The division of Ireland into provinces or territories is first recorded in old myths and tales. The ancient Irish term for this territorial division was cúige, pronounced koo-ig-eh, and meant 'fifth part' because Ireland was divided into five separate provinces in Roman times. They never ventured beyond Britain to try to rule the Celts. However, Ireland was never ruled by the Romans.
It was an office of great honor and power. The word Proconsul is derived from the Latin Pro Consulem which means 'from or for a consul.' The Romans began appointing Proconsuls in 63 BC when they conquered Greece.
Proconsuls were the Roman Emperors' representatives who oversaw provinces. The English word 'province' has its origins in the Latin Provinciam, which is a term that means 'the territory of a Proconsul.'
Image Credit Origin of the Word Province in Ireland:
