What part of Ireland is Donnelly from?
O’Donnelly was historically of the Northern Uí Néill’s Cenél nEoghain, descended from Donnghal, the great-grandson of Domhnall, King of Ailech. It is most commonly found in Ulster, especially in County Tyrone and in parts of County Donegal. Donnelly is also prevalent in Connacht, particularly in County Galway. According to Gaelic Irish tradition, the Donnellys were part of the Cenél nEoghain making them kin of the O’Neills. In their role as Marshalls to the O’Neills, they were responsible for fostering the children of ‘The O’Neill’.