The Ryan name originated as Ó Maoilriaghain, meaning ‘descendant of a devotee of St. Riaghan’. The name was originally Anglicised as Mulryan, and has today been shortened to Ryan. The name first appeared in the barony of Owney, on the border of counties Limerick and Tipperary. A further sept of the clan was to be found in the Barony of Idrone in Co. Carlow. Ryan is the eighth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is strongest in counties Tipperary and Limerick, although it is now widely dispersed across the country.
The Ryan sweater features cables, tree of life and zig-zag stitches on either side. The cable symbolises good luck, the tree of life is symbolic of family unity, and the zig zag stitch represents the ups and downs of marriage. This beautiful Aran sweater has been knitted in the traditional báinín (pronounced ‘baw neen’) colour, the natural white of the wool. It comes to you complete with a clan history and crest. It is made of 100% merino wool, is water repellent and breathable. It has been crafted in the traditional Irish style, and, with care, will last a lifetime.