Tirrell (No. 1 ) family genealogy
Of Ireland
Arms: Ar. two chev. az. a border evgr. gu.
This family had several branches in Ireland; namely, Tirrell, of Westmeath, and of Dublin; Tyrell, Mayor of Dublin, and Tyrrell, of Dublin; and of Athboy, Symonstown, and Kilbride, Caverstown and Fertulagh, in the county Westmeath.
Some say that the Sir Hugh Tyrrell,[1] who A.D. 1184, came into Ireland with Philip, of Worcester, lord justice, was the ancestor of Tyrrell, and was identical with the Sir Hugh Tirrell, who was called the “Græcian Knight.” This Sir Hugh had two sons—1. Richard Ruadh [roe], who was ancestor of the Tyrrell family who were hereditary sheriffs and sometimes governors of the lower borders of Meath, now called “Westmeath,” where they acquired the ancient territory of Fertulagh, which they enjoyed until confiscated by Cromwell; and 2. James. We read that, in 1316, a lord Hugh Tirrell, governor of Castleknock, was taken by the “Scots” (or Irish people).
1. Sir Hugh Tirrell; a quo Tyrrell.
2. Richard Ruadh: his son; had a brother named James, who was, according to the Linea Antiqua, an ancestor of Purcell.
3. Richard (2): son of Richard.
4. Richard (3): his son.
5. Redmond: his son.
6. James: his son.
7. Richard (4): his son.
8. Thomas: his son.
9. Sir John: his son.
10. James (2): his son.
11. Jerratt Tyrrell: his son.
Notes
[1] Sir Hugh Tirrell: This name “Tirrell” seems to be derived from the Irish tirreil (“tir,” gen. “tire:” Irish, a country; “reil,” a star and rightful), which may signify “the star of the country,” or, taken along with “Sir Hugh,” may mean “the rightful of the country.” The latter meaning would imply that Sir Hugh Tirrell, like many others who came to Ireland with the English invaders, was of Irish origin.