The O''Sullivan Beare and the Counts of Birhaven - A Family Perspective

The O'Sullivans in Ireland starting from prehistory. This book covers the chieftains Irish banishment, the flight to Spain, when they become some of Spain's most influential inhabitants, were made Knights of St. James and were honoured as The Counts of Birhaven. This volume includes new family material never before published. ... Our OSullivan branch claims to be able to trace its roots back 3000 years to the Milesians invasion. They moved along the then ancient trading routes along the coasts of Europe. ...... At first they lived in a land of myths and legends (as we perceive them today) but then came Christianity that kept Ireland lit up while the rest of Europe went into the dark ages. The Brehon Laws in Ireland had evolved and matured and they delivered justice and social cohesion, they are still considered to have reached a pinnacle that most modern societies have yet to surmount. The Anglo-Normans were just some of the many would be invaders who became integrated to form a more diverse but uniquely Irish culture. That is until, in the 16th century when the English changed everything. One man Donal OSullivan Beare stood up and fought with his hands, his mind and his soul to save his birth countrys heritage. On his life journey he stood out, he took calculated but brave decisions and was prepared to go further and for longer than the rest of his compatriots. He gained the trust and support of the Spanish king who made him de facto Southern Commander in Ireland and then honoured him and his family greatly. Gaining huge influence in Spanish affairs and becoming one of the wealthier and more influential families in Spain. Once banished from Ireland he and his family continued, for a century, to fight and fund for the return of Irelands independence, at first in Spain and then from France. At the start of the 18th century the family did return to their former territories in Ireland but English law was still unforgiving towards Catholics and particularly the remnants of Gaelic society. The OSullivan Beare sept leaders now lay low and ostensibly conformed for over a century, before William OSullivan the last male of the line died. Another century and my grandfather realised what was being lost and decided to record and then researched his familys memories. Now another century later just as we are about to celebrate Irelands centenary of her restoration of independent self-rule I find that the OSullivan Beare family, that did so much to preserve the Irish identity, have been relegated to the shadows. Most modern historians have the OSullivan Beare line marginalised and effectively killed off in 1659! Today Irish historians still relate Irish history from an English perspective often ignoring the rich ancient Brehon society and values that so influenced, guided and forged our Irish ancestors actions for millennia. My grandfather Edward St.Clair Harnett started writing this book at the end of the 19th century. Even then he realised the importance of passing on our truths about our ancestry and the importance of an accurate rendering of our family story. His grandmother, Mary Ellen, was born in Carriganas Castle the eldest daughter of William OSullivan (6th Count of Birhaven) and on the death of her father she became the heraldic heiress to the OSullivan Beare coat of arms and the title and coat of arms of the Count of Birhaven . My grandfather was twelve when Mary Ellen died at their family home in London in 1893. My grandfather wrote the first seven chapters of this book and I have reproduced them here almost verbatim. I have however added many of his and other family members illustrations; I have also added most of the footnotes. I contend that these chapters, even though they include entries that verge on myths and superstition, are the most historically accurate rendition of the OSullivan Beare and more specifically the Count of Birhaven bloodline descent that is currently in print. A closer look at the Spanish archive only increased the intrigue and obvious subterfuge, it was evident on a truly international scale, but it still helped me to piece together what, I believe, really happened to the OSullivan Clan in Europe. I have tried to pull together several evidential strands to weave an image that at least reflects the truth. The last two chapters are my own very personal route to understanding the historical context of my ancestors lives and the contemporary events and inspirations that influenced me while publishing this work. I use extensive family records of my Harnett and Waring ancestors and my own experiences and research to understand the conditions and peoples of Ireland in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It is very much to my regret that it is only comparatively recently that I have picked up the mantle of publishing this family perspective. By publishing it and putting it out there I hope to stimulate a fresh and open discussion about one of the greatest families in Irish history The OSullivan Beare. See more