Ó Flaithbheartaigh
'''O'Flaherty''' ( , ; ; ) is an
Irish Gaelic clan based most prominently in what is today
County Galway. The clan name originated in the 10th century as a derivative of its founder Flaithbheartach mac Eimhin. They descend in the paternal line from the
Connachta's
Uí Briúin Seóla. They were originally kings of
Maigh Seóla and
Muintir Murchada and as members of the Uí Briúin were kinsmen of the
Ó Conchubhair and
Mac Diarmada amongst others. After their king
Cathal mac Tigernán lost out to
Áed in Gai Bernaig in the 11th century, the family were pushed further west to
Iar Connacht, a territory associated with
Connemara today. They continued to rule this land until the 16th century. The name has been alternatively rendered into English in various forms, such as Flaherty, Fluharty, Faherty, Laverty, Flaverty, Lahiff, Lafferty and Flahive.
Provided by Wikipedia