KELLY is the most numerous
surname to be found in Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon,
Kildare and Offaly and the second most common surname in
Ireland to day behind the MURPHYs. It is also a very
popular surname in the Isle of Man.The name is derived from an ancient
Irish hero called Ceallach and the Irish form is
O'Ceallaigh, except in Kilkenny and Tipperary where the
proper form should be O'Caollaidhe.
There are many varied
renderings of the name in English, and these include
O'Keilly, O'Keily, Queally, and even MacKelly.
The ancient territory of Hy
Maine, corresponding in many respects to the present
Diocese of Clonfert in East Galway and South Roscommon,
was their original lordship. The present head of
the family name is O'Kelly of Gallagh and the
Genealogical Office in Dublin recognises him as The
O'Kelly (1970's).
The coat-of-arms which is
illustrated above applies only to the Kelly's descendent
from Hy Maine branch. The motto "Turris fortis mihi
Deus" could best be translated as "God is
a strong tower unto me". Such sentiments are
represented in the shield which shows two majestic lions
chained to a Tower whose three turrets which possibly
represent the Trinity.
In 1518 Galway Corporation
named the O'Kellys as one of the dangerous Irish clans.
However, over the centuries the Kelly's have left the
country with four Bishops of Clonfert, an Archbishop of
Cashel and a President of the United States of America.
In France, Mr Malachy Kelly
founded the Irish College in Paris; in America Col.
Denis Kelly commanded the Irish Brigade at Bettysburg and
in England Col. Denis O'Kelly was part owner of the Derby
winner Eclipse!
Originally written by Patrick
Comerford for the "Irish Own"
NOTE:
There is no such thing as a Family Coat of
Arms. Read the following:
Genealogy Tip of the Day.