Edward and John Byrne, sugar bakers and distillers, came into occupation of Allan's Court, Mullinahack in 1770. John's name is not mentioned in other records. The year 1784 is mentioned as that of which the house of Lord Allen became the residence and business centre of that successful Catholic merchant Edward O'Byrne the founder of the family of which Count O'Byrne of France is the presenthead (1904). EdwardByrne secured to have been in occupation of the premises some time before the execution of the deed. Under a lease of 20th August, 1787 Edward Byrne leased what was called "the Nunnery" ground in Mullinahack (the Nunnery of St. Augustine's, from Gilberts history of Dublin). Walkers Hibernian magazine in 1792 published a picture of Edward Byrne. His book with the Byrnes of Wicklow is mentioned, Reference is also made to his obituary and to his "taxes" and eventual estate and his links with Saggart as well as his law suits on behalf of his wife and his faith. He had many children, was widowed in 1797 and remarried. Mr.Liam 0' Broin of the National Library notes also that the family are reported to be of the Protestant faith notwithstanding records of their fidelity to the fairh of their county and to movements favouring its separation from England. A special reference is made of the following: above the opening to the little chapel an addition to the western transept of Saggart Parish Church there is a Latin inscription on a brass plate. The translation is "pray for the souls of Mark and Edward Henry O'Byme whose bones be here having been translated hither A.D. 1866 from the nearby paternal tomb at the instance and expense of Gertrude de Rey (Reagh) of the Marquis ate of St. Gery in France (now widow of the said Edward). Her pious wishes have been furthered by John (created, Roman Count by his Holiness, Pope Pius IX, his brothers Edward and Henry and his sister Mary Countess de Maistre, who have caused this tomb to be made during their lifetime for themselves and their parents. R.I.P. Hughie O'Byrne of Aughrim. > Back to Famous Byrnes