Ó Rothlain

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The Four Provinces of Ireland. 1: Leinster, 2: Munster, 3: Connacht, 4: Ulster

Ó Rothlain (Irish name meaning "descendant of Rothlan") is the pre-anglicisation Irish form of the names Rowlan, Rowland, Rowlands, Rollan, Rollin, Rolan and Rowley. The name can also be found spelled as Ó Rothlán, Rothlán, and Rothlan.

1 Origin
2 Historical Signifigance
3 See also
- 3.1 External links

[edit] Origin

The Annals of the Four Masters

The name Ó Rothlain is Irish, and has its main presence in history deeply rooted in County Mayo, Connacht. There is some rumour of the family either being exiled or fleeing from Ulster for being Catholic. This might have a connection with the 1795 Battle of the Diamond. Approximately 4,000 Ulster Catholics fled into County Mayo (see Crossmolina) after their defeat. The story states that the family settled in and around the town of Castlebar where they can still be found bearing the name of Rowland. However, historical references linking the family with Connacht pre-date 1795 by nearly 600 years.

[edit] Historical Signifigance

The Connacht Rugby logo is a modern take on the ancient shield which is still seen on the Four Provinces Flag of Ireland

The name Ó Rothlain is mentioned in The Tribes, Customs and Genealogies of the Hy Fiachrach by John O'Donovan. The name can further be referenced in the Annals of the Four Masters, M1337.3 (the year 1337) "The Master Professor Ó Rothlain died." There is also an earlier reference in these Annals dating back to 1208. According to the Four Masters version, Amhaoibh O'Rothlain was Chief of Calruidhe Cuile Cearnadha (Chief of Calry of Coolcarney). This event is also mentioned in the Annals of Connacht (Annála Connacht)1337.9 (see the Annals of the Four Masters 1337 account), "Master Ó Rothlain rested in Christ."