The Gilduff Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 1. Plate 1.)

THE Gilduff 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 Sabia, his consort, daughter of Con of the Hundred Battles, King of Ireland, A. D. 148. The ancient name was Giolladubh and signifies “Dark Boy.” The possessions of the clan were located in the present County of Galway.

The McGilduffs were chiefs of Caladh, along with the O’Leahys, in the barony of Kilconnell, and also of Teallach Gairbheith, now the barony of Tullygarvey, in the County Cavan. This name is variously Anglicized Gilduff, Gillyduff, Kilduff, and is often shortened to Illduff.

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