The Slevin Family
(Crest No. 239. Plate 53.)
THE Slevin family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Sleibni, who was descended from Feidlimidh, fourth son of Eogan, son of Nial of the Nine Hostages. The ancient name was Slambain, which means “Highway Robber.” The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Tyrone and Longford.
Gilla-Comgaill Ua Sleibhin, chief poet of Ireland, who died A. D. 1031, was ancestor of the sept of O’Slevin. The clan was originally seated west of Lough Foyle, but was in after-times driven thence by the race of Conal Gulban. There were several distinguished poets of this name, such as Muredach O’Sleibhin, chief poet of the North of Ireland, who was slain in A. D. 1022, Domnall, who died in A. D. 1168, and others.