Ó Maolmhuaidh

Rev Patrick Woulfe

Irish Names and Surnames

1923

Ó MAOLMHUAIDH—I—O Molwye, O Meloy, O Molloye, O Mulloye, O'Molloy, Meloy, Molloy, Mulloy, &c.; 'descendant of Maolmuadh' (noble chief); the name (1) of a distinguished family of the southern Ui Neill, in Meath. They are of the. same descent as the Mageoghegans, and both families originally formed one clan, called Cinel Fiachach from their common ancestor, Fiacha, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. In the 10th or 11th century, Cinel Fiachach and its territory was divided between the two families, Mageoghegan retaining the northern portion under the original clan-name, Cinel Fiachach, and O'Molloy becoming lord of the southern portion, under the name of Feara Ceall. This territory, which comprised the modern baronies of Fircall, Ballycowan and Ballyboy in Offaly, remained in the possession of the O'Molloys down to the beginning of the 17th century. The O'Molloys were hereditary bearers of the British standard in Ireland. (2) MacFirbis mentions another family of the name, a branch of the Siol Muireadhaigh, in Co. Roscommon. They belonged to the sept known as Claim Taidhg na h-oidhche and are now, according to O'Donovan, represented by the Molloys of Oakpark, near Boyle. Ó Maolmuaidh (which see) is a Sligo variant. See also Ó Maol an Mhuaidh.

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