MCELHINNEY tribes around the world

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MCELHINNEY Family History

This interesting surname is of Irish origin, and is an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "MacGiolla Chainnigh". The Gaelic prefix "mac" means "son of", plus "giolla", devotee of, and the saint's name "Canice". St. Canice, who came from Dromachose in County Derry, was a pupil of St. Finnian at Clonard. He founded a monastery at Aghabre in Ossory circa 577, and also had a foundation in County Kilkenny. He died in Ossory circa 600. The Mac Giolla Chainnigh sept, i.e. "sons of the followers of St. Canice" were of the Cenel Eoghain group, a collective clan name for tribes descended from Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the 5th Century High King of Ireland, who were chiefly located in Counties Derry, Tyrone and Donegal.

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Anne O’Kane

My great, great grandfather, John McIlhenny, came from the townland of Cluntygeeragh, Parish of Dungiven, County Derry, Ireland. In the 1831 census there were 4 McElhinney, households living in this townland - John, Patrick, Thomas and Richard. I would be interested, if it were at all possible, to find out about these families. Thank you.

Margaret cowie

Hi trying to find my great grandfather Patrick macelhinney from Donegal maybe doogray