The Fogarty Family
(Crest No. 27. Plate 7.)
THE Fogarty family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heber. The founder of the family was Fogartach, of the line of Eogan, son of Olliol Ollum. The ancient name was Fhoghanta and signifies “Brave.” The possessions of the clan were located in the present Counties of Mayo and Sligo.
The Fogartys were also chiefs of South Ely, now the barony of Eliogarty, in Tipperary, and had their chief seats about Thurles. This territory was called South Ely to distinguish it from North Ely, or Ely O’Carroll. According to O’Heerin’s topographical poem these Fogartys were of the race of Eochaidh Balldearg, King of Thomond in St. Patrick’s time.