Genealogy Report: Liam Cosgrave's Irish Political History

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the genealogy of Liam Cosgrave, a prominent Irish political figure, tracing his family history and lineage. It begins by explaining the importance of genealogy and then delves into the Cosgrave surname's origins, variations, and historical presence in various Irish provinces, including Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster. The report highlights key historical figures and events related to the Cosgrave family, such as their involvement during the Norman invasion and their connections to important historical lines. It then presents a detailed pedigree chart illustrating Liam Cosgrave's family tree, including his parents, spouse, and children. The report offers a clear explanation of the chart, emphasizing how it helps understand the family's background and historical context, with a focus on Liam Cosgrave's role as a politician and the family's overall significance.

Genealogy
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GENEALOGY

GENEALOGY
Introduction
The current assignment aims to provide a clear idea about the importance of genealogy,
citing the example of famous Irish political personality Liam Cosgrave. As per the study
conducted by Guelke (2016), the importance of genealogy can be well understood through the
account of descent of an individual, group or even family. The past and present history is drawn
through the use of pedigree charts and rightly explained through systematically approach.
Tracing the history of Cosgrave
The Cosgrave surname is a history of compilation of Irish surnames. While the surname
may exhibit disparity in terms of spelling, it helps us in understanding how various Cosgrove
clan lived around the time during Norman invasion in 1170s all of which can help in
genealogical research effort (Name Origin Research, 2015). The history of the surname can be
explained through 2 different variants Cosgrove and Cosgrave that means “victorious”, deriving
from the Gaelic word “corcrac”. Both can be termed as a descendant of Irish name O’Coscraigh
that refers to the descendant of Coscraigh. Several surname and even genealogical references are
seen to suggest the fact that the chosen surname was prevalent in Ulster, Connacht and even in
the provinces of Northern Leinster. While the Cosgrave was preferred in Munster Province and
the remaining in Leinster Province (Name Origin Research, 2015).
Cosgraves in Ulster
Ulster can be termed as a homeland for the Cosgraves during the earlier times. It would
be important to note the point that the famous Irish historian from the 17th century referred to
Carrickmacross as O’Cosgras. Thus, it can be stated the surname of the Cosgraves is well
established since the older times (Name Origin Research, 2015).

GENEALOGY
Cosgroves in Connacht
The Connacht Cosgraves can be termed as chiefs and their prime ancestry was developed
from Maine Mor. The line is often linked with important profession. However, this is not our
area of concern as it does not belong to the targeted individual (Name Origin Research, 2015)
Cosgroves in Leinster
In province of Leinster, the Cosgraves were often referred to as Lord of Feara Cualann.
These group can be termed as born leaders. Thus tracing the historical line of the mentioned
tribe, it can be easily stated they ruled the region of Powerscourt (modern day) in County. The
rule continued until they were disposed by the O’Tooles during the event of Anglo Norman
invasion. Although, Normans were dispersed over the 16th century (Library Ireland, 2015).
Historical documents were shown to land the gentry of Wicklow in Dublin and even in the
Wexford. The actual progenitor of the chosen dynasty was Brian son of Enna Nia from the
Bressal Belach, an offspring of Fiachu and son of Cathir Mor. As per the history of Ireland,
another son from Cathir Mor initiated the O’Connor family from the Falghi line that was a prime
cause of initiation of Mac Colgan and O’Dempsey lines (Library Ireland, 2015).
On the another hand, it can be stated one more son from Cathir Mor can be termed as
initiator of O’ Gorman life (Library Ireland, 2015). It is the second great grandfather of Cathir
Mor was Cu-Corb produced by O’ Dwyer line William T. Cosgrave, along with his only son
Liam Cosgrave can successfully trace back their family lineage to Feara Cualann Cosgrove sept.
Thus, it can be stated that the chosen family belongs from the mentioned section of clan.

GENEALOGY
William T.
Cosgrave
Lousia
Flanang
an
Michael
Flanagan Mother
Bird
Flagnan
Liam
Cosgrave
Junior
Ciaran Mary
Ann
Marie
Flanig
Liam
Cosgrave
Vera
Cosgrave

GENEALOGY
Explanation of pedigree chart
The above mentioned chart is a simple representation of family history and pedigree chart
of Liam Cosgrave. Liam Cosgrave is a well-known politician of William T. Cosgrave, first
President of the Executive Council. Liam Cosgrave can be termed as a proband. However, it
should be taken into consideration in order to understand the historical and family background of
Liam Cosgrave, it becomes important to trace the previous generations. The first initiation of the
pedigree chart is William T Cosgrave, married to Louisa Flanagan. Louisa Flanagan was
daughter of Michael Flanagan and sister of “Bird” Flanagan. After marriage of W.T. Cosgrave
with Louisa Flanagan, Liam Cosgrave was born. Liam Cosgrave was the only male child of his
parents and accompanied by a sister named Mary Cosgrave (O' Hart, 2015). Based on the
available information, it would be fair enough to state there is not much information available for
Mary Cosgrave. Nevertheless, it can be seen that Liam Cosgrave went on to marry Vera Louise
Cosgrave who was born as Vera Osborne her former guardian was J. W. Osborne from
Craddoxtown House. She married Liam Cosgrave on 16 April 1952.
After the marriage Liam and Vera Cosgrave brought up three children, 2 males and one
female. The sons were named Liam T. Cosgrave (junior) and Ciaran Cosgrave, while the
daughter was named Mary. Thus, it can be stated the family pedigree of the Cosgrave can be
traced back to the ancient times. The pedigree chart further provides a clear idea to the fact how
things can be evaluated and the ways family history can be traced. Liam Cosgrave can be termed
as an active politician who devoted his life to public welfare. Other than the general family
members and associated members the family gained immense popularity in regards to the
politics.

GENEALOGY
Reference list
Guelke, J.K., 2016. Geography and genealogy: Locating personal pasts. Routledge.
Library Ireland. (2015). O'Coscraigh. Accessed from Library Ireland:
http://www.libraryireland.com/names/oc/o-coscraigh.php
Name Origin Research. (2015). Last Name: Cosgrove. Accessed from The Internet Surname
Database: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Cosgrove#ixzz3zdY1pV66
O' Hart, J. (2015). Irish Pedigrees; or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. Accessed from
Libraryireland.com: http://www.libraryireland.com/Pedigrees1/irish-chiefs-clans-hy-kinselagh-
cualan.php