had walked the same lands in generations past. Common northern names such as McDonald, Graham, and Campbell came to Ireland as a result of the tragedy that forced many of the old Gaelic families off their lands.

The German and French Protestants that came to Ireland in the 17th century brought yet another round of names. Gambons and Taafes were soon added to the mix.

The Gaelic speaking Irish identified themselves using the father's first name as a last. Thus, the son of Conor was MacConor, from the word Mhic, or son. Each generation would have only the name of that person's father as a surname. The practice was common in Northern Europe. The Vikings used the same method to determine a son's name.

The earliest recorded use of a surname was in the late 10th century, in the "Book of the Masters", in which the name O'Cleary was reported as a patronymic, or familial name. Ironically, O'Cleary comes from the word for scribe.

So what do many of these names mean? The O'Briens are descendants of Brian Boru DalCassias, the High King of Ireland who stopped the Viking expansion of power in Europe at Clontarf. Murphys are descendants of O'Murchadha, or sea warriors, or sailors on fighting ships. The Sullivan name comes from Suilleabhin, eye of Levan, (suil meaning eye), Levan being a Celtic deity.

Other names describe physical attributes. Kennedy comes from ceann eidigh, or ugly head. The McCarthys were friendly or loving, while the Kellys' name meant troublesome. The Brennans were sorrowful, the Caseys were watchful. The Flynns were ruddy, the Dunnes and the Donoghues were dark, and the Finns were fair. The Kavanaghs were gentle, while the O'Sheas were hawklike.

The Whelans and Connollys were wolves, while the McMahons were bear-like. The O'Connells were valorous hounds, and the O'Connors were lovers of hounds. The Carrolls were fierce in battle, while the Callaghans were churchgoers, and the McInerneys the keepers of the church. The Dohertys were unlucky, the McGraths were graced. The Quinns were chiefs, and the Powers were poor.

According to the Irish Almanac and Year Book of Facts, 1998 (Art Cam Publishing, Derry), the most common surnames in 1996, and the counties associated were as follows:

• Murphy: Armagh, Cork, Roscommon, Wexford

• Kelly: Antrim, Down, Derry, Galway, Laois, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo, Wicklow

• Walsh: Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford

• Byrne: Carlow, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow

• Ryan: Carlow, Tipperary

• O'Connor: Clare, Derry, Kerry, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo

• O'Brien: Clare, Limerick

• O'Sullivan: Cork, Kerry

• O'Neill: Antrim, Derry, Down, Tyrone

• O'Reilly: Cavan, Longford

• Doyle: Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow

• McCarthy: Cork, Kerry

The next 20 most common surnames are: Kennedy, Gallagher, Clarke, Carroll, Brennan, Dunne, Burke, Daley, Martin, Flynn, Farrell, Connolly, Nolan, O'Connell, Fitzgerald, O'Donnell, Power, Maguire, McGrath, Boyle.

The Kellys could be found within the most counties, at nine, with the Brennans next in eight, and the Clarkes in seven. There were a number of family names associated with primarily one county: Gallaghers in Donegal, Dunnes in Laois, Farrells in Longford, O'Callaghans in Cork, Donnellys in Tyrone, O'Shea in Kerry, O'Learys in Cork, and Donovans in Cork.

Amazingly, even with famines, wars, invasions, and mass migration due to economic difficulties, many counties still have family names that are closely associated with them. McCarthy is still very much a County Cork name, and O'Shea is a Kerry name. The old joke in Derry City was that every other boy was named Mickey Doherty. O'Flahertys populate western Galway, and the O'Haras hold sway in Sligo and Mayo.

With today's changing world, the association of a family name with a particular county may slowly be dissipating. Migration to cities has caused a loss of the family from counties. Europeans who fell in love with the beauty of Ireland are buying up property in many areas, and in some ways crowding out the natives. Also, the economic boom called the Celtic Tiger has caused a change in lifestyles, with many people moving to areas that were considered remote not too long ago. The computer is making Ireland a more mobile society, by allowing businesses and employees options in locales they never had before.

However, with all that, the ties to the land are still strong. Will there always be an O'Brien in Clare, or a Gallagher in Donegal? Most likely, at least for the near future. Will they still be there in the next millennium? Stay tuned.

Milwaukee President's Message

Holiday Folk Fair is the oldest indoor ethnic festival in the world. There will be more than fifty (50) countries represented this year at State Fair Park. It runs from November 17 to 19.

Plans for Folk Fair are well under way. Pete and Fran Dundon have, with your help, been able to recruit two additional managers for the food area. If you have not signed up to work a four hour shift it is not too late. See them at the meeting or call them today. During the day they can be reached at (414) 964-4772. NoreeN Barclay has some open spots on her schedule for the sales area. She will be happy to add your name to her list. Her number is (262) 695-8563. Mary McAndrews is busy cleaning the chairs for the culture area. I am sure that she can use some help setting up her booth.

There are some perks for working at Holiday Folk Fair. You will receive a pass to get in that is good for three days and a food voucher for food in the Shamrock Club booth. Parking is very easy at State Fair Park. The International Institute will give you a volunteer pin that is really quite nice.

Muriel Crowley needs people to buy and sell tickets for the Folk Fair. As you know, we as a club are required to buy 125 tickets. If we don't sell them the club pays for them. There could be a big financial loss for the Shamrock Club.

There will be the usual Christmas event at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Muriel Crowley will again hostess the event.

Any day now we will be getting our full schedule for the Bradley Center. Some of our new members have already volunteered to work there. Some of our Bradley Center people will be trying to talk to you about this. We can explain all the duties and answer any questions you might have. Even if you can only work occasionally, we will be happy to have you.

There was a State Board Meeting in Madison on Sept. 30. I think that it was good and we are making plans for another meeting. Watch for a complete report in next month's Emerald Reflections.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Birthday and/or Anniversary.

Rock County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NOV. 21 - General Membership Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Alliant Energy Building, 3730 Kennedy Rd., Janesville.

We have been saddened by the death of another of our members. John Holmes died on Sept. 16. I am sure many of our members will remember John as the man with the green Model "A" Ford pickup truck which he drove in many parades, sometimes with St. Patrick riding in the back of his truck.

We welcome our new members: Chuck and Carol Roherty; and, Dan and Diane Tester. We look forward to seeing all of you at our future meetings.

Our program for the November meeting will be a video "In Hands of the Enemy." This is about the 92nd Tank Company, from Janesville.

We are looking forward to seeing you at this meeting and guests are always welcome at any of our meetings.

Fox Cities

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NOV. 8 - Regular Meeting, 7 p.m. at Conkey's in Appleton. John Ahearn speaker

• NOV. 29 - Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Conkey's in Appleton.

• DEC. 11 - Dinner at Mark's East Side

• DEC. 27 - Note: No Board Meeting

We welcome new members: Jerry and Kathy Brien; Mark and Lori Dougherty; Marian O'Conner; Lucille Pagel; and, Carol Theobald.

To make reservations for the December 11 dinner at Mark's East Side, call Pat A. at (920) 766-5258. The menu and price are being finalized but Pat will have the information when you call her. The evening's schedule will include cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a sing-along led by Jerry Brien will follow at 7:30.

Invite your friends to our dinner. When they observe the fun we have they might want to join.

Everyone had a great time at our Sept. 11 dinner. Celtic Knot did an outstanding job. Mark heard how good they were from his staff and hired them to play for his Halfway to St. Patrick's celebration on September 20.

Remember: be sure to check the expiration month on your address label so that you renew your membership on time. Mail your check to: Shamrock Club, P.O. Box 1632; Appleton, WI 54912-1632.

Dane County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NOV. 14 - Board Meeting (6:15 p.m.) / Membership Meeting (7:30 p.m.). At Jingles. Hugh and Jim Curley, Scottish bagpipers, will perform Celtic Music.

• DEC. 12 - Annual Christmas Party at Jingles

• JAN. 9 - Board Meeting (6:15 p.m.) at Jingles. No Membership Meeting.

At our September meeting, we were treated to an evening of Irish music and dance, which was provided by the Madison group formerly known as the Standing Stones. This is the same active group which delighted large audiences at this year's Irish Fest and which provided the closing entertainment at the Halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Irish Culture and Heritage Center located in Milwaukee.

The Dane County Chapter of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin hosted the State Meeting on September 30 at Jingle's. The minutes of the meeting will be published in Emerald Reflections.

For our November 14 meeting, Hugh and Jim Curley, a father and son team of Scottish bagpipers, will fascinate us with an informative presentation on the history and mechanics of bagpipe playing, along with a performance of Celtic music.

Plans are underway for our annual Christmas Party. The event will be held at Jingle's on December 12. Watch December's Emerald Reflections for more details.

I hope to see everyone at our November 14 meeting on Scottish bagpiping. Bring along a friend or relative. Everyone is welcome.

Notice To All Chapters:
State Board Meeting

There will be an important meeting on December 9, 2000 at Jingle's in Madison (12 p.m. lunch, 1 p.m. meeting). We would like to have the president or a representative of every chapter at this meeting. We plan on writing some rules or by-laws and have each of us take them back to our own chapters. We are an advisory board and hope to develop a relationship with each other to help preserve and enhance the Irish image in Wisconsin. R.S.V.P. to Cate Harris. Address: 8835 W. Verona Ct.; Milwaukee, WI 53227. Telephone: (414) 321-5153.

HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR

November 17, 18, 19, 2000
The Shamrock Club must sell 125 Holiday Folk Fair Tickets
Any unsold tickets must be purchased by the club at full value.
HELP US MEET OUR GOAL!

SAVE NOW ON ADVANCE SALE FOLK FAIR TICKETS

Please send me _______ advance sale
Holiday Folk Fair Tickets at $6 each.

Name:_______________________

Address:____________________

City/State:___________________

Zip:_________________________

Mail your ticket request to:
MURIEL CROWLEY
1020 Georges Ave.,
Brookfield, WI 53045

Your tickets will be sent to you by return mail, and are good any of the three days of Folk Fair, November 17, 18, 19.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: SHAMROCK CLUB OF WISCONSIN

Shamrock Club
Annual Christmas Party
And Potluck Dinner

The Milwaukee Shamrock Club's Annual Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner will take place on December 7, at the ICHC. Set up time will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. The club will provide beer, wine, and a meat entree. Please bring a dish to be shared of either a dessert or side dish.

ICHC Ceili

The third Saturday Ceili is held each month at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. Upcoming dates are Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. Beginning instruction at 7:30 p.m. Dancing begins at 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit the ICHC. For more info call, Julie 489-1110 or Tom 933-1341.

Milwaukee Set Dance Club

The Milwaukee Set Dance Club will be holding its November set dance on Saturday, November 25 at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Live music will be provided, and the 8:00 p.m. dance will be preceded by instruction of the set dance of the month at 7 p.m.

Blarney Fall 2000 Schedule

• Nov. 11, County Clare, 9 p.m.
• Nov. 24, 52 Stafford, Plymouth, 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 25, Carpenter's Pub, 8:30 p.m.
• Dec. 7, Milwaukee Ale House, 9 p.m. (Our Ale House debut!!) We know it's Thursday, but come for the music, stay for the beer!
• Dec. 16, County Clare, 9 p.m.

Tony Kenny & Friends

A Holiday Cabaret from Jurys in Dublin

Tony Kenny was recently honored by Jurys Hotel to commemorate his 2000th performance. Tony has been singing with the Jurys show for 16 years. More than half of the audience at each performance are American tourists. This world famous show recently won Ireland's National Entertainment Awards "Show of the Year" Honors on December 29, 1998. As the star of Ireland's award winning Jurys Cabaret, Tony has entertained over one and a half million people from around the world, including a 30-city tour of the United States in 1999.

As a recording artist, Tony has achieved phenomenal success and his ten recordings have been hits on both sides of the Atlantic. His recording "Danny Boy and Other Irish Favorites" has achieved Platinum Disc status. His latest recording "Sentimental Irish" will be available for the first time on his 2000 tour of the United States and is expected to break all of his previous sales records.

Travelling with Kenny is Noel V. Ginnity, "One of the world's top 50 comedians" (The Sun). Anthony Kirwin, one of Ireland's brightest new stars. "His electrifying dance performances and warm, engaging vocal style will delight audiences... Louise Bowden is the featured female performer with Kenny's "Ireland's Call" concert series. Louise has worked with Kenny for more than four years. Before that she had appeared with Rudolph Nuryev, danced with the lead with Jurys' "Riverdance" and has performed in major theaters all over Ireland, including the National Concert Hall and the "Late, Late, Show" on Irish TV. And last but not least - Mac & O. "The Balladeers from Bansha" are Mac & O, one of the finest and most original folk duos to come out of Ireland in recent years. Comprised of All-Ireland button accordion player Sam O'Doherty and guitarist/songwriter Nicholas McCarty, Mac & O entertain with a delightful program of original sentimental and humorous songs, lively instrumentals and wonderful arrangements of some old favorites.

27th Annual Tartan Ball

You are invited to join the Tripoli Scottish Highlanders Pipes and Drums on Saturday, November 4, 2000 as they present the 27th Annual Tartan Ball at the Tripoli Temple, located at 3000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee.

What is a tartan ball? 'Tis a wee Scottish evening; of dining and dancing; of sampling the water of life; of enjoying the sway 'o the kilt, and the skirl of the Scottish pipes and drums.

Your highland evening will begin with a gathering at 5:45 p.m. and lasting until 6:45 p.m. There will be an open bar all evening and the price is included in your dinner ticket. Prices are $65 per couple, $35 single.

After being escorted into the ballroom and seated for dinner, you will witness the very traditional "Address to the Haggis", as written by the famous Scottish Bard, Robert (Robbie) Burns. Listen closely, be entertained, witness the ceremony and enjoy this traditional Scottish dish along with a mouth watering dinner, served to you at tables set for eight. Your dinner will begin with a salad, followed by sliced tenderloin, baked potato, vegetables and dessert.

For your dancing pleasure, enjoy the music of the Tripoli Dance Band. Throughout the evening you will shiver to the skirl of the Scottish Pipes and Drums or watch the Caledonia Scottish Dancers as they send your blood racing with their traditional Scottish dances.

In the past there has been a wonderful amount of interest in attending the Tartan Ball. We must limit the guest list to the first 440 lucky lads and lassies placing reservations. The deadline for reservations is November 1, so hurry, mark your calendar, and reserve your tickets by contacting Tom Cobb (414) 422-9235; Jim Dickmann (262) 377-2601; the Tripoli Temple (414) 933-4700, or any Highlander.

We, the Highlanders, look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 4. (Wearing of your kilt is optional, and welcome, but a coat and tie are an acceptable substitute.)

"Lang May Yer Lum Reek,"

Early History of
Dane County Shamrock Club,
Part IlI

THE YEAR OF 1978

Tom Green agreed to coordinate appropriate ceremonies for the Flag Presentation to be held on the new Madison Concourse and the State Capitol at Noon on Friday, March 17.

At our January meeting it was announced that our St. Patrick's dinner-dance would be held in the new addition of the Heritage House - in a lovely, large banquet and ballroom. Our newly elected president, Jerry Lynch, was appointed Judge in Darlington and resigned his position. Gene Finley moved up from Vice-President.

On March 17 a large noon-hour crowd appreciated the efforts of our talented Irishmen at the Flag Raising Ceremony. The largest crowd in our four year history showed up at the Heritage House for the St. Patrick's Dinner-Dance. Francis McMahan was presented the "Irishman of the Year" award by President Gene Finley. Francis received a well-deserved ovation from the large crowd of members and guests. The program included the Vocal Group, the Dancers, the Madison Diocesan Choir, Bill Murphy, and the Instrumental Group. A Sing-A-Long and the Charles Mear's Orchestra made for a full evening of music and good times.

The Choir entertained at our April meeting. They were going to Ireland on the Shamrock Flight that coming summer and planned to present six concerts in Ireland.

The Shamrock Club co-sponsored a Diocesan Choir Concert at St. Raphael's Church on May 21. The concert was a fundraiser for their future trip to Ireland. About 160 people thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful concert.

Mrs. Margaret Phelan of Kilkenney, Ireland, spoke and showed slides at the May meeting. Mrs. Phelan was honorary Secretary of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. This was Mrs. Phelan's sixth lecture tour in the United States speaking on Irish history and culture.

The June meeting provided information for plans for the St. James Choir of Dublin to come to Madison from Monday, July 31 until Friday, August 4. One of the new ideas to earn money for our scholarship program was a Souvenir Booklet in conjunction with the forthcoming Choir Concert. The profits from the ads obtained by our members would be used for the scholarship program.

From 8 p.m. on July 31 to 9:30 a.m. on August 4, the 81 members of the St. James Choir and Orchestra were guests of the Dane County Shamrock Club members. The wonderful concerts, picnics, and "sing-a-longs" have not been forgotten. Over 1,000 people crowded into the Heritage House party room for the St. James Choir Concert. It was well received by the enthusiastic audience.

The following evening a Latin Mass was sung by the St. James Choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. About 800 people attended and heard a beautiful singing of the Mass in Latin. Msgr. Bier celebrated the Mass and later was host for the Irish coffee and punch reception in the school hall. One comment made several times during the festivities was that "It was just like being in Ireland again!"

Gertrude Walsh came from Wexford to teach our members and guests some Irish dancing. Gertrude is a very talented instructor, who, at the age of 16 was chosen to dance for President Kennedy when he visited Ireland. Gertrude showed movies of her dancing classes in Wexford. She showed our members and their guests that she is not only a patient instructor but also a very talented Irish dancer. Her husband, Pat, entertained the Club with his Irish humor and his account of his first ride in a jet plane!

Changes in plans for 1979 Shamrock Flights to Ireland were announced. Because of government action on rate controls, charter flights had become more expensive and first-class flights were much less than they were in 1978. Aer Lingus would probably be the airline.

At the November meeting the Choral Group and the Instrumental Group entertained with songs and solos. Joe Lawrence got the crowd clapping their hands with his "fiddle" playing of the "Orange Blossom Special". Francis McMahan did an excellent job of accompanying Joe with this all-time favorite. (Joe and Barbara left Wisconsin for sunny California a couple of years ago.)

The Shamrock Club was one of the ethnic groups asked to decorate a room in the Governor's Mansion with their Christmas trimmings. Lorraine Wilke was in charge and we were assigned to do the library of the Mansion.

Irish News Items

HARLAND AND WOLFF UNION
CLAIMS WORKFORCE IS TO BE HALVED

Unions at the Belfast shipyard, Harland and Wolff, say that the company plans to lay off 600 employees, half its workforce. The yard, where the Titanic was built, denied it had made any announcement about job cuts or layoffs and described the union statement as pure speculation.

Harland and Wolff's order book is virtually empty. The yard won a reprieve from total insolvency recently when an arbitrator said that a Texan oil firm should pay them $42 million owed for the construction of a drill ship. But the long-term future remained bleak and there has been strong speculation that large numbers will be laid off as part of a restructuring of the parent company.

Harland and Wolff is owned by Fred Olsen Energy of Norway, and at its height employed over 20,000 workers.

______________________

EUROPEAN SOFTBALL FINALS HELD IN KILDARE

Great Britain successfully defended their title at the ESF European Slowpitch Co-Ed Softball Championships. The week long event was hosted by the IBSF in NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare from September 4-9. They beat the Czech Republic 14-8 in an excellent final. Earlier the Czechs had beaten Ireland to get into the final. The Czechs had been beaten twice by Ireland in the group stage but played a brilliant game in the 3rd place playoff to get to the final. Ken McCarthy (Dodder Dynamoes) won the Male MVP award and Brian Connolly (Los Banditos) got the best pitcher award. Guernsey finished fourth and Germany fifth. The tournament received a great close in the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght, on the Saturday night. The IBSF and the organising committee of the event did a brilliant job all week and in the months beforehand to make the tournament what it was. The was the first time Ireland had hosted an international competition like this in softball and their inexperience did not show, a terrific event was the result of their hard work.

______________________

BRITISH ARMY OUTLINES LONG-TERM PLANS
FOR TROOPS IN NORTH

The British Army has said that it plans to withdraw another 5,500 troops from Northern Ireland, provided the security situation continues to improve. Up to 42 military bases will also be shut. Bases in Belfast, Derry, Coleraine, Lisburn, Antrim and Dungannon are among those earmarked for closure. The Ministry of Defence said that it hoped to cut the regular number of troops in the North to about 8,000. Meanwhile, the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has announced moves to demolish six bases on the border and one beside the Maze Prison.

New Members

FOX CITIES - Jerry and Kathy Brien; Carol Theobald.

LACROSSE - Lynne McIlvaine.

MILWAUKEE - Richard Demlow; Mr. and Mrs. William Downey; Ann and Tony Friedmann; Louise McMurchy; Bonnie Marquardt; Mary J. Pelton; Connie Poth; Corinne M. Schreck; Mary Ann Stephens; Ruby McDermed Stephens.

SOUTH CENTRAL - Robert and Joan Koscal.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT MILWAUKEE CHAPTER

• August: 63 memberships up for renewal, 55 paid, 1 deceased, 2 moved away, 5 dropped for nonpayment of dues.

• September: 72 memberships up for renewal, 36 paid to date, 36 due.

• October: 35 memberships up for renewal, 3 paid to date.

For your information, $597 was turned over to the ICHC from the Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Raffle.