From the valleys and mountains of Wales, the Walshs found a new homeland in Ireland in the aftermath of the momentous Norman invasion of the island in 1169.
• Readily assimilating with the native Irish population they soon became identified with the nation's struggle against oppression, often at bitter and tragic cost to themselves.
• Name variations include: Branagh, Brannagh, Walch, Wallace, Wallis, Walshe, Welch, Welsh.