THE O'BEIRNE FAMILY.
THE O'Beirne sept traces its origin to Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of Herein on, his eighth son, and first King of
all Ireland. The family was founded by Brian, son of Eocha Moy
Veagon, King of Ireland, A. 1). 350. The ancient name, Brin, signifies
" Dreamer," and was taken from Beirn of the race of O'Connor Magh
Naoi. The chief of the clan had his possessions in the present County
of Longford. The O'Beirnes were Chiefs or Lords of Mura O'Manna-
chain or O'Monaghan, otherwise called Tir Briuin-na-Sionna, or Tir
Briune of the Shannon.
This territory lay along the Shannon, in the barony of Ballintobber,
in Roscommon, comprising the parishes of Kilmore of the Shannon,
Cloonaff, Aughrim, and Kilumod, extending nearly to Elphin. These
O'Beirnes, it should be noted, are of a different race from the O'Byrnes
of YVickloW. The O'Beirnes were descendants of Muireadhach Mullea-
Ihan O'Mnlrooney, King of Connaught, together with the O'Connors,
McDermots, McDonoughs, and other leading families.
THE O'BEIEXE FAMILY.
(Crest No. 185. Plate 60.)
They occupy a prominent place in Irish history; many of them
were ollavs, tanists, and learned men. Gilla-na-naemk, who died in the
year 1133, was the royal lawgiver of Ireland, and one of the most emi-
nent personages of his time. He was chief steward to Turlough O'Con-
nor, monarch of Ireland. Tiege O'Beirne, who died in 1561, was known
throughout all Ireland for his learning and his skill in civil and canon
law.
Many members of this family attained high rank and distinction
in other lands after being dispossessed of their estates. Captain O'Beirne,
in a regiment of Irish dragoons in the service of King Philip the Fifth
of Spain, in the War of the Spanish, Succession, 1705, was famous for
his bravery and military skill, and a Lieutenant O'Beirne accompanied
Colonel Warren of the Irish Brigade, who, with two frigates, was sent
to Scotland in 1740 to rescue the Pretender, Prince Charles Stuart,
after the disastrous battle of Culloden. Many of this name have been
prominent also in the ranks of the Irish clergy.
General James R. O'Beirne of New York is a descendant of these
O'Beirnes. He served with distinction in the late Civil War, during
which he acted for a time as United States Marshal in the City of
Washington. He also filled for some years the important office of
United States Commissioner of Immigration at the Port of New. York.
General O'Beirne is a lawyer of prominence, and an orator of national.
Source:
John Rooney, "A genealogical history of Irish families with their crests and armorial bearings", 1895.
https://ia601306.us.archive.org/24/items/genealogicalhist00roon/genealogicalhist00roon.pdf