[3] The Mac Cana originated as chiefs of Cenél Aengusa, the name of a kindred and its territory in Tír Eoghain.
[4] In the 12th and 13th centuries they extended their lands along the south of Lough Neagh where they gave their name to the territory of Clancann (Clann Chana),[4] later the barony of Oneilland West.
[4] Nearby Portadown (Port an Dúnáin) is believed to be named after a fort of the Mac Cana.
[5] An English map from the early 1600s shows a prominent house at Maghery in Clancann, which was probably the last residence of the Mac Cana chiefs.
[5] Irish rebels killed about 100 captured British settlers at Portadown by forcing them off the bridge into the River Bann, and shooting those who tried to swim to safety.