The Canary Islands and Ireland share a long and poignant history of famine and emigration, with Irish migration to the islands first taking place around 1651. Here’s a look at the connection between Ireland and the Canary Islands.
After Oliver Cromwell’s suppression of the Irish people in 1651, many Irish fled to Spain and the Canary Islands to escape execution, forced labor in the West Indies, and the confiscation of their land.
The Irish integrated swiftly, becoming a key part of island society, intermarrying with Canarians and adopting Spanish names. Over time, Irish surnames became intertwined with Canarian history and culture.
Prominent Irish surnames on Tenerife and Las Palmas included Cólogan, O’Daly, Walsh, Sall, Madan, Cullen, and Kábana (Kavanagh).
Notable Irish-Canarians
The main street of La Palma’s capital, Santa Cruz, is named Calle O’Daly, after Dionisio O’Daly, an Irish merchant who played a key role in organizing the first democratic council elections in Spanish history. José Murphy is celebrated as the “father of Santa Cruz de Tenerife” for his efforts to have the city declared the capital of the province.
Lorenzo Olarte Cullen served as one of the first Presidents of the Canarian Government, and Teobaldo Power, a renowned Canarian composer, is famous for his adaptation of “Arrorró,” the official anthem of the islands.
Alfonso O’Shanahan was one of Gran Canaria’s most esteemed poets and journalists in the late 20th century, while the Millares Sall family, with eight talented siblings, made their mark in poetry (Agustín), painting (Manolo and Jane), and music (Totoyo).
In football, Luis Molowny was a key player in the legendary Real Madrid team of the late 1950s and early 1960s, alongside icons like Di Stefano, Puskas, and Gento. Molowny later managed the club and coached the Spanish national team.
Molowny is remembered in Real Madrid’s “Legends” section:
“Pace, precision, and dribbling. These qualities made the Canary Islander a true genius and later a Madrid idol. His ability to beat defenders on the left wing and deliver perfect crosses made him a nightmare for opponents.”
Molowny was signed by Real Madrid after stints at Tenerife and Marino. His debut couldn’t have been better: in a match against Barcelona, he scored the winning goal with a header, marking the start of a career filled with triumphs, including two league titles and the European Cup.
Today, tourism has brought a new wave of Irish people to the Canary Islands. Irish bars can be found in every resort, and many Irish families now live and work throughout the islands. St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated, reflecting the centuries-old bond between the Irish and the Canarians.
*Source: https://gazettelife.com/