T.F. Geoghegan

Biography:

T.F. Geoghegan is an Irish artist, descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The Geoghegan family belongs to the Hy Nial tribe, founded by Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The founder of the family was Fiacha, ancestor of the Southern Hy Nials, and son of Nial the Great. The ancient name was Eochagain, signifying 'Doorkeeper.' The title of the chief was Prince of Kinel Fiacha, and the designation of MacGeoghegan was taken from one of their princes, Eochagan, the sixth in descent from Nial the Great. The possessions of the MacGeoghegans were situated in the present County of Westmeath, extending from Bir, in Kings County, to the noted Hill of Uisneach, in Westmeath, and comprised the barony of Moycashel, with parts of the baronies Rathconrath and Fertullagh, and the districts about Mullingar, in Westmeath. The MacGeoghegan’s country was subsequently limited to the district of Kinaliagh, twelve miles long and seven broad, embracing the barony of Moycashel. From the beginning of the Anglo-Norman invasion the MacGeoghegans were at war with the intruders, and the centuried fight was sustained down to the time of Elizabeth. The MacGeoghegans were the most dreaded of the foes of the English Pale, and they erected and long maintained the possession of many strong castles, the chief of which was at Castletown-Geoghegan, near Kilbeggan, whose extensive site is marked ....