[13][14][15] Knocktopher was an early medieval cantred within the shire of Kilkenny,[16] and part of the historic kingdom of Osraige (Ossory).

[17] In the latter 12th century, at the time of the Cambro-Norman invasion, MacBraoin (MacBreen) were the main Gaelic sept in the Knocktopher area.

[17][16] "Mac Broein of the fast land Over the Clanns I commemorate, A fine district of beauteous nuts; O'Broithe over free Magh Sedna."

O'Donovan believed that the Clanna or Clanns, were seated in the barony of Knocktopher but were supplanted by the Breathnach or Bhreathnach (or Walshes meaning Welshman), who held land there after the Norman Invasion of Ireland.

[22] It was established by 1672 and depicted in Hiberniae Delineatio, "Perry's Atlas",[7] engraved in 1671-2 by William Petty from the data of the Down Survey.