Fox surname Ireland (Sionnach)
| Sionnach | |
|---|---|
| Parent house | Southern Uí Néill |
| Country | Gaelic Ireland |
| Founded | 11th century |
| Founder | Tadgh Ó Catharnaigh Sionnach |
| Seat | Kilcoursey Castle |
| Titles | |
| Motto | Sionnach Abú (Fox Forever) |
Sionnach (often rendered as Ó Sionnaigh), Kings of Tethbae were a powerful clan in the Irish midlands who held lands in modern day southern County Longford, County Westmeath and northern County Offaly at varying points in history. They descend from Niall of the Nine Hostages son Maine of Tethba. The name first appeared in the annals when Tadgh Ó Catharnaigh adopted Sionnach (Irish for fox) as his name, likely as a nickname. Tadhgs descendants would inherit this name and the family would become know as Ó Catharnaigh Sionnach (O'Kearney Fox) (for another example of this Irish agnomen see Mac Murchadha Caománach). During the Tudor conquest of Ireland the Ó Catharnaigh Sionnach surrendered their Gaelic title in what was known as Surrender and regrant and were given the English title of Baron of Kilcoursey in County Offaly and anglicised their name to Fox. They later lost their English title due to their involvement with the Irish rebellion of 1641. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] Other possible Fox surname origins in Ireland include Mac an tSionnaigh, de Bhosc and Mac Seancha. [12] [13] [14]
