The Dinehan Family

Dinehan family crest

(Crest No. 239. Plate 53.)

THE Dinehan family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Maine, ancestor of the Southern Hy Nials and son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The ancient name was Dineghan and signifies “Defiant.”

The possessions of the clan were located in the County of Limerick. The O’Dinehans, or O’Downings, were chiefs of Uaithne, now the barony of Owneybeg in Limerick; and the O’Dinans, another branch of the family, were chiefs of Eoganacht Uaithne Ageamar (Owney Agmar). This territory comprised part of the Counties of Tipperary and Limerick, now the baronies of Owney and Owneybeg.