Holohan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A massive amount of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century for North America and Australia in hopes of finding more opportunities and an escape from discrimination and oppression. A great portion of these migrants arrived on the eastern shores of the North American continent. Although they were generally poor and destitute, and, therefore, again discriminated against, these Irish people were heartily welcomed for the hard labor involved in the construction of railroads, canals, roadways, and buildings. Many others were put to work in the newly established factories or agricultural projects that were so essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the world. The Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s initiated the largest wave of Iris immigration. Early North American immigration and passenger lists have revealed a number of people bearing the name Holohan or a variant listed above:

Holohan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• John Holohan, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1812 2
• Pat Holohan, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 2
• T Holohan, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 2
• James Holohan, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 2

Holohan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Patrick Holohan, aged 21, who arrived in South Australia in 1858 aboard the ship "Storm Cloud"

• Sean Holohan (b. 1964), American professional football player
• Peter Joseph "Pete" Holohan (b. 1959), former professional American NFL football player
• William A. Holohan, American politician, Justice of Arizona State Supreme Court, 1972-89 3
• Elaine "Lenny" Holohan (b. 1985), Irish camogie player, winner of All-Ireland Senior medals in 2007, 2010 and 2011
• Owen Holohan, Irish sportsperson (hurler)
• Richard Holohan (1882-1954), Irish politician and farmer