GAL, GALL
\ɡˈal], \ɡˈal], \ɡ_ˈa_l]\
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A Celtic prefix or suffix, which, when it enters into a name, implies the presence of foreigners. It is believed to have been first applied to a colony of Gauls, whence it came to denote foreigners in general. Thus, Donegal means the fortress of the foreigners-in this case known to have been Danes. Galbally in Limerick, and Galwally in Down, mean English town. Ballynagall is the town of the Englishmen; Clonegall, the meadow of the Englishmen.
By Daniel Lyons