The territory of Clanawley was first recorded in 1306, and derives its name from Amhlaoibh, the son of the first Maguire king of Fermanagh, Donn Carrach Mag Uidhir. This makes the MacAwleys (Irish: Mac Amhlaoibh) a branch of the Maguires. The name Amhlaoibh is derived from the Norse name Olaf, which became popular in a number of Gaelic families.[1][3]
Amblaoibh Mag Uidhir when he died in 1306 is noted as being the taísech (chief) of the small sept or territory of Muintir Pheodacháin.[1] It was also spelt Clonawley and Scoticised to Glenawley during the plantation of Ulster.[4][5]
List of civil parishes
Below is a list of civil parishes in Clanawley:[6]