O’LEARY

The name O’Leary is the anglicized version of Ó Laoghaire or Ó Laoire, and means herdsman or calf herder.

Records identify that O’Leary is predominantly a Cork surname. It can be traced back to the second century, to Luy Maccon, King of Ireland, and founder of the Corca Laidhe tribe who occupied the extreme southwest corner of County Cork. Luy’s eldest son succeeded his father and went on to rule the Corcu Loigde; his descendants took on the name O’Driscoll. Another son was called Fothac Canaan and his descendants took the surname of O’Leary. As a clan they were known as the Ui Laoire and were chieftains of the Tuath Ruis or Tuath Dolaich, a territory which covered an area of about 40 square miles around Rosscarbery. Their main residence was the ring fort of Burgatia, and they founded a monastery nearby, which later became a well known seat of learning. The Diocese of Ross was formed in the twelfth century and the O’Learys became the hereditary wardens of the monastery and university.

The clan had started to occupy lands along the River Lee but, following the Anglo Norman invasions of the twelfth century, they were forced to move to Uibh Laoire, otherwise known as the parish of Inchigeelagh. At the time this area was ruled by the Mac Carthys of Muskerry, and the O’Leary Clan became minor chieftains under their rule.

Following the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, when Don Juan D’Aquila the leader of the defeated Spanish Troops returned to Spain, he was accompanied by a Mahon O’Leary. Mahon spent many years living in exile in Spain, and became one of the forerunners of the famous Wild Geese, Irish noblemen who were forced to flee overseas and seek their fortunes in Europe. In the eighteenth century several O’Learys fought as mercenaries in the Irish Brigades in the service of the French king.

In 1641 the O’Learys came out in favour of the Royalist forces and, as a result, their lands were confiscated by the Cromwellians. In 1660, when the king was restored, all the O’Leary lands were granted to McCarthy of Muskerry, and the O’Learys became mere tenants.　

The O’Leary family motto is Laidir is e lear rich which means ‘Strong is the king of the sea’.