Iústás

IÚSTÁS—VIII—Eustace, etc.; 'son of Eustace' (a common personal name in France, introduced into England by the Normans). The Eustaces came to Ireland at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion, and obtained large estates in the counties of Kildare and Carlow. They were one of the leading families of the Pale, and many of them attained to high distinction. In 1580, James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglas, took up arms in defence of the Catholic faith and, together with the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles, inflicted a crushing defeat on Lord Grey at Glenmalure, in the autumn of the same year. On the failure of the rising he, a few years later, fled to Spain. His estates and those of his followers were confiscated, and many of them were put to death. The confiscations and attainders of the 17th century completed the ruin of the family.

Alphabetical Index to Irish Surnames