Irish Information ~ County Sligo

The Culkin family traces its heritage to County Sligo in Ireland. The colors of our school (black and white) are inspired by the predominant use of these colors in the heraldic tradition of Sligo. County Sligo is located in the province (original Irish kingdom) of Connacht.

Connacht is one of the five original Irish Kingdoms.   It's name is derived from the Connachta, a large tribe that dominated the northwestern section of the Emerald Isle.  They claimed descendancy from the mythical character of Conn, brother of Eogan, the ancestor of the rulers of Munster (Eoghanachta). The Province is situated in the northwestern section of Ireland, covering 17,120 square kilometers (6,610 sq. miles).  The Province dates back to pre-Celtic times, the Gaels establishing domain about 150 AD.  The original rulers were the O'Connors, the most notable being Turlock O'Connor.  The family was defeated at the battle of Athenry and fought against the English in 1316.  In the 15th century, Connacht passed to the English Crown.  In 1590 it was partitioned into six counties, one of which (Clare) was placed in the province of Munster.

Largely due to the remoteness of this section of the Irish Isle, it escaped the attention of the English following the wars of the 17th century and became the home of displaced folk from other areas of the Isle.  Later, this explains the disproportionate amount of deaths at the time of the Potato Famine.  The area was largely responsible for the preservation of the Irish culture at a time when it was outlawed elsewhere on the Isle.