The Mullane Family

Mullane family crest

(Crest No. 310. Plate 26.)

THE Mullane family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Muiredach, or Mulrooney Mullethan, King of Connaught in the seventh century, and of the line of Duach Galach, first Christian King of Connaught. The ancient name was Maoladh, and signifies “Blunt.” The possessions of the clan were located in the present Counties of Mayo and Sligo.

The O’Mullanes were the hereditary keepers of the celebrated bells which had belonged to St. Patrick. In the Tripartite Life of the Saint, it is mentioned that he left a bell and little ritual to his disciple, Columbus. This bell is preserved in the late Mr. Petrie’s cabinet of antiquities. Another bell is also in an excellent state of preservation.