Our Byrne/Burns/Beirne DNA Project now exceeds 160 men tested. Among them are a half-dozen Beirne who either live in Roscommon or have roots there. Rather than one distinct sept, there may be three DNA lines--not at all uncommon among Irish clans.
But in the intersts of general sept history, and to determine whether there are ties to similarly named groups in Sligo and Donegal, I want to flesh this out with more tests. Please contact me if you known of a male Beirne with proven roots to the Roscommon area who will be willing to help when I visit there in May. A simple cheek swab is all that is involved. Thanks.