Ó Comáin

The Irish surname Ó Comáin is rooted in an Irish chiefdom.^[1] Its anglicised forms include Comain(e), Coman, Comeens, Comin(s), Commane, Comman(s), Commin(s), Common(s), Commyn, Comyn(e), Cowman(s), Cummane, Cumings, Cummin(s), Cumming(s), Cumyn, Cummyn, Kimmons, MacSkimmins, McCowman.

Ó Comáin

Ó Comáin in a Gaelic type.
Language(s)	Irish
Origin
Derivation	Kings of Déisi Munster Kings of Uí Díarmata Saint Commán of Roscommon Saint Coman of Kinvara
Meaning	"noble"
Region of origin	Connaught, Munster, Clare

The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name Comán (meaning "noble" or "steadfast") or Commán ("companion" or "communion"), a name from early Irish history. It is sometimes mistranslated as Hurley due to the superficial resemblance between the unrelated Gaelic words comán and camán, the latter referring to a hurling stick.^[2][3]

The surname is rooted in the provinces of Connacht (sept: Ó Cuimín) and Munster (sept: Ó Comáin), particularly in County Clare, and the 8th and 9th century chiefdom of Tulach Commáin.^[4][5] a burial and inauguration site for chieftains, and their capital Cahercommaun ("The Dwelling of Commaun/Commane")^[a][6][5] also in Clare.^[3][7][8]

The various spellings can largely be attributed to the lack of Standard Irish until 1948, and the historical practice of English-speaking officials transcribing Irish names phonetically, often based on how the names were pronounced. In many cases, English officials transcribed names they were already familiar with, for example writing down Comyn or Cumming, well-known Scottish surnames of Norman origin, despite having no connection to the Irish name Ó Comáin.

Chiefdom of Tulach Commáin

For the archaeological site linked to the chiefdom, see Cahercommaun.

View from Cahercommane, capital of the Chiefdom of Commane

Tulach Commáin was a small Irish chiefdom, coexisting with the larger and more ancient chiefdom of the Corcu Mruad. It likely emerged from the disintegration of this larger polity, possibly forming part of the Dál Cais and Thomond's chiefdom confederacies.^[9] The chiefdom's capital, Cahercommaun (Cathair Commáin or "Commane's Residence"), served as the political and ceremonial centre of Tulach Commáin in the 8th and 9th centuries.^[10][11]

In the Gaelic nobility of Ireland, Tulach Commáin likely functioned as an autonomous túath or as part of a larger composite chiefdom.^[12] It served as a hub of political, social, and religious activity, with its elaborate structures and associated monastic sites indicating its importance as a regional power.^[9]

The identity and origins of Tulach Commáin

In the Anals of Innisfallen, the death of Colman mac Comáin on one of the Aran islands is recorded in 751 A.D, according to Gibson, likely son or descendent of Comáin chief of Tulach Commáin.

A possible brother is mentioned in the Anals of Innisfallen and Annals of Ulster, the demise of Célechair mac Commáin (son of Commáin) is recorded in the Battle of Corcmodruadh in either 704 or 705 A.D. Gibson identifies him as of the Eóganacht Uí Cormaic, a branch of the prominent Eóganacht dynasty. Gibson's work draws on references such as O'Brien's Corpus Genealogiarum Hiberniae and Byrne's Irish Kings and High-Kings, which outline the genealogical framework of the Eóganacht. According to Frost, the Uí Cormaic settled in what is now the Islands Barony, possibly on the territory of the Corcu Baiscinn, located directly east of Tulach Commáin. Gibson suggests that Cahercommane, associated with Tulach Commáin, may have been the centre of a short-lived Eóganacht chiefdom, or part of the larger mór túath (over-kingdom) of the Corcu Mruad.^[13]

Loss of ancestral lands

In the 13th century the clan was dispossessed of their lands, following the Anglo-Norman invasion, by the "De Burgos" (Burke) invaders.^[14]

19th Century

As late as the 19th century, Tulach Commáin the burial and inauguration site for chieftains, was regarded as a supernaturally potent spot. A local told an archaeologist "it has more fairies that all the other forts of the hill".^[8]

Notable figures

Several historical and ecclesiastical figures may be associated with the name and variants:

• Commán of Roscommon: (6th-century) Saint, bishop and founder of Roscommon (St. Comman's Wood).
• Ferchess mac Commán earliest known mytho-historical figure in annals.^{[citation needed]}
• Suibne mac Comáin (d. 658) King of Déssi Munster.^{[citation needed]}
• Giolla Comáin mac Néill (died 991) was 2nd King of Uí Díarmata.^{[citation needed]}
• Colmán mac Comán: (8th-century) one of the four sages of Ireland, the second abbot listed in the Irish annals.^{[citation needed]}
• Pádhraic Ó Comáin: (19th-century) Irish writer and poet, known for his works in the Gaelic Revival movement.^{[citation needed]}
• Gilla Cómáin mac Gilla Samthainde: (11th-century) a medieval Irish poet.

Further reading

• "The History and Topography of the County of Clare." Frost, James. Internet Archive.
• "Corpus Genealogiarum Hiberniae." O'Brien, M. A. Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
• "Irish Kings and High-Kings." Byrne, F. J. Four Courts Press.
• "Irish Pedigrees: Or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation." O'Hart, John. M.H. Gill & Son.
• "Leabhar Mór na nGenealach." Mac Fhirbhisigh, Dubhaltach. Edited by Nollaig Ó Muraíle. De Búrca Rare Books.
• Gibson, D. Blair. Tulach Commain: A view of an Irish chiefdom.
• "Cahercommaun Triple Ring Fort." Academia.edu. Academia.edu

Notes

1. Also called Cahercommane and Cathair Chomáin - Irish spellings and names may use various spellings.