McSweeney is a surname of Norse-Gaelic origin. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Sween or Swein, meaning "son of Suibhne". Despite claims that the personal name Suibhne is of Irish origin and derived from suibneus, suaimhneas, meaning "easy-going", or "pleasant", the eponymous ancestor of the McSweeneys was of Norse-Gaelic descent. According to the Annals of Tigernacht, Swein, Son of Cinaid (Kenneth), King of the Gal-Gaidhil, Died 1034 AD. Claims of the McSweeneys being of Irish origin and descendants of the O'Neills are entirely false and would appear to have been made up for two purposes - firstly to smooth their way into medieval Tyr Connail, where they conquered territory and became kingmakers, protectors and fosterers to the O'Donnells, who ruled that part of Ireland, and secondly, so it wouldn't appear that the O'Neills were having to rely on foreigners to do their fighting for them - especially as the 'cessing' of galoglas

warriors would have been costly to the local population, as each man would have been awarded land and cattle. Although the McSweeneys undoubtedly had Irish connections going back centuries, Swein was actually a descendant of the Ui Imair, or House of Ivar (The 'Boneless'). Notable people with the surname include:

  • Ailis McSweeney (born 1983), Irish sprinter specialising in the 100 metre event
  • Alex McSweeney, British actor who appeared on the TV show EastEnders (2003–2004)
  • Alf McSweeney, printer who founded the magazine Race Walking Record in 1941, and edited the magazine for 16 years
  • Barry McSweeney, Irish scientist and the first Chief Science Advisor to the Government of Ireland
  • Dave McSweeney (born 1981), English footballer, senior career began in 2000
  • David McSweeney (politician) (born 1965), Investment banker who was the Republican candidate in Illinois's 8th congressional district election, 2006
  • Ella McSweeney (born 1978), Irish radio and television presenter and producer
  • Ervin McSweeney (born 1957), New Zealand cricketer who played 16 One Day Internationals in the 1980s
  • James McSweeney (born 1980), English mixed martial arts fighter and former Muay Thai kickboxer
  • James P McSweeney Well known Irish Lawyer specalising in Medical Malpractice affecting women in childbirth
  • John McSweeney, known as John Zewizz (born 1955), English-born American industrial music performer
  • John McSweeney (Ohio politician) (1890–1969), United States congressman representing Ohio
  • Joyelle McSweeney (born 1976), poet, critic, and professor at the University of Notre Dame
  • Leah McSweeney (born 1982), founder and CEO of the "Married to the MOB" clothing line
  • Leon McSweeney (born 1983), Irish footballer, senior career began in 2000
  • Miles Benjamin McSweeney (1855–1909), 87th Governor of South Carolina (1899–1903)
  • Neil McSweeney (born 1976) Songwriter and musician based in Sheffield, England
  • Peter McSweeney (1842–1921), merchant and politician who represented the Northumberland division in Canadian Senate (1899–1921)
  • Robyn McSweeney (born 1957), Australian politician, member of the Legislative Council in the state of Western Australia
  • Trash McSweeney, Australian musician and lead singer for the band The Red Paintings
  • Josh McSweeney, (born 1978), Canadian Police Officer, awarded the Star of Courage

See also

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