The Leahy Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

Leahy family crest

(Crest No. 241. Plate 25.)

THE Leahy family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of Heber, third son of that monarch. The founder of the family was Cormac, King of Munster, A. D. 483, of the Eoganacht tribe. The ancient name was Leagha and signifies “Physician.”

The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Kerry and Tipperary. The Leahys were also chiefs in Hy Maine, a territory in Galway and Roscommon, and were chiefs of Caladh, a district in the barony of Kilconnell, County Galway. They are thus mentioned by O’Dugan:

“The brave O’Leahys I must mention,

Chiefs of the broad lands of Caladh,

Men who won and held the sway

Of Caladh by Shannon of clear streams.”

There have been many noted names of this family. Among those of modern date may be mentioned the late Most Rev. Patrick Leahy, Archbishop of Cashel. This prelate was a man of great learning and eloquence, and exercised a deep influence among the Irish people of his day. Some of the name are among the most prominent merchants in New York. Among them may be mentioned Mr. David T. Leahy, one of the original organizers of the Catholic Benevolent Legion.

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