Pro Deo et Patria
Well, it's pouring outside. I always prefer downpours to sprinkles or drizzles. I think those are more depressing. At least with downpours, they seem to serve some purpose, I guess. Something comforting about thunder to me. That and it almost makes me want to go play in the pounding rain outside, but that might not be good while still at work.
For now, did some quick, random research on my surname.
Reardon
Origin: Irish
Coat of Arms: Quarterly: 1st and 4th an arm emerging from a cloud holding a dagger; 2nd and 3rd - silver with a lion supporting a tree.
Crest: A red fleur de lis.
Motto: Pro Deo et patria.
Motto Translated: For God and country.
Spelling variations include: O'Riordan, Riordan, O'Rearden, Rearden and others.
First found in county Cork.
Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were: Denis Rearden settled in Philadelphia along with Cornelius, Michael and Thomas in 1857; Anne, David, Denis, Edward, James, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William Reardon all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
http://search.swyrich.com/searchresults.asp?licensee=8507&Surname=reardon&text2.x=19&text2.y=17&searchType=both
Origin and Meaning: The name translates to 'descendant of Ríoghbhardán' - the Irish word for 'Royal Bard'. It is the name of a family originally of Ely-O'Corroll, in the present Offaly and probably a branch of the family of O'Carroll of that district, deriving its name and descent from Ríoghbhardán, son of Cúcoirne, lord of Ely, who fell at the battle of Sliabh gCrot, in the Glen of Aherlow, in the year 1058.
Development and History: In 1576 Gaven O Rewrdabe was a freeholder in Ely-O'Carroll and one of Sir William O'Carroll's most important followers. The name appears about the same time in Leix and Kilkenny but the bulk of the family had long before removed to Cork and Limerick. In 1597 Maurice O'Riordan of Croome was attainted and his lands granted to George Sherlocke. The O'Riordans are now very numerous in Cork, Limerick and Kerry.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/reardon/messages/882.html
Apparently, my grest-great-great-great-great grandfather (I think I got all the 'greats' straight--it was in the 1800s) John Reardon (but could have been O'Riordan at the time) only came to America from Cork was because he was either going to be deported or beheaded. Why?--I don't know.
Oddly, I feel a rush of Irish pride, either that or there's blood mysteriously rushing to or from my head.
Also, I recently saw an interesting pick-up truck driving home from work recently: Reardon Family Exterminators: Pest Control Specialists -- found that oddly amusing. Wonder if we're related...?
((OOC: That last part was actually true. I laughed so hard, people would have thought I was crazy))
For now, did some quick, random research on my surname.
Reardon
Origin: Irish
Coat of Arms: Quarterly: 1st and 4th an arm emerging from a cloud holding a dagger; 2nd and 3rd - silver with a lion supporting a tree.
Crest: A red fleur de lis.
Motto: Pro Deo et patria.
Motto Translated: For God and country.
Spelling variations include: O'Riordan, Riordan, O'Rearden, Rearden and others.
First found in county Cork.
Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were: Denis Rearden settled in Philadelphia along with Cornelius, Michael and Thomas in 1857; Anne, David, Denis, Edward, James, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William Reardon all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
http://search.swyrich.com/searchresults.asp?licensee=8507&Surname=reardon&text2.x=19&text2.y=17&searchType=both
Origin and Meaning: The name translates to 'descendant of Ríoghbhardán' - the Irish word for 'Royal Bard'. It is the name of a family originally of Ely-O'Corroll, in the present Offaly and probably a branch of the family of O'Carroll of that district, deriving its name and descent from Ríoghbhardán, son of Cúcoirne, lord of Ely, who fell at the battle of Sliabh gCrot, in the Glen of Aherlow, in the year 1058.
Development and History: In 1576 Gaven O Rewrdabe was a freeholder in Ely-O'Carroll and one of Sir William O'Carroll's most important followers. The name appears about the same time in Leix and Kilkenny but the bulk of the family had long before removed to Cork and Limerick. In 1597 Maurice O'Riordan of Croome was attainted and his lands granted to George Sherlocke. The O'Riordans are now very numerous in Cork, Limerick and Kerry.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/reardon/messages/882.html
Apparently, my grest-great-great-great-great grandfather (I think I got all the 'greats' straight--it was in the 1800s) John Reardon (but could have been O'Riordan at the time) only came to America from Cork was because he was either going to be deported or beheaded. Why?--I don't know.
Oddly, I feel a rush of Irish pride, either that or there's blood mysteriously rushing to or from my head.
Also, I recently saw an interesting pick-up truck driving home from work recently: Reardon Family Exterminators: Pest Control Specialists -- found that oddly amusing. Wonder if we're related...?
((OOC: That last part was actually true. I laughed so hard, people would have thought I was crazy))