The McHales, originally McKeales, are historically found exclusively in north Mayo and our YDNA shows the clan to be primarily but not exclusively from one original male ancestor - haplogroup BY2573 - from the O'Byrnes of Co Wicklow, in the latter 1300s. This project aims to further substantiate that finding and, through the BigY test, to produce a genetic family tree. These results are being used in combination with written history and records. McHale is not to be confused with: Welsh/English Hale, O'Healy (Sligo), Kelly (Mayo), McKeel (Scotland and Ulster) or McCahill (Donegal). These names/DNA are completely separate. McHale as McKeale is likely a short form of the ancient name for south Mayo, Conmaicnecuile.