Re: what is the McElhinney coat of arms?
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In reply to:
Re: what is the McElhinney coat of arms?
5/24/99
I'm not an expert on the name but I am from Co. Derry, Ireland where I believe the name originated.The clan were a sept of the O Cahan clan (O'Kane) based in and around the present day village of Dungiven.To this day there are many people by that name living in that area.The O Cahan's were in turn, ruled by the O Neill's of Ulster.The castle you refer to may well be Dungiven castle which, if my memory serves me correctly is just as you described it, with two or three outer turrets and a central main turret.From my Irish history classes at school, I do remember my teacher explaining the importance of the O Cahan clan in Co. Derry and, in turn, their "underlings", one of which was the McElhinneys.You should note that Irish names do not traditionally have a coat of arms.This was an idea adopted from the English tradition!My family "arms" has three diamonds, yet my name is an English pronunciation of an Irish name, not in any way connected to diamonds.McElhinn(e)y is the English for Mac Giolla A/Ionnaidh, son of the servant of A/Ionnaidh.If you write to either "The Northern Constitution", "The Coleraine Chronicle" both in Coleraine, Co.Derry N.Ireland, "The Derry Journal" in Derry City N.Ireland or "The Mid-Ulster Observer"Dungannon, N.Ireland they will publish your letter and from that you may be able to make direct contacts with people who know more about the name.Hope this helps.