Lynch: History, myth and legend is a fascinating trip through the thousand-year history of the Lynch family. They have given their name to cities and ships, fine wines and hamburgers, Japanese rock bands and Irish folk bands. They've also woven themselves into myths and legends. In fact, some of the greatest characters in Lynch history, such as Labraid Loingseach, only ever existed in legends. The famous story of Mayor of Galway, who hanged his own son, is a myth. However, it is true that the family grew rich shipping wine; that 15th century mint maker Germyn Lynch was more likely a genius than a crook; that Corkwoman Eliza Lynch was once the greatest landowner in South America; and that two Lynches led the opposing forces at the fateful battle at the Bay of Pigs. It's also true that the dreadful practice of lynching was named after the son of a Galway emigrant. In this story of more than 30 remarkable characters from the Lynch clan, it turns out that the truth is often more remarkable than the legend.