Irish surname search
(O)Cooney
The sept of O'Cooney - O Cuana in Irish - was formerly of considerable importance. Originating in Ulster (Tyrone), they migrated westwards to north Connacht at an early date. In 1248, the most distinguished member of the sept died, viz. Diarmid O Cuana: he is described as "The great priest of Elphin" both by the Four Masters and in the "Annals of Loch Ce". The diocese of Elphin lies in the counties of Roscommon, Sligo and Galway. Three centuries later they were still in that area, as evidenced by the Elizabethan Fiants. They gradually spread southwards, for in the census of 1659 they were numerous in Co. Clare. The place Ballycooney is in the southern part of Co. Galway. To-day, as in the sixteenth century, they are chiefly found in north Connacht.
In modern times the Cooneys have not been prominent. The most noteworthy person of the name was Mary Cooney, an Irish poetess who had a reputation in America as well as in Ireland in the 1880's.
Cooney is used in Co. Cork as a variant of the north Munster name O Cuanachain, normally anglicized Counihan.