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The Casey clan

Liam Casey is the latest in a long line of illustrious Caseys

By
TARA DOUGHERTY,
Irish America Magazine
Published Thursday, December 17, 2009, 1:23 PM
Updated Monday, January 4, 2010, 4:05 PM

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Liam Casey, Irish America's Business 100 Keynote Speaker


Casey, from the Irish O’Cathasaigh, is a common surname in Ireland originally meaning “vigilant” or “watchful.” At least six different septs of the name existed in early Ireland as both O’Casey and MacCasey.

These septs were each very significant rulers in their locations, primarily in Munster counties. The O’Caseys of west Dublin were the Lords of the Suathni. Another line of O’Caseys were erenaghs, or keepers of church revenue, in Clondara, County Roscommon.

The Dalcassian septs were seated at Liscannon, County Limerick, and near Mitchelstown, County Cork. In the 14th century, three bishops named MacCasey were seated at Clogher in County Monaghan.

John Keegan “Leo” Casey (1846 - 1870) was a poet, novelist and orator as well as a famous Republican in the Fenian Rising. Born in County Westmeath, John was learning under his father to become a teacher when he discovered the lure of the pen.

At the age of fifteen he wrote the famous song The Rising of the Moon to commemorate the Irish Rebellion of 1798. He later took on the pen name “Leo” and under it wrote extensively for the Nation newspaper. As a leader of the Fenian Rising of 1867, John was imprisoned for eight months. After his release he lived in poor health for a short time before his death on St. Patrick’s Day, 1870.

It was reported that between fifty and one hundred thousand mourners attended the beloved writer’s funeral.

Another famous O’Casey writer was 20th century playwright Seán O’Casey (1880-1964), pictured above.  Born John Casey, Seán adopted the Gaelic spelling of his name as his interest in the Irish nationalist cause grew. His famous works include Juno and the Paycock, set during the Irish Civil War, and The Plough and the Stars, which is set in Dublin during the Easter Rising of 1916. He wrote initially on political issues, attacking imperialist wars, but in his later career, the Dublin native became known for being one of the first playwrights to write about working-class Dublin.

Seán O’Casey’s daughter Shivaun O’Casey began her career as a scenic designer in theater before becoming an actress. She settled as a director and founded the O’Casey Theater Company in her father’s honor. Shivaun moved on to film and made a documentary, In the Shadow of O’Casey, about her father.

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