Irish Curley
Most modern descendants of the Irish group go by the name of Curley. Older documentation of the family reveals a profusion of variations on this family's name including, but not limited to, English language spellings of Curley, Curly, Curoly, Corley, Kerly, Kerryle, Kirrily, Kirilie, Kirle, Kurylly, Kyrrell, and Kyrrelly. The name originated from the Irish name MacOirgíallaigh, with the modern spelling of MacOirealla. The name is likely connected to the Oirgíalla kingdom, which is spelled identically to the family name in early documentation. The illustration below summarizes the documented evolution of the name from the Irish language name MacOirgíallaigh to the modern English language name Curley.
The majority of the Irish Curley population is contained in the area to the south and west of Lough Ree in counties Galway, Roscommon, and the edge of Westmeath, with an especially high concentration in and near the city of Athlone, which straddles counties Roscommon and Westmeath. There is a second lesser concentration along the border of counties Roscommon and Galway around the cities of Athleague and Roscommon. It is in this area that one can also find Ballymacurly manor, which dates to the 1500's or earlier. There's also a significant population in counties Louth and Monaghan, spreading inland from the city of Dundalk. This northern population exhibits a greater diversity of name varieties, also including Kirley, Kerley, Corley, and McCurley among others, suggesting an older lineage which has had more time for different name versions to evolve and multiply.
The earliest records of Curleys are all from the Ulster region. The Annals of Ulster record a MacOirgíallaigh in the year 1447 AD. There is substantial evidence that MacOirgíallaigh is the origin of the Curley name, so this individual may well be the progenitor of the Irish Curleys. The passage which mentions MacOirgíallaigh is shown in the manuscript at right, which was written circa 1500 AD. This manuscript is held at the Trinity College Library in Dublin.
Mac Carthy's English translation, from Volume III of his Annals of Ulster (1895), reads as follows:
In the Annals, the spelling used for MacOirgíallaigh is identical to the spelling used to refer to the Oirgíalla kingdom. This indicates that both names likely share a common Gaelic root word, not just a chance phonetic similarity. The original meaning and significance of the Oirgíallaigh personal name and Oirgíalla kingdom name is not clear. It is not known whether the personal name derives from the kingdom, the kingdom name derives from a person, or both the kingdom name and personal name derive from some prior source. The spelling used for Oirgíallaigh is clearly distinct from the spelling used for individuals named Toirdealbhaigh (Turlough), indicating that these are unrelated names from different families. In other words, MacOirgíallaigh/MacOirealla/M'Curley is not equivalent to MacToirdealbhaigh/MacThoirdealbhaigh/MacTurlough as suggested in some sources.
DNA testing of Irish Curleys reveals an old, intact lineage spread throughout Ireland, with an estimated ancestor in the 15th century. This lineage includes a Curley from the Oriel population of Dundalk and also has pre-surname genetic ties, around the 14th-15th centuries, to families of the Oirgíalla and east Breifne territories, including the O'Reilly and MacGauran families mentioned in the Annals in association with MacOirealla. The DNA evidence, consistent with the documentary evidence, confirms a probable Curley origin in this area. There is also an Oirealla mentioned in the early Irish manuscript "Leabhr Chlainne Suibhne", translated as "The Book of the MacSweeneys". In this Sweeney family history, written circa 1540, Maolmithigh O'Oirealla is mentioned as the foster father of Toirrdhealbhach Caoch MacSuibhne. This Sweeney family ruled in Tirconnell, in the modern location of County Donegal, circa 1400. So this Oirealla individual may be an even earlier ancestor than MacOirealla mentioned in the Annals of Ulster. As in the Annals of Ulster, the spelling used for this O'Oirealla individual is clearly distinct from the spelling used for other individuals named Toirrdhealbhach (Turlough). The manuscript is identified as MS 24 P 25, held by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, and displayed at right.
Even earlier, the Oirgíallaigh name appears twice in ancient genealogies of the Mag Uidhir (Maguire) family. This genealogy is recorded in two separate manuscripts:
The most well known of these manuscripts is the "Book of Lecan", written circa 1400 at Castle Forbes, Lecan in Sligo. This manuscript, shown below right, is identified as MS 23 P 2 and held by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.
Written even earlier is the manuscript identified only as MS G2 held at the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. This manuscript, shown below, is believed to have been written in the mid 14th century by the scribe Adhamh Ó Cianáin of Fermanagh. As with all similar ancient Irish genealogies, the accuracy of this genealogy is doubtful, and even putting accuracy aside, there's no way to know if either of these Oirgíallaighs are direct ancestors of later documented individuals bearing the name Oirgíallaigh/Oirealla. But, at the very least, the presence of the name in these early manuscripts establishes that the name was in usage since before the manuscripts were written, and that there likely was a continuous lineage making use of the McOirgíallaigh name from at least the 14th century up until the time the name became Anglicized to M'Kirilie in the 16th century. |
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Another early record of an individual who may relate to the Irish Curleys is found in a list of Catholic clergymen. The "Armagh Clergy and Parishes" by Rev. James B. Leslie contains a list of clergymen collected from church records in the county of Armagh. According to these records, in 1440 AD there was a Vicar in the Parish of Ballymore named Patrick McKeyrlayd, also spelled McKerley, who died in 1449 AD.
The Irish Fiants, a record of orders given from the English Monarchy to the Irish courts, is the earliest Irish record in which surnames may be found repeated over an extended time range. In the year 1550 AD, we find a pardon being granted by King Edward VI for Donald and John O'Kerly of Ballyleard:
The Irish Fiants, a record of orders given from the English Monarchy to the Irish courts, is the earliest Irish record in which surnames may be found repeated over an extended time range. In the year 1550 AD, we find a pardon being granted by King Edward VI for Donald and John O'Kerly of Ballyleard:
Pardon to Gerald Petite, Irishton, county Westmeath, gent.; Simon Petite, of the same, Richard Petite, and William Petite, of Lyne, horsemen; Nicholas Dillon, of Rathtouthe, gent.; Edmund Tirrell, of Irishton, William Petite, of Slawin, Lawrence Petite, of Clonen, and Lawrence Tute, of Fean, horsemen; Robert Tute, of Senlis, gent.; David Bane, of Kilpatrick, Dermot O'Lyen, of Irishton, Gerald and Andrew Petite, of Beillena, Robert Petite, of the same, James Petite, of the same, Edmund M'Moillick, of Rathcolman, Fellim O'Mollaghlin, of Molingar, and Mortaghe and Richard Cawan, of Lyn, kerns; Maurice O'Gwire, of Molingar, yeoman; Edmund O'Donogho, of Pace, and Walter and Remund Tyrrell, of Katirigiston, kerns; Richard Hope, of Ledwicheston, horseman; Donald and John O'Kerly, of Ballyleard, and Brian M'Keho, of Irishton, same county, kerns. - 5 May, iv.
[Irish Fiant, entry number 485, 1550 AD] |
The townland "Ballyleard" cannot be found on modern maps with this spelling. But based on the proximity to the other townlands mentioned in this paragraph, all of which are near the city of Mullingar, we can deduce that this must be the modern townland of Ballard in County Westmeath, located a few miles northwest of Mullingar on the shores of Lough Owel. It is not clear from the name spelling alone that these two Kerlys are definitely related to later recorded Curleys. But Mullingar is only 30 miles from Athlone, which is a hot spot for later Curley records, suggesting that these Kerlys could be early representatives of the Athlone area Curleys.
The first name usage which can be clearly connected to the modern Curley family is found in the Fiants of 1587 AD. Listed among the properties of Hubert Bourk during the reign of Elizabeth I, is Ballymickurylly, a manor house and townland in County Roscommon. This passage mentions Ballymickurylly among properties that Hubert Bourk surrendered to the King and was regranted in exchange for his fealty. This was a common practice used by kings of the time to compel subjects to submit to a new ruler. The king would force his subjects to surrender their lands, and in exchange for their vow of service to the king he would grant the land back to them.
The first name usage which can be clearly connected to the modern Curley family is found in the Fiants of 1587 AD. Listed among the properties of Hubert Bourk during the reign of Elizabeth I, is Ballymickurylly, a manor house and townland in County Roscommon. This passage mentions Ballymickurylly among properties that Hubert Bourk surrendered to the King and was regranted in exchange for his fealty. This was a common practice used by kings of the time to compel subjects to submit to a new ruler. The king would force his subjects to surrender their lands, and in exchange for their vow of service to the king he would grant the land back to them.
Surrender by Hubert Bourk, of Glinsk, co. Galway, knt., alias M'Daved, of Clanchonow, chief and captain of the country of Chanchonow; of all his castles and lands of Glinsk, Downemaine, Cloghnekillebegg, Castelreogh, Lyscrissaghan, Kearowkillanlagg, Ballenegrack, Ballengarwie, Balligearnan, Ballidenginterry, Ballyloughlonge, Kearow Clonseghin, Kearowrosmidan, Ballien, Cloncahe, Ballicloncomiske, Balletonregey, Creggan, Gilcagh, Cornemoclagh, Toswoe, Dyrevoid, Kyllebegge, Tomaghryme, Leotorry, Ballynorgher, Beallaghm'tibbott, Lysryos, Kearowreogh, Kearowkillemore, Kearow Kilraghnabby, Kearowcrantagher, Kearowmoghar, Lyssenchonghor, Laryn, Bonriedobber, Ardchlone, Ferantenode, Kyltewny, Bealaghdorogh, Balliatemaghan, Kaggall, Keappanagh, Clonmore, Kearownyny, Croghyll, Kearowrow ne dawclon and Kearowrow Lyneshonn, in co. Galway, Aclare, Farraragh, Balleneskehy, Kyltultoge, Ballymickurylly, Rackynily, Ardleaghin, Lyslonskeghan, Kearowduff, Ballentorly, Ballenow, Kearowrinbackan, Crefe, Ymalaghebegge, Ymalaghnegry, Ballimorgan, Balligowly, Ballim'feiran, Ballichlonechalgan, Corballe, Ballelevore, Kyllenraght, Ballyacaghar, Rathmewe and Coirestown, co. Roscommon. This surrender is made that the lands may be regranted by patent to him and his heirs for ever. He also renounces the name M'Daved and all Irish customs incident to it. - Dated 20 Nov., xxx.
[Irish Fiant, entry number 5068] Grant (under commission, 7 Dec. xxviii.) to Hubert Bourke, of [Glinsk], co. Galway, knt., alias M'David, of Clanchonowe, chief of his nation; of all castles, manors, lands, and services, in Glinskie, Downemaine, Cloghnikillebigg, Castellreough, Listrissaghan, Carowekillenlegg, Ballenegreagge, Ballingarwie, Balligernan or Ballykearnan, Ballydenginterry, Ballyloghlong, Carowclonfeghney, Karowe Rosmylan, half of five quarters in Ballien, half a quarter in Clonchae, Ballycloncomiske, Ballytonregy, Cregan, Gylkagh, Cornemoklagh, Tossoe, Dirrevode, half Killibegg, Tomaghrim or Tomecharin, Leotory, Ballinorgher, Beallagh-m'Tibbot, Lysryose, Carowe reough, Carowkilemore, Carrow Kalragh ne behy, Carow Crantagher, Carow Clonmaghar, Lyssichonochor, Laryne, Bonnedobber, Ardchlone, Ferintenode, Kiltewney, Bellagh Dorogh, Balliatemeghan, Kaggale, Keapanagh, Clonmore, Karowenyny, Croghill, Karow roe ne Dawclone, and Karow roe Lyshnesham, in co. Galway, Achlare, Farraragh or Falragh, Ballinskeahyn, Kiltultoke, Ballem'kirilie, Rakynylie, Arlaghin, Lislonskeaghan, Carowduff, Ballintorle, Ballenowe, Karowrenmakan or Carowerinbakan, three quarters of land of Cryve or Crieve or Krief, Ymelaghbegg, Ymealaghnygry, Ballivorgan, Ballyghowley, Ballem'feran, Ballychlonycholgan, Korbally, Ballelevoie, Killenraghte, Ballyakaghar, Ramewe, and Corostowne, co. Roscommon, in M'Walters country. Recites his surrender of the premises by deed, 5068. To hold for ever, by the service of one knight's fee, as of the castle of Athlone. Rendering yearly one goshawk. This grant not to affect the rents and services reserved by the composition. He shall not extort from the inhabitants any rents or services except those assigned by the composition, without their assent. He may twice a year hold a court leet and four times a year a court baron in the country of Clanchonowe, at Glinskie, co. Galway, and Corbally, co. Roscommon, before his seneschal. This grant not to prejudice the claims of any subject, except such as may be conferred by the titles M'Davy, captain, and tanist, which are abolished. - 16 Dec., xxx. [Irish Fiant, entry number 5105] |
Spelling of names was very fluid during this time period, so we should not be surprised or concerned by the different spellings in these two passages.
This place name refers to both a manor house and the townland on which it resides, located in the parish of Cloonygormican, County Roscommon. "Bally" means roughly "place of". "Mic" is the standard name prefix meaning "descendant of". So the place name more or less means "place of the son of Kirilie" or "the Kirilie place". So we can presume that this house was probably originally owned by a Kirilie.
The mention of this place in the Fiants is the earliest record of the Curley name that can be clearly connected to today's Irish Curleys. In modern times, this place name is spelled Ballymacurly. The townland is divided into Ballymacurly North and Ballymacurly South, with the manor house located toward the southern end of Ballymacurly South. Over time, the name of this townland transformed from Ballymickirilie to Ballymacurly, as will be demonstrated by a continuity of records from the 1500's to modern times. This, along with other supporting records, is strong evidence that MacKirilie was a precursor to the later Curley name, not only for the place name but for the individuals bearing the surname as well. To this day, there still exists a population concentration of Curleys in the region surrounding Ballymacurly. |
There are several other mentions of possible Curleys within the Fiants. There's an entry for a Dermod O'Curoly receiving a pardon around 1584 AD.
In 1590 we find a Gilpatrick kyogh M'Kerryle receiving a pardon in County Roscommon near the city of Athlone. This is the first mention of the Curleys in association with the city of Athlone, the beginning of a long and continuous Curley presence in the city. There is another record of Gillpatrick M'Kyrrell, likely the same person, being pardoned in County Westmeath in 1601.
In contrast to some other surnames which already have a strong presence in the Athlone area at this time (for example, the Keogh surname appears numerous times) the Curleys appear only sparsely in scattered records with no appearances in this area prior to the 1580's. This suggests that the Curley name may have been a recent arrival immigrating from elsewhere. This is consistent with the Curleys having migrated southward from the Oriel area circa 1500.
Early possible Curleys continue to appear sparsely in records of the late 16th to early 17th century. Cahill M'Kyrrelly of Ardmollan, County Roscommon was pardoned in 1592. Ardmollan is today spelled Ardmullen and is located near Lough Funshinagh about 8 miles northwest of the city of Athlone. 1601 has a pardon for Donogh M'Kyrrelly of Garran Ikei, the exact modern location of which is unknown, but probably in County Limerick or County Clare. Also in 1601, Hwonye O Kirle is pardoned in Kill m'mearbye, the modern location of which is unknown. While it is not entirely certain that all of these individuals mentioned in the fiants belong to the same family group, the clustered geographic pattern suggests that most or all are likely of the same Curley lineage.
From the time of these Fiant entries onward, there exists a fairly continuous record of Curleys in the region of Roscommon, Westmeath, and Galway up to the present time. The Patent Rolls of King James I contain yet another spelling of Ballymacurly. In the 15th year of James' reign, about 1617 AD, Ballymacurly is listed among the lands granted by the king to Ulicke Bourke:
In 1590 we find a Gilpatrick kyogh M'Kerryle receiving a pardon in County Roscommon near the city of Athlone. This is the first mention of the Curleys in association with the city of Athlone, the beginning of a long and continuous Curley presence in the city. There is another record of Gillpatrick M'Kyrrell, likely the same person, being pardoned in County Westmeath in 1601.
In contrast to some other surnames which already have a strong presence in the Athlone area at this time (for example, the Keogh surname appears numerous times) the Curleys appear only sparsely in scattered records with no appearances in this area prior to the 1580's. This suggests that the Curley name may have been a recent arrival immigrating from elsewhere. This is consistent with the Curleys having migrated southward from the Oriel area circa 1500.
Early possible Curleys continue to appear sparsely in records of the late 16th to early 17th century. Cahill M'Kyrrelly of Ardmollan, County Roscommon was pardoned in 1592. Ardmollan is today spelled Ardmullen and is located near Lough Funshinagh about 8 miles northwest of the city of Athlone. 1601 has a pardon for Donogh M'Kyrrelly of Garran Ikei, the exact modern location of which is unknown, but probably in County Limerick or County Clare. Also in 1601, Hwonye O Kirle is pardoned in Kill m'mearbye, the modern location of which is unknown. While it is not entirely certain that all of these individuals mentioned in the fiants belong to the same family group, the clustered geographic pattern suggests that most or all are likely of the same Curley lineage.
From the time of these Fiant entries onward, there exists a fairly continuous record of Curleys in the region of Roscommon, Westmeath, and Galway up to the present time. The Patent Rolls of King James I contain yet another spelling of Ballymacurly. In the 15th year of James' reign, about 1617 AD, Ballymacurly is listed among the lands granted by the king to Ulicke Bourke:
Grant from the King to Ulicke Bourke of Glinske, esq. - Galway Co'. In Ballamoe Half Bar. The manor, castle, town, and lands of Glinske, and the parcel called the Upper Trine; .... In Ballamoe Half Bar. Carrowbane, 1 quarter; Skehmagan, 4 quarters; Kiltoltoge, 4 quarters; Ballym'carilly, 4 quarters; Lisdonagh, 1 quarter...
[Calendar of Patent Rolls, Part 4, Facie, Entry III - 41] |
The Curleys next make an appearance in the Ulster Muster Rolls of 1630. These rolls are a military census of England's fighting men within the nine counties of Ulster province. These men were mostly English, Scottish, and Welsh settlers, deliberately introduced into Ireland to displace and subdue the native Irish population. In this census we find two Curlys, George and Alexander, both living on the estate of Sir W. Steward in the Barony of Clougher in County Tyrone. It is not clear how these Ulster Curlys relate to the main population of Irish Curleys. These may be unrelated English Curlys who settled in Ireland, or possibly native Irish Curleys of the Oriel population who were loyal to England.
The Patent Rolls of Chancery in 1654 mention a Sir Richard Kyrle, knight, living in Cahirconlish, County Limerick. This Kyrle family appears to have been an English settler rather than a native Irish Curley. Richard was a Member of Parliament for Cork City in 1661, Justice of the Peace and High Sherriff of County Cork. His father was James Kyrle of Walford Court, Herefordshire, England. Richard also had a brother, Robert Kyrle, a celebrated officer in Cromwell's army. Richard was an assessor for claims under the Act of Settlement from 1661-1665, the English act of Parliament which served to confiscate land from Irish rebels and grant it to English settlers. Under this act, Richard himself received Dromaneen castle and its surrounding lands in 1667, which was confiscated from the O'Callaghan family. On April 29, 1684, Richard was appointed Landgrave and Governor of Carolina and left Ireland for the American colonies. He arrived in Carolina in July, and shortly after he and his wife died in late August. His sons probably settled in Carolina. Richard does not appear to have left behind any Kyrle descendants in County Cork.
The next place to look for Curlys is the 1659 census of Ireland. This census does not list every resident by name. Only titled individuals of importance in each area, the "tituladoes", are listed by name. In addition to tituladoes, the principal Irish surnames of each area are listed along with the number of households having that surname. Richard Kyrle appears here again with the title of Esquire, living with his wife Mary in Moyalle Towne, County Cork. There is also an Edmund Curley in Lowe Fisherstreete of the Town of Kinsale, also in County Cork. Edmund Curley is possibly unrelated to the English Richard Kirle family of Cork. Edmund is the first individual appearing in Ireland with the modern spelling of Curley.
Ballymacurly townland also shows up in the 1659 census with another spelling variation, "Ballemakcrally". It is listed under the parish of Cloonegormegan within the half barrony of Ballymoe in County Roscommon. Residing there as tituladoe is Thomas Tyrrell, gentleman.
The Patent Rolls of Chancery in 1654 mention a Sir Richard Kyrle, knight, living in Cahirconlish, County Limerick. This Kyrle family appears to have been an English settler rather than a native Irish Curley. Richard was a Member of Parliament for Cork City in 1661, Justice of the Peace and High Sherriff of County Cork. His father was James Kyrle of Walford Court, Herefordshire, England. Richard also had a brother, Robert Kyrle, a celebrated officer in Cromwell's army. Richard was an assessor for claims under the Act of Settlement from 1661-1665, the English act of Parliament which served to confiscate land from Irish rebels and grant it to English settlers. Under this act, Richard himself received Dromaneen castle and its surrounding lands in 1667, which was confiscated from the O'Callaghan family. On April 29, 1684, Richard was appointed Landgrave and Governor of Carolina and left Ireland for the American colonies. He arrived in Carolina in July, and shortly after he and his wife died in late August. His sons probably settled in Carolina. Richard does not appear to have left behind any Kyrle descendants in County Cork.
The next place to look for Curlys is the 1659 census of Ireland. This census does not list every resident by name. Only titled individuals of importance in each area, the "tituladoes", are listed by name. In addition to tituladoes, the principal Irish surnames of each area are listed along with the number of households having that surname. Richard Kyrle appears here again with the title of Esquire, living with his wife Mary in Moyalle Towne, County Cork. There is also an Edmund Curley in Lowe Fisherstreete of the Town of Kinsale, also in County Cork. Edmund Curley is possibly unrelated to the English Richard Kirle family of Cork. Edmund is the first individual appearing in Ireland with the modern spelling of Curley.
Ballymacurly townland also shows up in the 1659 census with another spelling variation, "Ballemakcrally". It is listed under the parish of Cloonegormegan within the half barrony of Ballymoe in County Roscommon. Residing there as tituladoe is Thomas Tyrrell, gentleman.
As principal surnames in their region, we find Kerelly with 10 households in the Barony of Athlone, County Roscommon, and 27 McCarroly households in the Barony of Roscommon, County Roscommon. These McCarroly households in the Barony of Roscommon are almost certainly Kerellys which were recorded as McCarrolys, because we know from other records that Kerellys were already present in this Barony in significant numbers, and later records do not show a significant population of Carrolys in this area.
The Books of Survey and Distribution were compiled around 1681. They were created for the purpose of keeping track of land that was taken from the Irish and granted to settlers during the Cromwellian Plantation. Ballymacurly appears in this survey with yet another spelling variation, Ballymackerrilly. The Irish owner during the time of the Irish rebellion in 1641 is listed as Sir Ulick Bourke. The Bourke's were a powerful family in the region, ruling the land from nearby Glinsk Castle. The recipient of the confiscated land possessing it when the survey was compiled around 1680 is listed as Patrick Weldon. The townland and neighboring Killtultoge are described such: "Killtultoge 4 quarters of arrable meadow & good Pasture together with ye 4 quarters of Ballymackerrilly containing . . . A Parcell of profitable ground belonging to the Same containing . . ." |
The 1749 Census of Elphin is where the Curleys show up next, this time in real force of numbers. This census is the earliest one of this region which attempts to list every single household. This census covers the Diocese of Elphin, which, fortunately for us, includes most of County Roscommon and parts of counties Galway and Sligo. It just so happens that this is where many of the Curleys reside, although this does exclude Curleys residing in County Westmeath, likely including significant numbers in the eastern half of the town of Athlone, as well as counties Louth and Monaghan to the north.
The townland of Ballymacurly appears in this census as "Ballymackerily". At this point in time, the townland retains the "K" spelling. But, in surnames the "K" spelling has gone out of fashion, with only a couple holdouts remaining. The majority of households are listed under the nearly modern spelling of "Curly".
Here are the surnames, tabulated with the number of times each surname appears in the census: Curly (22), Currely (8), Currily (7), Curley (5), Curlly (5), Kierlly (2), Curelly (1), Currelly (1), and Currilly (1). Possibly related to the Curly surname, but not as certain, are: Carly (30), Corly (5), Corrily (4), Correlly (3), Carolly (3), Corolly (2), Corroly (2), Crowly (2), Cauly (2), Coorely (1), Coraly (1), Coroly (1), Keraughly (1), McCarolly (1), Caroly (1), Crawly (1), Crolly (1), Croly (1), and Crowley (1).
Surviving church registers of baptisms and marriages begin to be sparsely available in the mid 18th century. While these records show that the Curley family has become fairly well dispersed throughout Ireland by this time, early church listings are more an indication of those locations in which church register records happen to have survived rather than reflecting where the Curley family is concentrated.
The earliest Curley found in these records is a James Curly, whose daughter Margaret was baptized July 1731 in the Parish of Wicklow, County Wicklow, Ireland. Hugh Curley is recorded in County Antrim in 1750. In County Roscommon, church registries for St. Peter's in Athlone are available beginning in the late 1700's, and Curleys are present en masse from the start. The Curley name can be found on nearly every page of the register. In 1789, eight Curley baptisms are recorded, and the family presence in this parish church register remains strong from this time onward. Curleys are also numerous in County Westmeath from the time that church records are available in 1809, with several baptisms recorded nearly every year following. Likewise, when County Galway registers become available, the Curleys are found in large numbers there as well, from 1798 on.
By 1800, most branches of the family in the major population centers of counties Roscommon, Westmeath, and Galway had adopted the Curley or Curly spelling. But in Parish Ballinasloe of County Galway, the Kirrelly spelling endured, with this name appearing often in the church register from 1826 onward. A smaller population of Kirrellys also persisted in the parish of Upper Creggan, County Armagh, recorded from 1796 onward. County Louth has scattered Kerlys and Kirlys from 1752 onward. In the 1770's, several Curly baptisms are recorded in County Dublin, and we find Kerlys appearing there in the same time period. County Limerick records a William Kerly baptism in 1789.
The earliest available records which provide a relatively comprehensive survey of the entire Irish population are the Tithe Applotment Books. This survey was compiled between 1823 and 1837 for the purpose of assessing mandatory tithes to the Church of Ireland, which was the official State religion at the time. Organized by townland, parish, and county, the survey lists the primary occupant, acreage, and assessed tithe amount for agricultural parcels of one acre or more.
Curleys and possibly related surnames appearing in the Tithe Applotment Books are listed here, ordered from greatest occurrence to least: Curley (161), Curly (133), Kirrelly (26), Kerley (24), Kerly (14), Kirley (13), Kurly (8), McCurly (7), Carrolly (7), Kirly (5), Kirrilly (2), McCurley (2), Cureally (1), Curealy (1), Curily (1), Curlly (1), Kearly (1), Kerrelly (1), Kirlley (1), Kirrily (1), Kirrolly (1), Kurelly (1), Kurley (1), Corealy (1), and Kerlahy (1).
The counties in which these surnames appear, ordered from most frequent to least, are: Roscommon (117), Galway (64), Limerick (56), Westmeath (45), Kildare (19), Louth (19), Monaghan (15), Cork (14), King's (Offaly) (12), Kerry (7), Sligo (7), Clare (6), Mayo (6), Leitrim (5), Longford (5), Tipperary (5), Armagh (4), Wexford (3), Dublin (1), and Wicklow (1).
Ballymacurly appears in the Tithe Applotment Books with its modern spelling for the first time. In 1833 there remained one Curley residing within the townland of Ballymacurly, Thady Kirrilly, still using the older spelling of the name. Although in the map below, drawn around the same time period, he is recorded as Thady Curly. This is strong proof of the equivalency of the Kirrilly and Curly names, as we see the name evolve right before our eyes for a single individual.
The townland of Ballymacurly appears in this census as "Ballymackerily". At this point in time, the townland retains the "K" spelling. But, in surnames the "K" spelling has gone out of fashion, with only a couple holdouts remaining. The majority of households are listed under the nearly modern spelling of "Curly".
Here are the surnames, tabulated with the number of times each surname appears in the census: Curly (22), Currely (8), Currily (7), Curley (5), Curlly (5), Kierlly (2), Curelly (1), Currelly (1), and Currilly (1). Possibly related to the Curly surname, but not as certain, are: Carly (30), Corly (5), Corrily (4), Correlly (3), Carolly (3), Corolly (2), Corroly (2), Crowly (2), Cauly (2), Coorely (1), Coraly (1), Coroly (1), Keraughly (1), McCarolly (1), Caroly (1), Crawly (1), Crolly (1), Croly (1), and Crowley (1).
Surviving church registers of baptisms and marriages begin to be sparsely available in the mid 18th century. While these records show that the Curley family has become fairly well dispersed throughout Ireland by this time, early church listings are more an indication of those locations in which church register records happen to have survived rather than reflecting where the Curley family is concentrated.
The earliest Curley found in these records is a James Curly, whose daughter Margaret was baptized July 1731 in the Parish of Wicklow, County Wicklow, Ireland. Hugh Curley is recorded in County Antrim in 1750. In County Roscommon, church registries for St. Peter's in Athlone are available beginning in the late 1700's, and Curleys are present en masse from the start. The Curley name can be found on nearly every page of the register. In 1789, eight Curley baptisms are recorded, and the family presence in this parish church register remains strong from this time onward. Curleys are also numerous in County Westmeath from the time that church records are available in 1809, with several baptisms recorded nearly every year following. Likewise, when County Galway registers become available, the Curleys are found in large numbers there as well, from 1798 on.
By 1800, most branches of the family in the major population centers of counties Roscommon, Westmeath, and Galway had adopted the Curley or Curly spelling. But in Parish Ballinasloe of County Galway, the Kirrelly spelling endured, with this name appearing often in the church register from 1826 onward. A smaller population of Kirrellys also persisted in the parish of Upper Creggan, County Armagh, recorded from 1796 onward. County Louth has scattered Kerlys and Kirlys from 1752 onward. In the 1770's, several Curly baptisms are recorded in County Dublin, and we find Kerlys appearing there in the same time period. County Limerick records a William Kerly baptism in 1789.
The earliest available records which provide a relatively comprehensive survey of the entire Irish population are the Tithe Applotment Books. This survey was compiled between 1823 and 1837 for the purpose of assessing mandatory tithes to the Church of Ireland, which was the official State religion at the time. Organized by townland, parish, and county, the survey lists the primary occupant, acreage, and assessed tithe amount for agricultural parcels of one acre or more.
Curleys and possibly related surnames appearing in the Tithe Applotment Books are listed here, ordered from greatest occurrence to least: Curley (161), Curly (133), Kirrelly (26), Kerley (24), Kerly (14), Kirley (13), Kurly (8), McCurly (7), Carrolly (7), Kirly (5), Kirrilly (2), McCurley (2), Cureally (1), Curealy (1), Curily (1), Curlly (1), Kearly (1), Kerrelly (1), Kirlley (1), Kirrily (1), Kirrolly (1), Kurelly (1), Kurley (1), Corealy (1), and Kerlahy (1).
The counties in which these surnames appear, ordered from most frequent to least, are: Roscommon (117), Galway (64), Limerick (56), Westmeath (45), Kildare (19), Louth (19), Monaghan (15), Cork (14), King's (Offaly) (12), Kerry (7), Sligo (7), Clare (6), Mayo (6), Leitrim (5), Longford (5), Tipperary (5), Armagh (4), Wexford (3), Dublin (1), and Wicklow (1).
Ballymacurly appears in the Tithe Applotment Books with its modern spelling for the first time. In 1833 there remained one Curley residing within the townland of Ballymacurly, Thady Kirrilly, still using the older spelling of the name. Although in the map below, drawn around the same time period, he is recorded as Thady Curly. This is strong proof of the equivalency of the Kirrilly and Curly names, as we see the name evolve right before our eyes for a single individual.
Completed in 1868, Griffith's Valuation is the closest thing to a census for 19th century Ireland. Made for the purpose of a land survey, this valuation lists virtually every property in Ireland, along with the occupier and owner of each property. Note that this survey lists only the head of households, not every family member. Some individuals occupy more than one plot of land and are listed separately for each plot, which is often the case with farmers who are working multiple plots. So these totals do not correspond directly to the total number of Curley residents. But they do reveal the presence of the Curleys in a given locale and provide an indication of the relative concentration of Curleys.
Curleys found as occupants in Griffith's Valuation, listed by frequency of the surname spelling, include: Curley (377), Curly (170), Kerley (58), McCurley (29), Kirley (21), Carrolly (7), Kearly (4), Kerly (4), McCurly (3), and McKerly (1).
A search of these same surnames, listed in order of number per county, gives: Galway (190), Roscommon (162), Westmeath (52), Antrim (39), Monaghan (39), Louth (38), Mayo (38), King's (Offaly) (33), Sligo (21), Limerick (9), Armagh (7), Dublin (6), Clare (5), Longford (5), Kildare (4), Meath (4), Waterford (4), Wicklow (4), Down (3), Kerry (2), Londonderry (Derry) (2), Tyrone (2), Cork (1), Donegal (1), Leitrim (1), Tipperary (1), and Wexford (1).
Curleys found as occupants in Griffith's Valuation, listed by frequency of the surname spelling, include: Curley (377), Curly (170), Kerley (58), McCurley (29), Kirley (21), Carrolly (7), Kearly (4), Kerly (4), McCurly (3), and McKerly (1).
A search of these same surnames, listed in order of number per county, gives: Galway (190), Roscommon (162), Westmeath (52), Antrim (39), Monaghan (39), Louth (38), Mayo (38), King's (Offaly) (33), Sligo (21), Limerick (9), Armagh (7), Dublin (6), Clare (5), Longford (5), Kildare (4), Meath (4), Waterford (4), Wicklow (4), Down (3), Kerry (2), Londonderry (Derry) (2), Tyrone (2), Cork (1), Donegal (1), Leitrim (1), Tipperary (1), and Wexford (1).
The map to the right displays the distribution of Curleys throughout Ireland at the time of Griffith's Valuation. The majority of the Curleys are located in counties Galway and Roscommon. There are especially high concentrations around the south and west of Lough Ree, with many Curleys living in the town of Athlone. There are 41 listings for St. Peter's Parish in the County Roscommon half of Athlone and another 41 for St. Mary's Parish in the Westmeath side of the city. A smaller population concentration is clustered around the border of counties Galway and Roscommon near the towns of Athleague and Roscommon, with the Ballymacurly Estate located toward the northern edge of this cluster. This population includes 4 households of Curlys still living in the parish of Cloonygormican within a couple miles of the Ballymacurly house. There's also a significant population concentration along the border of what is today Northern Ireland, running inland from the city of Dundalk through the counties of Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh. This northern population may reflect the birthplace of the family in the Oirgíalla kingdom.
The strongly clustered distribution indicates that all the Curleys of the Connacht area represent a single Curley name lineage. The multiple genetic lineages observed within this population are undoubtedly the result of non paternity events that have severed the genetic connection between various branches. |
This map shows the distribution of Curleys in Ireland in 1868, determined from listings in Griffith's Valuation. The family is located mainly in counties Roscommon and Galway, with concentrations to the south and west of Lough Ree, and a lesser concentration around its point of origin in the north in counties Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh.
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Griffiths Valuation brings us close to the modern era. From 1900 onward it is not too difficult for the reader to trace their own Curley lineage. The map below illustrates the general movement and expansion of the Irish Curley family leading up to its modern geographic distribution, based on the family records found in documentation.
In addition to Ballymacurly, there are a couple other locations in Ireland worth mentioning pertaining to the Curley name. On the river Shannon, about 10 miles south of Athlone, there is a Curley’s Island. This is the location of a famous ford, called the ford of “Snámh Dá Éan”, meaning “swim two birds”. The "curlew" bird, common to this region, could possibly be the origin of this place name. Perhaps the place name was originally Curlew's Island, which became phonetically confused with the Curley surname of the area, resulting in the place name becoming corrupted to Curley's Island. Or perhaps the island was named for a local Curley resident.
There is also the Curlew Mountain Range, situated in County Roscommon about 25 miles to the north of Ballymacurly. The original Gaelic name for this range was "Corrsléibhte", meaning "the rounded hills". This range is also recorded in some early English documents as the Corlieve Mountains. This place name is obviously different from the Curley surname in its earliest form, so the two are not related, having nothing more than a chance phonetic similarity.
To summarize, historical records reveal a clear history of Irish Curleys residing in the Roscommon and Galway area since the 1500's, centered around the focii of Athlone and Ballymacurly manor, with a smaller concentration to the north in counties Louth and Monaghan. Earliest English documents record the name as MacKurylly, MacKerryle, MacKerrilly, etc. This name apparently derives from the 14th-16th century Gaelic MacOirgíallaigh family, having the modern spelling of MacOirealla, which shares its name with the ancient kingdom of Oirgíalla. Over time, this name transformed from MacOirealla to M'Kerrilly to Kerrilly, to Curly and eventually to the modern spelling of Curley. A large number of Curleys from this population migrated to America and elsewhere, so that a large fraction of today's Curleys hail from this Irish heritage. |
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