Fascinating new series to explore origins of Ireland’s most common surnames

The first episode airs this evening.

A new series is coming to TG4 exploring the history of some of Ireland’s most common surnames. The seven-part series, called Sloinne, will air this evening, Sunday, January 21 - perfect viewing for us all stuck inside due to Storm Isha. The series will start on Sunday night (January 21) by focusing on the history of the name O’Flaherty (Ó Flaithearta). It will also explore the origins of the surnames Murphy (Ó Murchú), Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh), O’Sullivan (Ó Suilleabháin), O’Donnell (Ó Domhnaill), Joyce (Seoighe), and O’Connor (Ó Conchubhair).

Fascinating new series to explore origins of Ireland's most common surnames

The series will not only explore the surnames themselves but also the history of the areas and locations closely linked to their origins, such as the O'Sullivans in West Cork and the O'Donnells in Donegal. TG4 said of the show: "We’ll visit ancient strongholds tied to these names, reliving epic battles and feuds over land and possessions. "From the famous to the infamous, modern-day stories of surname bearers add a personal touch, highlighting our enduring connection to our ancestors."

Sloinne ? Ag tosú ~ Starting 21/01 ~ TG4 ?

Tar ar aistear chun stair do theaghlaigh a nochtú ar 'Sloinne' Get ready for an adventure into the heart of Irish heritage with 'Sloinne'✍️ Cé thú fhéin anyway??#irishheritage #irishancestry #irishsurname pic.twitter.com/wH3zCcBf18 — TG4 (@TG4TV) January 19, 2024

The first episode of Sloinne follows Dingle shop owner Mazz O’Flaherty as she travels to Galway and the Aran Islands in search of the history of her surname. TG4 said that Sloinne "expertly blends stories from the past and present to provide an entertaining and informative look at the history of Ireland's surnames." The first episode of Sloinne airs on TG4 at 8.45 pm on Sunday, January 21.

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