19,336 Global Quigley Family Members

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Quigley Family History

Recorded in a number of spelling forms including O'Quigley, Quigley, Kegley, and Cogley, this is an Irish surname of ancient origins. It derives from the 12th century Gaelic O'Coigligh, a nickname for an untidy person, or possibly one with long, flowing, hair. Most Irish surnames originate from a nickname, this nickname being given in ancient times to the leader of the emerging clan. The "O" suffix has been lost since the early 19th century, in common with many other surnames, and is rarely seen now. The clan originates from the far west of the county in County Mayo, and although there is some evidence of them being dispersed in the 16th century, its main residential area remains in Donegal and Sligo.

Quigley Family from Wexford

THE well-known name Quigley is a synonym of Cogley (g.v.) in Wexford. Most of the thirty-four Quigleys recorded as occupiers

in Griffith's Valuation of 1853 were located in the old Bantry parishes of Chapel, Clonleigh, Clonmore, Killanne, Killegney, Newbawn, St. Mary's (New Ross), Old Ross, Rossdroit, St. Mullins and Templeudigan. There were fifteen in the old Scarawalsh parishes of Clone, St. Mary's (Enniscorthy), Kilbride, Monart, Moyacomb and Templeshambo, and five in Owenduff, Rathoe and Dunbrody in Shelburne. When Coolbawn demesne was established, a Quigley family of weavers were evicted and were forced up on to the slopes of the Blackstairs mountain.

Quigleys from Rathnure have been prominent in the service of the church in Ferns diocese. Three related sets of brothers became priests: Canon James Quigley, P.P., Castlebridge (died 1920) and Rev. J. Quigley, P.P., Tagoat (died 1928) were born at Monamolin, Rahnure; Canon Thomas Quigley, P.P., Blackwater (died 1942) and Rev. Daniel Quigley, P.P., Tagoat (died 1947) were born at Ballybawn, Raihnure; Rev. John Quigley, P.P., Piercestown (died 1956) and Rev. James Quigley. C.C., Kilmyshal (died 1952) were from Monamolin.

Canon James Quigley (Castlebridge) was attached to the House of Missions. Enniscorthy, for a long period and was a noted preacher. He was ordained in the Irish College, Paris, in 1881.

In recent times Rathnure Quigleys have distinguished themselves as club and county hurlers. Dan Quigley was captain of the last Wexford senior hurling team to win an All-Ireland final in 1968.