The Meighan Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 26. Plate 6.)

THE Meighan family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heber. The founder of the family was Eogan More, son of Olliol Ollum, first absolute King of Munster, A. D. 177, and his consort, Sabia, daughter of Con Kead Caha, or Con of the Hundred Battles, King of Ireland, A. D. 148. The ancient name was Meachain and signifies “Handsome,” and was taken from Miadhachain, a chieftain of the clan. The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. The name is also written Meehan.

Mr. Patrick J. Meehan, editor of the New York “Irish American,” and an eloquent writer and ripe scholar, is a descendant of this family.

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