The Delaney Family

(Crest No. 97. Plate 61.)

THE Delaney 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 of Sabia, daughter of Con Kead Caha, King of Ireland, A. D. 148. Thus the blood of both Heber and Heremon is united in this sept.

The ancient name was Deaghlabhairb, which signifies “Proper in Speech.” The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Clare and Roscommon. The Delaneys were also Chiefs of Tuath-an-Toraidh and a clan of note in the barony of Upper Ossory, Queens County, and also in Kilkenny.

There have been many prominent persons of this name. Denis Delane, who died in 1750, was one of the first actors of his time. The Rev. Patrick Delany, D. D., Dean of Down, a Protestant clergyman, was celebrated for his eloquence and abilities. He was the friend and intimate of Swift, Gay, and Bolingbroke and many of the other celebrities of the day, all of whom he was wont to delight with his wit and learning.

The late Mr. Delane of the London “Times,” one of the greatest of British editors, was a descendant of this ancient sept.

Several of this name occupy prominent and influential positions in the United States, among whom may be mentioned Mr. John C. Delany of Harrisburg, Pa., a man than whom none in the State is more deservedly esteemed, and the late Mr. Arthur Delany of New York.