Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of Irish heritage with Sloinne, a new seven-part series on TG4.
This series delves into the fascinating stories behind Ireland’s most common surnames, bringing history to life in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The first series showcased surnames like Ó Flaithearta, Ó Murchú, Ó Ceallaigh, Ó Súilleabháin, Ó Domhnaill, Seoighe, and Ó Conchubhair.
Sloinne paints a colourful picture of how our local areas and surnames are deeply intertwined. The rugged landscapes of West Cork, where the O’Sullivans have left their mark, the historic tales of the O’Donnells echoing through the hills of Donegal, and the ancient lineage of the Joyces of Galway.
Each episode features a special guest exploring their family surname, taking us on a journey back in time. 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.
In this Sunday’s episode of Sloinne, the programme follows Aodán Ó Ceallaigh, a Dublin-based primary school teacher, originally from An Rinn, Co. Waterford, as he goes on a journey back in time to trace the history of his surname and to find out about others with the same surname.
Along the way he traces the Ó Ceallaigh name in Old Irish Manuscripts and maps with Dr. Micheál Hoyne (Trinity College, Dublin) and Paul MacCotter (series geneologist).
His journey takes him to Helvick Harbour (Waterford) as he learns about his grandfather, well-known fisherman Tomás Ó Ceallaigh and also to the Kilconnell Fransiscan Friary, Co. Galway where he meets historian Gerry Burke.
He stops off at Galley Castle (Lough Ree, Co. Roscommon) to chat with Dr. Daniel Curley archaeologist and historian- Taughmaconnell, Roscommon) about the background of the ‘Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh’ saying.
Aodhán also visits Áras an Uachtaráin where he meets Jacqui Moore (Office of Public Works) and Shay Martin (Security) to learn about Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh – the 2nd President of Ireland and his presidential car at the time – a ZJ5000 Rolls Royce, which became better known as Éamon De Valera’s vehicle when he then took over as President.
This episode also features conversations with Paula McCann, niece of singer-songwriter Luke Kelly at the iconic sculpture of Luke Kelly (Sheriff Street, Dublin) and also with Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh (chairman of Clans of Ireland) at the Grace Kelly Suite in the Shelbourne Hotel (Dublin).
