Mac Craith

Mac Craith (Meic Craith, collective form), Irish surname, now rendered McGrath

There were at least two distinct families named Mac Craith in medieval Ireland.

The Meic Craith of Thomond were a learned family who had close ties to Clare Abbey, an Augustinian foundation. They were historians and poets attached to the Uí Bhriain kings and earls of Thomond.

Another family of the name, not known to be related, were natives of Termon McGrath, Lough Erne.

Members of the Thomond family recorded in the Irish annals included

• Mac Raith son of Cú Dub, eminent chief of Clann Scandláin of Dál Cais, the best 'ex-layman' since Nár, son of Guaire, for piety and bestowing of food to poor people, rested in Christ in Mungarit in 1067.
• The son of Mac Raith the poet, rested in Christ in 1097
• Eoghan mac Donagh Mhaoil Mac Craith, died 1240
• MacCraith an Tarthoir (the Protector), died 1395
• Aedh Mac Craith junior, had his lands despoiled by Lord Furnival in 1415
• Owen MacCraith, died 1450
• Sean mac Ruaidhri MacCraith, died 1580.

Other notable members of the family include

• Seán mac Ruaidhrí Mac Craith (fl. 14th-century), author of Caithréim Thoirdhealbhaigh.
• Mathghamhain Mág Raith, Bishop of Killaloe, Bishop of Killaloe, 1389-1400
• Donatus Mág Raith, O.S.A., Bishop of Killaloe, 1400-1421
• Thaddaeus Mág Raith I, Bishop of Killaloe, 1423-1433,
• Thaddaeus Mág Raith II, Bishop of Killaloe, 1460-1463.
• Miler Magrath (1523? – 1622), Archbishop of Cashel
• Aindreas MacCraith (1723-1790) known as An Mangaire Sugach (The Jolly Merchant), buried in Killmallock
• John McGrath, 1798 rebel
• Condon McGrath, Governor of Carolina, his son.

See also

• Clan Mac Craith

External links

• http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/mcgrath_family.htm
• http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/surname/index.cfm?fuseaction=History&Surname=mcgrath&UserID=