Bearers of a name whose roots hearken back to an ancient Celtic god of fire, as close kinsfolk of other clans the McKinneys shared in both their glorious fortunes and tragic misfortunes.
In later centuries, many have achieved international fame and acclaim through a colourful range of endeavours and pursuits.
Born in 1953, Steve McKinney was the American Alpine skier and mountaineer recognised as an early pioneer of extreme skiing and also the first person to fly a hang-glider off a mountain; on the stage, Nina Mae McKinney, born in South Carolina in 1912, was the actress and singer who became the first African-American entertainer to sign a long-term contract with a major studio.
From the clash and clamour of battle to more peaceful times, the stirring tales of the McKinneys are presented here.