PRIESTS

In the long history of the clan McGinley there are certain things that cannot be guaranteed, some things are left to folklore for explanation. Somethings however cannot be denied. One of those things is the fact that the McGinleys are most noted in history as Priests and religious figures. The list of priests by the name McGinley is long. The earliest mention of a McGinley priest or monk goes back to the early 1400’s when we here of the celebrated Giolla Chriost Mag Fhionnghaile of Mevagh in the north of Donegal. Shortly after him in the mid 1400’s we find Ruairi Mag Fhionnghaile who may have been a son or at the very least a close relative to Giolla Chriost. We will not get too deep into the differences between priest, monk, holy man, vicar, pastor etc as they are all shades of religious piety. We should point out that the earliest mention of a McGinley, the wife of Murchadh Og Mac Suibhne, had a son who was a parson, he was only a McGinley on his mothers side, but still may have followed in a longer line of tradition among McGinleys. That was in the mid 1300's. The most celebrated of the early religious figures within our clan was ofcourse the great monk and scribe of Tory Island, Ciothruadh Mag Fhionnghail who lived from the mid 1400’s and the early 1500’s. He was like most Irish monks of the period, allowed to marry, and this he did on more than one occasion.

The long line of McGinley priests and religious persons continued strongly into the 1800’s and on. This was not just in Ireland but around the world. The earliest (and most noted) in America was Amos A. McGinley (born 1778), the famed Presbyterian minister. Presbyterianism, while probably non existant in Donegal among McGinleys, was fairly common among our early settlers in America. McGinleys who went to England, Scotland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand nearly always retained the Catholic faith.

There was ofcourse a long tradition of Donegal clergy going to Scotland. Some of the earliest saints of Scotland were Irish and the clergy of Iona was nearly always from Donegal. Some early Irish saints in Scotland include St Colm Cille, St Adomnan (both of Cineal Chonaill origin) as well as St Oran, St Ceallach and St Fionnan. Donatus Maginnell, or in Irish Donnchadh Mag Fhionnghail was the earliest member of our clan recorded in Scotland, in the early 1600's. In much later times, Glasgow still remembers with fondness the priest Teague McGinley from Gola island, Co Donegal. His ministry lasted from 1921 until 1926 when he returned home to Donegal. Donegal was the 'cradle' for early Christianity for both the northern half of Ireland and for Scotland. The Catholic Church in Ireland and Scotland, the Presbyterian Church, the Church of Ireland (Protestant) and the Church of Scotland (Protestant) all acknowledge a common root in the Columban Church that was established by St Colm Cille of Gartan, Donegal.

It should be noted that the work of these priests in many cases extended far beyond religious duties. They were more often than not the centre of their communities. In many cases too, they were at the centre of the cultural, spiritual and physical developement of their areas. The noted Amos McGinley was greatly responsible, along with other McGinleys in his family, for the early developement of the town of Fairfield in Pennsylvania. Rev E. J. McGinley was one of the foremost priests 'on the frontier' in Elk County, Pennsylvania, going where many others feared to go. Roger A. McGinley figured large in the developement around McGinley Square in Jersey City including the great Catholic church there. As for helping and developing an area, neighbourhood or town, it is hard to better the work done by Laurence J. McGinley.

Here is a list of notable religious figures within the McGinley clan.

Dubhghall Mac Suibhne 'the Parson' (b.c. 1320).

Technically only a McGinley on his mothers side, but it does indicate a very early example of McGinley involvement within religious circles. He may have been persuaded by his mother to enter into this realm if it was already a family 'tradition'. Nothing more is known about him. Two of his brother were chieftains of the two main Sweeney branches, Doe and Fanad.

Giolla Chriost Mag Fhionnghaile (b.c. 1360).

Giolla Chriost Mag Fhionnghaile or Christinus McGinley as he is described in history was a monk/priest of Mevagh Parish in the north of Co Donegal. He flourished around 1410 and died shortly afterwards. He, and his family, are described as 'perpetual vicars in Mevagh'.

Ruairi Mag Fhionnghaile (b.c. 1390).

Ruairi Mag Fhionnghaile or Rory McGinley was a monk/priest from Mevagh Parish in the north of Co Donegal. He took over from Giolla Chriost Mag Fhionnghaile who was very likely his father. Ruairi flourished around the years 1426 to 1432 when he is recorded as the vicar at Mevagh.

Ciothruadh Mag Fhionnghail (b.c. 1460).

The celebrated Monk and Scribe from Tory Island. He was the most noted of the early McGinleys. He flourished at the beginning of the 1500's as the celebrated writer of the Clan Sweeney Book/Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne which contained much religious and devotional material. He was originally from Tory island.

Donnchadh Mag Fhionnghail (b.c. 1570 - fl 1606)

Donnchach was a parish priest in the long line of McGinleys found within ecclesiastical circles. He is recorded in the year 1606 as a working priest in the diocese of Glasgow in Scotland, but we know that he was clearly of Donegal Irish origin. He originates from the Diocese of Raphoe (exactly where we do not know). This is from where he first entered into the priesthood around the year 1590. Glasgow may well have been his first official post as a qualified priest. The Protestant Bishop Montgomery in his survey of the Glasgow Diocese (1606), found that a number of Raphoe Diocesian clergy had been educated and then worked in the Glasgow area, among whom was Donnchadh Mag Fhionnghail (recorded by the Latin form, Donatus Maginnell). He is described glowingly by the Protestant Bishop Montgomery as ‘a learned man in Latin, Irish and Scots’. The 'Scots' here means the version of English as spoken by Lowland Scots. He was one of the most notable priests from Donegal recorded at the time.

Amos McGinley (b. 1778).

In America the most reknowned of the name McGinley in religion is Amos A. McGinley, the famous Presbyterian Minister remembered fondly as the ‘Marrying Parson’. He was from Fairfield in Pennsylvania, a descendant of the earliest known McGinley in America. He was also greatly responsible for the developement of Fairfield, helping to raise much needed funds.

James McGinley (b. 1795)

Fr. James McGinley was one of best known and best loved priests in Donegal in the early 1800's. He was a noted Curate of Stranorlar Parish in the year 1834, Curate of Glencolmcille Parish in 1835 and Parish Priest for Killymard in Co Donegal in the year 1836. His memory is still alive and he was a model priest and a cultured gentleman. Several schools were established by this highly energetic pastor during the early 1800's, all over Co Donegal. He came originally from Donaloup, near Strabane, were his relatives can still be found. It was said of this man that religion flourished during his lifetime, under his caring guiding hand. He is recorded as 'Gentry and Clergy' of Killymard, Donegal Town, in "Slaters Directory" 1846. He was a much loved priest who died aged 67 in 1862. His final resting place, for a while, was a place of much pilgrimage. His remains rest close to the Convoy Church beneath a handsome monument bearing the words "In memoriam Rev Jacobi MacGilney, Parochi Rapotensis, qui per 40 annos. Annos 67 natus".

Rev William Anderson McGinley (b.c. 1830).

Rev William was a noted and very influential Protestant Minister of the Congregational Church in the north east of America during the mid to late 1800's. As well as being very influential within his church body, he was also a respected author on, usually, religious matters. His best known work being "Rational Triumph, Or, The Dangers of Victory" 1862.

Rev E. J. McGinley (b.c. 1830).

A noted early Catholic priest in the mid to late 1800's at the Church of St Boniface in Elk County, Pennsylvania. Many religious figures prefered not to venture too far into dangerous remote areas in fear of bandits, poachers and Indians. Rev E.J. McGinley did not worry about such things and only cared about his flock.

William Joseph McGinley (b. 1846).

Father William was a rebellious and controversial Catholic priest who worked in various parishes in Canada such as St Luke's Parish (Thornhill), St Patrick's Parish (Schomberg) and St Columbkille's Parish (Orillia). He was educated at Villanova College in Delaware, PA and St Joseph's College in Bardstown, KY. He once refused to give a Reqiuem Mass for the deceased John Kane because he did not keep up his 'church fees'!. A stubborn man, he refused to back down in an argument. Father William died on January 7th 1891.

Tomas Mag Fhionnghaile (b.c. 1850).

Also known in English as Thomas Maginly, he was born about 1850 in Co Donegal. He flourished in the 1880's as the Parish Priest of Convoy in Co Donegal. He was a well liked priest and great figure in the local community. He was also responsible for raising much needed funds for the poor and needy in his area.

Paschal McGinley (b.1855).

Paschal McGinley was a noted Franciscan Oblate (from Donegal) who did great work among the poor Irish in the slums of Sydney at the end of the 1800’s. He, together with two other Irish friars (Peter Hanrahan and Augustine Holohan) started the first Franciscan community there in 1879. They worked with very little money or backing during some tough times. Instead of staying inside a church, they brought their message of hope to the people, as was the 'norm' among his community. He made a lasting impression even though he stayed in Australia for only five months before being recalled to Ireland. He died in Dublin in 1922.

Daniel McGinley (b.c. 1860).

Daniel was a very hard working priest in the diocese of Raphoe, although he was originally from Co Derry and was educated at the Ecclesiastical Seminary at Ballyshannon. He was Parish Priest for Newtoncunningham in 1891, Curate of Clondahorky in 1896 and Parish Priest for the united parishes of Taughboyne and Raymoghy in 1908. He became the Parish Priest of Aughinish (Letterkenny) in 1918. He was remembered by the older generation as a very kind and gentle man. He died in 1937 and is buried in All Saints Graveyard, Co Donegal.

Monsignor James C. McGinley (b. 1869).

Monsignor James was a son the celebrated scholar T.C. McGinley of Meenacross. He was born James Columba McGinley, in 1869, at Meenacross in south west Donegal. He became the Vicar General of the Diocese of Raphoe and was a very influential figure in the diocese at the time. He is mentioned in the "History of the Diocese of Raphoe" by Canon Maguire. He was also Parish Priest at Ballyshannon for a while. He entered the illustrious Maynooth College in 1883 and studied Rhetoric there. He became professor at Maynooth for many years. Monsignor James died on July 6th 1960.

Right Rev Monsignor Roger A. McGinley (b. 1870).

Roger was a well known figure in the development and history of Jersey City where McGinley Square is named after him. He was the first parish priest assigned to the new parish of St Aidans in the city. He was responsible for the building of the great Catholic church there as well as spearheading many other projects in the area. He died in 1936 and many attended his funeral, coming from far and wide.

Bishop John B. McGinley (b. 1871).

The famous Bishop John B. McGinley was a son of T.C. McGinley the reknowned scholar. He was born in Meenacross, Co Donegal in 1871. He was a well liked religious figure who rose to become the Bishop of the Phillipines and later of Fresno, California. He became one of the best known of all Irish priests. He died at his home in Killybegs in 1969.

Leo McGinley (b. 1884).

Born Leo P. McGinley on January 5th, 1884, in Meenacross, Co Donegal, son of the noted writer T.C. McGinley and therefore a brother of Bishop John B. McGinley. Doctor Leo P. McGinley was a reknowned Professor of Religious Studies and Theology in Pennsylvania. He left for America at a young age and spent all his life in religious studies there. Father Leo P. McGinley was a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He died in Pennsylvania on October 9th, 1957.

Monsignor James McGinley (b. 1869).

Monsignor James Columba McGinley was another son of the celebrated scholar T.C. McGinley. James was born around the year 1869 almost certainly in Meenacross (like the rest of his family). He joined the priesthood early and did well. He soon became Vicar General of the Raphoe Diocese as well as being a Parish Priest for Ballyshannon.

Rev Monsignor Charles B. McGinley (b. 1888).

Charles was a renowned Pastor Emeritus of the Holy Child Church in Philadelphia from 1931. 'McGinley, of the Church of the Holy Child, for instance, is a genuine amusing companion (I have known him for many years) and likes a gay musical show and he drinks as much as I do'. George Nathans comments about Charles to the genius Irish playright Sean O'Casey.

Pat McGinley (b.c. 1890).

There was a noted Catholic Priest in the Redcliffe area of Queensland, Australia in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s called Pat McGinley. It is not known if he came from Ireland or was born in Australia. According to the locals he was ‘one of the real characters of the diocese’, a man who was much loved by his parishioners.

Tadhg McGinley (b. 1896).

Tadhg or Teague in English, was a much loved Catholic priest from Gola Island, Co Donegal. He went to Gola National School, St Eunan's College in Letterkenny and then to St Patrick's in Maynooth for his religious education. He worked as a priest in Glasgow between the years 1921 and 1926. There was great dismay when he had to leave the area. His departure from Glasgow was marked with a discourse of Irish tunes by a Pipe Band on the quayside! He died in 1949 and was buried at Derrybeg beside the church.

Laurence J. McGinley (b. 1905).

The celebrated Laurence, teacher and theologian, was one of the most influential churchmen of his day in America, no matter what faith. The large scale developement at the reknowned Fordham University can be put down to him. He was a man who believed passionately in all forms of education and that such education should be made available, as much as possible, to all the people. Laurence died in 1992.

Abbot Gerard McGinley (b. 1906).

Abbot Gerard was the founder of the Abbey of the Genesee (a community of contemplative monks of the Cisterian Order) located in New York State. He was a kind and great leader for his community. He was a man of deep contemplative thinking. The Trappists Monks are a branch of the Cistercian Order of Monks who are characterised by austerity and a vow of silence. Abbot Gerard had a dream of a new retreat and after much fundraising the Abbey of the Genesee was opened. It is said that Abbot Gerard was a fatherly man who created an atmosphere of peace and unity wherever he goes. His pure life lasted only for 52 years when he was taken to his maker. He was born on April 21st 1906 and he died in 1955. His memory is remembered each year on September 19th by his religious community who celebrate his life on that day. He believed that 'the primary function of the newly professed monk is to love with all his heart'. He was the most celebrated Trappist monk of his day. A book was published about him entitled "A Trappist Writes Home" in 1960 by Bantam Books.

Fr. James McGinley (b. 1916).

Father James was the first Irish/American priest to hold the post of Jesuit Mission Principal of the Loyola School in Jamshedpur in east India. He became one of the best known 'foreign' religious figures of his day in eastern India. He was a mild, meek man, but a tough disciplinarian (as many former pupils will attest!). He is still fondly remembered by the older generations there. After his time at Jamdeshpur, which lasted for four years (1948-1952), he went to Rome for further religious studies. He died on October 17th 1994 aged 78.