In 1772 Lord Townsend,Lord Lietenant of Ireland knighted an innkeeper Thomas Cuffe in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, Ireland after enjoying a great night at the Volunteer Inn. He tried to take it back the following morning but his wife Mary refused to give up her title and held it until her death in 1812. A famous painting above the door showed the knighthood and many famous visitors attended the inn (John Wayne was there in 1951 when filming The Quiet Man). We are holding a festival in Kilbeggan fron 1st-3rd June 2012.I would love to hear from any possible descendants of the Cuffe's or Cuffe Quinn (some of this family emigrated to Canada).They were also connected with the Fleetwood's, Wilsons and other families going back to C17.