First found in counties Cavan and Leitrim.

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the O'Rouke name: Henry Roark who settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; Owen Roarke settled in Philadelphia in 1851; Anne Rourk settled with her husband in Maine in 1822; Bernard, Charles, Daniel, Felix, John, Michael, Patrick, Richard and William Rourke all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

Motto Translated: I govern by serving.

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