Irish America

O'Neill

Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
March / April 2019

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Members of the O’Neill Clan (anglicized from Ui Néill, “Néill” meaning “champion”) can trace their origins back to Niall Noígíallach “of the Nine Hostages” (c. 361-452). Niall united all the provinces under his rule, using hostages as a way to get power and influence. He also was up for a spot of kidnapping and that’s how the Welsh lad with Roman parents – a lad whom we now … [Read more...] about Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan

By Liam Moriarty, Contributor
Febuary / March 2006

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The O'Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland. The Ui Neill dynasty split into two septs, the Northern Ui Neill and the Southern Ui Neill, around 400 A.D. The name is derived from two separate Gaelic words, … [Read more...] about The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan