Unveiling Che Guevara’s Irish Roots: A Genealogical Journey

Research into the ancestry of revolutionary figure Che Guevara reveals a surprising connection to Ireland through his great-great-great-great-grandfather, Patrick Lynch. Genealogist Patricia Brennan has uncovered details linking Guevara’s lineage to a family that settled in the region now known as Buenos Aires after emigrating from County Galway.

In 1929, Augusta Lynch de MacKinley, a member of the Lynch family residing in Buenos Aires, contacted the Office of the Chief Herald in Ireland regarding her family’s history. The correspondence highlights that the founder of the South American branch of the Lynch family was Patrick Lynch, born in 1715 in Lydican, County Galway. The family’s estate in this area was central to their prosperity as they contributed to the early development of the Argentine Republic.

Over the generations, Patrick Lynch and his descendants thrived in Argentina, with one notable descendant, Patricio Lynch, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Chilean navy. Meanwhile, the Lynch family in Ireland faced financial difficulties. By the mid-18th century, the estate became heavily indebted, ultimately leading to its sale to another branch of the Lynch family.

The Lynches of Lydican were part of the 14 Tribes of Galway, a group of merchant families who dominated the area’s social and economic life from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Historical research suggests that the family may trace its roots to the Normans who accompanied William the Conqueror to Britain. While their social status in Galway was significant, the family’s fortunes fluctuated over time, with younger sons often branching off to establish separate lines.

A key document, a deed from 1711, confirms that Patrick Lynch and his father, William Lynch, were residents of Lydican, indicating that the family had established their presence there by the early 18th century. Despite their initial prosperity, the estate fell into disrepair and was court-ordered for sale in the 19th century due to debts incurred by the family.

While Patrick Lynch was building a new life in Argentina, his relatives struggled to maintain their estate in Ireland. The lineage of the Lynches continued through various generations, with notable family connections documented in Ireland’s historical records.

In Argentina, Patrick Lynch married María Rosa Galayn in 1749, and together they had nine children. Their offspring became influential in the growing nation, but political upheaval was never far behind. One descendant, Francisco de Paula Lynch, fled to California during the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas, where he eventually prospered during the Gold Rush.

Upon returning to Buenos Aires, Francisco’s daughter, Ana Lynch, married Roberto Guevara Castro. Their son, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, known to the world as Che Guevara, was born on June 14, 1928. Ana Lynch’s spirited personality left a lasting impression on Che, who remained close to her throughout his life.

The Irish connection to Che Guevara was highlighted by journalist Arthur Quinlan, who, during a brief encounter at Shannon Airport in March 1965, pointed out Guevara’s Galway lineage. Although their conversation did not lead to a detailed article, Quinlan recalled Guevara acknowledging his Irish heritage.

After Guevara’s death in 1967, the connection to Ireland was further solidified when Jim Fitzpatrick created the iconic poster of him, which has become a symbol of revolutionary movements worldwide. The Irish postal service even issued a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork, linking Guevara’s legacy back to his Irish roots—a move that sparked both admiration and criticism.

Today, the story of Che Guevara’s ancestry serves as a reminder of the deep historical ties between Ireland and Argentina. As research continues to uncover the complexities of his family tree, it illustrates how migration and heritage shape identities across generations.

This investigation into Guevara’s Irish roots reveals a tapestry of family history that spans continents and centuries, reflecting the intertwined stories of those who left Galway for a new life in South America.