The Cassidy Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

Cassidy family crest

(Crest No. 283. Plate 55.)

THE Cassidy family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of Heremon, eighth son of that monarch. The founder of the family was Colla Meann, son of Eocha Dubhlein, or Doivlen, brother of Fiacha Straivetine, King of Connaught in the third century.

The ancient name was Ua Casside and signifies “Rapid.” The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Clare, Londonderry, and Monaghan. The Cassidys were chiefs of Coole, in Fermanagh, and were hereditary physicians to the Maguires.

Many of the O’Cassidys were distinguished ecclesiastics and historians, among them Roderick MacCassidy, Archdeacon of Clogher, who partly compiled the “Annals of Ulster.” There are many of this name in Ireland and the United States to-day, holding honorable positions in the mercantile world, among whom may be mentioned Mr. James Cassidy, the wealthy merchant of Brooklyn.

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