The Toolans of Cloonyquin, Co. Roscommon [Gen-012]

Liam ó Tuathaláin

This is the branch of the ó Tuathaláins from which the "Clontarf" Toolans are descended.

While it is possible to trace the Cloonyquin Toolans back to 1750 approximately, their earlier history is unknown at present (1984). As mentioned earlier Father Woulfe and Mac Lysaght hold that the ó Tuathaláins migrated from Donegal at the beginning of the 17th century. In the Annals of the Four Masters, however, there are references to ó Tuathaláins living in Sligo in 1306 and in Mayo in 1586. However, as shown [earlier/ elsewhere] the main group of Toolans was located in a comparatively small area in Co. Roscommon as late as the second half of the 19th century and this would seem to indicate a mass migration at an earlier date. It is likely that the Cloonyquin Toolans were part of that migration.

James Toolan, Cloonyquin married Winifred Carney from Curcreigh or Cloonmahane, near Cloonyquin.

Their children were:

  • William (1798 - 17th January, 1881) married Bridget Croghan,
  • Thomas (1810 - 22nd March, 1866) Bachelor and Musician.
  • Peter (1814 - 13th May, 1880) married Celia Kelly. [Editor, 2025: see Peter Toolan's Descendants]

James Toolan's wife may have been named Jane.
James Toolan may have had other children but if he had it is probable that they died at birth or in infancy.

William Toolan (1798 - 1881) Cloonyquin married Bridget Croghan (1811 - 1891) of Carrowgarrow (Carrowgobbadagh), Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

Their children were:

  • John (1844 - 1918) Eldest of family. Illiterate and a bachelor. 
  • Thomas died 1897. Father of Archbishop Thomas J. Toolen, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.A.
  • Mary said to have emigrated to the USA with her brother Tom when seventeen years old.
  • William possibly died in infancy.
  • Winifred (1848 - 21st February, 1928). Spinster.
  • Bridget died 1965. Married Tom Devanny (1874 - 1953)
  • Catherine married (...) Feeney of Curcreigh (?).
  • Martin (1850 - 1906) married Bridget Codd.

William Toolan (1798 - 1881) is reputed to have had a very large family: it is likely that the children other than those mentioned died at birth or in infancy.

In the Land Commission records the surname is spelled "Toolin".