Re: Hennellys from Athenry, Co. Galway

Hi Joe:

MacLysaght, in his book The Surnames of Ireland, says of Hennelly - "(O)Hennelly - This name numerous in Mayo, said to be a variant of Fennelly. Wolfe [another surname specialist] gives the variant as O'hIonnghaile as the form in Irish."This may be the source of your information on the connection between Fennelly and Hennelly. MacLysaght however distinguishes Kennelly as a south Munster name, a variant of Quinnelly, Kinnealy, and Connelly.

I have the book, Families of County Galway, but it does not mention the Hennelly surname.

You asked about my line. I descend from Coleman Hennelly (c1795-?), of County Galway. His son, Bartholomew (1829-1864) immigrated to Milford and was a Civil War Soldier. I do not know the names of any of Bartholomew's siblings. Bartholomew's son, Bartholomew, (1864-1952), a RR worker who died in Waltham. Then through his daughter, Margaret Hennelly, my great grandmother. So Bartholomew was a RR worker, too like your ancestor Martin. And my Hennelly's were also buried in Calvary Cemetary, but in Woburn/Winchester area.

Kiltartan neighbors Gort. How long has the Hennelly pub been in existence? I will keep an eye out for your Hennelly's. Take care.

Kurt