The Carmody Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

Carmody family crest

(Crest No. 84. Plate 62.)

THE Carmody family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heber. The founder of the family was Cormac Cas, son of Olliol Ollum, King of Munster, A. D. 177, and his consort, Sabia, daughter of Con of the Hundred Battles, King of Ireland, A. D. 148.

The ancient name was O’Meadhra and signifies “Joyful.” The possessions of the clan were located in the present Counties of Clare and Tipperary.

Among the noted members of this family may be mentioned Mr. Timothy Carmody, who left Ireland at an early age and acquired distinction in London, England. There he built up a lucrative business, and, during the prolonged troublous period from 1848 until 1870, the beginning of the Land League movement, he upheld the cause of his country with untiring zeal and energy. He was an uncompromising opponent of British rule in Ireland; yet his judgment was tempered by wisdom in advising his countrymen to abide a fitting opportunity. His son, Dr. William T. Carmody, a graduate of Douay College, France, was for many years a resident of New York, where he died at an early age. He possessed in an eminent degree manly friendship, uniform courtesy, genial hospitality, and whole-souled generosity.

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