The McHenry Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 142. Plate 60.)

THE McHenry family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Enna, of the Northern Hy Nials, son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The ancient name was O’Cahane and signifies “Grandson of Beloved.”

The title of the chief was Chief of Clan Magnus na Banna, and the possessions of the sept were located in the present County of Londonderry. The McHenrys, sometimes called Fitzhenrys, were Chiefs of Corca Muiceadha, also called Conaill Uachtarach, now the barony of Upper Conello, in the County Limerick. The McHenrys were descended from Mahoun, Anglicized Mahon, King of Munster and brother of Brian Boru, and had their chief residence at Castletown McHenry.

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