The red hand by itself has become a symbol of the O'Neill name, such that when other O'Neill family branches were granted or assumed a heraldic achievement, this red hand was often incorporated into the new coat of arms in some way. The red hand is explained by several legends, with a common theme but of a promise of land to the first man to sail or swim across the sea and touch the shores of Ireland. Many contenders arrive, including a man named O'Neill, who begins to fall behind the others. O'Neill cuts off his left hand and throws it onto the beach before the other challengers can reach the shore, becoming the first to touch land and win all of Ireland as his prize.
Coats of arms
O'Neill dynasty
O'Neill dynasty | Coats of arms
The coat of arms were white with a red left hand  (though a right hand is used today). The red hand by itself has become a symbol of the O'Neill name. White with a red left hand (latterly, the Red Hand of Ulster) Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context. Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
the wolf and the lion game of thrones episode
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Fifth episode
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can you mention any characters from this episode?
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Lord Eddard Stark, Tyrion Lannister, Catelyn Stark
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can you mention any actor from this episode?
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Finn Jones, Kate Dickie, Lino Facioli, Brendan McCormack were some of them.
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where was the episode shot?
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The Paint Hall studio, Shane's Castle, Fort St Angelo (Maltese town of Vittoriosa).
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the castle that you just mentioned, is it a real castle?
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Yes, it is a ruined castle near Randalstown in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
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when was it built?
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1345
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by whom?
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A member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty.
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has it served as the filming location for any other works?
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Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
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what are the origins of the dynasty that you just mentioned?
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Irish Gaelic origin
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were they rulers?
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Yes, they were Kings of Cenél nEógain.
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do they have any successors in foreign nations?
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Yes, in Scotland.
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what is their family crest?
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It is a common misconception that there is one coat of arms associated to everyone of a common surname, when, in fact, a coat of arms is property passed through direct lineage. This means that there are numerous families of O'Neill under various spellings that are related, but because they are not the direct descendants of an O'Neill that owned an armorial device do not have rights or claims to any arms themselves. The coat of arms of the O'Neills of Ulster, the branch that held the title of High Kings of Ireland, were white with a red left hand (latterly, the Red Hand of Ulster), and it is because of this prominence that the red hand (though a right hand is used today, rather than the left used by the high kings) has also become a symbol of Ireland, Ulster, Tyrone and other places associated with the family of O'Neills.
O'Neill dynasty | Coats of arms
All of this was granted under Letters Patent issued by the English College of Heralds. Later, the Ulster and Norroy King of Arms granted him the undifferenced arms as the head of the House of O'Neill. Upon that Letters Patent, Pope Leo XIII, the King of Spain, and the King of Portugal all recognized Jorge O'Neill as the Prince of Clanaboy, Tyrone, Ulster, as the Count of Tyrone, and the Head of the Royal House of O'Neill and all of its septs. It was from this grant that the Chief Herald of Ireland recognized the family as the Princes of Clannaboy in 1945.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neill Descendants in France, Spain, and Portugal
These legends seem to originate (or to have been written down) in the 17th century, centuries after the red hand device was first used by O'Neill families.
O'Neill dynasty | Coats of arms
It is a mistake to state that the Irish coat of arms system follows a feudal system wherein a coat of arms is property passed through direct lineage. This means that the right to use the arms is not restricted to a given individual, as in the English feudal system, but is open to all within the extended "sept" or "clan" of the Gaelic culture. The coat of arms of the Uí Néill (plural of Ó Néill) of Ulster were white with a red left hand cut off below the wrist, palm facing down with the fingers spread. Today, it is more common to see the right hand, palm side up and with the fingers touching rather than the left, as the coat of arms was changed under British rule.
O'Neill (surname) | Coats of arms
It has also become a symbol of Ireland, Ulster, Tyrone, and other places associated with the ruling family of Uí Néills. The symbol is frequently used by Protestant inhabitants since the 1920s in Northern Ireland. As other related family branches and clans loyal to the O'Neills were often granted or assumed a heraldic achievement, this red hand has been incorporated into the new coat of arms to the point of being a cliché.
O'Neill (surname) | Coats of arms
The grandson of Jorge and present Prince of Clanaboy, Hugo, has not pressed his senior claim to the entire House of O'Neill out of respect for his O'Neill chief cousins and their own histories.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neill Descendants in France, Spain, and Portugal
Further, O'Neills hold five existing House of Lords Peerages in Ulster, Scotland, and England, and even married into the Swedish Royal family in 2010, represented by Christopher O'Neill and his children, HRH Leonore, Duchess of Gotland, and HRH Prince Nicolas of Sweden, Duke of Ångermanland. Overseas branches flourish, such as in South Africa where descendants are referred to as Nels, mainly due to the influence of the Afrikaner people of the country. The family maintains a loose confederation with its sept princes and chiefs centered in Ireland, meeting annually. This Chief's group met in 2007 to commemorate and retrace the Flight of the Earls, in 2010 outside Paris to announce a new, global clan organization that has the goal of constructing an O'Neill museum in Ulster as a central repository for all the family artifacts spread across the world.
O'Neill dynasty | Today
In 1896 Jorge O'Neill of Portugal submitted his genealogy to the Somerset Herald in London. Five years later, Sir Henry Farnham Burke, KCVO, CB, FSA, Somerset Herald stated in 1900 that "the only Pedigree at present on record in either of the Offices of Arms showing a lineal male descent from the House of O'Neill, Monarchs of Ireland, Kings of Ulster, and Princes of Tyrone and Claneboy, is the one registered in the fifty-ninth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lady Victoria, in favor of His Excellency Jorge O'Neill of Lisbon". He then recognized him as the Representative of the House of O'Neill and as the Representative of the Earldom created in 1542 for his kinsman Conn Baccagh O'Neill.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neill Descendants in France, Spain, and Portugal
"Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne", Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh's genealogies, and Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh's pedigrees specifically state that the MacSweens were descended from Anradhán. According to Mac Fhirbhisigh's genealogies, Ó Cléirigh's pedigrees, and MS 1467, the Lamonts were also descendants. MacLachlans were also descendants, according to Ó Cléirigh's pedigrees and MS 1467. According to MS 1467, the MacSorleys of Monydrain, ([of Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg a branch of Clan Donald) and MacEwens of Otter are also descendants. The Gilchrists appear to be another family descended from Anradhán. The original Gaelic surname of the Highland Livingstones suggests that they were also descendants. There is uncertainty regarding the ancestry of the MacNeills.
O'Neill dynasty | Anradhán kindred of Scotland/Scottish and Irish Clans related to Uí Neill Dynasty
The O'Neill dynasty (Irish: "Ó Néill") is a lineage ultimately all of Irish Gaelic origin, that held prominent positions and titles in Ireland and elsewhere. As Kings of Cenél nEógain, they are historically the most prominent family of the Northern Uí Néill, along with the O'Donnell and O'Doherty. The O'Neill's hold that their ancestors were kings of Ailech during the Early Middle Ages, as descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Two of their progenitors were High Kings of Ireland, Niall Glúndub (from whom they take their name) and Domnall ua Néill. From 1185 until 1616, the O'Neill were sovereign kings of Tír Eógain, holding territories in the north of Ireland; particularly around modern County Tyrone, County Londonderry and County Antrim, all in modern Northern Ireland.
O'Neill dynasty | Introduction
Their eldest son, João O'Neill (Shane O'Neill), was born in Richhill Village in the parish of Kilmore, Tyrone, and died in Santos o Velho, Lisbon, on 21 January 1788. He left France with his brothers and established their noble line permanently under in the Kingdom of Portugal. He was the titular head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, whose family have been in Portugal ever since. The current head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, a descendant of João, is Portuguese nobleman Hugo Ricciardi O'Neill, the son of Jorge Maria O'Neill; the family has been remarkable in the modern history of Portugal.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neill Descendants in France, Spain, and Portugal
The arms of the branch of the family (who spelled the name McGhie or McGee) which was seated in England by the early 19th century is given by Thomas Robson in "The British Herald" as "sable a fesse between three leopards' faces argent". Their crest, however, bears no resemblance to the Balmaghie family's – it is quoted in Fairbairn's 'Book of Crests of the Families of Great Britain' as "an ostrich argent, in the beak a horse-shoe azure." This is the crest of the Gell baronets, to whom a connection may be supposed. Robert McGhie and his sons William and Willoughby McGhie lived at Upcott House, Bishop's Hull, Taunton.
McGhee family | Other Branches
Most recently the Parliament in Dublin reversed the legal attainments against O'Neill chiefs dating back to 1569. Three of the ancient O'Neill dynasties or principalities, are still represented by direct descendants of the once independent kings, the O'Neills of Clannaboy, the Fews, and the McShane O'Neills of Tyrone. The chiefships pass under the elective derbfine system of Irish Brehon law, but many incumbents were also granted further titles that are inherited under primogeniture by various Roman Catholic kingdoms in Europe and by the British crown who today possess and use titles in Ireland, Spain, France, Scotland, Portugal, England, Australia, South Africa and the Americas.
O'Neill dynasty | Today
However, in 1896 Jorge O'Neill of Portugal submitted his genealogy to the Somerset Herald in London. Five years later, Sir Henry Farnham Burke, KCVO, CB, FSA, Somerset Herald stated in 1900 that "the only Pedigree at present on record in either of the Offices of Arms showing a lineal male descent from the House of O'Neill, Monarchs of Ireland, Kings of Ulster, and Princes of Tyrone and Claneboy, is the one registered in the fifty-ninth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lady Victoria, in favor of His Excellency Jorge O'Neill of Lisbon". He then recognised him as the Representative of the House of O'Neill and as the Representative of the Earldom created in 1542 for his kinsman Conn Baccagh O'Neill.
Chief of the Name | Gaelic Irish titles
Hugh was elected as their chief, and that O'Neill branch has since forth taken on the "MacShane" surname as an honorific for their loyalty to Shane O'Neill and to his battling sons. Hugh McShane O'Neill reigned as chief until 1622 and his sons and grandsons served as the chieftains of the family and were active in the wars and politics of Ulster, Ireland, and Spain for the next two centuries. Some of Shane's surviving son's were given sizable land after the flight of the earls that had previously belonged to Hugh O'Neill. Henry was given land in Orior, Con was given the estate of Clabbye, and Brian was given land in Clinawly, Fermanagh.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
Today the ancient O'Neills flourish in Ireland, Europe, and the New World. Clan organizations and meetings are held regularly, and the family organization is recognized by every possible Irish historical governing body. The O'Neills are represented, and are the current Presidents of, the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains. They are members of the Clans of Ireland, and hold status with the Councils of each County in Ulster. And before the Irish Republic's government stopped recognizing Chiefs, they were one of the original chiefly families recognized in 1945 by the Chief Herald of Ireland. They still maintain good relations with the government in Dublin and have hosted the President in Ulster twice.
O'Neill dynasty | Today
The family of Barra may well be unrelated to the family of Taynish and Gigha. It is uncertain if either family descended from Anradhán, although tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century suggests that the Barra family may have.
O'Neill dynasty | Anradhán kindred of Scotland/Scottish and Irish Clans related to Uí Neill Dynasty
Refer to Clan MacInnes Association page for an explanation of how this occurred: http://macinnes.org/crests/WhatHappenedTB.html In 1960, a branch of the clan (whose ancestors were from Skye) matriculated arms from which was adopted the second crest and motto, arms of a Right Arm in Proper Tartan Holding a Bow, with the motto: GHIFT DHE AGUS AN RIGH, ["By the grace of God and king"]. This crest was adopted for use by the Council of Chiefs. Since there was no Clan Chief, the arms were lodged with Lord Lyon King of Arms. This crest pertains to MacInneses of Skye - being that of the extended arm of an archer that relates "Sliochd Neill a’ bhogha", (The Line of Neil of the Bow), whose kin from the mid 16th century were hereditary bowman to Clan McKinnon of Strath.
Clan MacInnes | Crests
All of this was granted under Letters Patent issued by the English College of Heralds. Later, the Ulster and Norroy King of Arms granted him the undifferenced arms as the head of the House of O'Neill. Upon that Letters Patent, Pope Leo XIII, the King of Spain, and the King of Portugal recognised Jorge O'Neill as the Prince of Clanaboy, Tyrone, Ulster, as the Count of Tyrone, and the Head of the Royal House of O'Neill and all of its septs. The grandson of Jorge and present Prince of Clanaboy, Hugo, has not pressed his senior claim to the entire House of O'Neill out of respect for his O'Neill chief cousins and their own histories.
Chief of the Name | Gaelic Irish titles
The O'Higgins family are armigerous in the Kingdom of Ireland, the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (Jacobite) and in the Kingdom of Spain. The earliest known coat of arms was recorded in 1724 by Sir John Higgins Bt of Montoge with Sir James Terry, Athlone Herald in the Court of James II at St. Germaine. Sir John Higgins's branch of the family moved to Limerick after they lost their lands at Monteige in Sligo and eventually relocated in France and later in Spain where John Higgins was knighted and became personal physician to the King of Spain. The descent of the Arms of Shean Duff O'Higgins, Baron of Ballynary were recorded in the Office of Ulster King of Arms in 1788 having existed for at least the previous 200 years.
O'Higgins family | Arms
Two other members of the O'Neill family have been elevated to the peerage. Hugh O'Neill, 1st Baron Rathcavan, was the youngest son of the second Baron O'Neill, while Terence O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of the Maine, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, was the youngest brother of the third Baron. The family seat is Shane's Castle, near Randalstown, County Antrim where they are involved in the commercial cattle business.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
It was created in 1868 for the musical composer The Reverend William O'Neill. Born William Chichester, he succeeded to the estates of his cousin John Bruce Richard O'Neill, 3rd Viscount O'Neill, in 1855 (on whose death the viscountcy and barony of O'Neill became extinct) and assumed by Royal licence the surname of O'Neill in lieu of Chichester in order to inherit the lands of his cousin, despite not being descended in the male line from an O'Neill, daughter of Henry O'Neill of Shane's Castle. Lord O'Neill was the patrilineal great-great-great-grandson of John Chichester, younger brother of Arthur Chichester, 2nd Earl of Donegall.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
Like the family of O'Neill, that of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell was of the Uí Néill, i.e. descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland at the beginning of the 5th century; the O'Neill, or Cenél nEógain, tracing their pedigree to Eógan mac Néill, and the O'Donnells, or Cenél Conaill, to Conall Gulban, both sons of Niall. Conall was baptised by St. Patrick.
O'Donnell dynasty | Origins
The sept of McShane is a closely related branch of the Tír Eoghain O'Neills. When Shane O'Neill, Prince of Tyrone and chief of all the O'Neill clans, was killed in 1567, he had an estimated ten male children from his various wives and mistresses. As a group they were very young. During Shane's lifetime, he made claim to the legitimate patrimony of these children and thus they were raised in the courts of their various maternal grandfathers and aunts upon his death. These houses included the Gaelic noble families of O'Donnell, Maguire, O'Quinn, MacDonald, and MacLean. Sixteen years later in 1583 a confederation of the brothers met at the court of their uncle, the Chief of the MacLean clan in the Scottish isles.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
The red hand by itself has become a symbol of the O'Neill name, such that when other O'Neill family branches were granted or assumed a heraldic achievement, this red hand was often incorporated into the new coat of arms in some way. The red hand is explained by several legends, with a common theme but of a promise of land to the first man to sail or swim across the sea and touch the shores of Ireland. Many contenders arrive, including a man named O'Neill, who begins to fall behind the others. O'Neill cuts off his left hand and throws it onto the beach before the other challengers can reach the shore, becoming the first to touch land and win all of Ireland as his prize.
O'Neill dynasty | Coats of arms
By the end of the 17th century, the Earl's line failed in exile, and the "Mac Shane" line legally inherited the chiefship and title. This line is presently in remainder to the Gaelic Principality and Earldom of Tyrone, the Viscountcy of Montjuich, and various lordships around Ulster. Further, with the Oireachtas act of March 2015, which reversed the Attainder of Shane O'Neill from 1569, the family have the recognized legal rights to the historical legacy and incorporeal property of Conn Bacach O'Neill, Shane the Proud, and Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
Hugh Boy, son of Donnell Og O'Neill, grandson of Aodh Meith O'Neill (Hugh the Fat), and great-grandson of Áed in Macáem Tóinlesc, all kings of Cenél nEógain of the Northern Uí Néill, was the eponymous ancestor of the O'Neill Clandeboye, line. He had come to an arrangement with the Norman Earls of Ulster which allowed his sons, particularly Brian, to consolidate O'Neill power within The North at the expense of the O'Donnells. Hugh Boy was married Eleanor de Nangle, a kinswoman to his nominal enemy, Walter de Burgh, the Earl of Ulster and Jocelyn de Angulo; Hugh died in 1283.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Clanaboy
The O'Neill lineage claims descent from Niall Glúndub, a 10th-century king of Ailech as well as High King of Ireland. Niall descended from the Cenél nEógain branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The first to adopt the patronymic surname was Niall Glúndub's great-grandson, Flaithbertach Ua Néill. The lineage does not receive a mention in non-Irish recorded history sources between the 1080s and 1160s, from which they emerge from a "very murky background". In 1167, King of Ireland Ruaidri Ua Concobhair marched north and divided the kingdom of Ailech into two. The portion north of Slieve Gallion, was given to Niall Mac Lochlainn (McLaughlin), with the portion south of Slieve Gallion, given to Áed Ua Néill.
O'Neill dynasty | Origins
The O'Neills of Clanaboy in Antrim, the other branch of O'Neill princes, continued to live in Antrim after the Flight of the Earls; they received no English title higher than knighthood. In 1740, the chief of the Clanaboy O'Neills, and his brothers, settled in Portugal, and the family became Portuguese peers. The chief in 1896, Jorge O'Neill, was interested in his Gaelic heritage; in that year, he wrote to the Ulster King of Arms and the Somerset Herald submitting proofs of his distant cousinhood to the Earls of Tyrone, and the Somerset Herald acknowledged his representation of the "Royal House of O'Neill", and registered his arms as those of O'Neill of Clanaboy.
Count of Tyrone | O'Neills of Portugal
The lineage he established remained senior among the O'Neill's, becoming semi-independent with a distinct territory. Having helped the Anglo-Normans barons in a rebellion against their fellow Norman lord, the Earl of Ulster, the family was granted land outside the North, in Ulster within what is now south County Antrim. That was the official establishment of the Lordship of Cloinne Aodha Buidhe, or the O'Neills of Clandeboye, though the English retained lordship over the much-reduced Earldom of Ulster. The family fought on both sides of the wars that racked Ireland from the 1530s to 1690s, whose end result was a significant loss of territory and influence due to political alliances and an influx of new families flowing in from Scotland and England.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Clanaboy
In fact both Sir Henry and his daughter Rose willed the Shane's Castle estate to the descendants of Prince Con mac Brian. While Charles Henry assumed the title, the Clandeboye O'Neill estate was passed to William Chichester through his grandmother Mary O'Neill – a move highly disputed. Charles Henry O'Neill had his first and only child, a daughter named Elizabeth Catherine Theresa Mary O'Neill, in 1845, during the Great Hunger, and had no further issue. From the death of Charles Henry O'Neill until Jorge O'Neill assumed the chieftainship the family had no chief.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Clanaboy
After the defeat of the Jacobite forces, the family was "attainted" as Irish rebels in 1693, and Brian "Og" left with the Army of King James II and went into exile in France. The eventual heir, Owen McHugh O'Neill, completely dropped any association with the O'Neill name, and just took McShane as a surname due to the Irish Penal Laws, in an attempt to hold his father's small estate. After the fall of the O'Neill kingship, many MacShanes followed their cousins into military service in Spain and France and even served in the Irish regiments with their family and former enemies, the descendants of Hugh Rua O'Neill, the 2nd Earl.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
O'Higgins (Irish: "Ó hUiginn") is an Irish noble family. Its Ballynary line is descended from Shean Duff O'Higgins (fl. 1600 C.E.), Gaelic Baron of Ballynary, who was married to a daughter of the royal family of O'Conor at Ballintuber Castle in Connacht. Shean Duff O'Higgins himself claimed descent from King Niall of Tara (d. 450 C.E.). Historically, many of their ancestors were poets and scholars who enjoyed the patronage of several chiefly families including O'Conor Don, MacDermott, O'Doherty, O'Gara, and MacDonagh. O'Higgins are counted among the Gaelic nobility as a sept of the royal house of O'Neill. Members of this family were further ennobled in 1724 by James III (pretender to the throne of England and Ireland) during his exile in France.
O'Higgins family | Introduction
The family no longer owns the Lairdship of Craignish (see below). The coat of arms of Dugall Campbell of Craignish (below) is described in Nisbet's "A System of Heraldry" as 'gyronny of eight or and sable, the shield hanging from the mast of a lymphad sable'. The coat of arms left is the suggested arms of the current incumbent - the Ducal Crown is awarded because the holder is a Clan Chieftain, but it is tinctured blue because the original estates are no longer in possession of the Chieftain. The Chief of the Clan is also Chief of Clan MacInnes, and Chief of the Name MacIsaac, MacKissock and MacKessack.
Campbell of Craignish | Introduction
Today they are known as the McShane-O'Neills, or the anglicized version- Johnson.
Gaelic nobility of Ireland | O'Neill claimants
Henry O'Neill of this line was King of Ulster from 1325 to 1344; Art O'Neill from 1509 to 1514.
Branches of the Cenél nEógain | Clann Aodha Bhuidhe
The O'Higgins family claims descent from the Southern branch of Uí Néill. Famous descendants include Niall's great-great-grandson Saint Columba, Saint Máel Ruba, the Kings of Ailech, the Kings of Tir Eogain, and the Kings of Tír Conaill. The Scottish Clan Ewen of Otter, Gilchrist; Clan Lamont; the MacSorleys of Monydrain, (of Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg a branch of Clan Donald); Clan Maclachlan; Clan MacNeil of Barra, and the MacSweens all claim a descent from an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill/Anrothan O'Neill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, who left Ireland for Kintyre in the 11th century and died 1036.
Niall of the Nine Hostages | Family and descendants
The recorded coat of arms for the Every family of Wycroft Castle (granted 1604) is "or, four chevronels gules"; the crest being "a demi-unicorn couped gules, maned, tired, hoofed or." The Baronets of Egginton add the Red Hand of Ulster as a blazon to denote their title, and have as a crest "a unicorns head couped proper".
Every family | Coats of arms
H H Hamilton O'Hara of Craigbilly Castle, Ballymeena, Co. Antrim, Ireland. Family Motto "Try"
Henry Hamilton O'Hara &quot;Mad O'hara&quot; | Family Crests & Blazons
Other O'Neills did not apply for recognition. The most notable of these is the Prince of the Fews, Don Carlos O'Neill, 12th Marquis of Granja. There is currently a dispute between him and the Prince of Clanaboy (above) over who is the "senior," with the matter appearing unresolvable. However most recently O'Neill of Clanaboy may have gotten the upper hand in the dispute. The O'Neills of the Fews are a 15th-century branch of the Tyrone or Ó Néill Mór line whereas the O'Neills of Clanaboy are a High Medieval line. Hence the matter is academic, both being somewhat distant from the last sovereigns of Tyrone in Ulster (to 1607), whose plentiful descendants eventually fell into comparative obscurity.
Gaelic nobility of Ireland | O'Neill claimants
Arthur O'Neill). He was killed in action in Italy during the Second World War where he served as a Battalion Commander of the North Irish Horse regiment. His wife later remarried to the famous spy novelist, Ian Fleming. As of 2017 the title is held by his son, the fourth Baron, Sir Raymond O'Neill who succeeded in 1944. He was Lord Lieutenant of Antrim from 1994 to 2008 for which he was knighted in 2014. As a descendant of the first Viscount Chichester he is in remainder to the barony and viscountcy of Chichester and, according to a special patent in the letters patent, the earldom of Donegall, titles held by his kinsman the Marquess of Donegall.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
The castle at Edenduffcarrick now called Shane's Castle has long been a key family in the Clannaboy clan of O'Neills. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722. After the Plantation of Ulster, some O'Neill families converted to the Church of Ireland and began to intermarry with the new nobility coming from England. One such union between Mary O'Neill, the daughter of Henry O'Neill the lord of Shane's Castle, and Arthur Chichester. It is through this marriage that the present day Barons of Shane's Castle trace their lineage to the royal family of O'Neill. The present day title of Baron O'Neill of Shane's Castle is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
Several Scottish families may descend from an O'Neill dynast named Anradhán. According to "Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne", Anradhán, son of Aodh Athlamháin, quarrelled with his elder brother, Domhnall, ancestor of the O'Neills, and left Ireland for Scotland. This source states that Anradhán won extensive lands by conquest, and married the daughter of the King of Scots. Anradhán, who does not appear in contemporary sources, was apparently an 11th-century dynast, son of Aodh Athlamháin, King of Aileach (died 1033). Although "Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne" states that Anradhán gained his lands through conflict, it is possible that he secured these lands in Argyll through marriage to their heiress.
O'Neill dynasty | Anradhán kindred of Scotland/Scottish and Irish Clans related to Uí Neill Dynasty
The form in common use is an open right (dexter) hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward. Coats of arms used by those whose surnames are of Uí Néill descent – Ó Donnghaile, Ó Catháin, Mac Aodha, Ó Dálaigh, Ó Maéilsheachlainn and Ó Ceatharnaigh, to name just a few – all feature the Red Hand in some form. On the Ó Néill and Donnelly coat of arms featuring the Red Hand, the motto is "Lámh Dhearg Éireann" (Red Hand of Ireland). The arms of the chiefs of the Scottish Clan MacNeil (of Barra) contain the Red Hand; the clan has traditionally claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Red Hand of Ulster | Modern usage
Today members of Clan MacNeacail may show allegiance to their clan and chief by wearing a Scottish crest badge. This badge contains the chief's heraldic crest and heraldic motto. The motto which appears on the crest badge is "SGORR-A-BHREAC", which refers to the ancestral lands of the clan chiefs. The crest itself is "a hawk's head erased Gules". The heraldic elements with the crest badge are derived from the Arms of MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac, the chief of the clan. The arms of the chiefs of the clans "MacNeacail" and "Nicolson" are in fact very similar: the arms of the MacNeacail chief are subordinate to those borne by the Nicolson chief.
Clan MacNeacail | Symbols
Ó hÁdhmaill is a Gaelic Irish clan from Ulster. The name is now rendered in many forms, most commonly Hamill. The clan are a branch of Cenél nEógain (specifically, Cenél mBinnigh), belonging to the Uí Néill; they claim descent from Eochu Binneach, the son of Eógan mac Néill. Their descendants in Ireland are found predominantly across Ulster, and County Louth, Leinster. In Irish if the second part of the surname begins with a vowel 'Á', the form "Ó" attaches a "h" to it, this is the h-prothesis mutation. In this case Ádhmaill becomes Ó hÁdhmaill. The other forms effect no change: "Ní Adhmaill", "(Bean) Uí Adhmaill".
Ó hÁdhmaill | Introduction
Sir Neil O'Neill (; 1658–1690), 2nd Baronet of Shane's Castle, Killyleagh, County Antrim, was an Irish army officer. O'Neill's portrait from 1680 by John Michael Wright is historically significant because it is the only surviving contemporary presentation of the traditional costume of an Irish chieftain. At his feet is the armour of a Japanese samurai as a symbol of victory over oppression of Catholics; next to him is an Irish wolfhound as a symbol of Ireland.
Sir Neil O'Neill, 2nd Baronet | Introduction
They were given an army of more than 2000 Scots to return to Ulster to attempt to retake their father's estate and title. When they invaded the brothers took the English and the O'Neill chiefs by surprise and created a large sphere of control in eastern Ulster, allied with the MacDonald's of Antrim. In an attempt to characterize them, the English began to refer to the group of brothers as "the Mac-Shanes" which in Gaelic meant "the sons of Shane". For seven years they battled Sir Turlough O'Neill, the recognized O'Neill Mor at the time, and the rising Baron Dungannon and eventually Earl of Tyrone, Hugh Rua O'Neill.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
The name O'Neill may come from Niall Glúndub, however the "Clann Néill" (more commonly known as "Clan Neill") takes its name from his grandfather Néill Caille. The O'Neills and MacLaughlins who descend from this branch, were the two principal and most powerful septs of the Cenél nEógain, however the MacLaughlins defeat at the hands of the O'Neills in 1241 led to the O'Neills dominance over the Cenél nEógain.
Branches of the Cenél nEógain | Clann Néill (also Clan Neill)
Carlos O'Neill (9 June 1760 – 24 June 1835), was the titular head of a branch of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, whose family has been based in Portugal since the 18th century.
Carlos O'Neill | Introduction
Though not a "clan" in its own right, MacNeil(l)s who consider themselves of the Colonsay "branch" have used the following crest badge to distinguish themselves from the Barra "branch". This crest badge contains the crest: "an armoured dexter arm with dagger"; and the motto: "vincere aut mori", which translates from Latin as "conquer or die".
Clan MacNeil | Crest Badges
Bold indicates a supposed High King of Ireland.
Uí Néill | Uí Néill family tree
The genealogy is titled ""Genelach Meic Amlaibh Alla"" and runs as follows: According to Dalton, the last chief of the name was Michael MacAuliffe, a colonel in the Spanish army, who died in 1720. However O'Donovan stated the last chief was a minor official from Kenmare in 1840. The coat of arms pictured is that of Dermot MacAuliffe and was first registered in the early 18th century. MacAuliffe was at the time considered the chief of the sept. The arms are blazoned "argent three mermaids with combs and mirrors in fess azure between as many mullets of the last"; crest "a boar's head couped or".
Mac Amhlaoibh and Mac Amhalghaidh (Irish septs) | Mac Amhlaoibh (sept of Mac Cárthaigh)
1. Hugo Riccardi O'Neill 2. Jorge Maria O'Neill 3. Hugo José Jorge O'Neill 4. Jorge Torlades O'Neill II 5. Jorge Torlades O'Neill I 6. José Maria O'Neill 7. Carlos O'Neill 8. João O'Neill 9. Conn Ó Néill 10. Féilim Ó Néill 11. Ever Ó Néill 12. Féilim Ó Néill 13. Constantine Ó Néill 14. Daniel Ó Néill 15. Murtagh Ó Néill, Prince of Clanaboy 16. Brian O'Neill, Prince of Clanaboy
Hugo Ricciardi O'Neill | Descent from <a href="O%27Neill%20dynasty">O'Neill</a> Sovereign
Brian's son Edmond was granted control of Lisdawericke, Megin, Cnoghan, Tollohiny Dirrilghta, Knockmcgallcrum & Gortnesillagh. Henry's son Cormocke (Cormac) was given land. This spread the clan throughout the province and lessened their influence. Brian, son of Hugh, the Chief of the McShane O'Neills led the clan in the 1642 Rising, the Irish Confederate Wars, and fought against Oliver Cromwell's Army through the death of his 2nd cousin Owen Roe O'Neill in 1649 and the victory of Cromwell in 1653. Brian remained in Spanish exile until 1666. Two decades later, his son the new Chief, Brian Og (the Younger) led the clan in service of the O'Neill regiments supporting King James II.
O'Neill dynasty | MacShane O'Neills
One prominent exception to this trend was the Daly family of Dunsandle, which became part of the Protestant Ascendancy though its members often espoused the extension of Catholic rights. Generations of this family served as mayors of, and MPs for, Galway, they were also raised to the peerage as Barons of Dunsandle. The Dunsandle Dalys claimed descent from Donnchadh Mór Ó Dálaigh and incorporated the Red Hand of Ulster into their coat of arms to record their ancient Uí Néill connections. Ultimately, the Dalys of Dunsandle retained their wealth and political prominence, but at the cost of losing the faith and culture their ancestors long upheld.
Ó Dálaigh | Later history of the sept
The O'Donnell dynasty ( or "Ó Domhnaill," "Ó Doṁnaill" "or Ua Domaill;" derived from the Irish name Domhnall, which means "descendant of Dónal") were the dominant Irish clan of the kingdom of Tyrconnell, Ulster, in medieval and early-modern Ireland.
O'Donnell dynasty | Introduction
In 1961, John F. Kennedy was presented with a grant of arms for all the descendants of Patrick Kennedy (1823–1858) from the Chief Herald of Ireland. The design of the arms (three gold closed helmets on a black field) strongly alludes to symbols in the coats of arms of the O'Kennedys of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Desmond, from whom the family is believed to be descended. The crest is an armored hand holding four arrows between two olive branches, elements taken from the coat of arms of the United States of America and also symbolic of Kennedy and his brothers.
Kennedy family | Heraldry
Hugo Ricciardi O'Neill (born 7 March 1939 in Lisbon, Encarnação) is the current head of a branch of the O'Neill dynasty of Clanaboy, whose family has been in Portugal since the 18th century.
Hugo Ricciardi O'Neill | Introduction
One of the leading clans of the Cenél mBinnigh, Cenél nEógain a branch of the Northern Uí Néill. They are descendants of Eochach Binnich mac Eógain, son of Eógan mac Néill, son of the fifth-century Néill Noígiallaig (Niall of the Nine Hostages), founder of the Uí Néill dynasty. Cenél mBinnigh where the first clan of the Cenél nEógain (Cenél nEóghain) to advance from Inishowen. The O'Hamills continued to move from North Ulster with the Northern Ui Neill's, and ruled territory in County Tyrone and County Armagh, South Ulster.
Ó hÁdhmaill | History
(The) Great Macarthy or Ó Néill Mór, lit. (The) Great O'Neill. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland several Hiberno-Norman families adopted Gaelic customs, the most prominent being the De Burgh dynasty and FitzGerald dynasty; their use of Gaelic customs did not extend to their titles of nobility, as they continuously utilized titles granted under the authority of the English monarchy.
British nobility | Irish and Gaelic nobility
John McGhie, last of Castlehill, had six daughters, the eldest of whom had six sons who all died childless. Because this decline occurred before the romantic revival of interest in the clans, the family never acquired its own tartan. McGhees may therefore choose to show allegiance to either the MacDonalds or the Mackays in their choice of tartan. The Balmaghie Estate itself, consisting of about of agricultural and sporting land (best known for its roe deer stalking) is now owned by another family. The coat of arms of the Balmaghie McGhees is given as ""sable, three leopards' heads erased argent"." Its motto is ""Quae Sursum Volo"" ("I desire heavenly things").
McGhee family | Introduction
In Ireland, boars feature in many coats of arms of the noble families, Three boars are seen on coats of arms of Lockhart, Grimsby, Healy, and James Edward Oglethorpe. In addition, the Sullivan-Mor coat of arms bears a boar, and the Sullivan-Ber crest has two. The O'Deorain (Doran) clan, being an offshoot of the Sullivans, has a boar upon its crest as well. The Rogan coat of arms features a boar crossing a hilltop. The Healy clan, has three boars' heads. The Purcell clan's coat of arms features four black boars' heads. The McCann coat of arms features a boar as well.
Boars in heraldry | Family coats of arms
The O'Neill dynasty descends from Niall Glundub, High King of Ireland in the tenth century; since the twelfth century, their rulers, whom the English called "the O'Neill", have been chosen from two families: the O'Neills of Antrim, descended from Aodh Meth ("Aodh the Fat"), King of Ailech from 1196 to 1230, and the O'Neills of Tyrone (including the Earls of Tyrone), descended from his brother, Niall the Red. The family of Aodh Meth take their name from Aodh Buidhe ("Aodh the Yellow"), Aodh Meth's grandson, the last King at Ailech from 1263 to 1283; they settled and named Clanaboy or Clandeboye in Antrim.
Count of Tyrone | Earls of Tyrone
Arms have been granted or registered by at least ten separate O'Donovan individuals, in addition to the arms claimed by various septs of the O'Donovans. The armorial bearings, although distinct from each other, share a number of similar elements. The mottos associated with the various arms include:
O'Donovan family | Arms and mottos
Descendant clans of the dynasty include the Ó Ceallaigh, Ó Madadháin, Ó Neachtain, Ó Cnaimhín, Ó Domhnalláin, Ó Maolalaidh, Ó Fallamháin, Ó Cionnaith, Ó Géibheannaigh
Uí Maine | Main families
Oddly enough, the McEwen Baronets may not have any actual link with the main Clan MacEwen at all. Another instance is the crest badge of Clan MacInnes. This crest badge is based upon a modern coat of arms of an armigerous clan member, not a clan chief.
Scottish crest badge | Introduction
The issue of Sir Henry O'Neill, who had been granted the Edenduffcarrick estate and majority of the Clandeboye lands by conforming to English ways and converting to Anglicanism, died out in 1855. At this time, the barrister Charles Henry O'Neill of the O'Neills of the Feevah, descendant of the last tanasite of Clandeboye, Sir Henry's uncle Con Mac Brian O'Neill, became officially recognized as The O'Neill Clanaboy. "The descendants of Prince Con MacBryan O'Neill, Tanist of Clanaboy, remained loyal, under every vicissitude, to the traditions of their house, and saved little out of the general wreck of confiscation. They seemed to have preferred fulfilling the solemn pledge of their ancestor, Donald O'Neill, King of Ulster, to 'fight out as long as life should last' rather than adapt themselves to altered circumstances, as the descendants of Shane MacBryan had wisely done," according to Burke's Peerage.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Clanaboy
Art was unable to elevate his son to the kingship, but his grandson was Sir Turlough Luineach O'Neill, The O'Neill Mor 1567–1593, the Earl of ClanConnell, and de jure King of Tyrone for a rocky period during the 1570s. On his deathbed he passed his chiefship to his cousin Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone. That family, after Sir Turlough's death, remained hostile to the Earl and often sided with the English when in conflict with the rest of the Tyrone O'Neills.
O'Neill dynasty | Slight-Arte O'Neills
The O'Neill coat of arms presents the name of the hall, and the year of its founding, along with two Latin quotes. On the lower left, the words “Mobilium turba Quiritium” come from Horace (65BC – 8BC), the leading Roman poet of his time, and are literally translated as “a crowd of inconsistent citizens,” but are thought to be the origin of the word “mob.” O’Neill Hall’s nickname on campus is “The Mob.” On the lower right side are the words “Fratres in Unum,” which translates from Latin as “Brothers as One.” The name “O’Neill” literally means “champion,” and the red hand on the upper left side of the shield is a symbol of the O’Neill family motto, “the red hand of Ireland in defiance,” sometimes given as “the red hand of Ireland forever.” The Coat of Arms contains the Red hand of Ulster, part of the crest of the O'Neill family who donated the dorm.
O'Neill Hall (University of Notre Dame) | Coat of arms
As an homage to the legacy of the historic kings of West Breifne, the county's coat of arms features the defaced crest of the O'Rourke clan.
Brian O'Rourke | Legacy
There have been three baronetcies created for persons with the surname O'Neill, two in the Baronetage of Ireland and one in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. The O'Neill Baronetcy, of Upper Claneboys, was created in the Baronetage of Ireland on 13 November 1643 for Brian O'Neill, in consideration of the loyalty and courage he had shown at the Battle of Edgehill. His son, the second Sir Brian, was a High Court judge under James II, one of the very few Roman Catholics to serve on the Irish Bench before the nineteenth century. The title became dormant on the death of the seventh Baronet in 1799.
O'Neill baronets | Introduction
In Scotland, all coats of arms belong to a single person. The coat of arms typically attributed to clan MacNeil belongs solely to the current chief of the clan. A depiction of the coat of arms is painted in the Great Hall of Kisimul Castle in Castlebay, Barra, Scotland. This coat of arms is divided into quarters: Surrounding the Coat of Arms :
Clan MacNeil | Coat of arms
The family of Verschoyle (Verschuyl) were Dutch Huguenots who emigrated from the Netherlands to Ireland in 1568, having suffered from religious persecution due. Other accounts state that they travelled to Ireland with William of Orange, and later married into ancient Irish clans. The family coat of arms features three boars heads on a chevron, with the motto "", which roughly translates as "steadfast and constrained".
Verschoyle family | History
This registered device is now the commercially accepted crest and motto of the clan.
Clan MacInnes | Crests
The MacNeils of Barra claim descent from a prince of the Uí Néill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, who died in 1036. Anrothan emigrated to Scotland in the 11th century. Through him the MacNeils of Barra also naturally claim descent from the legendary Niall of the Nine Hostages. Anrothan is claimed as ancestor of several clans in the Argyll vicinity: Clan Lamont, Clan Maclachlan, Clan MacEwen of Otter, and also the Irish Sweeneys (MacSween). If the MacNeils are indeed connected to Anrothan, then they appear to have been a junior branch of the family and were certainly overshadowed in the 13th century by the MacSweens, Lamonts and descendants of Gilchrist.
Clan MacNeil | Traditional origin
The head of the dynasty was traditionally also called "The O'Donnell", and inaugurated as Chieftain in an elaborate ceremony, under the Laws of Tanistry, part of the ancient Brehon Code of Law. Since the collapse of Gaelic Rule and the Brehon legal system, the putative succession of the "Chiefs of the Name" has followed the principle of male primogeniture. On the basis of the information available at the time, the Chief Herald of Ireland recognized John O'Donel of the Larkfield branch as Chief of the Name, and he was so gazetted on 11 September 1945 in "Iris Oifigiuil", bearing the courtesy title of "The O'Donnell".
O'Donnell dynasty | Succession
Scottish heraldry operates under the implication that everyone who shares the same surname might be related. The position of the standing court of heraldry in Scotland, the Court of the Lord Lyon, considers that everyone who shares the same surname as a recognised chief, is a member of that chief's clan. In consequence, where a coat of arms already exists for the chief of a clan, or head of a family, when new grants of arms to individuals with the same surname are being discussed with the client, then the suggestions put forward are generally variations of those arms (for example, one of the oldest families of Argyll are the Fergussons of Glensellich; this clan is not related or historically connected in any way to the Fergussons of Kilkerran who the Lord Lyon King of Arms considers to be the "Chief of the Name and Arms of Fergusson"; consequently, the arms of Fergusson of Glensellich are based upon the arms of Fergusson of Kilkerran).
Scottish surnames | Scottish heraldry
Hugo José Jorge O'Neill (7 June 1874 in Lisbon, Santos-o-Velho – 30 March 1940 in Palmela) was the head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, whose family has been in Portugal since the 18th century.
Hugo José Jorge O'Neill | Introduction
The main family estate was at Upper Clandeboye in County Down, and they also held lands at Backweston, near Celbridge, County Kildare.
Sir Brian O'Neill, 2nd Baronet | Family
The Northern Uí Néill family expanded from Ulster into Argyll, in Scotland, where Middle Irish Mac/Nic Lochlainn became Modern Scots Gaelic Mac/Nic Lachlainn, most commonly spelled MacLachlan in Scots and English. See the Clan MacLachlan article for more information.
McLoughlin | In Scotland
João O'Neill (in Irish Seán Ó Néill, in English Shane or John O'Neill; died 21 January 1788), was the titular head of a branch of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, whose family has been in Portugal since the 18th century.
João O'Neill | Introduction
In the beginning of the 18th century Felix O'Neill, senior male in linear descent of the line of Brian Ballach O'Neill, Niall Mór O'Neill's second eldest son, was dispossessed of all his estate through the confiscation applied via the Penal Laws, which led him to emigrate to France. He was a cavalry officer who took part in many battles with the heroic Irish Brigade of the French Army. He fought with the French against the British, the Austrians, and the Dutch (during the War of the Spanish Succession), in the celebrated Battle of Malplaquet, where he died on 11 September 1709.[1][2] His son Conn (Constantine) O'Neill was an officer who spent his life in exile in France and married to Cecilia O'Hanlon.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neill Descendants in France, Spain, and Portugal
Conn Ó Néill (sometimes anglicised as Conn or Constantine O'Neill) was the titular head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty.
Conn Ó Néill | Introduction
The O'Neills had strong family relationships with the FitzGerald dynasty, both the Earls of Kildare and Earls of Desmond; the Earl of Pembroke via de Clare's marriage to the Irish house of Diarmuid, King of Leinster; and the MacDonnells, Bissetts, MacLeans, and Campbells. In 1171, King Henry II of England came to Ireland to remove the authority of the English lords in Ireland. He met the leading Irish kings and received the pledge of fealty from them. During the Middle Ages, the O'Neills were active politically and militarily throughout Ireland, occasionally sending nobility to fight within Ireland and in campaigns in Europe.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Tyrone
The latter two were both nephews of Arthur Chichester, 1st Earl of Donegall, and grandsons of Edward Chichester, 1st Viscount Chichester (see the Marquess of Donegall for more information). Lord O'Neill was succeeded by his eldest son, the second Baron. He sat as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Antrim. His eldest son and heir apparent, the Hon. Arthur O'Neill, represented Antrim Mid in the House of Commons as a Conservative from 1910 until 1914, when he was killed in action during the First World War, the first MP to die in the conflict. The second Baron was therefore succeeded by his grandson, Shane O'Neill, 3rd Baron O'Neill (the son of the Hon.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
Other O'Neill families have settled in the cities of Río Piedras and Caguas. Many other O'Neill families that moved from Barbados settled on the Island of Vieques. The O'Neills have been mayors of their cities.
O'Neill dynasty | Caribbean O'Neills
The family's coat of arms features three ears of wheat penetrating a golden crown on a blue shield on which a laurel wreath is casually arranged; above the shield a helmet with a golden crown resting a braided wreath in blue and gold.
Neergaard (noble family) | Insignia
"The Fews" is an area in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, that was a sub-territory under the O'Neills of Tyrone. This O'Neill branch is related to the O'Neill of Tyrone through King Eoghan Mor, circa 1432–1436. The king's younger son Aodh (Hugh) pushed into the territory known as the Fews and founded a lordship there based largely on the unlawful confiscation of considerable amounts of land belonging to the archbishop of Armagh. In the rebellion of 1642, Sir Henry O'Neill, a member of the Fews O'Neills, sided with the English crown while his sons and brothers played a prominent part in the rising.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of the Fews
Crest "a boar's head erased Or langued Gules". Motto: "NON OBLITUS". The Cross crosslet and mullets were changed from Or (gold) to Argent (silver), but this change wants for a reason. In 2002 the Lord Lyon King of Arms re-granted Dugald MacTavish of Dunardry arms with certain amendments. Lord Lyon switched the Campbell gyronny from the first and fourth quarters to the second and third quarters. The new arms are blazoned "Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Argent, a Buck's Head cabossed Gules attired Or on a Chief engrailed Azure a cross crosslet fitchèe between two mullets of the First; 2nd and 3rd, Gyronny of eight Sable and Or.
Clan MacTavish | Chiefly arms
Another symbol used by clan members is a "clan badge", or sometimes called a "plant badge". The original clan badges were merely plants worn in bonnets or hung from a pole or spear. Today, the clan badge attributed to Clan MacNeil is dryas. Trefoil has also been attributed to the clan, however this clan badge may actually be attributed to the McNeills of Gigha, a branch of Clan MacNeil. Trefoil has also been attributed to the Lamonts, another clan in Argyl. The Lamonts and MacNeils/McNeills both claim descent from the same O'Neill who settled in Scotland in the Middle Ages.
Clan MacNeil | Clan Badge
The arms of Campbell, won following the achievements of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the clan (Mac Cailein mor), used gyronny of eight Or and Sable as their variation of the field. All Campbell arms use the gyronny, which is one of the sub-ordinaries produced by dividing the shield per pale per fess, per bend and per bend sinister into eight triangular portions. The Campbells of Auchinbreck are differenced by the addition of a bordure, and are gyronny of eight Or and Sable a bordure chequy Ermine and Vert. The crest is a dexter hand Proper, holding a spur Or.
Campbell of Auchinbreck | Campbell Of Auchinbreck Arms
Shane had at least ten sons by his wives, as well as possible other offshoots. Many of them were fostered in O'Neill relations and vassals after their father's death, and they became the rival force to Hugh O'Neill in his climb to power in the 1580–1600 time frame. His known children were: Possible:
Shane O'Neill (Irish chieftain) | Descendants: the Mac Shanes
In this way the arms are similar to those of the Butler family in England. Today members of Clan Schaw may wear a crest badge to show their allegiance to the clan. This crest badge contains the heraldic crest "a demi savage Proper", and the heraldic motto "I MEAN WELL". The crest within the crest badge is derived from the arms of Schaw of Sauchie.
Clan Schaw | Uncertain origins
After this the two rival dynasties contested for control over Tír Eoghain until the battle of Caimeirge in 1241, where the O'Neills wiped out the MacLoughlin leadership.
O'Neill dynasty | Origins
The "Cenél nGabráin" were represented by the so-called House of Alpin before Dunkeld. Sir Iain Moncreiffe made the case that Crínán of Dunkeld actually belonged to a Scottish sept of the Irish Cenél Conaill royal dynasty, a branch of the Uí Néill. Christopher Cairney makes the case for a different Uí Néill descent in the Cenél nEógain. This does not exclude Crínán's descendants from also being a (female line) continuation of the Cenél nGabráin through Bethóc.
House of Dunkeld | Introduction
This was part of a general English policy to transform Irish Gaelic titles into feudal titles granted under the Crown that would bring them entirely within the English legal system through a policy known as surrender and regrant, in which the Irish Clan Chiefs forcibly surrendered their lands to the Crown and had them granted back into their keeping as property of the Crown, rather than the property of the sept, or Gaelic extended family.
Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone | Family background and early career
The O'Cahan (Irish: "Ó Catháin", meaning "descendants of Cahan") were a sept of the Cenél nEógain branch of the Northern Uí Néill in medieval Ireland. The surname is now Anglicised as O'Kane. The O'Cahan's originated in the Laggan district in the east of modern County Donegal, Republic of Ireland, and from there moved eastwards in the twelfth century, ousting the O'Connor from Keenaght in modern-day County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. They held the lordship of Keenaght and Coleraine until the seventeenth century, to which it was commonly referred to as "O'Cahan's country". Under the sub-ordination of their kin, the O'Neills, they held the privilege of inaugurating the chief of the O'Neill by tossing a shoe over the new chief's head in acceptance of his rule.
O'Cahan | Introduction
The arms of Leinster ("Vert, a Harp Or, stringed Argent") are believed to have likely evolved from the arms of Ireland itself with a change of tincture. Similarly, Munster's arms ("Azure, three antique crowns Or") are thought to have been derived from those of the former Lordship of Ireland, or from the short-lived dukedom of Ireland created for Robert de Vere in 1386. The crowns now usually depicted as "antique" or "eastern": a gold rim with eight sharp, triangular rays, of which five are seen. The arms of Ulster are the arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, combined with the red hand seal of the O'Neills.
Coat of arms of Ireland | Arms and Flag of the Four Provinces
Phelim Bacagh O'Neill (Irish: "Feidhlimidh Bacach Ó Néill") was a lord of Clandeboye in 15th-century medieval Ireland. A son of Niall Mór O'Neill, he succeeded his brother Brian Ballagh II to the lordship after his death in 1529. He reigned until his own death in 1533, after which he was succeeded by his brother Niall Oge O'Neill. O'Neill had at least three sons one of whom was Brian McPhelim O'Neill who would become lord of Lower Clandeboye. Another was Hugh, whose son Hugh Óg McHugh O'Neill would become lord of a quarter of Lower Clandeboye. O'Neill was the ancestor of the Lords O'Neill of Shane's Castle.
Phelim Bacagh O'Neill | Introduction