Ó Catháin

Ó Catháin (English: O'Cahan) are a Gaelic Irish sept from the Uí Néill kindred of Cenél nEógain. They originated in the Laggan area of County Donegal, and from there moved eastwards in the twelfth century, ousting the Uí Conchobair from Keenaght and retaining their lordship of Keenaght and Coleraine until the seventeenth century (what is today County Londonderry).

They are descended from Eógan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. In the late Middle Ages, they were the primary sept under the Ó Néill clann of Ulster, holding the privilege of inaugurating the Chief of the Ó Néill by tossing a shoe over the new Chief's head in acceptance of his rule.

Name

The surname has been anglicised O'Cahan, Cahan, McCaughan, O'Kane, Kane, O'Keane, O'Kean, O'Keene, Keen, Keene, Kain, O'Kaine, and similar variations thereof.

History

There is much historical evidence of the clann's ancient Ulster roots. These include Dungiven Priory which is reputed to be the tomb of Cú Mhaighe na nGall ("Cooey-na-Gall") Ó Catháin, who died in 1385. Cú Mhaighe na nGall means "Terror of the foreigner."