The spelling varies. The name Kearney is evenly distributed throughout the four provinces of Ireland; the alternative spelling Carney, however, is almost confined to Connacht, particularly Co. Mayo. The latter are O Cearnaigh in Irish (presumably from cearnach, victorious) and are a branch of the Ui Fiachrach whose territory was named Moynulla and Balla in Co. Mayo. The Dalcassian O'Kearneys, who migrated to Cashel in early times, are also O Cearnaigh. The most important Kearney sept in history are of different origin. In Irish their name is O Catharnaigh. In a message dated 10/17/2012 12:24:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, "Patty Myers" <pattym@frontlineum.co.za> writes: But his son has signed his name as Michael Carney