The Kennedy clan

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by LOUISE CARROLL

The Irish Kennedys are descended from Dunchaun, the brother of the mighty King Brian Boru. The name comes from his father Ceann Eidig, meaning "helmet head." Appropriately, the arms of the Kennedys have three helmets. From the 11th-15th centuries they were Lords of Ormond. The Kennedys dealt with the various conquests and confiscations better than many other Gaelic families.

In 1185, Theobald Walter, founder of the powerful line of the Butlers, arrived in the wake of the Normans and was granted the Kennedy territory and the title of Ormond, together with their lands around Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. But the Kennedys stood firm and won back their territory including, for a while, the fine castle built by the Normans at Nenagh.

But by the 17th century their day was over and the Kennedys began to follow the emigrant trail. In the Irish Brigades in France, there were many Kennedy officers and men. Those who went to Spain had their name transformed to Quenedy.

Without question the most famous Kennedy of modern times was the 35th President of the U.S. John F. Kennedy. He, his late brother Robert and current Senator Edward are descended from a County Wexford branch of the Dalcassian family some of whom were farmers. This Kennedy dynasty has maintained a major position in politics and public service through to today.

http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/families_clans/The-Kennedy-clan.html