Irish Cousins
The Ulster plantation of Ireland, initiated in 1609 by James I to strengthen English rule and reinforce the Protestant Reformation may have led to the concentration of Dowies' in Northern Ireland. Scottish settlers were particularly numerous in north Down and south Antrim and were encouraged to grow flax.
For those that feel their heritage lies south of the border “Dowie” is also accepted as a sept of the Irish Clann .
Clann O'Dunadhaigh
| Clann
O'Dunadhaigh (Downey)
Variations
of the Name: |
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The name O'Downey comes from two parts of Ireland 'Hy Many' in North Galway (11th Century AD) and the other 'Corco Laigde' from North Cork (9th Century AD). O'Downey of 'Hy-Many' traces its race back to Anmchadh, son of Fiachra in the 5th centry, a sept of the race of fiachra, one of the sons of Eocaidh Muigmenan of the Erimon Ui King Milesius. Their territory was called Tir Amagaidh, or Tirawley. They held titles to The kind of Ui. Mailne, Chiefs of Sil Anmchada and Chiefs of Hy Many. Laegaire, a royal heir to the throne of Sil Anmchadha took the name Dunadhaigh(Hy-Many) and its from him, most of the O'Downey of north Connaught descend from. He was related to Tadhg who was King of Ui Maine in 1014 and died at the famous battle of Clontarf fighting with Brian Boru who also died in battle.
O'DUFFY, DOWEY NAME ON MAP: O'DUBHTHAIGH
MODERN COUNTY: Roscommon MEANING: `descendant of Dubhthach'. (The name derived from dubh `black'.) There were septs in Co. Donegal and Co. Monaghan, but in the 14th century the most important was in Roscommon.
Muiredagh and Cele O' Dubhthaigh were both Archbishops of Tuam during the 12th century.
The above Dowie - Dowey connection came to light in 2006 when I contacted Jan Dowie of "Meet the Family" Family Ancestry Researchers who can confirm that her own Aryshire family had originally come from Ireland and used to spell their name Dowey.
Perhaps - the Irish O ' Dubhthaigh and Scots Macgilladubh are more closely related than I previously thought. Indeed perhaps the Catholic Dowey's and Protestant Dowie's are indeed ancestral cousins.
Further Research: Those interested in tracing possible Irish ancestry
may like to view:
http://www.youririshroots.com Description: Irish Genealogy research- Irish
surname history and Irish Coat of Arms,Ancestor Reports, plus information on
tracing your Irish
Ancestors