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MacCarthy (McCarty) is one of the most ancient and numerous surnames in Ireland, going back to a 3rd-century King of Munster. The surname derives from Carthac, a 12th-century descendant. A MacCarthy king and bishop, Cormac, built the holy Rock of Cashel. The MacCarthys also built Blarney castle, the most famous of all the castles. Cormac lived in Blarney castle and his consistent evasive letters in response to Queen Elizabeth’s demands roused her to call his protestations ‘blarney’. So started the legend that kissing the Blarney Stone would convey eloquence.