Erin is Ireland

Since March is Women's History Month, I want to recognize the most notable O'Malley clan leader, Grace O'Malley or Granuaile (1530-1603).   She is the only woman of power represented on Italian cartographer Baptista Boazio's map of Ireland, near Clew Bay.  I'll be exploring her stomping grounds as part of my brief tour in Ireland. Though she made such an imprint on the world literally, it was curious how her name was obliterated from Irish history and consigned to legends and myth. Researcher and author, Anne Chambers dedicated the last 40 years of her life as her principal biographer and lecturer to bringing to light this formidable O'Malley female. She certainly caught my attention!  I haven't spent 40 years of my life, but I've spent considerable time during the last couple of months learning about this powerful woman of Ireland.  Besides the obvious surname connection, I can also claim a very remote DNA connection to her posterity as well (4 steps). ...

Peter O'Malley, my great, great, grandfather was born in Louisburgh, Mayo Co, Ireland and died March 17, 1923 on St. Patrick's day.  Without St. Patrick's work bringing Ireland into connection with the Church of the Roman Empire and universal Christendom, it would be virtually impossible to find any information about Peter's life and family in Ireland.   I am grateful for my Irish Catholic heritage!  I want to find Peter listed in a parish baptismal record or parish marriage record of James and Winifred to extend my O'Malley genealogical line.  I believe Catholic church records for these important rituals may be key in unlocking my family history.  I can thank the patron saint of Ireland for that!  St. Patrick was not only instrumental in regards to church records, but also influential regarding the Senchus Mor- one of the most important early legal text with reference to Brehon law.  St. Patrick also set up a network of Christian monasteries ulti...