Margaret Sweeney was born about 1805, presumably in County Meath, Ireland.
She married Richard Allen in Summerhill, Meath, on the 10th of July, 1825. They had 10 children, most of whom came to America, and most of whom settled in Jerseyville. She was my 2nd great grandmother.
I decided to look into the Sweeney's in Meath. First- a name search and a surprise! The name "Sweeney" comes from the Scottish galloglasses. What in the world is a galloglass? Sounds ominous! Indeed, it was!
This term derives from the "Galloglaich" who were an elite class of warriors of Norse and Scottish origin, who were hired as mercenaries by the Irish Kings to fight the English (they also fought for Robert Bruce in Scotland.) They were an aristocratic infantry, wearing heavy armor, and were much in demand as warriors. They were known for their skill with a broad sword or claymore, and a two handed axe. They wore mail, and an iron helmet. Each warrior was accompanied by two young squires who carried their spears and provisions.
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| 1521 drawing by Albrecht Durer (Wikipedia Commons) |
Many settled in Ireland after losing their lands in Scotland after they fought for the losing side in the wars of Scottish Independence. In return for their service, the Irish nobility granted them lands, and paid them an annual tribute of cattle and grain. The warriors fought in units of about 100 men.
Queen Elizabeth I so feared this group that in 1571 she had 700 of them executed after the first of the Desmonde (Fitzgerald) rebellions in Ireland.
The first and most famous Gallowglass families was the MacSweeneys.
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| An Irish Chieftan- 1581 John Derricke |
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| MacSweeney chief at dinner being entertained by a bard and a harper by John Derricke 1581 |
http://www.irishorigenes.com/content/gallowglass-do-you-belong-warrior-clan
The World of the Galloglass: Kings, Warlords, and Warriors in Ireland and Scotland 1200-1600 by Sean Duffy
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