I went back and re-checked my facts on what I said above, Joshua, and I was mistaken. Seems our two septs are NOT related. In fact, our families had quite a lot of animosity between them at various points in history, going to battle numerous times in epic clan wars. So, we are, in fact, enemies! I renounce my friendship with you here and now! :-)
Seriously, though, how cool is it to interact centuries later knowing the history of our families?
Indeed they appear not to have been on the same side of the battle field on numerous occasions. The deadliest enemies of the O'Rourkes I believe were the O'Reillys of East Bréifne, a clan I am also related to. The only period our famillies seam to have fought together was during the Confederate and the Jacobite wars. Many O'Rourkes figure in the 1641 landowners list, have you found which branch you are descended from?
Ryan O'Rourke
I went back and re-checked my facts on what I said above, Joshua, and I was mistaken. Seems our two septs are NOT related. In fact, our families had quite a lot of animosity between them at various points in history, going to battle numerous times in epic clan wars. So, we are, in fact, enemies! I renounce my friendship with you here and now! :-)
Seriously, though, how cool is it to interact centuries later knowing the history of our families?
May 22, 2013
Joshua O'Brien
Indeed they appear not to have been on the same side of the battle field on numerous occasions. The deadliest enemies of the O'Rourkes I believe were the O'Reillys of East Bréifne, a clan I am also related to. The only period our famillies seam to have fought together was during the Confederate and the Jacobite wars. Many O'Rourkes figure in the 1641 landowners list, have you found which branch you are descended from?
May 22, 2013
Ryan O'Rourke
That's what I'm currently working on, Joshua. I have a couple theories, but need some solid evidence to be sure.
May 22, 2013