The name states that this family were "importers" and were the lords, and dominant sept of Clan Fergail (Clann Fhearghaile).

[2][3][4] In the twelfth century the O'Hallorans were chiefs of twenty-four town lands of the túath of Clan Fergail.

In the 13th century the O'Hallorans were dispossessed of their ancient inheritance of Clan Fergail by the "De Burgos" (Burke) invaders.

The O'Hallorans and the O'Flahertys were obliged to emigrate to Iar (west) Connaught, where they built the castle of O'Hery.

[5][6] The motto of the Galway family is Clann Fearghaile Abú, which comes from their dynastic name.