A social history beginning in 1208 in the Lagan Valley in Donegal, and the inception of the MacDhaibheid sept of the Clann O'Dochartaigh. Under attack by the O'Niall (O'Neil) and O'Cahan (O'Kane) clans, sub-clan chieftain Dhaibheid O'Dochartaig fought with valor, to his ultimate death; was honored posthumously, and his six sons thereafter called, with respect, MacDhaibheid, or Sons of David. Four centuries later, in April 1608 in the town of Derry, 21 year old Lord of Inishowen Sir Cahir O'Doherty would, in response to British oppression, and with the support of his six foster brothers, sons of Sir Phelim Reagh MacDavitt, and the young men of the O'Doherty, O'Donnell, and O'Neil clans, lead an uprising against British occupation forces, resulting in the destruction of Derry by fire. The MacDavitts escaped west to the mountains, there to be known as McDevitt, or south to Armagh, Down and Louth, there sheltered by the O'Hanlons. Along the way, Sir Phelim MacDavitt was captured by British forces at Lifford, subjected to a mock trial, and hanged...but the rope broke.
For details of the fortunes of the McKevitts of Ireland throughout history and throughout the world, visit the McKevitt site, www.geocities.com/mckevitt_2000 or e-mail me today.