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If your name is Donovan welcome, I hope you find this page of interest. My research in greater depth can be seen by following the links at the bottom of the page.
O'DONOVAN
This Irish surname is an anglicisation of the Gaelic name O'Donnabhain, a derivation of two words 'Donn' meaning brown and 'dubhan' meaning black, it would thus seem reasonable to suppose that the earliest bearer of the name must have had a very dark complexion or dark hair. The Princely O'Donovans are of Royal origin, being descended from Kings of Munster. Before the introduction of surnames, the family or sept, that would later take the name O'Donnabhain were kings of Ui Fidhgheinte, an ancient petty kingdom (or tuath) that covered broadly the ground of the present day diocese of Limerick. Early in the 10th century it is thought that through internal dissention Ui Fidhgheinte split into two tuath. These were Ui Conaill Gabhra, embracing the western and larger part of the old tuath and Ui Cairbre embracing the eastern part, the family that was later to become known as O'Donovan now became kings of Ui Cairbre, with their seat in Bruree on the Maigue river, indeed the Gaelic Brugh Riogh means the 'royal residence' Their impressive earthern forts can still be seen at Bruree.
Bruree - Place of Kings
Much of the early history of Bruree is gleaned from legend and folklore, and which is fact and which is fiction is a matter for debate. It is certain, however, that Bruree was a very important place in ancient times. As a royal seat Bruree may be over 2000 years old. It was one of the seats of the Kings of Munster and may even be older than the royal seat of Cashel. Kings of Munster spent a part of each year in Bruree.
More from:
MY DONOVAN HISTORY & RESEARCH PAGES (http://irishdons.homestead.com/donovan.html)
EAGLES WHISTLE-DONOVAN CLAN'S PAGES (http://www.donovansweb.com/~ewhistle/)
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND (http://www.nli.ie/fr_site.htm)
This page belongs to Michael Donovan.