Rhatigan Clan

 

Meaning of the Coat of Arms:

Rattigan Clan Motto:

Clan Kilt Colour:

Variations of the Name:
Ratigan, Rattigan, Rhatigan, O'Ratigan, McRattigan, and many more

Rhatigan History:
The original Gaelic form of the name Rhatigan is O'Reachtagan, which is derived from the word 'reacht' meaning 'decree'. The name is first located in Co Roscommon where recorded history precedes the 12th century. They are said to be descended from Iomchadh, Prince of Tara, second son of King Colla da Chrioch, down to O'Kelly, Prince of Hy. Maine in Roscommon.
The Rhatigan family in Longford  can be traced back to around 1720 when around this time they moved from across the Shannon to a place called Kilnacarrow, on the Longford side of the Shannon, just above Lanesborough. Remarkably, a direct descendant of these Rhatigans, Tommy Rhatigan, lives today on the same site. The son of Conor Rhatigan (1685-1774) whose name was William (1726-1818) married Rachel Lewis (1733-1831). Rachels uncle, Rev Arthur Forbes, was vicar in the Church of Ireland parish of Rathcline and Cashel and his tombstone is still clearly visible in Rathcline Old Church. The headstone of her father, Peter Lewis, (died 1767), is apparently in the cemetery of St Johns church, Lanesborough. Williams brother, John Rhatigan, became a priest and a headstone commemorating him is at the back of the RC Church in Lanesborough. A headstone commemorating William and Rachel is in the cemetery in St Johns church, Lanesborough (lying horizontal, in front of headstone to Patrick and Maria Rhatigan). It is still possible to read it today, if you have patience! This headstone was erected by their son, Lewis (1774-1852) who also lived in Kilnacarrow. Lewiss son, Patrick (1805-1894) married Maria ORourke (1815-1895), and there are literally hundreds of their descendants living in the Longford area today. Remarkably, 195 years after the birth of Patrick, a grandson of theirs, Fr Tommy Leavy, still lives today on the Longford road out of Lanesborough. Anyone with names such as Leavy, Belton, Rhatigan, Hanley, Dinegan, Maheedy, and Diffley are probably connected to Patrick and Maria Rhatigan. One of the childen of Patrick and Maria was William (1840-1929). He had six children and lived in Kilashee. His son, Edward (1882-1972) lived his married life in Kilcrow, one mile south of Lanesborough, and Clonbonny House, just north of Lanesborough. He married Margaret McNally (1888-1968), who grew up in Lisbrack House, Lisbrack Road, off the Battery Road, Longford. They had eight children, one of whom, was Doreen Rhatigan (mother to John O Hagan- current clan member)

If you would like to make contact with The Rhatigan Clan please contact :
John OHagan - Email: johagan@tcd.ie