Motto: Crom aboo. (Crom Victorious)
The Bodkins trace their lineage to Maurice Fitzgerald, a companion of Strongbow. Thomas FitzRichard, a descendant, is said to have earned the surname “Bodkin” after defeating an Irish knight using a short spear (or baudekin). By the 14th century, the family held substantial estates in Galway and Athenry. A prominent branch included Susannah Athy, who married into the Bodkin family, linking them to the Athys. Key residences included Castletown, Kilcloony, and Thomastown.
In 1421, Walter, son of Richard Bawdekyn, clerk of Galway, was granted the islands called ‘Bushe-yland’ and ‘Gote-yland’ of the town of Galway. In the mid-seventeenth century map of the city, Bawdekyn’s Lane is shown running from Lombard St to the river near to the present day St Patrick’s school. (Marked as 66 on the map). The lane had been built over by 1944.
In the early 19th century the family seats were at Annagh, Carrowbeg, Castletown and Kilclooney in Co. Galway.
