Kennelly is a modern day spelling of an old Irish name - O
Coingheallaigh. This name is derived from the word "coinnioll", meaning
pledge. More common spellings of Kennelly include Kinneally and Kenealy.
The O Coingheallaigh family were employees of the O'Davorins of
West Cork, Ireland. They held lands at Drinagh near Drimoleague. The family
spread north to Ormand in County Kilkenny. One branch of the family also settled in
the barony of Connello in County Limerick.
The modern day Kennelly's in this branch of the family ended up in
Milwaukee, WI, via Cleveland, OH. If you have any information that you would
like to share on the Kennelly's, or if you would like further information, feel free to email us.
