Ag Cuardaigh Uigín
Searching for Uigín
One of the most amazing scientific discoveries of the past 50 years is that of DNA testing which can make a very strong contribution to the field of genealogy. Put simply, a Y-Chromosome is passed from father to son with only a slight change every 500 years or so. This means that it should be possible to test the extended members of a family group to see if they really do come from the same genetic root.
In conjunction with Family Tree DNA Ltd. at the University of Arizona, we have started a DNA project to try and see if we can confirm that Higgins/O'Higgins in Ireland, Europe, USA, South America and elsehwere can trace their roots back to a common genetic ancestor i.e. Uigín, the grandson of King Niall of Tara.
If you are male and a Higgins/O'Higgins (or other spelling variation) and you think that your family came from Ireland originally and would like to take part in the DNA project please contact info@ohigginsclan.com or visit Family Tree DNA. We strongly recommend that you order a 25 or 37 marker test as these will provide more accurate information that the basic 12 marker test.
Note: It is important to remember that the concept of kinship in Gaelic Septs did not always mean that people were related by blood. In Gaelic times polygamy was a common practice, people were fostered and adopted into families to ensure peace between rival groupings, others again joined a family for protection and convenience. Consequently, DNA results are limited in that they only reveal bloodline connections rather than the fuller realities of kinship which were common during the Gaelic era.
Click Here to Access DNA Results