McCloskey: A Journey of Strength, Heritage, and Rediscovery

When my personal health journey began in 2018, I never imagined the profound path of self-discovery it would set me on. At the time, I felt lost, disconnected from my sense of purpose, unsure of my direction, and questioning my identity. Life had changed in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and I was determined to take control. I let go of old negative habits that were lowering my frequency, and instead, I threw myself into strength, conditioning and boxing training, focusing on aligning my body and mind. I began looking inward for answers. The process was transformative. To those who had known me before, the person I was becoming seemed almost unrecognizable. But transformation requires more than a surface change. For me to truly move forward, I had to first look back—to reflect on who I was and where I came from.

This journey backward brought me face to face with my family’s history. McCloskey. What did it mean? Who were we as a family, as a lineage, as a legacy? How had my ancestors endured centuries of challenges, from Cromwell’s ruthless campaigns and the Norman invasions to the Irish Starvation of 1845? My curiosity turned into a quest to uncover the deeper story of my family, to rediscover what it means to be a McCloskey. What I found is more than just history—it’s a legacy of resilience, strength, and pride. In this blog, I hope to share that legacy, not only to inspire my immediate family but also to connect with the broader McCloskey Sept (Clan). Together, we are threads in a tapestry that has endured the tests of time. I also hope to inspire friends and others to research their own lineage and reconnect with the roots that shape their identity.

The Foundation of the McCloskey Name

The McCloskey name, rooted in the Gaelic Mac Bhloscaidh—which translates to “loud” or “resounding”—reflects a legacy of character, symbolizing strength, spiritedness, and boldness. It was more than just a simple identifier; it was associated with individuals who demonstrated bravery, fortitude, and leadership, embodying traits that stood out in both battle and community life.

As a sept of the powerful O’Cahans (O'Kane), Lords of Keenaght, the McCloskeys played a key role in the history of County Derry. The fertile lands of Dungiven, where the O’Cahans ruled, provided the foundation for their prominence in the region. A lasting testament to the O’Cahan legacy is the magnificent tomb of Cooey-na-Gall O’Cahan, who died in 1385, located in the ruins of Dungiven Priory, which serves as a symbol of their influence and historical significance.

The family’s rise to distinction is closely tied to the events of 1196, as recorded in the Annals of Ulster. In this year, Muirchertach Ua Lochlainn, King of Cenél nEógain and heir to the Irish throne, was murdered by Donnchadh, son of Bloscadh Ua Cathain, with the counsel of the Cenél nEógain. This act of betrayal and violence marked a turning point in the Ua Cathain (O'Cahan) clan’s history. By participating in the murder of Muirchertach, the Ua Cathain family solidified their influence and elevated their prominence within the region, establishing themselves as key figures in the turbulent politics of medieval Ireland.

Tradition holds that the McCloskey lineage began with Donnchadh O’Cahan, who earned the right to establish his own family branch following this event. Taking the name Mac Bhloscaidh, meaning “son of Bloscach,” he founded a lineage celebrated for its strength and leadership. Over the centuries, the name evolved into variations such as McCloskey, McLusky, and McLoskie, while maintaining a proud connection to the O’Cahan legacy.

Famous McCloskeys

Throughout history, members of the McCloskey family have made significant contributions across various fields, from law and governance to the arts, sports, and community development. Here are some of the most notable figures:

• Law and Governance:

  • Bernard McCloskey, a distinguished Northern Irish judge.
  • Matthew McCloskey, a U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, representing the family’s impact on law, diplomacy, and governance.

• The Arts:

  • Leigh McCloskey, a talented actor.
  • Robert McCloskey, a celebrated author and illustrator, marking the family’s creative legacy.

• Economics and Academia:

  • Deirdre McCloskey, an acclaimed economist who has reshaped global economic thought.

• Athletics and Coaching:

  • Paul McCloskey, an Irish boxer, and Jack McCloskey, a renowned American basketball coach, exemplifying the family’s prowess in competitive sports and strategic thinking.
  • Stuart McCloskey, an accomplished Ulster Rugby player who has carried the McCloskey name with pride on the rugby field.
  • John McCloskey, a coach for GAA and rugby, including a notable tenure with Wasps, demonstrating the family’s commitment to sports development and leadership.

• GAA Contributions and Legacy:

  • Eoin McCloskey, a key player for Derry’s GAA team in 1998, symbolizing the enduring impact of the McCloskey name in Gaelic sports.
  • The Dr. McCloskey Cup, a GAA competition contested in the Donegal Junior Championship, honoring the McCloskey name and celebrating Irish sports and community spirit.

• Boxing History:

  • Elwood McCloskey ("Blink" or "The Blind Pugilist"), a boxer from Philadelphia in 1907 whose remarkable story of overcoming blindness earned him a lasting place in boxing lore.

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York:

  • John McCloskey, the first American-born cardinal, played a pivotal role in the development of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. As Archbishop of New York, he oversaw the completion and dedication of the cathedral in 1879, a landmark in both the architectural and religious history of the city.
• Industry and Innovation

• McCloskey Equipment: Founded in Canada, McCloskey International is a global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing. Known for its innovation and durability, the company produces world-class machinery, including crushers, screeners, and conveyors, serving industries such as construction, mining, and recycling.

Forged in Resilience: The Legacy of the Irish Spirit

The legacy of the McCloskeys is deeply intertwined with a broader truth about the Irish people: ours is a history defined by resilience, shaped by warriors, scholars, farmers, and visionaries who endured immense challenges and change. For generations, Ireland has been a land of both strife and perseverance, where struggles against external forces and internal hardships gave rise to a proud and enduring spirit.

Yet, the Irish were not just warriors of the battlefield. They were warriors of the mind and spirit. Monasteries in ancient Ireland were centers of learning, producing some of Europe’s most influential texts during the Dark Ages. This balance between physical and intellectual strength is reflected in Irish folklore, such as the stories of Cú Chulainn, who embodied both courage and wisdom. The Irish spirit is one of preservation—of land, language, culture, and community.

This spirit is etched into the land itself. Our ancient monuments, like Newgrange, which predates even the pyramids of Egypt, stand as testaments to the ingenuity and spirituality of our ancestors. The stone circles scattered across Ireland, such as the Beaghmore complex in Tyrone, whisper of celestial alignments and ceremonies that connected our people to the cycles of nature. Hillforts like Navan Fort (Eamhain Mhacha), the ancient seat of the Ulster kings, and sacred sites like the Hill of Tara, the seat of Ireland's High Kings, remind us of the deep-rooted traditions of leadership, culture, and connection to the land.

As descendants of this legacy, the McCloskeys continue to carry forward these values. Our family crest—a bowed, naked arm grasping a pear tree uprooted from the earth—symbolizes resilience, fortitude, and the strength and tenacity of those who came before us. This image is more than just a visual emblem; it serves as a reminder of the qualities that define our lineage and have guided the McCloskeys through centuries of challenges.

The McCloskey family is not officially associated with a confirmed family motto, but I did come across the Latin phrase "Nunguam Non Fidelis," meaning "Always Faithful," on a coat of arms. This motto reflects a deep commitment to loyalty and steadfastness—qualities that have undoubtedly shaped the family’s legacy across generations.

Surviving History’s Trials

The history of the McCloskey family is one of resilience in the face of adversity. During the English Plantations, Catholic families like ours were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The fertile plains of Dungiven were replaced by the rugged, less arable hillsides of Benedy Glen. It was here, amidst hardship, that the McCloskeys adapted, refusing to let circumstances define their destiny.

The Great Famine (An Gorta Mór) of 1845 marked another devastating chapter in Irish history. Many McCloskeys, like countless other Irish families, were forced to emigrate to survive. Ships bound for America, Canada, Australia, and many other countries around the world carried generations of Irish emigrants who left behind everything but their heritage. Despite the heartbreak of emigration, they carried their Gaelic traditions with them, helping to form communities that remain vibrant to this day.

During the 20th century, the McCloskeys faced new trials, most notably during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Among the early fatalities of the conflict was Francis McCloskey, tragically killed in 1969 in Dungiven, County Derry. His death became a poignant symbol of the broader struggles endured by Irish families during this tumultuous time, highlighting the McCloskeys’ historical ties to Ireland’s enduring fight for justice and peace. Despite such hardships, the McCloskeys have remained steadfast, carrying forward their legacy of resilience and community.

My Personal Connection

For me, this history is more than just a record of events; it’s a part of who I am. While many historical records provide a glimpse into the past, vast amounts of census data—especially post-famine—are missing or incomplete, making it harder to trace the lives of those who lived through this pivotal time. My grandfather, John McCloskey, was born on November 30, 1905, in the townland of Annaghbeg, part of the parish of Donaghmore in County Tyrone. He was the youngest child of William McCloskey, a laborer and carter, and Ellen Cannavan, who were married on March 1, 1897, at Donaghmore Roman Catholic Church. Their union brought together two hardworking families—William’s father, Bernard McCloskey, was a laborer, and Ellen’s father, Francis Cannavan, was a farmer.

In the context of early 20th-century Ireland, being a laborer and carter meant hard, physical work, often involving tasks such as transporting goods and materials for local farms, businesses, or towns. Carters, in particular, were essential in rural areas, managing horse-drawn carts for moving grain, produce, and building supplies. Similarly, a farmer like Francis Cannavan would have worked the land, likely cultivating crops and raising livestock, playing a crucial role in sustaining the local economy and community. In that era, being a farmer was not just a livelihood but a way of life—one that demanded resilience, knowledge of the land, and a deep connection to the cycles of nature.

My Grandfather John’s siblings, Francis (born April 21, 1898), Bridget (born September 26, 1899), and Bernard (born January 8, 1902), represent a resilient branch of the McCloskey family tree. While the family’s roots were in Annaghbeg, meaning “little marsh” (Eanach Beag), my grandfather John and his brother Bernard eventually married two sisters, my grandmother Mary and Kathleen Campbell, from Gortnaquig in Brocagh.

The name Campbell is of Scottish origin and translates to “crooked mouth” (Caimbeul in Gaelic), derived from a nickname given to an early ancestor. Meanwhile, Gortnaquig translates to “the field of the conical-shaped hill” in English, and Brocagh, meaning “badger warren” (Brocach), is a village located on the shores of Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest freshwater lake. In Brocagh, my grandfather laid the foundation for his farm, cultivating a deep connection to the land that has shaped our roots.

I am the son of Paul McCloskey and Mary Devlin from Stewartstown, County Tyrone. My father, Paul, is one of 11 children, and my mother, Mary, is one of 12 children. I am the second oldest of nine children. The name Devlin originates from the Irish surname Ó Doibhilin or Mac Doibhilin, meaning “descendant of Doibhilin” or “son of Doibhilin.” The exact meaning of Doibhilin is debated, but it is often interpreted as “brave” or “valiant.” Stewartstown, known in Irish as An Croabh—meaning “The Branch”—is a name rich with symbolism, perhaps reflecting the growth and connectivity of the area. My life is the product of a blend of amazing personalities and histories cultivated over hundreds of years.

As I reflect on my heritage, I am deeply grateful for the enormous family tree I come from. With so many relatives spanning generations and branches, I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be part of such a large and vibrant family. While this piece highlights my McCloskey heritage, my Devlin roots also hold a rich and fascinating story, one I plan to explore further in another blog.

Rediscovering the McCloskey Spirit

This journey of rediscovery has taught me that strength is not only about physical endurance but also about the resilience of spirit. The McCloskey name represents a legacy of survival, adaptability, and excellence. By understanding where we come from, we gain the perspective needed to move forward with purpose.

At FARMERSTRENGTH™, this legacy inspires everything we do. It’s about embracing hard work, resilience, and the connection to our roots. Just as our ancestors found strength in their challenges, we aim to empower others to discover their own strength—both physical and spiritual. Whether it’s through fitness training, building community, or the apparel we create, FARMERSTRENGTH™ is a celebration of that enduring spirit.

As I reflect on this rich history, I can’t ignore the shadow of ancestral trauma that affects us all. Generational curses, scarcity mindsets, and subconscious fears are conditioned into us, often without our awareness. These invisible forces, passed down through generations, can unknowingly shape our lives—even in times of abundance. But the beauty lies in recognizing these patterns and choosing to break them, allowing us to step into a future of healing, strength, and possibility.

Despite the ups and downs, the good and the bad, one enduring truth remains: every McCloskey name, whether found in a phone book, an online search, or passed down through generations, exists because, nearly a thousand years ago, two people fell in love. Their union set in motion a legacy that continues to resonate through time, through each of us who carries the name. That’s the essence of life—one grand love story that most of us don’t fully appreciate until it’s too late. So, as we honor the past and build toward the future, let’s remember the simple beauty of connection. It’s love that binds us, sustains us, and gives life its meaning.

Thank you for reading my blog and sharing in this journey of discovery. To explore more blogs, click here. To shop FARMERSTRENGTH™ merchandise in time for the holidays, click here. Together, let’s honor our heritage and build strength for the future.

If you know someone with the last name McCloskey, please share this with them. If they have any additional information about the history of the name, I’d love to hear from them. Please contact Gareth at customerservice@farmerstrength.com

Download My Family Tree Chart (Three Generations)