Ó Breasláin

Rev Patrick Woulfe

Irish Names and Surnames

1923

Ó BREASLÁIN, Ó BREISLEÁIN, Ó BREISLEIN—I—O Breslane, Breslane, Breslaun, Breslin, &c.; 'descendant of Breaslán' (diminutive of Breasal). The O'Breslins are a branch of the Cinel Enda, and were originally chiefs of Fanad, a district in the north-east of the barony of Kilmacrenan, in Co. Donegal. Some time in the second half of the 13th century they were driven from this territory, and settled in Fermanagh, where they became distinguished as brehons to the Maguires. They were also erenaghs of the church of Derryvullen, in the same county, in which office they succeeded Ó Branáin. Ó Breasláin was also the name of a family of the Ui Fiachrach, in Co. Sligo, who were chiefs of Kilanley, in the barony of Tireragh. The name is variously corrupted in the spoken language. See Ó Breisleáin, Ó Breislein, Ó Briosláin, and Ó Brisleáin.

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