The
warrior ethic of the McGinleys has long been known in north Donegal,
which at one point led to some suggestions that they were a clan
of Gallowglass origin, however there is little to support this
theory. The McGinleys served under the Sweeneys for many centuries,
even though they would seem to have been principally a clan of
religion. Most of the conflicts that the McGinleys took part in
were part of the so called Nine Years War. There is little or
no evidence to suggest warfare between McGinleys and neighbouring
clans although they did take part in two important battles over
the leadership of Donegal. On both occasions it is likely that,
as a small clan, there participation was minor. In both of these
conflicts the McGinleys were on the winning side.
Names
of the main battles:
Cath
Beainín / The Battle of Binnion Hill,
1557
Cath
Scairbh Sholuis / The Battle of Scarriffollis, 1567
Cath
Doire Leathan / The Battle of Derrylahan, 1590
Cath
Béal an Atha Buí / The Battle of The Yellow
Ford, 1598
Cath
Cinn tSáile / The Battle of Kinsale, 1601
Cath
Cill Mhic nÉanáin / The Battle of Kilmacrennan,
1608
Cath
Caisleán na dTuaith / The Battle of Doe Castle, 1641
