Ireland's most common surnames explored in new TG4 series

A new seven-part series exploring the history of Ireland's most common surnames is set to air on Irish-language broadcaster TG4 on Sunday night. 

"Sloinne" (Irish for surname) provides a fascinating insight into seven of Ireland's most common surnames, starting with the history of O'Flaherty (Ó Flaithearta) in the series premiere at 8:45 p.m. on January 21. 

In subsequent episodes released every Sunday until March 3, the series will explore the origins of the surnames Murphy (Ó Murchú), Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh), O'Sullivan (Ó Suilleabháin), O'Donnell (Ó Domhnaill), Joyce (Seoighe), and Ó Conchubhair (O'Connor).

Each episode of the new series features a special guest delving into the history of their family surname. 

The series also paints a picture of how the history of local areas is often deeply intertwined with the origins of a surname, exploring the connection between the O'Sullivans and West Cork and the O'Donnells and Donegal. 

"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," TG4 said in a statement. 

The first episode of the series follows Dingle shop owner Mazz O'Flaherty as she travels to Galway and the Aran Islands in search of the history of the O'Flaherty surname. 

The second episode of the series follows Noelle Gallagher (Ní Mhurchú), daughter of the late RTÉ present Liam Ó Murchú, as she traces the history of the Murphy surname, traveling from Dublin to Wexford and finally to Cork, where the name is most deeply rooted. 

Subsequent episodes of the series follow Aodán Ó Ceallaigh as he delves into old manuscripts in Waterford in a bid to uncover the history of the Kelly surname, while Seán Ó Súilleabháin's study of the O'Sullivan surname inevitably takes him to Cork. 

Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill travels to the hills of Donegal to study the O'Donnell surname, while Máirtín Seoighe travels to "Joyce Country" in Galway to uncover the history of his own surname. 

The final episode of the series sees Frankie Ó Conchubhair travel to Roscommon to uncover the roots of the O'Connor surname. 

"Sloinne" expertly blends stories from the past and present to provide an entertaining and informative look at the history of Ireland's surnames. 

The first episode of the fascinating series airs on TG4 at 8:45 p.m. GMT on Sunday, January 21.