Throughout the centuries there have been many famous Hannon/Hannans that have left their mark on Irish history. Maelissa Ó hAnnáin was a prior in County Roscommon in 1266 A.D., while Patrick 'Paddy' Hannan of County Clare emigrated to Australia in 1863 A.D. and found the richest goldfield in modern times. More recently, Mary Josephine Hannon (1865-1964), was the grandmother of the late American president - John F. Kennedy.

History has recorded that Clann Hannon members achieved success and valor in their lifetimes; and it reminds us too that our Ó hAnnáin ancestors relocated from their ancient pre-christian homelands to north Munster and Connacht provinces. History has also recorded that many Ó hAnnáins crossed the open seas of the Atlantic and Pacific.

We are bound to our common ancestry, through our common surname Ó hAnnáin and lineage. Whether we live today in Ireland, America, Canada, UK, Australia or in some other corner of the world - we are distantly related as descendants of Ainninn (celtic leader in the 3rd century BC). The question then becomes one of whether or not we are proud to display our clann heritage when attending an event with members of other Irish surnames. If you are not proud of your Irish Hannon/Hannan heritage, you should be.

Many thousands of Hannon/Hannans (Ó hAnnáins), have carried the same surname as we do today - over the past 2,500 years of Irish history.

The greatness in Hannons (both men and women) that have come before us, and who faced every trial and tribulation put before them throughout the Ó hAnnáin clann history -- should give us all reason to pause -- and reflect upon their courage. Their ancient Irish Spirit was hard to subdue - as the Anglo Saxons, Normans, and Danish Vikings found out in earlier times.

In the Irish newsmagazine Inside Ireland "More About Genes", DNA research being done by scientists today is proving that the men of Ireland (who carry their father's surnames) have a genetic marker called "Haplogroup R1b" that is the most ancient gene in Europe. It dates back 4,200 years to the megalithic period of Newgrange and the early Bronze Age. This particular genetic marker is more dominant in Ireland today than in any other country on the continent of Europe.

**Haplogroup R1b Gene:

98.3% - Percent of Irish men with gaelic surnames in Connacht

94.6% - Percent of Irish men with gaelic surnames in Munster

81.1% - Percent of Irish men with gaelic surnames in Ulster

73.3% - Percent of Irish men with gaelic surnames in Leinster

Beginning in January 2007, the European Union recognized the Irish Language as the 21st Official Language of the EU. In ministerial meetings the nation will be known as, Éire - Ireland, with all documents translated into the Irish Language along with the ministers allowed to speak in their native language when giving speeches. This will help save the Irish language for future generations.

Today... the Irish people are the modern day descendents of some 3,700 ancient Irish surnames that once lived and ruled the 32 counties within the four provinces of the Emerald Isle.

We of Clann O'Hannon ( Ó hAnnáin ) ancestry, proudly take our honored place amongst them.