I have a family tree kindly supplied to me by T.E.Leece (Eddie) of Peel. This starts with John McLeece, b.1695. this tree goes on to Eddie's grandchildren today.There is a John McLeece b.02/09/1759 d.25/04113, he married Catherine Shimmin on13/05/1781 but their children were Thomas, b. 1782, William, b.1785, John, b.02/031788, and Henry, b.08/09/1792. All these (Mc)Leeces were born in and married in Patrick. This line goes down to Eddie Leece. One of John's (1759) brothers went on to found the line which leads down to my husband, Ernie Leece of Peel.
Incidentally, the name comes from the Gaelic "Mac Ghiolla Iosa. Mac. - son of , Ghiolla - servant or follower, Iosa - Christ.
Hope this is of some help to you.
Regards, Sue