DNA-R1B1C7-L Archives

From:
Subject: Re: [DNA-R1B1C7] Ui Neill & Connachta Surnames
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:05:21 EST

In a message dated 11/23/2007 12:22:34 P.M. Central Standard Time,
writes:

John

Do you see a relationship with the old family of Acannan aka Cannon in
Galloway and the Ua Cannan of Donegal? R. C. Reid published an article in
the
Dumfries and Galloway Natural and Archaeological Journal and he suggested
they
were of Irish original?

I must say, I have might doubts, but DNA might well prove otherwise!



I kind of doubt it myself. The Donegal O Canannans were kings of Tirconnell
through the 1200s in Ireland and one is even named as a royal heir of
Ireland in the annals at a fairly late period. What seems to have changed their
fortunes (and a lot of other Irish families' fortunes as well) was the Norman
invasion of Ulster after 1188. The Normans played kingmakers in Irish
politics, disposing this candidate and erecting others. But the point is I see no
reason why any would have left Ireland until they lost out to the O'Donnells
circa 1200 or later. Part of the reason for the O'Donnell's rise to power
might have to do with their connections with Scotland and the importation of
Scottish gallowglass (MacSweeneys). But this didn't happen until somewhat later
(c. 1300).

According to MacLysaght, the surname has dual origins - one in southern
Connacht among the Ui Maine and the other in Donegal. There could be other
origins but those are the two he mentions.

Can Reid place the Acannan surname in Galloway and Dumfries prior to these
dates? It's one thing to say the inhabitants of Galloway and Dumfries were
"Irish in origin" and quite another to look for specific surnames in Ireland
that might have migrated intact to Scotland. An independent origin in
Scotland for the surname seems more likely to me.

We don't have a good fix yet on the DNA of the O'Donnells (kin to the
O'Canannans). So far most are only 12 marker tests running heavily R1b1c7. I
think there's only one 37 marker O'Donnell DNA sample on Ysearch (R1b1c7).
There is an O'Donnell DNA project on FTDNA but almost all are 12 marker tests.
I keep hoping to find more to compare them to the O'Dohertys and Gallaghers
but so far no luck. The O'Donnells remain a big black hole in Donegal DNA
research.


John



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