Origin of the DEVINEs The source for the information that follows is from Devine roots web at Ancestry. It is also included in an excellent web site from New Zealand which also includes lots of interesting Devine related information.
http://family.devinetime.co.nz/ The Devines originally came from County Fermanagh, and are descended from the Gruoch na Colla or three brothers, who conquered the clan Rorys and destroyed the ancient palace of Emania, which was for centuries the great fort or stronghold of the Red Branch Knights. The names of these brothers were Colla Maen, Colla Da-Crioch and Colla Uais. They took possession of a portion of Counties Down, Armagh, Louth, Monaghan and Fermanagh. The Devines claim Colla Huiss as their ancestor. The name Devine is derived from King Cairbre, second of one of the Collas, who was the Ard Righ or High King of Ireland, a man distinguished for his generosity and liberality towards his friends. Hence, he was called Cairbre, Arigiod na Daimh, or the Dispenser of the Golden Presents. The word Daimh is pronounced ‘duif’, hence Divin-Devine-Devane-Davin-Devenny-Diver, etc. The Annalists tell us of the race of Daimens being settled in Fermanagh along the river Erne. It is related that in the thirteenth century in an election held for the chieftancy, the Devines were defeated by the McGuires, after which the Devines seem never to have regained their supremacy in Fermanagh. After their failure to maintain their power in Fermanagh, the clan seems to have scattered out seeking settlements in the neighbouring counties, especially Tyrone, where they settled in the district of Donaghedy https://www.logainm.ie/en/63191 north of Strabane, becoming active and firm supporters of the O’Neils. Many of the race of Devine are found in Sligo, Mayo and Donegal. There are also quite a few of the name in County Derry in the districts adjoining Tyrone. There is a townland along Burndennet in Donaghady, Co Tyrone called Lisdivin, https://www.logainm.ie/en/65128 translated as Devine’s Fort. This would confirm the tradition of the Devines owning the district of Donaghady from the Ferry at Donelong on the Foyle to the Butter Lox above Donaghmana. In the district or country above and around Donananna, the name is still very plentiful. There are also many of the name to be found in the Southern part of County Derry, Altahoney and Fir Glen district. Whether the Devines or Divins of Donegal are descended from the Tyrone branch or came direct from Fermanagh is difficult to determine at the present time. It is most probable that after the great defeat and slaughter of the Irish army at Ballymacool or Ballysollis near Letterkenny, numbers of the Tyrone men did not deem it prudent to return again among the planters or Cromwellians, but sought refuge among the hills and glens of Donegal. The chief characteristics of the race are hot and impulsive temperament, quick to resent an insult, ready to forgive and make friends, affable to strangers, always ready to relieve distress, generous to excess. As a race they are physically strong and athletic, brave and courageous. In addition they are characterised by love of country and the religion of their ancestors, many of them having died in its defence. |
Another excellent source of information can be found at the URL below.
Ciaran identifies a Four Masters reference to a Devine (Dunchadh Ua Dáimhíne) as far back as 780 AD. Muinntir Dhuibhín by Ciarán Ó Duibhín http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~oduibhin/duibhin.htm The Devines are solidly associated with the Donemanagh area of north Tyrone from at least the early 17th century. The surname occurs in this area in two important Gaelic documents: Ceart Uí Néill, a list of the vassals of Ó Néill, probably 16th century, where it occurs in the context of the Cineál Maine, i.e. Cineál Moain; and Cinn-Lae Uí Mhealláin, a diary of the 1641 rising, which mentions them in connection with Strabane. In the published editions of both documents, edited by Tadhg Ó Donnchadha (Torna), the name is spelled Ó Duibhín or Ó Duibhin. In Séamus Ó Ceallaigh's Gleanings from Ulster History (1994 edition, p. 123), the spelling Ó Doimhin is used with reference to the diary. In Seanchas Ard Mhacha 2004, Ciarán Ó Doibhlin opts for the spelling Ó Duimhín. The Ó Duibhíns were part of the Cineál Eoghain confederation, and within it were most often found in association with the McNamees and the O'Gormleys. In the manuscript genealogies, the Ó Duibhíns are placed among the Cineál Binnigh (from Eochaidh Binneach, son of Eoghan) |
Another one of William and Margaret's children, Michael (married to Jane Murtagh) had 10 children, several emigrated. One of these Nancy (Anne Jane) married Pat Walsh and moved with her three daughters Mary Jane, Anne and Siobhan to Australia.