Ireland’s most common surname brings history to life

The stories and meanings behind Ireland’s most common surnames bring history to life.

Sloinne is a new seven-part series premiering on TG4 that shows how regions and surnames across Ireland are deeply intertwined.

Surnames featured in the first series included Ó Frighthearta (O’Flaherty), Ó Mathew (Gallagher), Ó Cearley (O’Kelly), Ó Silabháin (O’Sullivan), Ó Dohnaill (O’Donnell), Soihe ( Joyce) included. and Ó Conchubhair (O’Connor).

In the heart of Irish Heritage, you’ll find that the O’Sullivan family left their mark on the rugged landscape of West Cork, and the historic story of the O’Donnell family echoes in the hills of Donegal Island. Joyce’s old family line still remains in County Galway.

The series visits ancient fortresses associated with the surname and relives epic battles and feuds over land and possessions. From the famous to the infamous, modern-day stories of people with the last name add a personal touch and highlight their enduring connection to their ancestors.

Maz O’Flaherty, owner of Dingle Record Shop in County Kerry, goes looking for the history of the O’Flaherty surname in the first episode. Her story takes her to County Galway and the Aran Islands, where she becomes intrigued by the fact that Oscar Wilde’s surname includes Flaherty.

In the second episode, Noel Gallagher (née Mathew), the daughter of the late TV presenter Liam O Marthu, sets out on a journey to find out more about the surname Murphy. She travels from Dublin to County Wexford and then to County Cork, the region most associated with this surname.

Aodhan Ó Cearley, from An Llyn, County Waterford, finds his name in an ancient Irish manuscript in the third episode. From there we learn that his name comes from an old kingdom that no longer exists.

He travels to the area to learn more, meeting people and telling us stories about other people with the same last name, including actress Grace Kelly and singer Luke Kelly.

In episode 4, Seán Ó Suileaburn goes in search of the story and history behind the O’Sullivan surname. That inevitably brings him to County Cork.

Donegal Gaeltacht native Hannah nee Domfnaill goes on a journey to find out more about the surname O’Donnell in episode five.

Martin Soihe, from County Galway, goes looking for the history of his surname beyond the so-called ‘Joyce Country’ in episode six.

Frankie O Contubile goes looking for the history behind her surname in the final episode and ends up in Coloscommon at Coronaris House, the ancestral home of the O’Connor family.

The series bridges the gap between past and present for people with Irish surnames, whether they live in Ireland or are part of the Irish diaspora.

Sloinne premieres TG4 Watch on Sunday night on TG4 or TG4 Player.

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