Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Mackenna, Nial
MACKENNA, NIAL (fl. 1700), Irish poet and harper, was born in the Fews, co. Armagh. He afterwards settled at Mullaghcrew, co. Louth, and was the author of the words of a song known all over the northern half of Ireland from Louth to Mayo, 'Little Celia Connellan.' He also wrote 'Mo mhile slan duitse sios a Thriucha' ('A thousand healths to thee down at Triucha'), a well-known song to an ancient tune, as well as 'Ainnir dear ciuin' ('Pretty, gentle damsel'), and, among other pieces, 'Ni measamsa fein' ('I do not think myself).
[E. O'Reilly in Transactions of Iberno-Celtic Society, Dublin, 1820; information from Mr. Michael Callaghan of Creenane, co. Mayo.]