History

Adan’s paternal family came to New York in 1925 from Sligo, Ireland. Breheny is the anglicized form of the Gaelic “Mac an Bhreitheamhnaigh” which translates to “son of the judge”. The roots of the Breheny surname stem back thousands of years and are linked to the indigenous legal system in Ireland before English rule called Brehon Law. Those who preserved and interpreted the law were a hereditary group of arbitrators known as Brehons. Brehon Law provided equal rights and prescribed restitution over punishment. Brehon law ended in 1603 by proclamation of King James and replaced with English Law. Variants of the name include Brehony, Brehany, and Judge.

This is the Breheny family crest. The black sable color represents consistence. The shells symbolize protection. And the ermine pattern is associated with nobles.

Anna’s paternal family name is Kelley. The original form of the surname in Gaelic is “Mac Ceallaigh” which denoted descendants of Ceallach. In early Irish mythology, Ceallach was the name of a legendary chief who was portrayed as a symbol of leadership. Many powerful kings bore the name in medieval Ireland. Variants of the name include Kelly, Kellie, and Killia.

This is the Kelley family crest. The blue azure color represents truth. The gold rings are a symbol of loyalty. The castle tower signifies high ranking. And the lion is an emblem of courage.

Maine Mor founded the kingdom of Ui Maine in the year 357. A descendent named Tadhg Mor Ua Cellaigh was the 36th King of Ui Maine in 985. He was the first to bear the surname Cellaigh named after his grandfather Ceallach mac Finnachta. This name would soon become O’Kelly and later Kelley. The O’Kelly sept of Ui Maine would continue to rule as kings until its disestablishment in 1611. Ui Maine was one of the oldest and largest kingdoms in the northwest province of Connacht. The town of Sligo is part of Connacht. During peacetime, the territory was governed by the O’Kelly king along with the aid of a Brehon.

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