WHO WERE THE GALWAY TRIBES?
The story of the Tribes begins with the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland during the late 12th
century. Among the invaders were those of the powerful de-Burgo family. The de-Burgos took
a keen interest in the province of Connaught, and wrestled the land from the natives. Following
de-Burgo's claim, many families of Norman descent swept into the area. In a short time,
fourteen of these families distinguished themselves as merchants. Those families bore the
following surname: Athy, Black, Bodkin, Browne, D'Arcy, Deane, Fonte, French, Joyce, Kirwan,
Lynch, Martin, Morris and Skerrett.

THE 14 TRIBES of GALWAY and their MOTTOES:

To be led not driven	Virtue alone ennobles	Crom to Victory	Boldly and faithfully	One God, one king

By art or by war	No family motto	One Heart, One Mind	Death or an honourable life	My God, my king, my country

Everfaithful	My help from the Lord	If God be with us who shall be against us	First and last in the battle