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Father Paul Lawlor, a Dominican Priest, has accumulated a vast amount of Lawlor history. Some of which follows:
The Irish form is O LEATHLOBHAIR (pronounced OWE LAL-OW-IR) and means decendant of Leathlobhar (half-leper); the name of a Ulidian family, descended from Leathlobhar, King of Ulidia, who died in the year 871.
The Ui Leathlobhair are mentioned in the Annals in the early part of the 10th century as kings of Dalriada and Ulidia, but after that period they disappear from history. Another family of the name, relatives of the O'MOORES, were one of the "seven septs of Leix." They lived at Dysart Enos, near the rock of Dunamase, from which they were driven by the English family of Pigott in the reign of the first Elizabeth, and dispersed through Leinster.
A remnant of them was transplanted, with the O'Moores, to Kerry, in the early part of the 17th century, and their descendants are now numerous in that county. There was also a family of the name in Co. Monaghan.
THE ROCK OF DUNAMASE
by the REV. EDWARD O'LEARY, P.P.
O'Donovan tells us that Dunamase, or Dun Masg, is the name of a lofty, isolated rock, on which formerly stood an earthen fort, or stone cashel, but which now contains the ruins of a strong castle, situated in the territory of Ui-Crimhthannain, in the Barony of East Maryborough. Dunamase is marked on the map of Ptolemy, land is called Dunum. This map is a work of the second century, and is reproduced by Ware. Dr. Joyce tells us that Ptolemy's work is only a corrected copy of another map by Marinus of Tyre, who lived a short time before him; and the latter is believed to have drawn his materials from an ancient Tyrian atlas.
Dunamase from pre-historic times was the stronghold and chief residence of the kings and rulers of Liex. Before the Christian era the territory had no separate existence, but formed a part of the Kingdom of Leinster, and was inhabited by people under the jurisdiction of its rulers. Gillanneeve O'Heerin, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, was "a learned historian" who died in 1420. In his topographical poem on Ireland he thus (in the Leix portion) refers to Dunamase:1
"Under Dun Mase of smooth
land,
O'Duibh (O'Deevy) is over Cinel Criomthainn,
Lord of the territory which is under fruit,
Land of smoothest mast fruit."
(Dr. O'Donovan's translation.),
Steward, in his "Topographica Hibernica," thus describes the Rock of Dunamase:--The rock on which the castle stands is an elliptical conoid, inaccessible on all sides except the east, which in its improved state was defended by the barbican. On each side of the barbican were ditches, and where they could not be continued, on account of the rock, walls were erected. To the south and south-east were two towers, the latter protectiong the barbican. From the barbican you advance to the gate of the lower ballium; it is seven feet wide, and the walls six feet thick: it had a parapet, crenelles, and embrasures. The lower ballium is 312 feet from north to south, and 160 from east to west; you then arrive at the gate of the upper ballium, which is placer in a tower, and from this begin the walls which divide the upper and lower ballium. On the highest part were the keep and the apartments for the officers; there was a sallyport and a prison. The only remains of this ancient castle are some of the walls and gates, which are yet venerable in their ruins. In 1795 the then owner (Sir John Parnell) began to rebuild a considerable portion of the ancient model.
Dr. Ledwich tells us that Sir John Parnell much improved the aspect of this rock by clothing it with trees; and on the eastern side he built a banqueting-room.
Sir John received the Dublin Society's premium for planting the trees; but these were afterwards cut down by his son, Sir Henry Coote Parnell, who succeeded his father in 1812, Sir Henry wrote a History of the Penal Laws, &c; was M.P. for the Queen's County in the Imperial Parliament, and was a member of the Government in both Lord Grey's and the Melbourne administrations. His cutting down the trees was a great disfigurement to the picturesque appearance of the ancient fortress.
In conclusion, I beg to express my
acknowledgements and thanks for the kind help received from Lord Walter FitzGerald in
preparing this Paper.
1 During the following centuries it was the scene of many a sanguinary
conflict, and was possessed alternately by the Irish and the English, continually
vacillating in the fates with the frequent and changeful preponderance of strength between
the two great conflicting parties.
THE FACTION FIGHT OF BALLYGEAGH IN 18342
After the battle, a court of enquiry was assembled. This was held in Listowel barracks, and was presided over by the Earl of Kenmare, who was the Lord Lieutenant of Kerry. Attending were some Dublin castle authorities and many Kerry magistrates. Evidence was given by many eye witnesses, including law inforcement and military officials.
It had been rumored that a faction fight was
going to happen. On 24th of June, 1834, on the occasion of the Ballyeagh strand horse
races on St. Johns Day, the Lawlors/Mulvihills encountered the Cooleens. The battle was
fought with special sticks called Blackthorne sticks or cudgels.
Some were weighted with lead and were not used free swinging but were held in the middle
to protect the elbow. An estimated 1,200 of the Cooleens crossed the Feale in boats from
the north and were then in what was considered Mulvihill/Lawlor territory and was in
itself considered provacative. They Cooleens attacked the Mulville/Lawlor people who were
generally imbibing with poteen and whskey. The invaders came forward in lines with about
20 women on the sides with aprons full of stones. The authorities tried to stop them from
coming but were unsucessful. At first the Cooleens got the upper hand since half of their
adversarys were still in their tents having a good time with their whiskey. Gradually the
Mulville/Lawlor faction got organized and about 1,500 of them counter-attacked. They drove
the invaders back into the water and won the day.
2The legend of the faction fight at Ballyeagh, is true. Many of the details can be found in: The Irish Faction Fighters of the 19th Century by Patrick O Donnell. Anvil Books, Dublin 1975. Follows re excerpts sent to me by Fr. Paul Lawlor.
Many more details are available. A three stanza poem on the fight was written later. . It is called: Maide Ui Leathlobhair (fonn:Cill Mhuire) Dale L. Lawlor [See below for text and translation]
Despite references to the meaning of O
Leathlobhair, meaning "half leper" Following are other meanings:
Leath=Half,semi-,district, countryside Lobhar=Leper Leabhar=Book, oath, declaration
Leabhar=long and graceful (as in e.g. hair)Leabhar=battle-staff The name could have any of
the above meanings.
The oldest known use of the name is:
---------------------------------
1396 Congal Oleachloyr
---------------------------------
Papal Letters vol. v. 1396-1404
Latern Regesta, vol LV111
Congall Olaghloure, priest of the diocese of Leighlin.
---------------------------------
1401. John Oleachloir, priest of the diocese of Leighlin.
---------------------------------
1419. Dermit Olelobair, monk of the Cistercian abbey of
St. Mary, Leix (De legidei), in the diocese of
Leighlin, the son of a priest and an unmarried woman.
---------------------------------
1424. Cornelius Oleluhyr, Lateran Regesta, vol CCXL11
---------------------------------
A variety of spellings can be found in the 14th and 15th centuries and since these
were by clerics and not English officials, they may be spelled more like the
original Irish.
Regarding the royal line of the Lawlors: The Ui Leathlobhair are mentioned in the Annals in the early part of the 10th Century as kings of Dalriada and Ulidia. Among the 8th cent. clan of the Dal nAraidi, the name Lawlor occurs. They claimed to be, but were not, the Ulaid, the ancient heroes of Ulster. It was an attempt by a previously obscure clan to give themselves a respectable pedigree. In the 8th century they began to dominate the north east of Ireland and so they claimed that they were the ancient Ulaid and could trace their ancestors back to the mythical Conal Cearnach and the Red Branch Knights. The Lawlor were to make a similar claim.
The clan called "The Seven Septs of
Laois," consisted of the Moores, the Kellies, the Lalours, the Dorans, the
Clandeboyes (MacEvoys)and the Dowlins. It was traditional to name the king from the Moore
sept. Many members of the Clan were transported by the English authorities by means of
Crosbie to Co. Laois to Co. Kerry in 1608. The total and exact names of these are
documented and may be listed if asked. The transportation document was signed by Teig
Lalour, one of the two who could sign their names, the remainder used X's. The clan was
placed under the care of Patrick Crosbie for the purpose of transportation. At some
point in time, Co. Laois name was changed to Queens Co. In general, the transported people
had their names anglisized to "Lawlor" and the remaining Laois people kept
the name "Lalor".
MAIDE UI LEATHLOBHAIR
(fonn: Cill Mhuire)
Casadh giustis cinn coram den comharsain seo liom
agus me ag dul go sugach abhaile.
do chuir se stro orm agus b'elo do sud san
agus d'iarr se orm iasacht mo mhaide.
Do cheapas mar slaitse do e'fhagail tigh Phope
agus la arna mhaireach ar aon rata narbh fhulair
do bheith romham,
Ach in'ionad san cad do deanfadh Chute an diabloir
na me 'fhagaint go bronach in'easnamh
Ni lia clachan na lachtan na aitreabh ansud
cuirt na teaglach i mbaile
na gur thugas la 'n tseachtain go bronach faoi chumha
ag feachaint ca bhfagainn mo mhaide.
Is e deireadh gach pearsa na facadar e
fa ndeara dom casadh go hatuirseach treith
agus anois bim'om scoladh gach noimint domh shaol
ag madraibh Chinn an Tochair an uair rachaim.
Ni lia feadog na fuiseog ar thabh Chnoic an Fhomhair
na fadhariog a bhi ar mo mhaide.
Do bhi se go direach ar fhiordhath an oir
agus biana beag thios ar a bharra.
Mo lean is mo mhairg is m'osna trim chroi,
is e'bhi go greanta agus gan maith dom e'mhaiomh,
is na diabhail ud go grithheadh le heagla a gcroi
and uair leagainn leis Cuilin sa lathaigh.
According to Fr. Paul Lawlor, this was written in the Tralee Jail in 1834 probably by a
Lawlor veteran of Ballyeagh. It was taken down by Padrig Ferriter in 1895 who had it from
his father Muiris who got it in Tralee Jail in 1834. A footnote says: Journal of the Kerry
Archaeological and Historical Society 1971, No. 4.
8th October 97
Dear Dale,
here is the translation of MAIDE UI LEATHLOBHAIR. a contact in Ireland got an Irish
language expert to translate it for me, he did point out that some of the words have no
English equivelent .
LAWLOR'S (WALKING) STICK
(Tune Church of Mary)
I met a chief magistrate for this district
and me going home " rightly ". (plastered).
He coaxed and cajoled me
and asked me for the loan of my stick .
I thought he could leave it in the Masters house
and next day, anyway, wouldn't I be going that way .
Instead what did the cute divil do
but leave me in sorrow without it .
There's not more hills or dales locally
or homes in the townland.
That I didn't visit daily...pining in sorrow
looking for my stick .
At the end everyone I met (returning )
noticed me weary and dejected .
And now I'd always be giving off
to the dogs in Ceann Togher-- when I go there .
Less numerous is the whistle than the lark on Harvest Hill
or the thorns on my stick .
It was straight and the true colour of gold
and little curls on the handle .
Continuing my woe ( ful tale ) and heartbreak,
it was beautiful -- and it does me no good to contemplate,
and yon divils would ( will ) shake with fear in their hearts
as soon as I can strike ( with the stick ) in the Sheugh again .
-------------------
From: "Jim Lawler"
Subject: Lawler History
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 97 17:41:57 PST
Greetings!
It has been a few years since I have worked on the Lawler history and family tree, but
here are a few notes that result from many hours spent in several libraries, including the
Fort Wayne Public Library.
It has one of the top 3 Geneological sections in the USA. We Lawlers need to remember that there is also an (dare I use the word?) English line with bearing the same name.
You should get a hold of a copy of The Lawler Family in America 1704-1970 Compiled by Harold H. Lawler. He lived at 1100 Marigold Drive, Denver, Colorado 80221 in 1970. Copies are available in public libraries, but they don't like to inter-library loan it.
There are multiple Lawler, (et al spellings) crests. One I have seen is like the one you display, with a knights helmit at the top of the shield and a raised arm with a sword, pointing to the ground.
Another I have seen has a single chevron across the shiled, pointing upwards with three leopards faces, two above the chevron and one below the chevron. There is a knights helment on the top of the shiled and a hand with a rising falcon resting on the top of the knights helmet.
A third I have seen described as "A bull's head gee"
A fourth is described as follows "Two arms embowed, dexter and sinister, vested and cuffedarg. the hands ppr. holding a stone as...
A fifth variation includes "on a mount vert and in front of a spear head in pale, point upwards, a stag lodged, all ppr. (all ppr. meand all proper or natural colors)
In addition to the one you display on the home page, I have also seen the following motto for the Lawler (et al spellings) Mea culpa fides - Soli Deo honor et gloria, which translates as "Fidelity is my fault - Honor and glory to God alone."
My own search of the family tree came to a dead end for me with a Nicholas Lawler, born September 10, 1743, I believe in Norh Umberland County, VA. There is a record that on May 10, 1763 his mother one Anne Warrick sued for his release form jail in Northumberland Co., VA.
What was fustrating for myself if the finding of Cavaliers and Pioneer's by Neil M. Nugent. It is a 17th century geneology work. It left me in a morass of information that held great promis, but not enough to help.
In Volume 1 a Lawley is mentioned in 1638. In volume 2 it references a record from the 1666 era where a Lt. Col. William Kendall gets land (10,500 acres) which has a boundry line "to land that was Nicholas Lawler's" on the one side. This is recorded in Patent Book 6, p. 314.
In Volume 3 it records that a William VAun granted 130 acers for the importation of 3 person, Patrick Lawler, Eliza Lawler, and David Lawler, 16 December 1714.
Volume 3 also records the granting of 1000 acers on 31 december 1662 to a James Boughan for "trans. of 20 person" the list includes a James Lawler.
So we Lawlers (et al spelings) have been here in America for a long long time, the earliest mention I have found which uses "my" spelling of the name is 1666, 110 years before the revolutionary war.
So many came who lived in areas where records were not kept of from which the records have been lost that for myself it becomes a "ledgenary" line after this point.
Here are a few notes from various sources concerning the Lawler history:
A Rev. James O'Lalor c. 1764 was a Kilkenny Parish Priest who wrote a notable elegy in Irish on one of the Kavanaghs.
Joab Lawler (1796 - 1838) was a minister and a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate.
Peter Lalor (1823 - 1889) was an Irish Revolutionist who led the insurgent miners at Eureka, Australia in 1854. Later he became a minister and Speaker of the Legislative council of Victoria.
The following is from an undated article I found which has no author (this means that it is not quotable in an academic work, and since this is no academic work I'll include it, even though it makes us all Spaniards - if you find this remark email me.
From still another source, the origin of the name Lalor is given as from Leathlabhar - pronounced Lalower, and Lalor, King of Ulster for 15 years, and who is no. 101 on the "Lyneles of Ulster pedigree, a descendant of Ir, second son of Milesius, King of Spain".
Among early bearers of the name - General Joseph O'Lawler, born in 1776, who wiht his brother James, went ot Spain and entered the army. He took part in the campaign against the French in 1794. Was a friend of the Duke of Wellington; in 1814 promoted to rank of General, and was military Governor of Granada; in 1834 moved to Madrid; promoted to Lt. General. In 1817 married Donna Donisia Caballero, daughter of an old and noble family of Malaga among their children Joseph; Donisia C. (who married Thomas of Besta) Lemora; Maria Del O., who married the Marquis del Salar; John; Ferdinand and Elena.
Other well known members of the family - Patrick Lalor Esq., who was a mamber of Parliament from Tonnakill, Queens County, and James Fenton Lalor who was prominent in the troubled days of 1848. He was one of the most powerful writers of his day and his articles caused very much concern to the landlord class. It is interesting to know, however, that the agrarian policy he outlined at that time, and which was made part of the basis of indictment and persecution of some national leaders of that day was later carried out in great measure by Galdstone and his supporters.
Differences in the spelling of the name should be ignored for two good reasons. In the first place, in the olden days speling was precarious. Men often spelled their own names with different sppellings on different occasions, or a clark spelled a name as he heard it pronounced. The other reason is, that, here in this country (USA) the census records were printed about 150 years after they were written, so the paper and ink had faded, fine strokes of the pen had worn away as the pages rubbed agianst each other in use, and the clerks, experts as they were in reading old documents, sometimes erred in interpreting the handwriting.
Persons bearing the surname, or a variant, are
mentioned in our Colonial history, as well as in our Revolutionary War history.
Yours,
Jim Lawlor (ira@netusa1.net)
P. O. Box 1044 Kokomo, IN 46903
Greetings,
I've got some time to enter some more information that I photocopied some time ago. It is without date, author, and publisher, but it is interesting if your name is Lawler (et al spellings)
Please bear with my typing misteakes. The photocopy's information follows: The Lawler or Lalor family (also Lawler)
The Lawler family is descended form Milesuius, King of Spain, through the line of his fifth son, Ir, and belongs to the Clanna Rory tribe, founded by Heber Donn, son of Ir. The founder of the Lalor family was the famous warrior, Conal Kearhach, son of Amergin and who gave his name to the tribe in Ulser, B. C. 87. The ancient name was Lalach, signifying "The Giant".
The possessions of the sept were located in present counties of Down and queen County, Irelannd.
The O'Lalors--in Irish Leathlabhair--took their name from Leathlabhor, Prince of Dolaradia, or Ulidia (now the county of Down in the tenth Century), who was their ancestor. In ancient times they had extensive prossessions in Leix, in the barony of Stradbally, Queens County. Bec Ua Leathlabhair-- O'lalor-Lord of Dal-Araidhe, who died in the year 904, was one of the most renowned Irish princes of his age.
Another family of this name, and also of this race, was seated at Dysert-Enos, in the present Queens County. Major General O'Lalor of the Spanish Service, Honorary Companion of the Order of the Bath, and Patrick O'Lalor, Esq., ex-member of Parliment, of Tinnakill, Queens are given by Dr. O'Donovan, writing a few years ago, as belonging to this later family.
There have been many distinguished members of both branches of the family, both previous and subsequent to the Anglo-Norman invasion.
On the occasion of the infamous massacre of Mullaghmast, in the year 1577, when some hundreds of the most peaceable of the Irish gentry were invited on the public faith, and under protection of the Government, and then ruthlessly slaughtered by their supposed hosts, the O'Lalors were one of the families invted for the extermination. The few who survived the blood day owed their escape to one Harry Lalor, who, remarking that none of those returned who had entered the fort before him, desired his companions to make off as fast as they could, in case they did not see him come back. Lalor, as he as enteringt the fort, saw the bodies of his slaughtered companions, them (sic) drawing his sword he fought his way back to those that survived, with whom he made excape to Dysart. Those murdered at Mullagjhmast on that fatal day were some of the seven septs of Leix, and some gentleman of the Keathings. The seven septs of the Leix were the O'Lalors, the O'Mores, the O'Kellys, the dovoys (sic), the Macaboys, the O'Dorans and the O'Dowlings.
Hope you find this interesting. If anyone out there can get me some cites for this information I'd be grateful. I know that you can't believe everything that you read in a book, but it is nice to identify the source.
Salutations for now.
Jim:
Since this is a different Coat of Arms (Gold lion on a green shield and a different motto)
I believe it should be in the Lawlor history section, as the CofA of the LAWLORs of Queens
County. The Coat of Arms depicted on the web page is the LAWLOR branch originating in
County Down:
Joe Lawlor (joelawlor@aol.com)
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An Heraldic Explanation provided by Joe Lawlor: Lawlor "He beareth for Arms" |
Shield: The shield is the heart of any armorial bearing and with its tinctures (colors), charges and ordinaries -- makes up the basic arms. The LAWLOR shield bears a lion rampant (up on its hind legs in the attitude of protecting or being on guard). The lion is the king of beasts and is embelmatical of service to his country and of deathless courage.
Colors: Green (vert) - signifies sturdiness and strength. It is associated with pleasant things. Gold(or) - signifies generosity and elevation of the mind. It is associated with surpassing valor. Silver (argent) - signifies sincerity, peace and innocence. It is associated with the light of day. Red (gules) - signifies courage and magnanimity. It is associated with the doing of the noble act.
Helmet: This style was awarded to and worn by the Esquire and Gentleman rather than the ruder sort of man. (Ruder meaning lower class).
Mantle: Was a kind of scarf worn over the top and down the back of the helmet by the knight while on the battlefield to ward off the rages of the hot sun and bad rains. It is shown as if tattered and torn by the wrath of the bad weather and of the slashes of his enemies' swords.
Wreath: Were two stands of silken cloth or leather twisted together and worn on the top of the helmet to hold the mantle and crest in place.
Crest: The LAWLOR crest is an arm embossed (bent at the elbow) attired (clothed) holding in hand a sword. The arm signifies power. The sword signifies government and justice. The crest is the highest ornament in the shield of arms. Its origin is probably more ancient that that of all heraldic bearings. The right to wear the crest was held in the highest esteem in the early days of heraldry because crest could only be acquired by those who had actual service in the field as knights. A crest alone cannot be awarded to any family unless the possess arms, this - without a shield no family can claim a crest. The crest was not worn into battle because it was too heavy. It was constructed of wood, leather and furs. It was mostly worn in tournaments.
Motto: The Lawlor Motto
is: Fortis et Fedelis"
(translated)
"Brave and Faithful"
Mottos were the battlecry of the clan. It was emblazzoned upon the banners crried into battle and upon the personal and household property of the family. It was the creed by which the family lived. It could be awarded or taken at will
LAWLOR: The family name originated in Ireland.
Special thanks to the American Lalors for providing the historic photographs below:
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The Grave of James Fintan Lalor,
Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin
Translation of Gaelic Inscription
on the Grave Marker of
James Fintan Lalor
In loving memory of James Fintan Lalor. Born 10th March 1809, and died 27 Dec
1849. A faithful (loyal) Irishman who gave his life seeking the freedom of
our country and improving the state of the Irish people in their native land.
May his soul be at God's right hand."
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Lalor home at Tenakill, located in
Leix County, Ireland.
The Lawler/Lawlor clan is "descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his 5th son Ir, and belonged to the Clana Rory tribe, founded by Heber Donn, son of Ir. The founder of the O'Lawlor family was the famous warrior Cohnal Kearnach, son of Amergin, who was the 4th degree from Mary O'More, of the race of Ir, and who gave his name to the tribe in Ulster, B.C. 87* [*the page is cut off here so there may be another number]. The ancient name was Lalach, "The Giant."
The possessions of the sect were located in the present counties of Downs and Queens County. The O'Lawlors--in Irish Leathlabhair--took their name from Leatherlabhor, prince of Dalaradiaor Ulidia, who was their ancestor. In ancient Stradbally, Queens County, Bec Ua Leathlabhair--O'Lalor--Lord of Dal-Araidhe, who died in the year 904, was one of the most renowned Irish princes of his day."
The Lawler or Lalor family (also Lawlor)
The Lawler family is descended form Milesuius,
King of Spain, through the line of his fifth son, Ir, and belongs to the Clanna Rory
tribe, founded by Heber Donn, son of Ir. The founder of the Lalor family was the famous
warrior, Conal Kearhach, son of Amergin and who gave his name to the tribe in Ulser, B. C.
87. The ancient name was Lalach, signifying "The Giant".
The possessions of the sept were located in present counties of Down and queen County,
Ireland.
The O'Lalors--in Irish Leathlabhair--took their name from Leathlabhor, Prince of
Dolaradia, or Ulidia (now the county of Down in the tenth Century), who was their
ancestor. In ancient times they had extensive prossessions in Leix, in the barony of
Stradbally, Queens County. Bec Ua Leathlabhair-- O'lalor-Lord of Dal-Araidhe, who died in
the year 904, was one of the most renowned Irish princes of his age.
Another family of this name, and also of this race, was seated at Dysert-Enos, in the
present Queens County. Major General O'Lalor of the Spanish Service, Honorary Companion of
the Order of the Bath, and Patrick O'Lalor, Esq., ex-member of Parliment, of Tinnakill,
Queens are given by Dr. O'Donovan, writing a few years ago, as belonging to this later
family.
There have been many distinguished members of both branches of the family, both previous
and subsequent to the Anglo-Norman invasion.
On the occasion of the infamous massacre of Mullaghmast, in the year 1577, when some
hundreds of the most peaceable of the Irish gentry were invited on the public faith, and
under protection of the Government, and then ruthlessly slaughtered by their supposed
hosts, the O'Lalors were one of the families invted for the extermination. The few who
survived the blood day owed their escape to one Harry Lalor, who, remarking that none of
those returned who had entered the fort before him, desired his companions to make off as
fast as they could, in case they did not see him come back. Lalor, as he as enteringt the
fort, saw the bodies of his slaughtered companions, them (sic) drawing his sword he fought
his way back to those that survived, with whom he made excape to Dysart. Those murdered at
Mullagjhmast on that fatal day were some of the seven septs of Leix, and some gentleman of
the Keathings. The seven septs of the Leix were the O'Lalors, the O'Mores, the
O'Kellys, the dovoys (sic), the Macaboys, the O'Dorans and the O'Dowlings.
From Irish Heraldic Information (An Damhlann,
Spiddal Craft Centre,
Spiddal, Co. Galway, Ireland; +353 91 553733; email: karen@kennys.ie;
The Clan Lawlor
Name in Gaelic: O Leathlobhair (descendant of Leathlobhar, an ancient Irish personal name) Lawlor and its variants Lalor and Lawler were borne by two distinct ancient Irish septs. One family, established in Ulster, was of royal lineage. They descended from Leathlobhar, Monarch of Ulidia, who died in 871. In the early 10th century, these Lawlors appeared in the "Annals of the Four Masters" as Kings of Ulidia and Dalradia, a vast area which encompassed the modern counties of Down, Antrim and part of Derry. By the year 1100, the sept had dispersed, and many of its members settled in Co.
Managhan.
The most prominent family of the name, like their kinsmen the O'Moores, were one of the "Seven Septs of Laois." Seated at Dysart Enos, near the famous Rock of Dunamase, they were driven from their lands by the Pigotts in 1609. The spot where the treaty was concluded which resulted in the leading men of the Seven Septs being transplanted to Kerry is still known as Lawlor's Mill. However, most of the family remained in or near their original territory, and today the great majority of Lawlors reside in either Laois or the counties lying east of it.
Harry Lalor, the best remembered of the surname, is renowned as the hero of Mullaghmast in which innocent Lawlors and other inhabitants of Co. Laois were treacherously slain by the O'Dempseys in conjunction with the English planters of the district in 1577. Others of note include Patrick Lalor, a strong Co. Laois farmer and member of Parliament for that County; James Fintan lalor (1807-1849), the revolutionary, and his brother Peter Lalor (1823-1889), who led the insurgent miners at Eureka, Australia in the year 1854, subsequently becoming Minister and Speaker of the Legislative Council for Victoria. John Lawlor (1820-1901) was a celebrated sculptor. Alice Lalor (1766-1846), known as Mother Teresa, as a well known figure in the religious life of America.
C
aptain Lalor's son and only child, Peter, also attended Xavier College, (1921-1930), served in the army cadets, and was killed in the Second World War (though probably not, as stated here, at Dieppe):Mary Lawler was my great-grandmother. Over the Internet, I have "met" distant Lawler cousins of mine who are directly related to Mary through one of her brothers, Edward Lawler. Mary Lawler was born in Leeds, England to Denis and Catherine Lawler. The family had been from Kilkenny/Dublin areas before going to England. They came to America in 1857 and settled in Eau Claire/Trempealeau County area of Wisconsin. Mary married John Francis Smith (MacSweeney) in 1869 and together they had 11 children. They were farmers in the area. Their first son, John Francis Smith, was my grandfather. Am told Mary was a tiny, sweet, devout, little thing but when her "ire" (or was that "Eire"?) was up, she could cuss like a sailor. How wonderful!
Lynn Walker (lrwalker@plix.com)
Send any historical information to
JimLawlor, Keeper of the Home Page (pagekeeper@lawlorclan.net)
