The McGettigan Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 258. Plate 49.)

THE McGettigan family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Ir. The founder of the family was Amergin, the fourth in degree from Rory O’More, of the race of Ir, who gave his name to the tribe in Ulster, B. C. 87. The ancient name was Gettigan and signifies “Wounded.” The possessions of the family were located in the present County of Donegal.

The McGettigans were chiefs of three districts called Teallach Cathalain, Teallach Duibhailbe, and Teallach Braenain, in Moy Ith, partly in the barony of Raphoe, County of Donegal, and partly in the barony of Tirkeeran, in Derry. The McGettigans are still numerous in the Counties of Londonderry and Donegal. The late Archbishop McGettigan, Primate of Armagh, was of this family.

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