Derrynacreeve

[1] In medieval times the McGovern barony of Tullyhaw was divided into economic taxation areas called ballibetoes, from the Irish Baile Biataigh (Anglicized as 'Ballybetagh'), meaning 'A Provisioner's Town or Settlement'.

The original purpose was to enable the farmer, who controlled the baile, to provide hospitality for those who needed it, such as poor people and travellers.

He was the son of the previous chief, Hugh Duff O'Sheridan of Togher townland, Kilmore parish, County Cavan.

William died sometime before 1638 leaving two sons, Owen (of Mullaghmore, Tullyhunco) and Patrick (of Raleagh townland, Kildallan parish).

Owen's son Denis was born in 1612 and became a Catholic priest in charge of Kildrumferton parish, County Cavan.

The Sheridan lands in Derrynacreeve were confiscated in the Cromwellian Act for the Settlement of Ireland 1652 and were distributed as follows: The 1652 Commonwealth Survey lists the townland as Dirrenacrew and the proprietor as Lieutenant-Colonel Tristram Beresford.

A further confirming grant dated 3 November 1666 was made by King Charles II of England to the aforementioned Sir Tristram Beresford, 1st Baronet included, inter alia, 38 acres-1 rood-24 perches of unprofitable land in Derrenetrew or Derrenetrue.

[8][9] The 1836 Ordnance Survey Namebooks state- The soil inclines to clay...a river likewise bounds it on the north.