New for 2003, the beginnings of the . . . . . . .
The Flaherty Family History
Chronicles
FLAHERTY SURNAME HISTORY
The surname Flaherty is numerous in Ireland appearing is some numbers in several
counties. Its highest concentration however is in its native county of Galway.
The surname is also found in large numbers in the northern counties where the
local dialect dropped the initial 'F' thus producing the form Ó Laverty and Ó
Laherty.
The name has its origins in Gaelic Ireland where it derives from the Irish 'Ó Flaithbheartaigh' meaning 'bright ruler'.
Griffith's Valuation, a comprehensive listing of those who rented land/property throughout Ireland in the 1850s, records a total of 886 entries for the name Flaherty. Of these 357 were found in County Galway, 141 in county Kerry and lesser numbers in counties Clare, Tipperary, Roscommon and Waterford.
This high concentration of the name in the counties of the western coastline accurately indicates the origins of the family. The O Flahertys were originally located on the east side of Lough Corrib until the Anglo-Norman invasion forced them further west. They established themselves in the territory which included the area between Killary Harbour and Galway Bay and extended to the Aran Islands.
The O Flahertys built their castle at Moycullen and the chief of the family was known as Lord of Moycullen and Lord of Iar (west) Connacht. The relative isolation on the west coast ensured the survival of the chieftaincy until the end of the eighteenth century. The famed historian Roderic (Rory) Ó Flaherty was the last Chief of the Name.
The Inscription over the Gates of Galway, "the ferocious O Flahertys from whom God defend us" indicates something of the colourful nature of the family's history. They were involved in constant warfare with the neighbouring septs of Burkes, O Malleys and the other tribes of Galway.
The minor Donegal sept of Laverty was headed by the Lord of Aileach (Elagh).
Nowadays the name continues to be concentrated in these counties.
As with many Irish surnames several variations have arisen the chief of which are; Flaherty, O'Flaherty, Flahertie, Flagherty.