Individual Details

Mary MCDONALD

(Abt 1820 - 24 Oct 1894)

While the baptism records of some of her children show Mary's surname as McDonnell, it is almost certain it was actually McDonald or MacDonald as her son Michael was given a middle name of McDonald. Note also Knocklonogad is sometimes spelled as Knocklonegad and Knocklonagad.

According to her death record Mary died of 'Hemiplegia (5 days)'. Hemiplegia typically follows a stroke. Her son Patrick was present at death.

Both the McDonald and MacDonnell surnames are very common and are widely distributed throughout Ireland. They are separate surnames but they share the same origin, coming from the the Scottish or Irish personal name "Domhnall", meaning "world mighty". However, true MacDonalds are descendants of the powerful Scottish clan of the same name. The Scottish MacDonalds' involvement in Ireland started in the thirteenth century when they first arrived as gallowglasses or mercenaries. Such was their success that they were employed in virtually every local war, spreading and settling throughout the country over the following centuries. Their main connection, however, remained with Ulster. A secondary influx into that province of settlers bearing the MacDonald name occurred in the eighteenth century, when the Highland clearances caused great forced migration from Scotland. There was also a native Irish McDonnell family in Ulster who were rulers of Fermanagh before they were displaced. They then settled in the north of adjoining Co. Monaghan and remain numerous in the area. Another McDonnell family arose in the old kingdom of Thomond in the Clare/Limerick area.

Events

BirthAbt 1820probably Knocklonogad area, Garryhill, Co. Carlow
MarriageAbt 1845John William MURPHY
Death24 Oct 1894Knocklonogad, Garryhill, Co. Carlow
BurialDrumphea Cemetery, Co. Carlow

Families