 He was a son of Comhaltan mac Maol Cúlaird, who was likewise related to Seachnasach mac Donnchadh, Scannlán mac Fearghal, Eidhean mac Cléireach, and Cathal mac Ógán, who gave their names to the families of Ó Seachnasaigh, Ó Scannláin, Ó Cléirigh, Ó hEidhin and Ó Cathail.MacLysaght states
"This family were hereditary olaves (ollamh) to the O'Flahertys.The name is sometime abbreviated to Kelly with the resultant confusion."