O’Cathain, or O’Kane, who was of the race
of Eogan, or a branch of the O'Neills, and who was the chief of
Cianacht of Gleanna Geibhin, or Keenaght of Glengiven.
of Eogan, or a branch of the O'Neills, and who was the chief of
Cianacht of Gleanna Geibhin, or Keenaght of Glengiven.
Four Masters - Annals of Ireland
Mayo.
and letters the lord justice, informing him these circumstances, and requesting him send
him some forces. He was not disappointed, for the English promptly and cheerfully responded the call, and their expedition proved profitable them, for great was their booty, and small their loss. The English Leinster, commanded by
these forces arrived, Hugh O'Conor attack the son Roderick, passed the
that the English had gone
Owen O'Heyne, and were therefore, made delay, but
plunder their ally, Ardrathan; they, with one accord
pursued them, until they came close them. They there held consultation, and resolved first send Tuathal, son Murtogh (O’Dowd), and
Taithleach O’Dowd, with large body their
their troops. Tuathal and Taithleach marched
Tochar signifies road, pass; and the one here mentioned probably the ancient road called Tochar Phadraig, St. Pa
trick's causeway, which traditionally stated have extended
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46 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1226.
onward with a strong force, attacked the English these events, destructive plague and fever fol in the town with great courage and animation, and lowed, and devastated Connaught, entire towns made such havoc among them that they were being depopulated, that single living creature
Flan, son Awlave O’Fallon, chief Clan Uadagh,” was slain by Feidlim, son Cathal Crovdearg and Teige O'Feenaghty, the friend Hugh, son Roderick O'Conor, was slain the
totally defeated and put to flight, east and west.
The victors closely pursued them eastward.
Tuathal, in the first encounter, wounded the
English constable or commander, and Taith
leach pierced him a second time, so that he was
left lifeless on the spot. The remainder of the Mac Egans, the aforementioned war.
English who were driven out of the town west
ward were met by O'Flaherty, and the son of
Murtogh (O’Dowd), but, unfortunately, they were
defeated by the English, and Mahon, son of Hugh,
son of Conor of Maonmoy ; Gillcreest Mac Der
mott; Neill, son of Fergal O’Teige, and others,
were slain in the conflict. The person who slew
Niall O’Teige, namely, the brother of Colen
O’Dempsey, was also slain. As to Roderick’s
son, he, O'Flaherty, and their supporters, assem O'Kelly; and both perished the flames.
bled together, and marched on the following day Duarcan O’Hara, Teige O'Hara, and Edaoin, southward, until they arrived at Drom Canannain; daughter Dermod, son Donal O’Hara,
died.
The people Munster and the English made predatory attack Termon Caolainne,” but
the English nobles. Until then there was
peace Connaught, for churches and terri logh More, who was the most celebrated" tanist tories had been plundered and laid waste. After his tribe hospitality, generosity, and magnani
Clan Uadach, district the barony Athlone, county Roscommon, which, according O'Dugan, O'Fallon was chief. O'Fallon had his castle Milltown, the parish Dysart.
Clan Murchadha. This territory lay the county Galway, the borders Roscommon, adjoining Clan Commhaighe,
which the O'Feenaghtys were also chiefs. Clan Conmhaighelay on both sides the river Suck, which flows between the counties Galway and Roscommon, but chiefly the former, and met
Siol Maoilruana the bridge Glinsk, which lay the west the county Roscommon.
10. Termon Caolainne. This was probably Killone, near Ennis, the county Clare, where there was celebrated Augustinian abbey, founded A. D. , 1195, Donald O'Brien, king Limerick,
and sometimes called Clare abbey; perhaps Killanma, the parish Killofin, county Clare, where the ruins ancient
monastery are still seen.
could not be found them. -
Awlave, son Fearcair O’Fallon, the worthiest chief his own clan, died.
Muireagh O’Feenaghty, chief Clan Mur
chadha," died board vessel Lough Oirbsin (Lough Corrib), though perfect health when embarked.
The residence Conor, son Teige O'Kelly (lord Hy Maine), and Ardgal, his brother,
was attacked and set fire the sons Teige
but Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, with his English allies, pursued them.
The supporters of Roderick’s sons now held a council, and resolved that they should return home, which agreed do, except Donn Oge Mac Oiraghty. The other chiefs, however, having left
the royal sons Roderick O'Conor, with whom they left but small force, they proceeded the residence Hugh O’Neill, accompanied Donn Mac Oiraghty. Hugh, son Cathal Crovdearg, then attacked O'Flaherty, and took hostages from him, after which proceeded Kilmaine, and from thence Mayo, pursuit the son Murtogh (O’Dowd), and Tiarnan, son Cathal Migarainn, who made terms, and obtained pro tection for their people and property; and they then made their submission Hugh O'Conor,
the security Donogh Cairbreagh O’Brien, and
they were repulsed with slaughter, through the miracles of God and St. Caolainne.
The corn remained unreaped until after the festival Bridget (the 1st February).
A. D. 1226.
Donum Dei (or Deodatus), bishop Meath, died.
Connmach O’Tappa O'Tarpa), bishop Lieney (Achonry), died.
--
Hugh, son Dun O'Sochlachlain, aircineach Cong, learned scribe, skilled psalmody,
and many arts and sciences, died. Matthew O'Maolmoicherghe died. Tiarnan, son Cathal Migarun, son
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O’Dowd and his sons.
Nuala, daughter of Roderick O'Conor, and
queen of Ulster, died at Cong of St. Feichin, and
was honorably interred there, in the church of the Canons.
Donal, son of Roderick O'Flaherty, was slain by the sons of Murtogh O'Flaherty, after they, together with Feilim, son of Cathal Crovdearg, had taken his house by assault.
Fergal O’Teige, chief of the household of Cathal Crovdearg (O'Conor), and Hugh, son of Cathal,
were slain by Donsleve O'Gara.
Hugh, son of Donal O’Rourke, was slain by
Cathal O’Reilly, aided by Cathal, son of Cormac
O’Mulroony, on Lough Allen (in Leitrim). Maurice Mac Dermott was slain.
the morass where the meeting was to take place, namely, Cormac, son of Tomaltach; Dermod, son of Manus; Manus, son of Murtogh O'Conor; Teige, son of Mahon O’Kerin ; and Roderick
O’Mullrenan, to receive William Marisco, who came thither, accompanied by eight horsemen. O'Conor, remembering their former treachery,
rose in opposition to the English, and incited his party against them; and he himself attacked Wil liam Marisco, and made him prisoner on the spot. The party, thus instigated by O'Conor, obeyed the call, attacked the English, defeated them, and slew the constable of Athlone; they also took prison
ers Master Slemhny and Hugo Ardin. Hugh O'Conor sent those Englishmen to prison beyond
REIGN OF HENRY III. 47
_
mity for a long period, was slain by Donogh Only a chosen few of O'Conor’s party went beyond
Lathach, and then marched with a body of men to The castle of Kilmore (county of Cavan) was Athlone, where he plundered the market-place,
demolished by Cathal O’Reilly.
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, took
Hugh O'Flaherty prisoner, and delivered him into the hands of the English.
A. D. 1227.
Conor, son of Niall O’Catharnaigh, was slain by
the English soldiers of Leinster, who were at the time along with the king of Connaught.
Henry O’Melaghlin, and Murtogh O’Melaghlin (of Meath), were slain by the English.
Malachy O'Conor Faily was slain by Cuilen O'Dempsey.
and burned the entire town. This was a fortunate
circumstance for the Conacians, as many of their sons and daughters,and the hostages of Connaught,
who were detained in bondage by the English, were released in exchange for the above-named English prisoners ; and in addition to this, the
people of Connaught obtained terms of peace. Donslevy O'Gara, lord of Slieve Lugha, was slain by Giolla-roe, his own brother's son, after he (Giolla-roe) had taken his (Donslevy’s) house by assault at night; and Giolla-roe himself was after
wards slain there by order of Hugh O'Conor. Hugh, son of Roderick O'Conor, and Mac William Burke, marched a powerful force into
Giolla Coluim O’Mulloy was slain by O'Moore. North Connaught. They burned Inis Meodhain
The English of Ireland, having assembled in (in Lough Mask, county of Mayo), plundered the Dublin, invited Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg country through which they passed, and took O'Conor, king of Connaught, to a conference, and hostages.
attempted to betray him and keep him prisoner,
but William Mareschal, his friend, arrived with some troops, rescued him in despite of the English, out of the middle of the court-house, and escorted him into Connaught.
Jeoffrey Marisco, and Torlogh, son of Roderick
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, went to Tir connell to O’Donnell, but on his return home with meeting at Lathach Caichtuthbil," with William his wife, the sons of Torlogh (O'Conor), met him
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, appointed a
Marisco, son of Jeoffrey, lord justice of Ireland. in the neighbourhood of Seaghsa (part of the
. 1. Queen of Ulster. This daughter of king Roderick O'Conor
to have beenthe wife of O'Neill, prince of Tirowen, and king o ster.
1. Lathach, which signifies a morass, appears to have beennear Athlone, on the Commaughtside of the Shannon.
2. Magh Aoi. This plain, and Ruin Duin, both in Roscommon, have been already described in the notes.
O'Conor, marched a force into Moy Aoi,” erected a castle at Rinn-Duin, and took the hostages of Siol Murray.
48 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1228-29.
Curlew mountains), attacked him, and took his Murtogh, son of Flaherty O'Flanagan, was slain horses from him, and also his wife, whom they by the sons of Teige O'Gara.
delivered up as a prisoner into the hands of the English.
Torlogh, and the English of Meath, marched
with another force into West Connaught, where
they committed great depredations on Hugh, the
son of Roderick O'Flaherty. They proceeded
from thence into the territory of Carra (in Mayo),
where they took hostages from the sons of Mur king of Connaught, through the support of the togh ; and they carried away with them a large lord justice and the chiefs of Connaught, thus
usurping the rights of Torlogh, his elder brother.
Malachy, son of Torlogh, son of Roderick O'Conor, was slain by Hugh O'Conor, king of Connaught.
Bryan, son of Conor O’Dermott, was slain.
The castle of Athleague” was built by Jeoffrey consequence of the war between the sons of
number of beeves from every district.
Cumara O’Donnellan was slain in prison by
Roderick Mac Dunslevy, in revenge of his father's death.
Marisco.
Roderick O'Conor. B-oth the churches and the
country were plundered; the clergy and learned
men were exiled into foreign lands; and many persons perished of cold and famine.
A. D. 1229.
The monastery of St. Francis, in Cork, was
founded by Dermod Mac Carthy More.
Muireagh O'Gormley, prior of Inis Mac Nerin,'
the most distinguished man in Connaught for wisdom and piety, died.
Dermod O'Fiaigh, abbot of the church of Giolla Molaisi O’Giollarain, from Tuam, died, and was interred at Ardcarne.
Dermod Mac Giolla Carraigh, aircineach of the house of St. Baoithin, a dignified priest, died, and
Niall, son of Congalach O’Rourke, lord of
Dartry,” and of Clan Fermaighe, was slain by his body having been taken, as by right, by the Art and Awlave, sons of Art, son of Donal canons of that place, from the monks of the monas O'Rourke. Awlave Gearr (the Short), son of tery of Boyle, after it had remained three nights Niall, son of Congalach, was also slain, while unburied, as the monks had endeavoured to retain bathing, by Awlave, son of Art.
Fergal, son of Sitric O’Rourke, was slain by the sons of Niall, son of Congalach O’Rourke.
Hugh, son of Donogh O'Ferrall, was slain by Hugh, son of Awlave O'Ferrall.
David O'Flynn, chief of Siol Maoilruain, and Roderick O'Mulbrenan, died.
Rickard Mac William Burke was sent to Ire land by the king of England, as lord justice.
Hugh, son of Roderick O'Conor, was made
Excessive dearth prevailed in Connaught in
A. D. 1228.
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, king of Connaught, was treacherously slain by the English, in the court of Jeoffrey Marisco, after he had been expelled by the Conacians.
A great war broke out in Connaught between Hugh and Torlogh, sons of Roderick O'Conor,
after the death of the aforementioned Hugh, for the younger brother would not yield submission
to the elder; so that the entire of Connaught lying between Ballysadare and the river of Hy Fiachra,
southward, except a small part of Slieve Lugha,
and the territory of Airtagh,' was laid waste by them.
order of canons for wisdom, died.
3. Athliag. This place was afterwards called Lanesborough ; Clancys were chiefs. Clanfermaighe was another district in
it is partly in Longford and partly in Roscommon.
1. Airtagh, a district belonging to Mac Dermott, in the barony of Boyle, county of Roscommon.
Leitrim. See note on Brefney.
1. Inis-Mac-Nerin, or “ Inchmacnerin, an island in Lough Key. St. Colum founded a noble monastery at Easmacneirc, pro bably the same with Inchmacnerin, over which he placed St.
2. Dartraigh, or Dartry, was an extensive territory in the Mochonna, his disciple. ”—See Weld's Survey of the County of barony of Rossclogher, county of Leitrim, of which the Mac Roscommon.
was buried in the monastery of the Holy Trinity;
it in their own monastery.
Girrard O’Kane, one of the most eminent of the
Cathal Mac Dermott, died a Benedictine nun.
Dermod Mac Carthy, lord of Desmond, died. Dionysius O’Moore, bishop of Siol Muiredhaidh,
(Elphin), resigned his see in honour of God. Loughlin O’Monaghan was slain by his uncle.
A. D. 1230.
Florent O'Carolan, bishop of Tyrone (Derry), a select and dignified sage, died in the eighty-sixth year of his age.
Kiaran, of Clonmacnois; Giolla Cartaigh O'Heil king
REIGN OF HENRY III. 49
Duvesa, daughter of Roderick, and wife of O’Hionmainen, pious monk and chief Master
In this year died Giolla Iosa O'Clery, bishop of
Liemey (Achonry); Joseph Mac Tecedain (or Mac that country; slew Donnog Mac Oireaghty, Teigan), bishop of Conmaicne (Ardagh); Magrath Echtigern, the son the Brehon O’Miomacain, Mac Geoffrey, bishop of Conmaicne; Rool (Ralph) and several others; also, along with the Petit, bishop of Meath, a select ruler, and soldier English, banished Hugh, son Roderick, king of Christ; Giolla Covdea O’Duilenmain, the coarb Connaught, for having opposed them, and and abbot of the church of Canons at Eass–dara
Arts the monastery Boyle.
Malachy Mac Firedin, dignified priest and
learned lecturer, died noviciate monk the monastery Boyle.
O'Donnell (Donal More), marched with his forces into Connaught against Hugh, son Roderick O'Conor, whom attacked, and plun dered Moy Aoi, with many parts the country, but he did not reduce the sons of Roderick submission.
Mac William Burke marched with his forces into Connaught, and plundered large portion
O'Conor being forced Hugh O'Neill, (Ballysadare); Maolmuire O'Malone, coarb of St. Felim, son Cathal Crovdearg, was appointed
giusan, a canon and anchorite ; and Dunslevey
A. D. 1230.
1. Tir Eogain and Tir Conaill. These ancient aud extensive territories comprised the present counties of Tyrone, Derry, and
Donegal; and a full account of them will be necessary, as they are constantly mentioned throughout these Annals, as connected with very important events.
I. Tir Eogain. This territory comprised the present counties of Tyrone and Derry, with a large portion of Donegal, between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, namely, the peninsula of Inisowen, and the greater part of the barony of Raphoe. It is connected with some of the earliest events in Irish history. We find, for instance, in Keating and O'Flaherty, that in the reign of Tigearumas, who was monarch of Ireland about nine centuries before the Christian era, the lake now called Lough Foyle suddenly burst forth and overflowed the adjoining plain, which was called Magh Fuinsidhe. This lake, mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters, and in O'Flaherty, as Loch Feabhail Mic Lodain, that the Lake Feval, son Lodan, obtained its name from Feval, son
Lodan, one the Tuath-De-Danan chiefs, who was drowned its waves. this territory, on high hill moun
tain, called Grianan, the eastern shore Lough Swilly, south Inch Island, was situated the celebrated fortress called the Grianan Aileach, from Grianan, palace royal residence, and Aileach Oileach, which signifies stone fortress. was also called Aileach Neid, having derived its name, according O'Flaherty, from Neid, one the Tuath-De-Daman princes (see Ogygia, II. 28). This fortress was for many ages the seat
the ancient kings Ulster. was built circular form great stones without cement, and was immense strength,
that style denominated Cyclopean architecture, and some extensive ruins remain this day. This fortress, according the Annals the Four Masters, was taken and plundered,
937, the Danes, which occasion they took prisoner Muir cheartach O'Neill, then the celebrated prince Aileach, who, however, was soon afterwards released. 1101, Murtogh O’Brien, king Munster, with powerful force, invaded Ulster, marched Easroe (Ballyshannon), proceeded Inisowen, and took the fortress Aileach, which totally demolished, revenge the destruction the palace Kincora, the royal seat the kings
Mac William Burke.
Hugh O’Neill, lord Tir Eogain,' heir
Munster Clare, by Donal Mac Loughlin, king Ulster,
1088. This palace Aileach supposed have been the Regia Ptolemy, the celebrated Greek geographer, the second cen tury, and the river marked Argita his Map Ireland, con
sidered have been the Finn, which the chief branch the Foyle river. The territory surrounding the fortress Aileach,
obtained the name Moy Aileach, the Plain Elagh.
Tir Eogain obtained name from Eogan, Owen, one
the sons Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland, who conquered this territory the beginning the fifth century, and
its
hence its name, Tir Eogain, anglicised into Tiroen, Tyrone.
was taken from the old pos sessors the race Ir, Clanna Rory, its sovereignty was transferred the race of Heremon. From the circumstance of its
being possessed the descendants Eogan, called Cinel Eogain, Kinel Owen, the territory also obtained the name Kinel Owen. According the Books Leacan and Ballymote, and other authorities, this territory was divided between the ten sons Eogan, whose descendants gave names the various districts.
the note the kingdom Meath, has been stated that the Hy Nialls, the descendants the monarch Niall the Hos tages, were divided into two great branches, namely, the Southern and Northern. The southern Hy Nialls, already explained, were kings Meath, and many them monarchs Ireland. The northern Hy Nialls, which there were two great branches, namely, the race Eogan, who were princes Tyrone, and the race Conall, who were princes Tirconnell, also furnished many monarchs Ireland; but the descendants Eogan were the most celebrated all the Milesian clans; and them, great many were kings Ulster, and, according O'Flaherty, sixteen were also monarchs Ireland. The race Eogan took the name
O'Neill the tenth century, from Niall Glundubh, monarch Ireland, who was killed great battle with the Danes, near Dublin, A. D. 919. branch the O'Neills took the name O'Loughlin, and Mac Loughlin, from Loughlin, one their ancient chiefs. the Annals, during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, several princes and kings Ulster the Mac Loughlins are mentioned; and some them were also monarchs Ireland;
H
this country Eogan, when
the country Owen, afterwards consequence the conquest
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50 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1230.
presumptive to the throne of Ireland, the defen of Ireland), a man who had given neither hos der of Leath Cuinn (or the northern half of tages nor tributes to either English or Irish, who
Ireland), against the English and the people of Leath Mogha Nuadhat (or the southern half
but the O'Neills afterwards recovered their supremacy, and made a distinguished figure in Irish history, down to the seventeenth century, as princes of Tyrone, and kings of Ulster. The O'Neills had their chief seat at Dungannon, and were inaugurated as princes of Tyrone, at Tullaghoge, a place between Grange and Donaghenry, in the parish of Desertereight, in the barony of Dungannon, where a rude seat of large stones served them as a coronation chair. This, however, was broken by order of the lord deputy Mountjoy, in the reign of Elizabeth.
The chiefs and clans of Tir Eogain, and the territories possessed
by each in the twelfth century, are collected from O’Dugan as
follows:—O'Dugan commences with the territory of Aileach of
the Kings, of which he gives—I. O’Neill and Mac Loughlin as
princes or kings. II.
O’Cathain, or O’Kane, who was of the race
of Eogan, or a branch of the O'Neills, and who was the chief of
Cianacht of Gleanna Geibhin, or Keenaght of Glengiven. The
O'Kanes were also chiefs of the Creeve, now the barony of Cole
rain, and in after times this powerful clan possessed the greater
part of the county of Derry, which was called O’Kane's country;
they also possessed,at an early period, part of Antrim, and had
their seat at the castle of Dunseverick, as already stated in the
note on Dalriada. III. O’Conchobhair or the O'Conors, who were
chiefs of Cianachta before the O’Kanes, and were descendants of
Cian, son of Oilioll Olum, king of Munster: hence their territory
obtained the name of Cianachta, a name still preserved in the
barony of Keenaught, county of Derry. IV. O’Duibhdiorma or
O'Dooyiorma, sometimes anglicised O’Dermott or Mac Dermott,
but a distinct clan from Mac Dermott, prince of Moylurg in Con
naught. The O’Dooyiormas are represented by O’Dugan as one
of the noblest clans of the Kinel Owen; they were chiefs of Loney, a district known as the Monter Loney Mountains in Breadach, a territory which lay along the western banks of Lough
Foyle, and comprised the parishes of Upper and Lower Moville, in
the barony of Inisowen. The name of this district is still preserved
in the small river Bredag, which falls into Lough Foyle. W.
O'Gairmledhaidh, or O'Gormley, chief of Kinel Moain, or Moen,
now the barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal. This district
derived its name from Moain, one of the descendants of Eogan.
VI. Moy Itha, or Moy Ith, and Kinel Enda, two districts adjoining
had gained many victories over the English, and defeated them with great slaughter, and who had
Cathmaoil, head chieftain of the Kinel Firadaigh, and of the Clan Aongusa, Clan Dubhinreachtaidh, and Clan Fogortaigh, and chief of the councils of the North of Ireland. This name was sometimes changed to Mac Campbell, and Mac Caghwell, and also to Caul field. The Cathmaoils were a powerful clan in Tyrone, and many of them in Monaghan, Louth, and Armagh. XVIII. The clans of Maolgeimridh, and of Maolpadraig, who possessed the two dis tricts of Kinel Firedhaidh, in the east of Tyrone. XIX. Muintir Taithligh, of Hy Laoghaire, of Lough Lir, a name anglicised to Mac Tully. XX. O'Hainbitir, chief of Hy Seaain.
The following chiefs and clans, not given in O’Dugan, are col
lected from various other sources: I. O’Criochain, chief of Hy Fiachra, a territory which comprised the parish of Ardstraw, and
some adjoining districts in Tyrone, and is mentioned in the Annals at A. D. 1200. II. O'Quinn, chief of Moy Lugad, and of Siol Cathusaigh, as given in the Annals at A. D. 1218. Moy Lugad, according to the Books of Leacan and Ballymote, lay in Keenaught of Glengiven, county of Derry. III. The O'Cearbhallains, O'Cairellains, or O'Carolans, a namesometimes anglicised to Carle
ton: they are frequently mentioned in the Annals as chiefs of Clan Diarmada, now the parish of Clandermod, or Glendermod, in Derry. IV. The O’Brolchains, or O’Brolchans, a name sometimes changed to Bradly. These were a numerous clan near Derry, but originally of the Kinel Firadaigh, in the south of Tyrone, and were a branch of the Kinel Owen. V. Mac Blosgaidh, or the Mac Closkeys, a numerous clan in the parish of Dungiven, and some adjoining parts: they were a branch of the O’Kanes. VI. The O’Devlins, chiefs of Muintir Devlin, near Lough Neagh, on the bor ders of Derry and Tyrone. VII. The O'Looneys, chiefs of Muintir
Kinel Moain, partly in the barony of Raphoe, and partly in the
barony of Tirkeeran in Derry. O'Flaherty places Moy Ith in Owen. These O'Flahertys, who settled in Tyrone, appear to have Cianachta, the ancient name of a large territory in this part been a branch of the great family of the O'Flahertys of Connaught. of Derry. According to O’Dugan, the following were the XI. The O'Murrys, given in O'Conor's Map of Ortelius, as a clan in chiefs of Moy Ith, namely, O'Baoighill, or O'Boyle; O'Maol
breasail; O'Cuinn, or O'Quinn; and O'Cionaotha, or O'Kenny.
VII. O'Bruadair, or O'Brody; O'Maoilfabhaill; and O'Ho
gain, chiefs of Carruic Brachuighe, still traceable by the
name Carricbrack, in the barony of Inisowen. VIII. The O'Neills, as already stated, maintained their independence O'Hagain, or O'Hagan, chief of Tulachog, or Tullaghoge, in down to the end of the sixteenth century, as princes of Tyrone; the parish of Desertereight, barony of Dungannon, county of and in the reigns of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, bore the titles of Tyrone. IX. O'Dunagain, or O'Donegan; Mac Murchadh, or earls of Tyrone, and barons of Dungannon. The last celebrated Mac Murrogh; O'Fergail, O'Ferrall, or O'Freel ; and Mac chiefs of the name were Hugh O'Neill, the great earl of Tyrone,
Ruaidhri, or Rogers, chiefs of Tealach Ainbith, and of Muintir Birn, districts in the baronies of Dungannon and Strabane. X. O’Ceallaidh, or O'Kelly, chief of Kinel Eachaidh, or Corca. Each aidh, probably Corkaghee, barony of Dungannon. XI. O’Tighear naidh, or O'Tierney; and O'Ciarain, or O'Kieran, chiefs of Fearn muigh. XII. O’Duibhduanaidh; O'Haighmaill, or Hamill; and
O'Heitigein, or O’Etigan, chiefs of three districts called Teallach Cathalain, Teallach Duibhrailbe, and Teallach Braemain. XIII. O'Maolfothartaigh, and O’Heodhasa, or O'Heosey, chiefs of Kinel Tighearnaigh. XIV. O'Cuanaich, or O'Cooney ; and O'Baoth ghalaigh, chief of Clan Fergus. XV. O'Murchadha, or O'Mur rogh, and O'Meallain, chiefs of Siol Aodha-Eanaigh. XVI. Mac Fiachraigh, chief of Kinel Feradaigh, in the south of Tyrone. XVII. O'Hairnin, O'Maelfabhaill, and the Clan Cathmaoil, chiefs
famous as the commander of the northern Irish in their wars with Elizabeth ; and Owen Roe O'Neill, the general of the Irish of Ulster, in 1641, and the Cromwellian wars. Several of the O'Neills have been distinguished in the military service of Spain, France, and Austria. In consequence of the adherence of the Ulster chiefs to Hugh O'Neill, in the wars with Elizabeth, six counties in Ulster were confiscated, namely, Tyrone, Derry, Done gal, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, in the reign of James I. In the survey of Ulster, by Captain Pynmar, A. D. 1619, as in Harris's Hibernica, the following English and Scotch families are given as the settlers in Tyrone, in accordance with the project of locating British colonies, called the Plantation of Ulster. The earl of Abercorn; sir George Hamilton; sir Claude Hamilton; sir Robert Newcomen; sir John Drummond; the earl of Castle
of Kinel Firadhaidh, in the north of Tyrone. In the Annals of the haven; sir William Stewart; sir John Davis; the lord Ridgeway; Four Masters, A. D. 1185, mention is made of Gillcreest Mac George Ridgeway; sir Gerrard Lowther; the lord Burley; sir
Tyrone. VIII. O’Connellan, chief of Crioch Tullach, in Tyrone, a namewhich has beenby some changed to Conolly. IX. O'Don ghaile, or O'Donnellys, chiefs in Tyrone, at Ballydonnelly, and other parts. X. O'Nena, or O'Nenys, or Mac Nenys, a name which
has been anglicised to Bird. These were chiefs of note, and pos sessed the territory of Kinel Naena, in Tyrone, bordering on Monaghan. Of this family was Count O'Neny, of Brussels, in the Austrian service, under the Empress Maria Theresa. X. O'Fla herty, mentioned in the Annals at A. D. 1187, as lord of Kinel
Derry. XII. The Mac Shanes, a name anglicised to Johnson, who were a clan in Tyrone. XIII. The O'Mulligans, anglicised to Moli neux, who were also a clan in Tyrone. XIV. The O'Gneeves, heredi tary bards to the O'Neills. This name has beenanglicised to Agnew.
Trevors, viscounts Dungannon; the Stewarts, viscounts Castle stewart; the Knoxes, earls Ranfurley; and the Alexanders, barons of Caledon.
Derry. the reign Elizabeth, the lord deputy, sir John Perrott, formed O’Kane's country into county, which was called
seat June,
learning and religion. St. Columkille died the 9th 597, the seventy-sixth year his age, and was
chief town the county Colerain and the reign the plantation Ulster with British colonies, com undertakers, consisting merchants and traders from
buried
Ireland, and interred Downpatrick.
always held the highest veneration one the tutelar saints Ireland. the year 590, St. Columkille, accompanied Aidan, king
from
James
pany
London, got grants the county Colerain and town Derry, hence the city and county got the name Londonderry.
the Albanian Scots, came convention held Dromceat,
Ireland attend the great national Cianachta, near Glengiven, the provincial kings, princes, chiefs,
REIGN OF HENRY III. 51
levied tributes both on English and Irish enemies, Art, son Art O’Rourke, was slain Ran
and contemplated the conquest of Ireland, mall O’Finn.
died, though was rather expected that would Malachy O'Monaghan was killed his kins have fallen battle with the English. IIlein.
Francis Willoughby; sir William Cope; John Leigh; William Tirconnell. The name Irish Colum, and signifies dove, Parsons; Robert Heyborne; Stewart, lord Uchiltree; latinised Columba, but was generally called by the Irish Captain Saunderson; Robert Lindsey; Alexander Richardson; Colum Cille, Columkille, that Colum the Churches, from Andrew Stewart; David Kennedy; the lord Chichester; sir Toby the many churches and monasteries he had founded, both Ire Caulfield; sir Francis Roe William Parsons sir Francis
Annesley, and the lord Wingfield.
The following noble families Tyrone are given from the reign
James the present time. The Poers were earls Tyrone, title which afterwards passed, intermarriage, the
Beresfords. The Blounts, viscounts Mountjoy, title which after
wards passed the families Stewart and Gardiner. The after him Hy Columkille, afterwards Iona, which was long famous
Rathlure, from St. Lurec Lurac, whom its church was
dedicated. The see Ardsrath Rathlure, early period,
was transferred Maghera, the county Derry, and afterwards
annexed Derry the twelfth century. The bishops these were designated Kinel Conaill, the race Connell, name which sees were styled bishops Tir Eogain Tyrone, bishops
Cinel Eogain. See Derry: St. Columkille,
was also applied the territory.
:- Inis Saimer stated, by the ancient Annalists, residence of Wood Calgach, which St. Adamnanus, abbot Iona, the Partholan, who planted the first colony Ireland. This the
monastery was founded the sixth century, place called Doire Calgach, that the Oak
this territory, amongst which the following may noticed
small island near the cataract, called the Salmon-leap, Bally shannon. got the name Inis Saimer, the Island Saimer, from the circumstance Partholan having there killed Saimer, the favourite greyhound his queen. This island gave the name Saimer the river now called the Erne, and Lough Erne, which
island which was called Tor Conuing, the Tower Conuing, and hence the island got the name Tor Inis, Tower-Island,
modern times Tory Island. The places along the coast Donegal and Brefney, Leitrim, are stated the scenes many greatbattles between the Fonorians and the colony called Nemedians.
The plain between the rivers Erne and Drobhaois, that between Conall Gulban, son Niall the Hostages, monarch Ire Ballyshannon and Bundrowes, was called Magh Ceitne, which, land, and consequently the same race the O'Donnells, princes Keating states, derived this name from the frequent payment
seventh century, his Life St. Columkille, translates Robo retum Calgachi was also called Doire Coluim Cille, the Oak Wood St. Columkille, anglicised Derry Columkille, and
gave its name the city and county Derry. these Annals the church the monastery called Dubh Reglais, signifying
ancient times was called Lough Saimer. The waterfall Bally shamnon connected with another early event, namely, the death Aodh Ruadh, king Ireland, who was drowned there about
the Black Church, and latinised
abbey was long famous seat
abbots were also styled bishops.
bishop's see was formed Derry, which was afterwards five centuries before the Christian era, hence was called Eas annexed the see Ardsrath, Rathlure. A. D. 1164, Maurice Aodha-Ruaidh, that the cataract Red Hugh, and hence Mac Loughlin, king Ireland, erected cathedral Derry, Eas-roe, Ashroe, was the ancient name Ballyshamnon. The which, together with the abbey and other ecclesiastical establish
ments, was destroyed the English, under Henry Docwra,
Fomorians, whom account has been given the note Dal riada, formed settlements the coast Donegal, and, under one their commanders, named Conuing, erected fortress an
the reign
£reater part Tyrone, and Antrim.
Elizabeth. The diocese Derry comprehends the
the county large portion
Londonderry, with nearly half Donegal, and very small portion
St. Columkille, often mentioned
was native Tir Connell, and born
Kilmacrenan, county Donegal, A. D. 521. He was descendant
Ware, Cella nigra. This learning and religion, and
the twelfth century regular
the course Gartan,
these Annals, the barony
land and North Britain. the year 563, proceeded that part North Britain called Albany, afterwards Scotland, missionary, and converted the inhabitants Christianity, hence has beenstyled the Apostle the Picts. Having received the pa tronage and support his relative Conall, then king the Albanian Scots, founded monastery island the Hebrides, called
Iona, but his remains were
long time after removed His memory has been
brother Eogan, who conquered Tir Eogain, and son the monarch Niall the Hostages, and from him the territory obtained the name Tir Conaill, the country Connell, and his posterity
Some the earliest events Irish history are connected with
-
The following noble families derive their titles from this county. The family Pitt, formerly marquesses Londonderry, title
Derry, which was attended
bishops, and clergy, arrange great contention that arose
the bards, whose order the king had resolved suppress, but now possessed the Stewarts. The Hamiltons, earls Aber Columkille opposed their abolition, and advocated their continuance
corn, and barons Strabane. The families Hare and Hanger, barons of Colerain.
Ecclesiastical divisions. The following account the bishops' sees Tir Eogain, have been collected from Ware, Colgan,
Lanigan, and other sources. Clogher, the seat the diocese
under proper regulations, useful national institution, and
Clogher, Clogher, the county Tyrone, part county contains. This seewas founded St. Macartin, century, and an account has been given the mote
which the fifth Orgiall.
the county Donegal not contained Tir Eogain, the boundary
between both being Lough Swilly; but the twelfth century the O'Maoldorrys and O’Donnells, princes Tir Connell, became mas ters the entire Donegal, thus making Lough Foyle and the rivers Foyle and Finn the boundaries betweenTir Connell and Tir
Ardsratha the river Derg, now the parish Ardstraw,
Tyrone, was ancient bishops' see founded St. Eugene the Eogain. This territory got its name from Conall Gulban, who sixth century. Ardshrath afterwards got the name Rathlurig, took possession the beginning the fifth century. He was
between Hugh, son Ainmireach, then monarch Ireland, and
through his influence the bards were continued, and all differences amicably arranged.
II, Tir Conaill. This territory comprised the remaining portion
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52 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1231.
on the 15th December, was succeeded by Donogh O’Conor.
Flann O'Connachty, bishop of Hy Briuin Brefney (Kilmore), died.
Tir Hugh. O'Tairceirt, chief Clann Neachtain, and the deliver up at that place cattle, corn, and even some of their chil Annals (A. D. 1197 and 1212), Clann Smedsaile. VI. Mac
dren, as a tribute. Dubhain Mac Duvany’s, chiefs Kinel Nenna Kinel Enda. The race of Conall Gulban, who possessedTir Connell, are cele This district, according O'Flaherty, lay Inisowen. VII.
A. D. 1231.
Dionysius O’Moore, bishop of Elphin, having ended his days on Trinity Island, in Lough Key,
tributes there, the Fomorians having compelled the Nemedians to
brated in Irish history, and, according to O'Flaherty and others,
furnished ten of the monarchs of Ireland. In the tenth century a
branch of the Kinel Connell, or descendantsof Conall Gulban,
took the name of O'Canani,ain, many of whom were celebrated
chiefs, particularly Roderick O'Camanmain,who was distinguished
for his great valour and abilities. Charles O'Conor, in his Dis Annals, 1197, Eachmarcach O'Dogherty mentioned
sertations on the History of Ireland, states that he was heir pre sumptive to the crown, and got himself chosen king by military
election, and expelled for a time the monarch Congalach from the throne. In A. D. 948, the Danes of Dublin and other parts of Ire land, having collected a powerful army, under Godfred, the son of
Sitric, Ivar, and other leaders, marched into Meath. Roderick
O'Canannain, at the head of the Irish forces, marched to oppose
their progress, and in a great battle fought on the festival of St.
Andrew the Apostle (30th of November), at Muine Brocain, the
Danes were totally defeated, seven thousand of them being slain,
amongst whom was Ivar, one of their generals, but O'Cananmain
himself, towards the close of the battle, was killed in the thick of
of the fight. Godfred, the son of Sitric, with the survivors, fled
to Dublin. The place where this battle was fought, mentioned as Suibhne the Mac Sweenys, branch the O'Neills which
Muine Brocain, is supposed to have been Ardbraccan. Another branch of the race of Comall Gulban took the name O'Maoldoraidh, or O'Muldorry, and became princes of Tir Connell. In the Annals of the Four Masters in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries, accounts are given of many contests between the O'Cananmains and O'Maoldoraidhs, those rival chiefs of the same race, as con tending for the sovereignity of Tir Connell.
The O'Donnells, in the twelfth century, became princes of Tir Connell, and were of the same race as the O'Canannains and O'Muldorrys, being descendants of Comall Gulban. The tribe name, at an early period, was Clan Dalaidh, from Dalach, one of their chiefs. They are called in O’Dugan's poem, “Clanna Dalaigh na n-donn sgiath,” that the brown shields. They afterwards took the name O'Domhnaill, O'Donnell, from Domhnall, Donal, one their ancient chiefs. The O'Don nells, from the twelfth the end the sixteenth century, make very distinguished figure Irish history, princes Tirconnell. The last celebrated chief the name was Red Hugh O'Donnell, long famous one the chief commanders the northern Irish
their wars with Elizabeth, whose actions copious accounts
are given the course Red Hugh O'Donnell quarian Researches,
settled Donegal, and formed three great families, namely, Mac Sweeney Fanaid, who had extensive territory west Lough
Swilly, and whose castle was Rathmullin Mac Sweeny Bogh aimach, Tir Boghaine, now the barony Banagh, who had
his castle Rathain, and which territory was situated Reach rain Muintire Birn, now Rathlin O’Beirne Islands; and Mac Sweeny Na d-Tuath, signifying Mac Sweeny the Territories. His districts were also called Tuatha Toraighe, the districts Tory Island.
and letters the lord justice, informing him these circumstances, and requesting him send
him some forces. He was not disappointed, for the English promptly and cheerfully responded the call, and their expedition proved profitable them, for great was their booty, and small their loss. The English Leinster, commanded by
these forces arrived, Hugh O'Conor attack the son Roderick, passed the
that the English had gone
Owen O'Heyne, and were therefore, made delay, but
plunder their ally, Ardrathan; they, with one accord
pursued them, until they came close them. They there held consultation, and resolved first send Tuathal, son Murtogh (O’Dowd), and
Taithleach O’Dowd, with large body their
their troops. Tuathal and Taithleach marched
Tochar signifies road, pass; and the one here mentioned probably the ancient road called Tochar Phadraig, St. Pa
trick's causeway, which traditionally stated have extended
2
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46 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1226.
onward with a strong force, attacked the English these events, destructive plague and fever fol in the town with great courage and animation, and lowed, and devastated Connaught, entire towns made such havoc among them that they were being depopulated, that single living creature
Flan, son Awlave O’Fallon, chief Clan Uadagh,” was slain by Feidlim, son Cathal Crovdearg and Teige O'Feenaghty, the friend Hugh, son Roderick O'Conor, was slain the
totally defeated and put to flight, east and west.
The victors closely pursued them eastward.
Tuathal, in the first encounter, wounded the
English constable or commander, and Taith
leach pierced him a second time, so that he was
left lifeless on the spot. The remainder of the Mac Egans, the aforementioned war.
English who were driven out of the town west
ward were met by O'Flaherty, and the son of
Murtogh (O’Dowd), but, unfortunately, they were
defeated by the English, and Mahon, son of Hugh,
son of Conor of Maonmoy ; Gillcreest Mac Der
mott; Neill, son of Fergal O’Teige, and others,
were slain in the conflict. The person who slew
Niall O’Teige, namely, the brother of Colen
O’Dempsey, was also slain. As to Roderick’s
son, he, O'Flaherty, and their supporters, assem O'Kelly; and both perished the flames.
bled together, and marched on the following day Duarcan O’Hara, Teige O'Hara, and Edaoin, southward, until they arrived at Drom Canannain; daughter Dermod, son Donal O’Hara,
died.
The people Munster and the English made predatory attack Termon Caolainne,” but
the English nobles. Until then there was
peace Connaught, for churches and terri logh More, who was the most celebrated" tanist tories had been plundered and laid waste. After his tribe hospitality, generosity, and magnani
Clan Uadach, district the barony Athlone, county Roscommon, which, according O'Dugan, O'Fallon was chief. O'Fallon had his castle Milltown, the parish Dysart.
Clan Murchadha. This territory lay the county Galway, the borders Roscommon, adjoining Clan Commhaighe,
which the O'Feenaghtys were also chiefs. Clan Conmhaighelay on both sides the river Suck, which flows between the counties Galway and Roscommon, but chiefly the former, and met
Siol Maoilruana the bridge Glinsk, which lay the west the county Roscommon.
10. Termon Caolainne. This was probably Killone, near Ennis, the county Clare, where there was celebrated Augustinian abbey, founded A. D. , 1195, Donald O'Brien, king Limerick,
and sometimes called Clare abbey; perhaps Killanma, the parish Killofin, county Clare, where the ruins ancient
monastery are still seen.
could not be found them. -
Awlave, son Fearcair O’Fallon, the worthiest chief his own clan, died.
Muireagh O’Feenaghty, chief Clan Mur
chadha," died board vessel Lough Oirbsin (Lough Corrib), though perfect health when embarked.
The residence Conor, son Teige O'Kelly (lord Hy Maine), and Ardgal, his brother,
was attacked and set fire the sons Teige
but Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, with his English allies, pursued them.
The supporters of Roderick’s sons now held a council, and resolved that they should return home, which agreed do, except Donn Oge Mac Oiraghty. The other chiefs, however, having left
the royal sons Roderick O'Conor, with whom they left but small force, they proceeded the residence Hugh O’Neill, accompanied Donn Mac Oiraghty. Hugh, son Cathal Crovdearg, then attacked O'Flaherty, and took hostages from him, after which proceeded Kilmaine, and from thence Mayo, pursuit the son Murtogh (O’Dowd), and Tiarnan, son Cathal Migarainn, who made terms, and obtained pro tection for their people and property; and they then made their submission Hugh O'Conor,
the security Donogh Cairbreagh O’Brien, and
they were repulsed with slaughter, through the miracles of God and St. Caolainne.
The corn remained unreaped until after the festival Bridget (the 1st February).
A. D. 1226.
Donum Dei (or Deodatus), bishop Meath, died.
Connmach O’Tappa O'Tarpa), bishop Lieney (Achonry), died.
--
Hugh, son Dun O'Sochlachlain, aircineach Cong, learned scribe, skilled psalmody,
and many arts and sciences, died. Matthew O'Maolmoicherghe died. Tiarnan, son Cathal Migarun, son
-
Tor
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O’Dowd and his sons.
Nuala, daughter of Roderick O'Conor, and
queen of Ulster, died at Cong of St. Feichin, and
was honorably interred there, in the church of the Canons.
Donal, son of Roderick O'Flaherty, was slain by the sons of Murtogh O'Flaherty, after they, together with Feilim, son of Cathal Crovdearg, had taken his house by assault.
Fergal O’Teige, chief of the household of Cathal Crovdearg (O'Conor), and Hugh, son of Cathal,
were slain by Donsleve O'Gara.
Hugh, son of Donal O’Rourke, was slain by
Cathal O’Reilly, aided by Cathal, son of Cormac
O’Mulroony, on Lough Allen (in Leitrim). Maurice Mac Dermott was slain.
the morass where the meeting was to take place, namely, Cormac, son of Tomaltach; Dermod, son of Manus; Manus, son of Murtogh O'Conor; Teige, son of Mahon O’Kerin ; and Roderick
O’Mullrenan, to receive William Marisco, who came thither, accompanied by eight horsemen. O'Conor, remembering their former treachery,
rose in opposition to the English, and incited his party against them; and he himself attacked Wil liam Marisco, and made him prisoner on the spot. The party, thus instigated by O'Conor, obeyed the call, attacked the English, defeated them, and slew the constable of Athlone; they also took prison
ers Master Slemhny and Hugo Ardin. Hugh O'Conor sent those Englishmen to prison beyond
REIGN OF HENRY III. 47
_
mity for a long period, was slain by Donogh Only a chosen few of O'Conor’s party went beyond
Lathach, and then marched with a body of men to The castle of Kilmore (county of Cavan) was Athlone, where he plundered the market-place,
demolished by Cathal O’Reilly.
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, took
Hugh O'Flaherty prisoner, and delivered him into the hands of the English.
A. D. 1227.
Conor, son of Niall O’Catharnaigh, was slain by
the English soldiers of Leinster, who were at the time along with the king of Connaught.
Henry O’Melaghlin, and Murtogh O’Melaghlin (of Meath), were slain by the English.
Malachy O'Conor Faily was slain by Cuilen O'Dempsey.
and burned the entire town. This was a fortunate
circumstance for the Conacians, as many of their sons and daughters,and the hostages of Connaught,
who were detained in bondage by the English, were released in exchange for the above-named English prisoners ; and in addition to this, the
people of Connaught obtained terms of peace. Donslevy O'Gara, lord of Slieve Lugha, was slain by Giolla-roe, his own brother's son, after he (Giolla-roe) had taken his (Donslevy’s) house by assault at night; and Giolla-roe himself was after
wards slain there by order of Hugh O'Conor. Hugh, son of Roderick O'Conor, and Mac William Burke, marched a powerful force into
Giolla Coluim O’Mulloy was slain by O'Moore. North Connaught. They burned Inis Meodhain
The English of Ireland, having assembled in (in Lough Mask, county of Mayo), plundered the Dublin, invited Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg country through which they passed, and took O'Conor, king of Connaught, to a conference, and hostages.
attempted to betray him and keep him prisoner,
but William Mareschal, his friend, arrived with some troops, rescued him in despite of the English, out of the middle of the court-house, and escorted him into Connaught.
Jeoffrey Marisco, and Torlogh, son of Roderick
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, went to Tir connell to O’Donnell, but on his return home with meeting at Lathach Caichtuthbil," with William his wife, the sons of Torlogh (O'Conor), met him
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg, appointed a
Marisco, son of Jeoffrey, lord justice of Ireland. in the neighbourhood of Seaghsa (part of the
. 1. Queen of Ulster. This daughter of king Roderick O'Conor
to have beenthe wife of O'Neill, prince of Tirowen, and king o ster.
1. Lathach, which signifies a morass, appears to have beennear Athlone, on the Commaughtside of the Shannon.
2. Magh Aoi. This plain, and Ruin Duin, both in Roscommon, have been already described in the notes.
O'Conor, marched a force into Moy Aoi,” erected a castle at Rinn-Duin, and took the hostages of Siol Murray.
48 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1228-29.
Curlew mountains), attacked him, and took his Murtogh, son of Flaherty O'Flanagan, was slain horses from him, and also his wife, whom they by the sons of Teige O'Gara.
delivered up as a prisoner into the hands of the English.
Torlogh, and the English of Meath, marched
with another force into West Connaught, where
they committed great depredations on Hugh, the
son of Roderick O'Flaherty. They proceeded
from thence into the territory of Carra (in Mayo),
where they took hostages from the sons of Mur king of Connaught, through the support of the togh ; and they carried away with them a large lord justice and the chiefs of Connaught, thus
usurping the rights of Torlogh, his elder brother.
Malachy, son of Torlogh, son of Roderick O'Conor, was slain by Hugh O'Conor, king of Connaught.
Bryan, son of Conor O’Dermott, was slain.
The castle of Athleague” was built by Jeoffrey consequence of the war between the sons of
number of beeves from every district.
Cumara O’Donnellan was slain in prison by
Roderick Mac Dunslevy, in revenge of his father's death.
Marisco.
Roderick O'Conor. B-oth the churches and the
country were plundered; the clergy and learned
men were exiled into foreign lands; and many persons perished of cold and famine.
A. D. 1229.
The monastery of St. Francis, in Cork, was
founded by Dermod Mac Carthy More.
Muireagh O'Gormley, prior of Inis Mac Nerin,'
the most distinguished man in Connaught for wisdom and piety, died.
Dermod O'Fiaigh, abbot of the church of Giolla Molaisi O’Giollarain, from Tuam, died, and was interred at Ardcarne.
Dermod Mac Giolla Carraigh, aircineach of the house of St. Baoithin, a dignified priest, died, and
Niall, son of Congalach O’Rourke, lord of
Dartry,” and of Clan Fermaighe, was slain by his body having been taken, as by right, by the Art and Awlave, sons of Art, son of Donal canons of that place, from the monks of the monas O'Rourke. Awlave Gearr (the Short), son of tery of Boyle, after it had remained three nights Niall, son of Congalach, was also slain, while unburied, as the monks had endeavoured to retain bathing, by Awlave, son of Art.
Fergal, son of Sitric O’Rourke, was slain by the sons of Niall, son of Congalach O’Rourke.
Hugh, son of Donogh O'Ferrall, was slain by Hugh, son of Awlave O'Ferrall.
David O'Flynn, chief of Siol Maoilruain, and Roderick O'Mulbrenan, died.
Rickard Mac William Burke was sent to Ire land by the king of England, as lord justice.
Hugh, son of Roderick O'Conor, was made
Excessive dearth prevailed in Connaught in
A. D. 1228.
Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, king of Connaught, was treacherously slain by the English, in the court of Jeoffrey Marisco, after he had been expelled by the Conacians.
A great war broke out in Connaught between Hugh and Torlogh, sons of Roderick O'Conor,
after the death of the aforementioned Hugh, for the younger brother would not yield submission
to the elder; so that the entire of Connaught lying between Ballysadare and the river of Hy Fiachra,
southward, except a small part of Slieve Lugha,
and the territory of Airtagh,' was laid waste by them.
order of canons for wisdom, died.
3. Athliag. This place was afterwards called Lanesborough ; Clancys were chiefs. Clanfermaighe was another district in
it is partly in Longford and partly in Roscommon.
1. Airtagh, a district belonging to Mac Dermott, in the barony of Boyle, county of Roscommon.
Leitrim. See note on Brefney.
1. Inis-Mac-Nerin, or “ Inchmacnerin, an island in Lough Key. St. Colum founded a noble monastery at Easmacneirc, pro bably the same with Inchmacnerin, over which he placed St.
2. Dartraigh, or Dartry, was an extensive territory in the Mochonna, his disciple. ”—See Weld's Survey of the County of barony of Rossclogher, county of Leitrim, of which the Mac Roscommon.
was buried in the monastery of the Holy Trinity;
it in their own monastery.
Girrard O’Kane, one of the most eminent of the
Cathal Mac Dermott, died a Benedictine nun.
Dermod Mac Carthy, lord of Desmond, died. Dionysius O’Moore, bishop of Siol Muiredhaidh,
(Elphin), resigned his see in honour of God. Loughlin O’Monaghan was slain by his uncle.
A. D. 1230.
Florent O'Carolan, bishop of Tyrone (Derry), a select and dignified sage, died in the eighty-sixth year of his age.
Kiaran, of Clonmacnois; Giolla Cartaigh O'Heil king
REIGN OF HENRY III. 49
Duvesa, daughter of Roderick, and wife of O’Hionmainen, pious monk and chief Master
In this year died Giolla Iosa O'Clery, bishop of
Liemey (Achonry); Joseph Mac Tecedain (or Mac that country; slew Donnog Mac Oireaghty, Teigan), bishop of Conmaicne (Ardagh); Magrath Echtigern, the son the Brehon O’Miomacain, Mac Geoffrey, bishop of Conmaicne; Rool (Ralph) and several others; also, along with the Petit, bishop of Meath, a select ruler, and soldier English, banished Hugh, son Roderick, king of Christ; Giolla Covdea O’Duilenmain, the coarb Connaught, for having opposed them, and and abbot of the church of Canons at Eass–dara
Arts the monastery Boyle.
Malachy Mac Firedin, dignified priest and
learned lecturer, died noviciate monk the monastery Boyle.
O'Donnell (Donal More), marched with his forces into Connaught against Hugh, son Roderick O'Conor, whom attacked, and plun dered Moy Aoi, with many parts the country, but he did not reduce the sons of Roderick submission.
Mac William Burke marched with his forces into Connaught, and plundered large portion
O'Conor being forced Hugh O'Neill, (Ballysadare); Maolmuire O'Malone, coarb of St. Felim, son Cathal Crovdearg, was appointed
giusan, a canon and anchorite ; and Dunslevey
A. D. 1230.
1. Tir Eogain and Tir Conaill. These ancient aud extensive territories comprised the present counties of Tyrone, Derry, and
Donegal; and a full account of them will be necessary, as they are constantly mentioned throughout these Annals, as connected with very important events.
I. Tir Eogain. This territory comprised the present counties of Tyrone and Derry, with a large portion of Donegal, between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, namely, the peninsula of Inisowen, and the greater part of the barony of Raphoe. It is connected with some of the earliest events in Irish history. We find, for instance, in Keating and O'Flaherty, that in the reign of Tigearumas, who was monarch of Ireland about nine centuries before the Christian era, the lake now called Lough Foyle suddenly burst forth and overflowed the adjoining plain, which was called Magh Fuinsidhe. This lake, mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters, and in O'Flaherty, as Loch Feabhail Mic Lodain, that the Lake Feval, son Lodan, obtained its name from Feval, son
Lodan, one the Tuath-De-Danan chiefs, who was drowned its waves. this territory, on high hill moun
tain, called Grianan, the eastern shore Lough Swilly, south Inch Island, was situated the celebrated fortress called the Grianan Aileach, from Grianan, palace royal residence, and Aileach Oileach, which signifies stone fortress. was also called Aileach Neid, having derived its name, according O'Flaherty, from Neid, one the Tuath-De-Daman princes (see Ogygia, II. 28). This fortress was for many ages the seat
the ancient kings Ulster. was built circular form great stones without cement, and was immense strength,
that style denominated Cyclopean architecture, and some extensive ruins remain this day. This fortress, according the Annals the Four Masters, was taken and plundered,
937, the Danes, which occasion they took prisoner Muir cheartach O'Neill, then the celebrated prince Aileach, who, however, was soon afterwards released. 1101, Murtogh O’Brien, king Munster, with powerful force, invaded Ulster, marched Easroe (Ballyshannon), proceeded Inisowen, and took the fortress Aileach, which totally demolished, revenge the destruction the palace Kincora, the royal seat the kings
Mac William Burke.
Hugh O’Neill, lord Tir Eogain,' heir
Munster Clare, by Donal Mac Loughlin, king Ulster,
1088. This palace Aileach supposed have been the Regia Ptolemy, the celebrated Greek geographer, the second cen tury, and the river marked Argita his Map Ireland, con
sidered have been the Finn, which the chief branch the Foyle river. The territory surrounding the fortress Aileach,
obtained the name Moy Aileach, the Plain Elagh.
Tir Eogain obtained name from Eogan, Owen, one
the sons Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland, who conquered this territory the beginning the fifth century, and
its
hence its name, Tir Eogain, anglicised into Tiroen, Tyrone.
was taken from the old pos sessors the race Ir, Clanna Rory, its sovereignty was transferred the race of Heremon. From the circumstance of its
being possessed the descendants Eogan, called Cinel Eogain, Kinel Owen, the territory also obtained the name Kinel Owen. According the Books Leacan and Ballymote, and other authorities, this territory was divided between the ten sons Eogan, whose descendants gave names the various districts.
the note the kingdom Meath, has been stated that the Hy Nialls, the descendants the monarch Niall the Hos tages, were divided into two great branches, namely, the Southern and Northern. The southern Hy Nialls, already explained, were kings Meath, and many them monarchs Ireland. The northern Hy Nialls, which there were two great branches, namely, the race Eogan, who were princes Tyrone, and the race Conall, who were princes Tirconnell, also furnished many monarchs Ireland; but the descendants Eogan were the most celebrated all the Milesian clans; and them, great many were kings Ulster, and, according O'Flaherty, sixteen were also monarchs Ireland. The race Eogan took the name
O'Neill the tenth century, from Niall Glundubh, monarch Ireland, who was killed great battle with the Danes, near Dublin, A. D. 919. branch the O'Neills took the name O'Loughlin, and Mac Loughlin, from Loughlin, one their ancient chiefs. the Annals, during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, several princes and kings Ulster the Mac Loughlins are mentioned; and some them were also monarchs Ireland;
H
this country Eogan, when
the country Owen, afterwards consequence the conquest
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50 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1230.
presumptive to the throne of Ireland, the defen of Ireland), a man who had given neither hos der of Leath Cuinn (or the northern half of tages nor tributes to either English or Irish, who
Ireland), against the English and the people of Leath Mogha Nuadhat (or the southern half
but the O'Neills afterwards recovered their supremacy, and made a distinguished figure in Irish history, down to the seventeenth century, as princes of Tyrone, and kings of Ulster. The O'Neills had their chief seat at Dungannon, and were inaugurated as princes of Tyrone, at Tullaghoge, a place between Grange and Donaghenry, in the parish of Desertereight, in the barony of Dungannon, where a rude seat of large stones served them as a coronation chair. This, however, was broken by order of the lord deputy Mountjoy, in the reign of Elizabeth.
The chiefs and clans of Tir Eogain, and the territories possessed
by each in the twelfth century, are collected from O’Dugan as
follows:—O'Dugan commences with the territory of Aileach of
the Kings, of which he gives—I. O’Neill and Mac Loughlin as
princes or kings. II.
O’Cathain, or O’Kane, who was of the race
of Eogan, or a branch of the O'Neills, and who was the chief of
Cianacht of Gleanna Geibhin, or Keenaght of Glengiven. The
O'Kanes were also chiefs of the Creeve, now the barony of Cole
rain, and in after times this powerful clan possessed the greater
part of the county of Derry, which was called O’Kane's country;
they also possessed,at an early period, part of Antrim, and had
their seat at the castle of Dunseverick, as already stated in the
note on Dalriada. III. O’Conchobhair or the O'Conors, who were
chiefs of Cianachta before the O’Kanes, and were descendants of
Cian, son of Oilioll Olum, king of Munster: hence their territory
obtained the name of Cianachta, a name still preserved in the
barony of Keenaught, county of Derry. IV. O’Duibhdiorma or
O'Dooyiorma, sometimes anglicised O’Dermott or Mac Dermott,
but a distinct clan from Mac Dermott, prince of Moylurg in Con
naught. The O’Dooyiormas are represented by O’Dugan as one
of the noblest clans of the Kinel Owen; they were chiefs of Loney, a district known as the Monter Loney Mountains in Breadach, a territory which lay along the western banks of Lough
Foyle, and comprised the parishes of Upper and Lower Moville, in
the barony of Inisowen. The name of this district is still preserved
in the small river Bredag, which falls into Lough Foyle. W.
O'Gairmledhaidh, or O'Gormley, chief of Kinel Moain, or Moen,
now the barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal. This district
derived its name from Moain, one of the descendants of Eogan.
VI. Moy Itha, or Moy Ith, and Kinel Enda, two districts adjoining
had gained many victories over the English, and defeated them with great slaughter, and who had
Cathmaoil, head chieftain of the Kinel Firadaigh, and of the Clan Aongusa, Clan Dubhinreachtaidh, and Clan Fogortaigh, and chief of the councils of the North of Ireland. This name was sometimes changed to Mac Campbell, and Mac Caghwell, and also to Caul field. The Cathmaoils were a powerful clan in Tyrone, and many of them in Monaghan, Louth, and Armagh. XVIII. The clans of Maolgeimridh, and of Maolpadraig, who possessed the two dis tricts of Kinel Firedhaidh, in the east of Tyrone. XIX. Muintir Taithligh, of Hy Laoghaire, of Lough Lir, a name anglicised to Mac Tully. XX. O'Hainbitir, chief of Hy Seaain.
The following chiefs and clans, not given in O’Dugan, are col
lected from various other sources: I. O’Criochain, chief of Hy Fiachra, a territory which comprised the parish of Ardstraw, and
some adjoining districts in Tyrone, and is mentioned in the Annals at A. D. 1200. II. O'Quinn, chief of Moy Lugad, and of Siol Cathusaigh, as given in the Annals at A. D. 1218. Moy Lugad, according to the Books of Leacan and Ballymote, lay in Keenaught of Glengiven, county of Derry. III. The O'Cearbhallains, O'Cairellains, or O'Carolans, a namesometimes anglicised to Carle
ton: they are frequently mentioned in the Annals as chiefs of Clan Diarmada, now the parish of Clandermod, or Glendermod, in Derry. IV. The O’Brolchains, or O’Brolchans, a name sometimes changed to Bradly. These were a numerous clan near Derry, but originally of the Kinel Firadaigh, in the south of Tyrone, and were a branch of the Kinel Owen. V. Mac Blosgaidh, or the Mac Closkeys, a numerous clan in the parish of Dungiven, and some adjoining parts: they were a branch of the O’Kanes. VI. The O’Devlins, chiefs of Muintir Devlin, near Lough Neagh, on the bor ders of Derry and Tyrone. VII. The O'Looneys, chiefs of Muintir
Kinel Moain, partly in the barony of Raphoe, and partly in the
barony of Tirkeeran in Derry. O'Flaherty places Moy Ith in Owen. These O'Flahertys, who settled in Tyrone, appear to have Cianachta, the ancient name of a large territory in this part been a branch of the great family of the O'Flahertys of Connaught. of Derry. According to O’Dugan, the following were the XI. The O'Murrys, given in O'Conor's Map of Ortelius, as a clan in chiefs of Moy Ith, namely, O'Baoighill, or O'Boyle; O'Maol
breasail; O'Cuinn, or O'Quinn; and O'Cionaotha, or O'Kenny.
VII. O'Bruadair, or O'Brody; O'Maoilfabhaill; and O'Ho
gain, chiefs of Carruic Brachuighe, still traceable by the
name Carricbrack, in the barony of Inisowen. VIII. The O'Neills, as already stated, maintained their independence O'Hagain, or O'Hagan, chief of Tulachog, or Tullaghoge, in down to the end of the sixteenth century, as princes of Tyrone; the parish of Desertereight, barony of Dungannon, county of and in the reigns of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, bore the titles of Tyrone. IX. O'Dunagain, or O'Donegan; Mac Murchadh, or earls of Tyrone, and barons of Dungannon. The last celebrated Mac Murrogh; O'Fergail, O'Ferrall, or O'Freel ; and Mac chiefs of the name were Hugh O'Neill, the great earl of Tyrone,
Ruaidhri, or Rogers, chiefs of Tealach Ainbith, and of Muintir Birn, districts in the baronies of Dungannon and Strabane. X. O’Ceallaidh, or O'Kelly, chief of Kinel Eachaidh, or Corca. Each aidh, probably Corkaghee, barony of Dungannon. XI. O’Tighear naidh, or O'Tierney; and O'Ciarain, or O'Kieran, chiefs of Fearn muigh. XII. O’Duibhduanaidh; O'Haighmaill, or Hamill; and
O'Heitigein, or O’Etigan, chiefs of three districts called Teallach Cathalain, Teallach Duibhrailbe, and Teallach Braemain. XIII. O'Maolfothartaigh, and O’Heodhasa, or O'Heosey, chiefs of Kinel Tighearnaigh. XIV. O'Cuanaich, or O'Cooney ; and O'Baoth ghalaigh, chief of Clan Fergus. XV. O'Murchadha, or O'Mur rogh, and O'Meallain, chiefs of Siol Aodha-Eanaigh. XVI. Mac Fiachraigh, chief of Kinel Feradaigh, in the south of Tyrone. XVII. O'Hairnin, O'Maelfabhaill, and the Clan Cathmaoil, chiefs
famous as the commander of the northern Irish in their wars with Elizabeth ; and Owen Roe O'Neill, the general of the Irish of Ulster, in 1641, and the Cromwellian wars. Several of the O'Neills have been distinguished in the military service of Spain, France, and Austria. In consequence of the adherence of the Ulster chiefs to Hugh O'Neill, in the wars with Elizabeth, six counties in Ulster were confiscated, namely, Tyrone, Derry, Done gal, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, in the reign of James I. In the survey of Ulster, by Captain Pynmar, A. D. 1619, as in Harris's Hibernica, the following English and Scotch families are given as the settlers in Tyrone, in accordance with the project of locating British colonies, called the Plantation of Ulster. The earl of Abercorn; sir George Hamilton; sir Claude Hamilton; sir Robert Newcomen; sir John Drummond; the earl of Castle
of Kinel Firadhaidh, in the north of Tyrone. In the Annals of the haven; sir William Stewart; sir John Davis; the lord Ridgeway; Four Masters, A. D. 1185, mention is made of Gillcreest Mac George Ridgeway; sir Gerrard Lowther; the lord Burley; sir
Tyrone. VIII. O’Connellan, chief of Crioch Tullach, in Tyrone, a namewhich has beenby some changed to Conolly. IX. O'Don ghaile, or O'Donnellys, chiefs in Tyrone, at Ballydonnelly, and other parts. X. O'Nena, or O'Nenys, or Mac Nenys, a name which
has been anglicised to Bird. These were chiefs of note, and pos sessed the territory of Kinel Naena, in Tyrone, bordering on Monaghan. Of this family was Count O'Neny, of Brussels, in the Austrian service, under the Empress Maria Theresa. X. O'Fla herty, mentioned in the Annals at A. D. 1187, as lord of Kinel
Derry. XII. The Mac Shanes, a name anglicised to Johnson, who were a clan in Tyrone. XIII. The O'Mulligans, anglicised to Moli neux, who were also a clan in Tyrone. XIV. The O'Gneeves, heredi tary bards to the O'Neills. This name has beenanglicised to Agnew.
Trevors, viscounts Dungannon; the Stewarts, viscounts Castle stewart; the Knoxes, earls Ranfurley; and the Alexanders, barons of Caledon.
Derry. the reign Elizabeth, the lord deputy, sir John Perrott, formed O’Kane's country into county, which was called
seat June,
learning and religion. St. Columkille died the 9th 597, the seventy-sixth year his age, and was
chief town the county Colerain and the reign the plantation Ulster with British colonies, com undertakers, consisting merchants and traders from
buried
Ireland, and interred Downpatrick.
always held the highest veneration one the tutelar saints Ireland. the year 590, St. Columkille, accompanied Aidan, king
from
James
pany
London, got grants the county Colerain and town Derry, hence the city and county got the name Londonderry.
the Albanian Scots, came convention held Dromceat,
Ireland attend the great national Cianachta, near Glengiven, the provincial kings, princes, chiefs,
REIGN OF HENRY III. 51
levied tributes both on English and Irish enemies, Art, son Art O’Rourke, was slain Ran
and contemplated the conquest of Ireland, mall O’Finn.
died, though was rather expected that would Malachy O'Monaghan was killed his kins have fallen battle with the English. IIlein.
Francis Willoughby; sir William Cope; John Leigh; William Tirconnell. The name Irish Colum, and signifies dove, Parsons; Robert Heyborne; Stewart, lord Uchiltree; latinised Columba, but was generally called by the Irish Captain Saunderson; Robert Lindsey; Alexander Richardson; Colum Cille, Columkille, that Colum the Churches, from Andrew Stewart; David Kennedy; the lord Chichester; sir Toby the many churches and monasteries he had founded, both Ire Caulfield; sir Francis Roe William Parsons sir Francis
Annesley, and the lord Wingfield.
The following noble families Tyrone are given from the reign
James the present time. The Poers were earls Tyrone, title which afterwards passed, intermarriage, the
Beresfords. The Blounts, viscounts Mountjoy, title which after
wards passed the families Stewart and Gardiner. The after him Hy Columkille, afterwards Iona, which was long famous
Rathlure, from St. Lurec Lurac, whom its church was
dedicated. The see Ardsrath Rathlure, early period,
was transferred Maghera, the county Derry, and afterwards
annexed Derry the twelfth century. The bishops these were designated Kinel Conaill, the race Connell, name which sees were styled bishops Tir Eogain Tyrone, bishops
Cinel Eogain. See Derry: St. Columkille,
was also applied the territory.
:- Inis Saimer stated, by the ancient Annalists, residence of Wood Calgach, which St. Adamnanus, abbot Iona, the Partholan, who planted the first colony Ireland. This the
monastery was founded the sixth century, place called Doire Calgach, that the Oak
this territory, amongst which the following may noticed
small island near the cataract, called the Salmon-leap, Bally shannon. got the name Inis Saimer, the Island Saimer, from the circumstance Partholan having there killed Saimer, the favourite greyhound his queen. This island gave the name Saimer the river now called the Erne, and Lough Erne, which
island which was called Tor Conuing, the Tower Conuing, and hence the island got the name Tor Inis, Tower-Island,
modern times Tory Island. The places along the coast Donegal and Brefney, Leitrim, are stated the scenes many greatbattles between the Fonorians and the colony called Nemedians.
The plain between the rivers Erne and Drobhaois, that between Conall Gulban, son Niall the Hostages, monarch Ire Ballyshannon and Bundrowes, was called Magh Ceitne, which, land, and consequently the same race the O'Donnells, princes Keating states, derived this name from the frequent payment
seventh century, his Life St. Columkille, translates Robo retum Calgachi was also called Doire Coluim Cille, the Oak Wood St. Columkille, anglicised Derry Columkille, and
gave its name the city and county Derry. these Annals the church the monastery called Dubh Reglais, signifying
ancient times was called Lough Saimer. The waterfall Bally shamnon connected with another early event, namely, the death Aodh Ruadh, king Ireland, who was drowned there about
the Black Church, and latinised
abbey was long famous seat
abbots were also styled bishops.
bishop's see was formed Derry, which was afterwards five centuries before the Christian era, hence was called Eas annexed the see Ardsrath, Rathlure. A. D. 1164, Maurice Aodha-Ruaidh, that the cataract Red Hugh, and hence Mac Loughlin, king Ireland, erected cathedral Derry, Eas-roe, Ashroe, was the ancient name Ballyshamnon. The which, together with the abbey and other ecclesiastical establish
ments, was destroyed the English, under Henry Docwra,
Fomorians, whom account has been given the note Dal riada, formed settlements the coast Donegal, and, under one their commanders, named Conuing, erected fortress an
the reign
£reater part Tyrone, and Antrim.
Elizabeth. The diocese Derry comprehends the
the county large portion
Londonderry, with nearly half Donegal, and very small portion
St. Columkille, often mentioned
was native Tir Connell, and born
Kilmacrenan, county Donegal, A. D. 521. He was descendant
Ware, Cella nigra. This learning and religion, and
the twelfth century regular
the course Gartan,
these Annals, the barony
land and North Britain. the year 563, proceeded that part North Britain called Albany, afterwards Scotland, missionary, and converted the inhabitants Christianity, hence has beenstyled the Apostle the Picts. Having received the pa tronage and support his relative Conall, then king the Albanian Scots, founded monastery island the Hebrides, called
Iona, but his remains were
long time after removed His memory has been
brother Eogan, who conquered Tir Eogain, and son the monarch Niall the Hostages, and from him the territory obtained the name Tir Conaill, the country Connell, and his posterity
Some the earliest events Irish history are connected with
-
The following noble families derive their titles from this county. The family Pitt, formerly marquesses Londonderry, title
Derry, which was attended
bishops, and clergy, arrange great contention that arose
the bards, whose order the king had resolved suppress, but now possessed the Stewarts. The Hamiltons, earls Aber Columkille opposed their abolition, and advocated their continuance
corn, and barons Strabane. The families Hare and Hanger, barons of Colerain.
Ecclesiastical divisions. The following account the bishops' sees Tir Eogain, have been collected from Ware, Colgan,
Lanigan, and other sources. Clogher, the seat the diocese
under proper regulations, useful national institution, and
Clogher, Clogher, the county Tyrone, part county contains. This seewas founded St. Macartin, century, and an account has been given the mote
which the fifth Orgiall.
the county Donegal not contained Tir Eogain, the boundary
between both being Lough Swilly; but the twelfth century the O'Maoldorrys and O’Donnells, princes Tir Connell, became mas ters the entire Donegal, thus making Lough Foyle and the rivers Foyle and Finn the boundaries betweenTir Connell and Tir
Ardsratha the river Derg, now the parish Ardstraw,
Tyrone, was ancient bishops' see founded St. Eugene the Eogain. This territory got its name from Conall Gulban, who sixth century. Ardshrath afterwards got the name Rathlurig, took possession the beginning the fifth century. He was
between Hugh, son Ainmireach, then monarch Ireland, and
through his influence the bards were continued, and all differences amicably arranged.
II, Tir Conaill. This territory comprised the remaining portion
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52 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1231.
on the 15th December, was succeeded by Donogh O’Conor.
Flann O'Connachty, bishop of Hy Briuin Brefney (Kilmore), died.
Tir Hugh. O'Tairceirt, chief Clann Neachtain, and the deliver up at that place cattle, corn, and even some of their chil Annals (A. D. 1197 and 1212), Clann Smedsaile. VI. Mac
dren, as a tribute. Dubhain Mac Duvany’s, chiefs Kinel Nenna Kinel Enda. The race of Conall Gulban, who possessedTir Connell, are cele This district, according O'Flaherty, lay Inisowen. VII.
A. D. 1231.
Dionysius O’Moore, bishop of Elphin, having ended his days on Trinity Island, in Lough Key,
tributes there, the Fomorians having compelled the Nemedians to
brated in Irish history, and, according to O'Flaherty and others,
furnished ten of the monarchs of Ireland. In the tenth century a
branch of the Kinel Connell, or descendantsof Conall Gulban,
took the name of O'Canani,ain, many of whom were celebrated
chiefs, particularly Roderick O'Camanmain,who was distinguished
for his great valour and abilities. Charles O'Conor, in his Dis Annals, 1197, Eachmarcach O'Dogherty mentioned
sertations on the History of Ireland, states that he was heir pre sumptive to the crown, and got himself chosen king by military
election, and expelled for a time the monarch Congalach from the throne. In A. D. 948, the Danes of Dublin and other parts of Ire land, having collected a powerful army, under Godfred, the son of
Sitric, Ivar, and other leaders, marched into Meath. Roderick
O'Canannain, at the head of the Irish forces, marched to oppose
their progress, and in a great battle fought on the festival of St.
Andrew the Apostle (30th of November), at Muine Brocain, the
Danes were totally defeated, seven thousand of them being slain,
amongst whom was Ivar, one of their generals, but O'Cananmain
himself, towards the close of the battle, was killed in the thick of
of the fight. Godfred, the son of Sitric, with the survivors, fled
to Dublin. The place where this battle was fought, mentioned as Suibhne the Mac Sweenys, branch the O'Neills which
Muine Brocain, is supposed to have been Ardbraccan. Another branch of the race of Comall Gulban took the name O'Maoldoraidh, or O'Muldorry, and became princes of Tir Connell. In the Annals of the Four Masters in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries, accounts are given of many contests between the O'Cananmains and O'Maoldoraidhs, those rival chiefs of the same race, as con tending for the sovereignity of Tir Connell.
The O'Donnells, in the twelfth century, became princes of Tir Connell, and were of the same race as the O'Canannains and O'Muldorrys, being descendants of Comall Gulban. The tribe name, at an early period, was Clan Dalaidh, from Dalach, one of their chiefs. They are called in O’Dugan's poem, “Clanna Dalaigh na n-donn sgiath,” that the brown shields. They afterwards took the name O'Domhnaill, O'Donnell, from Domhnall, Donal, one their ancient chiefs. The O'Don nells, from the twelfth the end the sixteenth century, make very distinguished figure Irish history, princes Tirconnell. The last celebrated chief the name was Red Hugh O'Donnell, long famous one the chief commanders the northern Irish
their wars with Elizabeth, whose actions copious accounts
are given the course Red Hugh O'Donnell quarian Researches,
settled Donegal, and formed three great families, namely, Mac Sweeney Fanaid, who had extensive territory west Lough
Swilly, and whose castle was Rathmullin Mac Sweeny Bogh aimach, Tir Boghaine, now the barony Banagh, who had
his castle Rathain, and which territory was situated Reach rain Muintire Birn, now Rathlin O’Beirne Islands; and Mac Sweeny Na d-Tuath, signifying Mac Sweeny the Territories. His districts were also called Tuatha Toraighe, the districts Tory Island.
