The McNeny Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 117. Plate 58.)

THE McNeny family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Colla Meann, son of Eocha Dubhlein, brother of Fiacha Straivetine, first King of Connaught, of the race of Heremon. The ancient name was Neanach and signifies “Comical.”

The title of the chief was Prince of Dunamaine, and the possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Londonderry, Monaghan, and Tyrone. This name has been Anglicized Bird. The McNenys were chiefs of Kinel Naena in Tyrone, bordering on Monaghan.

Of this family was Count O’Neny of Brussels, in the Austrian service under the Empress Maria Theresa.

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