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RAFFERTY Family History

Recorded in several forms including O'Rafferty, Rafferty, McGroarty, and McGrorty, this notable Irish surname much associated with the west of Ireland, derives from the pre 10th century Old Gaelic "O'Raithbheartaigh". This translates as "prosperity wielder" from the elements "rath", meaning prosperity, and "beartaigh", to brandish or wield. Traditionally, Irish family names are taken from the heads of tribes, or revered elders, and are usually prefixed by "Mac", denoting "son of", or "O", meaning male descendant of. The great O'Raithbheartaigh sept belonged to the Ulster county of Donegal where they were co-arbs of St. Columcille on Tory island. Co-arb families held church property from generation to generation, and generally maintained a priest...

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eileen rafferty

my great grand father came from county tyrone Ireland , his name is james rafferty born 1823-5 august 12 , , had a brother hugh , they left Ireland about 1845 , went to Scotland , and then to usa , and then prince Edward island . Canada , were he died , james was a shoe maker , and road master . like to find our about more relatives , my great grantfather is the last we know of

Teresa Haigh

Hello ????. My grandmother (on my mother’s side) was Roseanne Rafferty. I don’t know which area of Ireland she came from but she and her family moved to Rochdale in Lancashire early 1900s(?) and Roseanne worked in the same mill as Gracie Fields. Roseanne had several sisters and her dad was Big Jim Rafferty, the bare knuckle fist fighter. I do know that they were a family of Tinkers and because of this it is difficult to find out any more information. If anyone has more info, please let me know. Thanks.