The Quirk or Cuirc Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 5. Plate 1.)

THE Quirk family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Maine, ancestor of the Southern Hy Nials and son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The ancient name was Quirc and signifies “The Knife.”

(Crest No. 239. Plate 531.)

The possessions of the clan were located in the present County of Tyrone and in the barony of Kilkenny West, in Westmeath. Another branch of this family, deriving its descent from Eogan More, son of Olliol Ollum, King of Munster, A. D. 177, and his consort, Sabia, daughter of Con of the Hundred Battles, King of Ireland, A. D. 148, held possessions in the present County of Tipperary, where the chiefs were known as Lords of Muscry Cuirc.

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