Kilcoursey
Kilcoursey is a barony in County Offaly, Ireland.
Etymology
The name Kilcoursey is from Kilcoursey Castle, which is named for Kilcoursey townland.Location
Kilcoursey barony is located in north County Offaly, south of the Gageborough River.History
The Sionnach/Ó Sionnaigh clan were chiefs in Kilcoursey, referred to as Muinter Tadgain, which also included Clonlonan barony in Westmeath. They were kings of Tethbae before they surrendered it during the Tudor [conquest of Ireland].In the early centuries of Christianity in Ireland, the family were known as Ó Catharnaigh, from their chief, Tadgh O'Catharniagh, who died in 1084. Tadgh's extraordinary cunning had earned him the nickname "An Sionnach", which translated as "The Fox" in English. Subsequently, the Catharnaigh branch acquired this nickname as a distinct surname. The influence and power of the Foxes declined, due to conflict with rival Gaelic monarchs, and advancing control of English forces. However, even when their influence had diminished, they still retained considerable territory in Offaly, and became Barrons of Kilcoursey.
The Mac Amhlaigh sept are also cited as holding a portion of the Clonlonan barony.