Book of Ryans - Leabhar 'na O'Riain


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Chapters

 Short Commentary
Lords of the Three Plains...

Pre-history and mythical genealogical lineage of the Celts.   This section connects the early Celtic lordships, into the 4th century, to the Ryans of Ireland.
The Middle Kingdom Years The first progenitor of the Ryan surname occurred during this time (8th century), and as the family grew, numerous divisions were created.  They ranged from the O'Riains, O'Mulrians, O'Mulryans, and others.  The family we trace our lineage from were the O'Mulrians or O'Mulryans.
The Northern Tipperary Dynasty (North Munster) The Rise of the O'Mulrian lordship in Northern Munster.  As this region was "wild", less is known about what happened in this lordship than in others along the coast.  The time frame of this story is the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Late Medieval Period

 

 The O'Mulryans were one of 24 major lordships during the 16th and 17th century.  However, from the time of Henry VIII to 1599, war and deprivation hit Ireland.  Finally it led to  the flight of the earls, which ended Irish influence for next 350 years.
Declining Influence (1600-1700)

An orderly progression to remove ancestral properties from the Irish landed gentry began.  With the rise of anti-popery in England, Cromwell came into Ireland with his brand of law and order.  Today, Cromwell is equated with the devil. This section contains a complete list of Ryans dispossessed of lands in 1649.
The Penal Years Uprisings in Ireland over the next 100 years.  Ned of the Hills, the Penal Laws, and other events defined this period. 
The Wild Geese As the Ryans made their way to Catholic Europe and the Americas, they began to make a name for themselves. It has been said that they Ryans produced no major figure in its early history, but that changed after the Flight of the Earls.
Rising Nationalism During this time, the Ryans became infamous in other ways.  Some became famed pirates, others were English agitators, and many ended up in the penal colonies in south Asia.  Some Ryans were aligned with the English and supported their cause.
The Great Hunger Famine hit Ireland three times during the 1840s because a blight affected the potato crop during this decade.  Not well understood is that during this same period, Ireland was a net importer of food crops. English greed contributed to the extinction of 2 million people.  Immigration of another 2 million people took place over the next 20 years.
Transition Time for the Ryans Short analysis of the historical events leading into the next phase for the Ryans, whom by now were found on all corners of the globe.
The American Experience From the Catholic Church to Boxing, the Ryan surname began to appear prominently on the American scene.  Because they were grateful to their newly adopted home, many Irishmen entered military service.   Among these were many heroes, including many medal of honor winners.
After the Famine Entrance into the Modern Age.  Ryans served in WWI, the Spanish American War, and participated in the revolution early in the 20th century.
The Irish Catholics The Ryans were prominent leaders in the Catholic Church, even in early Irish history.  Once they reached the Americas, the Ryans became quite prominent.  Father Abram Ryan was considered the "poet of the confederacy".  Bishop Ryan was the architect of the catholic school systems.
The 20th Century Did you know that a Ryan invented Barbie?  How about the MX Missile?  Did you know that a Ryan invented outdoor lighting?  Were you aware that there was a Ryan in the White House?   Why was a Ryan at Jonestown?  Were Ryans as good as they were bad?  Find out.