The Lynch Family
A number of wealthy merchant families dominated the political leadership of Galway from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century. The Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D’Arcy, Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwin, Lynch, Martin, Morris and Skerrett families became collectively known as ‘The Tribes of Galway’. Most prominent of all were the Lynch family, who were firmly established in the city by the late thirteenth century.
The Lynches were of Anglo-Norman origin and first settled in Co. Meath, before moving to Galway. Members of the family played an important role in obtaining the city’s charter and collegiate status for St Nicholas’ Church. Pierce Lynch became the city’s first mayor in 1485 and was succeeded by his brother Dominick in 1486. In fact, it is said that members of the Lynch family served as mayor a total of eighty-four times!
Unfortunately not all of the mayors are remembered favourably. According to legend, James Lynch Fitz Stephen, Mayor of Galway in 1493, hanged his own son for murder of a young Spaniard. Nowadays, historians believe that the story is untrue. However, the Lynch memorial window - a 19th century monument to the supposed event - remains a popular tourist attractions in the city today.
The Lynches were of Anglo-Norman origin and first settled in Co. Meath, before moving to Galway. Members of the family played an important role in obtaining the city’s charter and collegiate status for St Nicholas’ Church. Pierce Lynch became the city’s first mayor in 1485 and was succeeded by his brother Dominick in 1486. In fact, it is said that members of the Lynch family served as mayor a total of eighty-four times!
Unfortunately not all of the mayors are remembered favourably. According to legend, James Lynch Fitz Stephen, Mayor of Galway in 1493, hanged his own son for murder of a young Spaniard. Nowadays, historians believe that the story is untrue. However, the Lynch memorial window - a 19th century monument to the supposed event - remains a popular tourist attractions in the city today.