The first book on this subject - "The Mountainy Kennedys - Tipperary Stayputs", identified Kennedys and related families who took to the mountain wilderness rather than transplant to the barren wastes of Connacht as dictated by Oliver Cromwell in 1652. After over 350 years the memories of the Mountainy Kennedys of their descent from the "Lords of Ormond" had faded. Their knowledge of the O'Kennedys from whom they may have descended was largely lost in the mists of time.
Opportunities to link past and present have now become apparent. The establishment of the lines of descent of the Kennedy landholders from whom the Mountainy Kennedys may have descended has provided historical reference points. Against these the more recent occurrence of male first names may be compared. Through the contributions of many individuals to gathering and sharing information the story of the Mountainy Kennedys is emerging from the obscurity of hundreds of years.
The revival of the Kennedy chieftainship has provided a focal point for the continuation of this joint effort by the descendants of the Mountainy Kennedys.
