Insights Into the O’Neills of Ireland from DNA Testing
O’Neill, Edwin B., & McLaughlin, John D.
Journal of Genetic Genealogy 2:18-26, 2006
The O’Neills of Ireland are one of the best known and important families in Irish history, descended from a long dynastic line that for centuries were Kings of Ulster and High Kings of Ireland. By traditional pedigree they are patrilineal descendants of Niall “of the Nine Hostages” who was the semi-historical High King of Ireland who died in 405 and who was the founder of the famous Ui Neill dynasty. But an examination of DNA data on males with the O’Neill, McLaughlin, O Cathain, McShane and other related surnames has led to a theory that the Royal Tyrone O’Neills of Ireland, from some point forward, were not, as history records, patrilineal descendents from the line of the Ui Neill. An analysis of available Y-DNA data on 102 males with the O’Neill surname reveals the existence of two different O’Neill Y-STR clusters, both primarily located in the region of Ireland associated with the Ui Neill line and the Royal O’Neills. Results of testing the Y-SNP M222 indicate that the two groups of O’Neills are distinctly separate. Documented Irish history, coupled with Y-DNA data on surnames linked to the Ui Neill line at different time periods (McLaughlin, O Cathain and McShane) suggest the approximate time frame of a non-paternal event (NPE) in the Royal O’Neill line occurred between the 900s and 1500s.