The McAffrey Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 6. Plate 2.)

THE McAffrey family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Colla da Crioch, son of Eocha Dubhlein, or Doivlen, brother of Fiacha Straivetine, first King of Connaught of the race of Heremon and son of Carbre Liffeachair, King of Ireland, A. D. 264.

The ancient name was McGuire and signifies “Valiant.” The head of the clan was styled standard-bearer, and the possessions of the family were located in the present Counties of Mayo and Westmeath.

The Clann Caffry were a branch of the Maguires who took the district surname of McCaffry.

This name is still numerous in Fermanagh and some of this family who removed to Clann Keherny, in the west of the County of Roscommon, now call themselves McGaffrey, which is a more correct form of the name.

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