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RUANE Family History

This notable Irish surname is an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "O'Ruadhain", which translates as "the descendant of the red one". It is not proven whether "Ruadhan" (red) refers to complexion or hair, or to some notable event relating to the prowess of a warrior, but either way it is a descriptive nickname from the pre-medieval period. The clan originated in the two ancient areas known as Ui Maine and Ui Fiachrach, in Counties Mayo and Galway respectively, and even today, with some exceptions, these remain the principle places associated with Ruane. The 16th Century Elizabethan land Registers and the 1659 Petty's "census" of Ireland give the then spelling as mainly "O'Rowane" and "O'Rowghan", although there are many forms including O'Rowan, Rown, Roan and Rowan...

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Can you support one of our Heritage Pilot Projects in your region of origin or linked to you surname(s)? We have THREE live pilots on now and we just need pledges from people to help with donations and fundraising.

Project one is a smart upgrade to The Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley’s home on Clare Island, County Mayo to make it a ‘must visit’ tourist attraction.
Project two is a new ‘must visit’ Heritage Centre attract more Tourists to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.
Project three is a new Enterprise Centre in Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.

If you would like to help with a donation pledge, or help fundraise, just submit your email here and we will send you more information on the projects and detail on how you can help.