The Madden Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

Madden family crest

(Crest No. 281. Plate 45.)

THE Madden family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of Heremon, his eighth son and first king of all Ireland. The founder of the family was Colla da Crioch, son of Eocha Dubhlein, brother of Fiacha Straivetine, first king of Connaught.

The ancient name was Madaighin, which signifies “Considering” and was derived from Madaghan, Chief of Siol Aumcha, A. D. 1009. The title of the chiefs was Lord of Siol Aumcha Silanchia, and their possessions were located within the present limits of Galway and Kings County. This territory comprised the present barony of Longford, in the County Galway, and the parish of Lusmagh on the other (Leinster) side of the river Shannon, near Banagher, in the King’s County.

The O’Maddens are a branch of the Clan Colla, as stated, and are of the same descent as the O’Kellys, Princes of Ui-Mani, and took their name from Madudan More, one of their ancient chiefs. There are several families of the name still in Connaught.

The Rev. Samuel Madden, a Protestant clergyman, was a native of Dublin and one of the founders of the Royal Dublin Society. He was also the author of many learned works. Dr. Madden, author of the “Lives of the United Irishmen,” was another distinguished and worthy representative of this family.

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