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A. D. 1284.
Maurice O'Conor, bishop of Elphin, died; and
Awlave O’Tomalty was consecrated his successor, but died soon afterwards.
Giolla Iosa Mac Anliatanaigh O'Conor, abbot
of Trinity Island on Lough Key, of the order of Premonstratensians, was then elected to the see of Elphin.
Manus O'Conor defeated Adam Cusack and the English the west Connaught, battle
Ballysadare, which many were slain, and
Coilin Cusack, brother Adam, was taken pri SOner.
Philip Mac Costello defeated the people Manus O'Conor Sliabh Gamh; and many Manus's people were slain.
A. D. 1286.
The earl Ulster marched with great force into Connaught, and plundered many monasteries
A. D. 1284. Cloch-Chinn-Fhaoladh, now Cloghaneely,
district near Donegal.
lake the barony Coolavin, the barony Costello, county district Sliabh Lugha, partly
county Sligo, the borders
Mayo. lay the ancient
the Atlantic, the barony Kilmakrenan, county
Simon O’Rourke, bishop Brefney (Kilmore), died.
Roderick O'Gara, lord Sliabh Lugha, was slain Bermingham, Lough O'Gara. '
Maurice Maol (the Bald) Fitzgerald, died.
Donogh O'Brien, lord of Thomond, was slain and churches throughout that country. He re
by Torlogh O'Brien.
Dubgall, son of Manus O'Boyle, chief of Cloch Chinn-Faoladh,' was slain by the people of O'Maolgaoithe. -
Mac-na-hoidhche” Mac Dorchy, chief of Kinel Luachain, died.
Simon de Exeter was slain by Bryan O'Flynn and by the two sons of O'Flanagan, Dermod and Malachy; in consequence of which, war and con
tentions arose in Connaught, and the English committed great depredations, but restored the plunder to the people of Trinity Island, and to the monks of the monastery of Boyle.
The Castle of Kilcoleman the county
duced submission every place through which passed, took hostages from Connaught, and
brought the Conacians with him into Tirconnell and Tyrone, where also took hostages; de posed Donal, son Bryan O’Neill, and appointed
Mayo), was demolished Cathal, son
Conor
Tuatha (in Roscommon), died.
Dermod Midheach, son Dermod, son Ma
Niall Culanach (O’Neill),
Philip Mac Costello died.
A. D.
the lordship. the county
Florent O'Gibellain, archdeacon eminent philosopher, died.
Giolla-na-noge O’Monaghan, lord
the county Mayo and partly Mac-na-hoidhche signifies Son the Night, but has been that Sligo, which O'Gara was lord. Sliabh Gamh
Brefney.
Lough O'Gara and Sliabh Gamh.
Damh,
now marked the maps.
Mountains,
by
Leitri—
chain
from that
considerable time erroneously called the people
explained A. D. 1285.
m,
Lieney, county Sligo. the
has been for that county
Lough O'Gara
large
1287.
Mayo),
Elphin,
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94 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1288–89.
nus, son of Cathal Mac Dermott, lord of Siol Maolruain (in Roscommon and Galway), the best, the oldest, and the most noble of his race, died.
Malachy, son of Tomaltach Mac Oiraghty, was slain by Torlogh, son of Owen O'Conor, in revenge
for his father, who had been killed by the afore mentioned Tomaltach.
marched with his forces, attack the people Connaught, arrived Roscommon, where there were then assembled, Manus, son Conor Roe, king Connaught, with Fitzgerald and the king's
forces, who collected there support him and, having intimidated the earl from proceeding fur
ther, came the resolution Adam Cusack; Bean Mumhan, daughter of country, and dispersed his forces.
leaving the
Matthew O'Sgingin,” chief historiographer Ireland, died.
Teige O'Flanagan, chief Clan Cathail (in Roscommon), died.
Roscommon), where his brother, the king Con his forces resist them, and marched Cross naught, was then with his forces. battle ensued Sliabh” their vicinity. battle ensued, between them, which Cathal's (the king's) forces which Richard Tuite, the great baron, together were defeated, and himself taken prisoner; with his kinsmen, and Siecus O’Kelly, were Manus took force the sovereignty Con slain.
O’Kane; and Donal O’Hanley, chief of Kinel Dobhtha Roscommon), died.
A. D. 1289.
Miles, bishop Conmaicne,' that
lish bishop; and Simon O'Feenaghty, archdea con Elphin, died.
A. D. 1288.
Stephen (de Fulburn), archbishop died.
the Eng
Michael Mac Antsaoir (or Macintire), bishop Clogher, died.
Manus, son Conor Roe O'Conor, with all whom could procure join him the Conacians,
Tuam,
Richard Tuite, with the English Meath, and Manus O'Conor, king Connaught, marched Cavan and Leitrim), marched Athslisen (in with force attack O’Melaghlin, who collected
the Hy Briune, and the Conmacnians (people
naught, and deposed his brother. Torlogh, son
Owen O'Conor, stormed the house Manus,
Rossmore, where Manus and Niall Gealbuidhe
O'Conor were wounded; and Rannall Mac Rannall,
chief Muintir Eoluis (in Leitrim), was slain English, was treacherously slain Mac Rickard
the cast javelin. Manus O'Conor, after his wound was healed, led his forces into Siol Murray, where gained power and took hostages.
Fionn Burke, Mac William, and Bermingham.
Bermingham and the English the Lieneys,"
marched with great force against Calvach
the English
the O'Sgingins. See note on Tirconnell.
Cross Sliabh Cross Mountain, where this battle was
fought, was probably the place now called Crosswood, near Ath
lone, the parish St. Mary's, barony Brawney, county
Westmeath perhaps might have been the place called Cross, the parish Rathaspic, barony Moygoish, Westmeath.
O’Melaghlin here mentioned was styled king Meath. Liemeys. This term was applied the barony Lieney the county Sligo, and some adjoining parts the barony
Costello the county Mayo; hence the diocese Achonry,
The Red Earl," Richard, son Walter, earl
Ulster, son William the Conqueror, having lish were defeated; Myler Dexeter, with many
A. D. 1288.
The Red Earl here mentioned was Richard Burgo, earl
Ulster, and lord Connaught, son Walter the former earl
Miles, bishop bishop, was Miles
Ulster. His ancestor, William Burgo here called William
the Conqueror, from his being the first that family who had
conquered part Connaught. Richard was called the Red Earl office afterwards held by the O'Clerys, who had intermarried with
from the colour his hair, and was celebrated for his military exploits; was commander clief the Anglo-Irish forces
under Henry III. and Edward their wars Ireland, Scot land, Wales and Gascoigne. his day was the most power
ful nobleman Ireland, and erected many castles, and founded several monasteries. short time before his death he retired
the monastery Athassel Tipperary, which was founded by his ancestors, where died, A. D. 1326. See Lodge's Peerage
Archdall, the House Clanricarde.
Fiachra O'Flynn, chief Siol Maoilruain (in Roscommon), one the chiefs Connaught, and
celebrated for his hospitality and generosity, hav ing gone make marriage alliance with the
O'Conor; and battle ensued, which the Eng A. D. 1289.
Conmaicne, here mentioned Dunstable, bishop Ardagh. Matthew O'Sgingin. The O'Swingins were
historiographers the O'Donnells, princes
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O'Sedachain, bishop of Kilmacduach, died.
REIGN OF EDWARD I. 95
The earl marched with a force into Tirconnell against Torlogh, son of Donal Oge (O’Donnell), and he plundered the country, both clergy and people, after which he proceeded to Elphin in Connaught ; and the Conacians gave him hos tages.
An insurrection was raised by Cathal O'Conor, Carbry O’Melaghlin, king of Meath, the most Niall Gealbuidhe, and their allies among English
of his cavalry. The people of Cathal O'Conor and Niall Gealbuidhe, after Cathal had been wounded, committed great depredations in Car bury (county of Sligo), but the Siol Murray, his
Galloglaochs (Scots); and he took the lordship own supporters, and the English of Roscommon,
others of the English, being slain, and a great
number of horses and much booty being taken from them.
A. D. 1290.
valiant young warrior in Ireland in his time, was and Irish, to depose Manus (O'Conor); and a slain by Mac Coghlan (of the King's County. ) battle was fought between them at Cul Maile," in Donal, son of Bryan O’Neill, marched with a which Cathal was wounded, and Murrogh, son of force into Tyrone, from whence he forcibly ex Teige (O'Conor), with many others that are not pelled Niall Culanach O’Neill; and he himself recorded, were slain ; but Manus, however, was defeated and forced to surrender, having lost many
assumed the lordship of Tyrone by strong hand. Hugh, son of Donal Oge O’Donnell, was de posed by his brother, Torlogh O’Donnell, through the influence of his mother's family, namely, the Clan Donnell (Mac Donnells), and several other
by force.
came to the assistance of Manus on the following day; and they went to meet those who had taken
the plunder, and came up to them on the marshy plain, where they were collected, and took the
booty from them. Niall made his escape by means of his activity and valour. On this occa sion Thomas Mac Costello was slain, and his brother, David Mac Costello, taken prisoner, and put to death in prison. Many others, both of the
English and Irish, were either routed or slain. Niall after this returned to his own country on obtaining terms of peace, and his own lands were restored to him, but great complaints and dis sensions afterwards arose between them (the
A. D. 1291.
Edru Magrath, abbot of the monastery of the Trinity, on Lough Key (in Roscommon), died.
Torlogh, son of Owen O'Conor, the most cele brated man in Ireland for hospitality, generosity
and valour, in his time, was slain by Niall Geal buidhe O'Conor.
Conor Conallach O’Dowd, lord of Hy Fiachra, was drowned in the Shannon.
Congalach Mac Geoghegan, chief of Kinel Fiachach, (in Westmeath), died.
Rickard Burke, earl of Ulster, called the Red O'Conors), and Niall was compelled to leave the
Earl, marched with an army into Tyrone, where he deposed Donal, son of Bryan O’Neill, and ap
country.
Bryan O'Flynn, lord of Hy Tuirtre (in Antrim),
died.
Manus O'Conor committed a great depredation
pointed in his place Niall Culanach O'Neill, but
after the earl had left the country, Niall Culanach
was slain by Donal O’Neill. This affair did not on Niall Gealbuidhe (O'Conor).
turn out fortunate for Donal, for Bryan, son of
Hugh Buidhe O’Neill, was, through the influence
of the earl, appointed to the lordship by Mac
Martin and Mac John, who expelled him (Donal) from Tyrone.
anciently called the diocese Lieney, comprises part the county Mayo. The Lieneys are designated the people that
country Lieney O'Hara, and Lieney Costello.
Hugh O'Fallon Roscommon), was slain. A. D. 1292.
Aindilis O’Dogherty, chief
A. D. 1291. Cul Maile, mentioned Coolmoney
Ard Miodhair
the Down Survey, now called Collooney, post town the county Sligo.
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Congalach O'Kelly, lord died.
Sifin Mac the instigation the
ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1293.
Donegal) man general hospitality; and Donogh, son Owen O'Conor (in Roscommon), died.
Sorley O'Gormley was slain O'Neill.
Nicholas Mac Maolisa, coarb St. Patrick (archbishop Armagh), having had revelation that the relicks SS. Patrick, Columkille, and
Bridget were deposited Saul, had them
raised, and great miracles and wonders were after wards wrought them, and having been solemnly covered, they were finally deposited shrine. "
Murtogh O’Melaghlin, king Meath, died.
Manus O'Conor, king Connaught, valiant warrior, the most dreaded and the most illustrious the Irish for bravery and hospitality his time,
died, after three months' illness, and Hugh, son Owen (O'Conor), was appointed succeed him
king, through the influence the lord justice;”
and the tenth day after his appointment was taken prisoner Fitzgerald, and fifty his
men were slain, and others them plundered. Cathal O’Conor was slain Roderick, son
Donogh Riavach (O'Conor).
Cathal Roe O'Conor assumed the sovereignty Connaught after Hugh, son Owen, had been
taken prisoner, but three months afterwards
Teige, son Andrew O’Conor, and Tuathal, son
Niall Gealbuidhe O'Conor was slain
Murtogh.
Mac Coghlan, lord Delvin More County Westmeath), was slain
King's
The Red Earl marched with force against Manus O'Conor Roscommon, but departed thence without taking hostages gaining any ad vantage; Manus, however, followed him Mee lick and paid him his tribute.
Bregia (in Meath),
A. D. 1293. Florence O'Carolan, bishop
A. D. 1293.
Sabhal, Saul, near Downpatrick, and was buried the church himself had founded Downpatrick. Jocelin, the monk, his Life St. Patrick, says, that his body was buried
very deep grave under stone five cubits deep the earth, prevent its removal, for appears that great contest arose be tween the people Ulidia, Down, and those Orgiall, the latter wishing have his remains buried Armagh; this con
Derry, died.
caused the floor dug up and the remains the bodies put Saints Patrick, Columkille, and Bridget. The accounts into three distinct coffins. Malachy having communicated what this matter quoted Lanigan from Ware, Usher, Colgan, and had occurred John Courcy, then the English chief governor others, differ from that the Four Masters. St. Patrick died Ulster, who resided Downpatrick, they determined send
test was, however, amicably arranged, and the saint's remains 9th June, the festival St. Columkille. According
were buried Downpatrick. According Colgan and Usher, part St. Patrick's remains relicks were, after some time, re moved the cathedral Armagh, which removal might the circumstance here mentioned the Four Masters, occurring under Nicholas Mac Maolisa, archbishop Armagh. St. Bridget was buried the monastery Kildare, but during the wars the Danes the ninth century, Kildare having been plundered, Ceallach, the abbot bishop Kildare, about 850, caused the rich shrine containing the remains St. Bridget removed for safety
Cambrensis the following inscription was engraved
the mo
Downpatrick, and buried there near the remains St. Columkille was buried the abbey founded the island Iona the Hebrides, but his remains were also removed Down the ninth century, preserve them from the ravages the Danes, who had plundered Iona. Ac
The cathedral Downpatrick was for many centuries decorated with beautiful marble statues the three saints, but the reign Henry VIII. 1538, the lord deputy, Leonard Grey, hav ing invaded Ulster, plundered and burned the town and cathedral Downpatrick; and and his barbarian soldiers broke and de
cording the Annals Ulster, Dermod, abbot Iona, came faced the statues SS. Patrick, Bridget, and Columkille. Ireland 851 with the rich shrine containing the remains Representations the statues the three saints from Messing relics Columkille, which were buried Downpatrick, along ham's Florilegium are given plate prefixed the life St. with those St. Patrick and St. Bridget. The Four Masters say Patrick Jocelin, Cistercian monk Furness-abbey, Lan that this removal his relics took place 875; though, cashire, written the twelfth century, translated from the ori according Lanigan, occurred 878 (see Lanigan, ginal Latin Edmund Swift, and published Dublin the pp. 274, 326). Thus appears, that the remains the three Hibernia press the year 1809.
St. Patrick. by him
tutelar saints Ireland were buried Downpatrick, univer sally believed both from history and tradition. the twelfth century, stated Colgan, Usher, and other authorities, and quoted Lanigan (vol. 274, &c. ) the place where the re mains the three saints lay the church Down was revealed
vision Malachy, bishop Down, the year 1185, who
The Lord Justice and Fitzgerald. William Vessey was then lord justice Ireland. The Vesseys came from Nor mandy England with William the Conqueror, and had large grants lands Yorkshire, with the title barons Knapton. William Vessey, baron Knapton, was appointed lord justice
Ireland King Edward obtained large grants lands
ing messengers the subject Pope Urban III. and Cardinal
Vivian, the pope's legate, coming Ireland soon afterwards,
went Downpatrick, and his presence, and that Thomas O'Conor, archbishop Armagh, fifteen other bishops, and
numerous attendance abbots and other clergy, the remains the three saints were solemnly translated, and placed one mo nument the cathedral Downpatrick the year 1185, the
nument
:-
“Hitres Patricius,
Duno tumulo tumulantur uno, Brigida atque Columba pius. ”
Thus translated the old chroniclers:—
“In Down three saints one tomb do fill, Patrick, Bridget and Columkille. ”
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REIGN OF EDWARD I. 97
was slain by Roderick, son of Donogh Riavach Fergal O’Reilly, lord of Muintir Maoilmordha O'Conor. Hugh, son of Owen, being after this (county of Cavan), died.
set at liberty, resumed the government of Con More, daughter of Felim O'Conor, died.
naught, through the influence of the lord justice and of the people of the king (of England).
Kildare, and was styled lord of Kildare; but, during his adminis
tration, he had frequent disputes with John Fitzthomas Fitzgerald,
baron of Offaley, who charged him with treason. Both parties
repaired to England to lay their complaints before the king, and
having challenged each other to battle in single combat, a day was
appointed, and great preparations were made, but in the mean time Arrow, Lough Gill, and others Sligo. There are many mag de Vessey fled to France, and his estates in Kildare, becoming nificent mountains some them ranging between two and forfeited to the crown, were conferred by the king on Fitzgerald, three thousand feet above the level the sea, those Croagh who was afterwards created the first earl of Kildare. This Fitz Patrick, Muilrea, Partry, Furnamore, Nephin, Bengorm, Ben
gerald, earl of Kildare, so often mentioned in the Annals at this period, was a celebrated warrior, and had frequent contests with Richard de Burgo, earl of Ulster; these two noblemen, then the most powerful in Ireland, contending for mastery. On the inva sion of Ireland by Edward Bruce, in 1315, the earl of Kildare commanded the Anglo-Irish forces in several engagements, in some of which he defeated Bruce. The earl died A. D. 1816, and was buried in the Franciscan Friary of Kildare. See Lodge's Peerage on earls of Kildare, and barons of Knapton; and Willis's Lives of Illustrious Irishmen.
I. North Connaught. The terms Tuaisceart Comacht, or North Connaught, and Deisceart Conacht, or South Connaught,
frequently occur in these Annals. In this article on North Con
naught will be given the history and topography, with the chiefs
and clans of the ancient territories comprised in the present coun
ties of Sligo and Mayo. In the succeeding number will be given Haven. These Firbolgs were named Fir-Domhnan, which has a full account of the ancient territories comprised in the present
race becamekings of Thomond.
O'Flaherty, and others, derived
the chief druids the Tuath
Cathach, that Con the hundred battles, monarch Ireland
the second century, whose posterity possessed the country; the word iacht, iocht, signifying children posterity, and hence Coniocht means the territory possessedby the posterity Con. The more ancient name Connaught, according O'Fla herty and Charles O'Connor, was Olnegmacht, and was called from Olnegmacht, ancient queen the Firbolgs; and hence the inhabitants were called Fir Olnegmacht. Sligo derived its name from the river Sligeach, which was probably derived from
the sea shore, carn large stones being erected sepulchral monument, which remains this day.
the genitive, supposed take its name from magh, and eo, yew tree, and therefore may signify the plain trees.
The territory earliest events annalists.
Conacht, according to Keating,
was buried
over him
This place
Sligo, and was called Traigh-an-Chairn, the Strand the Carn, from the carn erected there the Firbolg king; and later times obtained the name Traigh Eothuile-an t-Saoir, that the Strand Eothuile the carpenter. This was called the battle South Moyturey, and took place the borders Lough Mask, between Ballinrobe and Cong, the county Mayo. thirty years afterwards the Fomorians, aided by the
Firbolgs, fought another great battle with the Danans for the
name either from Con, one Danans, from Conn-Cead
the strand near Ballysadare, the county
recovery the kingdom, but were defeated. This was called the slig, shell; and the word may signify abounding shells, battle North Moyturey, Moyturey the Fomorians, and
probable inference, the tide course the river carries with many sea shells. Mayo, Irish Magh-Eo, Muigh-Eo
took place near Lough Arrow, Tirerrill, Sligo, the borders Roscommon, about fifty miles distant from the place the first battle. The townland Moterra, the parish Kilmac tranny, the barony Tirerril, points out the place where this battle was fought. An account the Fomorians has been given
the notes on Dalriada and Tirconnell. After the battle of North Moyturey the Danans became possessors Ireland, which they ruled for nearly two centuries, until the arrival the Milesian colony from Spain, who conquered them, and became masters
O
plain, the yew
connected with some the mentioned all our ancient the time Partholan, who planted the first colony
North Connaught Irish history,
Ireland, the lakes called Loughs Con, and Meascor Mask, Mayo,
Murtogh O'Flanagan, chief of Clan Cathail (in Roscommon), died.
and Lough Teithed, Techet, now Lough Gara Sligo, the bor ders Roscommon, suddenly burst forth, stated Ogygia,
goriff, and others Mayo; and those Slieve Gamh, corruptly changed Slieve Damh, and anglicised the Ox Mountains; the King's Mountain, Truskmore, Bengulban Benbulban, Knock marea, and Keis Corran, Sligo together with the Curlew Mountains the borders Sligo and Roscommon. some the mountains Mayo are still found herds red deer, which
former times inhabited the ancient forests vast numbers. The coasts Mayo and Sligo along the Atlantic abound wild and sublime scenery, such towering ocean cliffs, and immense rocky caverns, and contain Achill, and other interesting islands, and many fine bays, inlets and harbours, those Killery, Clew, Blacksod, Broadhaven, Killala, and Sligo.
and the Book Leacan, folio 273. The lakes North Con naught are numerous, and many them large and very beautiful, Loughs Mask, Con, and others Mayo; Lough Gara, Lough
counties of Galway and Roscommon. An account of the county of Leitrim has been given in the note on Brefney. A portion of Connaught was also called Iar Conacht, or West Connaught, which comprised Connamara in the county of Galway. The an cient kingdom of Connaught comprised the present counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, and Leitrim, together with Clare, now in Munster, and Cavan, now a part of Ulster, as ex
plained in the note on Brefney. The territory which forms the present county of Clare, as stated in Charles O'Conor's Disserta tions on the History of Ireland (p. 289), was taken from Con naught in the latter end of the third century by Cormac Cas, son of Oilioll Olum, king of Munster, or by Lughaigh Mean, king of Mun
ster, in the third century, another descendantof Oilioll Olum, and added to part of Limerick under the name of Tuadh–Mumhain, or North Munster, a word anglicised to Thomond (see O’Brien's Dictionary at the word Tuadh). The O'Briens of the Dalcassian
place where they landed was called Inbhear-Domhnan,
Bay the Dammonians, and the adjoining country Iarras, Irras-Domhnan, name probably derived from Iar, the west, and ros, promontory peninsula, and which, therefore, may signify the western promontory peninsula the Damnonians,
term exactly corresponding with the topographical features
the country; and the name has been retained that the barony Erris, Mayo, the present day.
When the colony called Tuatha-De-Daman first invaded Ireland they landed Ulster, and proceeded thence Sliabh-an-iarain (the iron mountain) Brefney, and forward into the territory Connaught. The Firbolgs having collected their forces oppose their progress, desperate battle was fought between them
place called Magh Tuireadh, the Plain the Tower,
which the Firbolgs were totally defeated, ten thousand them being slain, together with Eochaidh, son Eirc their king, who
On the arrival land, division Connaught, one
the colony Firbolgs, Belgians, Ire them landed the north-western coast
the bays now called Blacsod, the Broad
been anglicised Firdomnians, and sometimes Damnonians. The
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98 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1294.
Tuathal, son of Murtogh O'Conor, was slain
A. D. 1294.
by the O’Haras.
The castle of Sligo was given to John Fitz Great depredations were committed by Hugh,
thomas (one of the Fitzgeralds), who soon after son of Owen (O’Conor), on the sons of Murtogh.
Murtogh, son of Manus O'Conor, the most
Ireland. The Firbolgs, who were defeated and dispossessed by
the Danans, having assisted the Milesians in the conquest of the
Danans, were in consequence restored by the Milesians to a great
part of their former possessions, particularly in Connaught, in
which province they were ruled by their own kings of the Firbolg.
race for more than a thousand years, and down to the third cen Moygoish in Westmeath. Dathi, son of Fiachra, was king of tury, when the Milesian kings of the race of Heremon became Connaught, and afterwards Monarch of Ireland ; he was one of chief rulers of Connaught. The Firbolgs appear to have been the most celebrated of the Irish monarchs, and carried his victo an athletic race, and those of Irros Domhnan, in Mayo, in the rious arms to Gaul, where he was killed by lightning at the foot of early ages, about the commencement of the Christian era, are the Alps, A. D. 429. His body was brought to Ireland and buried
described in O'Flaherty's Ogygia, under the name of Gamanradi in Relig-na-Riogh, the ancient cemetery of the Irish kings at ans, as celebrated champions and wrestlers. The Clanna Morna Cruachan, near Elphin. Dathi was the last Pagan monarch of
wards went to England.
of Connaught, under their chief, Goll, son of Morna, are also celebrated in the Ossianic poems and ancient annals, as famous
warriors in the third century. Many of the Firbolg or Firdomnian race are still to be found in Connaught, but blended by blood and intermarriages with the Milesians.
The ancient city called Nagmata by the Greek geographer, Ptolemy, in the second century, in his map of Ireland, is supposed
to have been situated near Sligo; but, according to others, near Galway.
Cormac, the celebrated monarch of Ireland, in the third century,
as stated in O'Flaherty's Ogygia, and the book of Ballymote, was
born in Corran, at the place called Ath-Cormaic, or the Ford of
Cormac, near Keis Corran, in Sligo, and hence was called Cormac of Corran.
The territory of North Connaught is connectedin a remarkable manner with the mission of St. Patrick in Ireland. Coill Fochladh, or the Forest of Fochuth, in Tir Amhalgaidh, now Tyrawley,
in the county of Mayo, is mentioned in the various Lives of St. Patrick as the scene of his vision respecting the conversion of Ireland, and a place which he afterwards visited in the course of his mission, and where he converted to Christianity Enda Crom, king of the territory, with his seven sons, and baptized twelve thousand persons in the water of a well called Tobar Enadharc. The place where St. Patrick held the assembly was called Forach Mac Amalgaidh, and is now known as Mullagh Farry, near Killala. The wood of Fochluth was situated between Ballina and Killala; and the village of Foghill, near Killala, is supposed to retain the ancient name. Croagh Patrick mountain, in Mayo, was long celebrated for the miracles the saint performed there, and has continued a famous place of pilgrimage to this day.
In the sixth century, A. D. 555, or, according to others, A. D.
561, was fought in the territory of Carbury, near Sligo, the great
Ireland. Oilioll Molt, son of Dathi, was also king of Connaught and monarch of Ireland in the fifth century. Amhalgaidh, ano ther son of Fiachra, was also king of Connaught, and from him the territory of Tir Amhalgaidh or Tirawley in Mayo obtained name. Dathi the Monarch had son called Fiachra Ealgach, whose posterity gave name the territory Hy Fiachrach Muaidhe Hy Fiachra the Moy, also called Tir Fiachrach, and afterwards Tireragh barony, the county Sligo. This Fiachra had son called Amhalgaidh, who raised carn great stones called Carn Amhalgaidh, where appears great assemblies the people were held and where Amhalgaidh himself was buried.
supposed that this carn was the hill Mullaghcarn, near the town of Killala. On this hill are some remains of an earthen rampart fort, with some very large stones arranged cir cular form, apparently the remains Druidical monument, which the writer saw few years ago. At Carn Amhalgaidh the chiefs the O'Dowds were inaugurated princes Hy Fiachra, though according some accounts the O'Dowds were sometimes inaugurated the hill
in Meath, where he was buried with great honours, and where a monument was erected to his memory with an inscription in Ogham characters, on which occasion fifty prisoners taken in the
battle were, according to the Pagan customs, sacrificed around his tomb. The place called Hy Mac-Uais is now the barony of
battle of Cula Dreimhne, between the forces of Meath and Lein
ster, under Diarmaid, monarch of Ireland, and the people of Tir
Eogain and Tir Conaill, commanded by the princes Fergus and
Domhnall, sons of Murtogh Mac Earca, former monarch of Ire
land, and aided by Aodh or Hugh, king of Connaught, with his O'Dowds, &c. According O’Dugan and Mac Firbis, fourteen forces; in which battle the army of the monarch Diarmaid was the race Hy Fiachra were kings Connaught, some totally defeated, three thousand of his men being slain, and he whom had their residence Aidhne, Galway others Ceara, himself having hardly saved his life by flight. now the barony Carra,
Hy Fiachra or Hy Fiachrach was a name applied to the Muaidhe the Moy, Sligo. territories possessed by the race of Fiachra, one of the sons of
Eochaidh Muighmeadhoin, monarch of Ireland in the fourth century, of the race of Heremon. The following accounts of the race of Hy Fiachra have been collected from the Books of Leacan and Ballymote, O'Flaherty's Ogygia, and other authorities. Fiachra was for some time King of Connaught, and was a celebrated warrior, and commander-in-chief of the Irish forces under his brother Niall of the Hostages, Monarch of Ireland; and according to the Book of Ballymote, folio 145, on his return home victorious from a great battle which he had fought with the menof Munster, A. D. 402, he died of his wounds at a place called Hy Mac-Uais
“Binn sluagh nam-borb cliathach. ”
“The music-loving hosts fierce engagements. ”
O'Dubhda, name sometimes anglicised O'Dowda, but more frequently O'Dowd, and by some O'Dowde, others O’Dooda and O’Doody, was the head chief North Hy Fiachra, whose
territory comprised nearly the whole Sligo, with the greater part Mayo. pears derived from Dubh, dark
Ardnarea near Ballina. Bryan, king the Hy Briuin race, and Niall the
Connaught, ancestor
Hostages, Monarch
whom accounts have been given the notes on Meath and Brefney, were brothers Fiachra, son Eochaidh Muighneadh ain, monarch Ireland; and hence these three brothers were the progenitors the kings and head chiefs Meath, Ulster and
Connaught. The territories possessed the race Fiachra also obtained the name Hy Fiachra, and comprised the present counties Sligo and Mayo with great portion Galway. The territory Hy Fiachra Galway, southern Hy Fiachra, was called Hy Fiachra Aidhne from Eogan Aidhne, son Eochaidh Breac, son Dathi, monarch Ireland. The posterity Eogan Aidhne, the chief whom were the O'Heynes, O'Clerys, and O'Shaughnesseys, possessedthis territory, which was co-ex tensive with the diocese Kilmacduagh and account its chiefs and clans will found the note South Connaught. The chiefs North Hy Fiachra Sligo and Mayo were the
Ireland, ancestor the Hy Nialls,
Mayo; and some the plain The Clans Hy Fiachra are thus designated by O’Dugan:—
the present county
The name Dubhda ap black, and dath,
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eligible heir to the province (of Connaught) of his family, was slain by Teige (O'Conor), and Donal, son of Teige.
Malachy O'Flanagan, chief of Clan Cathail, was
slain by Cathal, son of Teige Mac Dermott, in
the street of Sligo.
Cathal, son of Teige Mac Dermott, lord of
Moylurg, died soon afterwards, and Maolrooney,
brother Cormac Gaileang. The O'Haras took their name from Eaghra, lord Lieney the tenth century, whose death men tioned the Annals 926. Many chiefs the O'Haras are mentioned the Annals the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries, amongst others Donal O’Hara, lord Lieney, who was killed D. 1023; and from the twelfth the seventeenth cen tury they held their rank lords Lieney, and had large pos sessions the period the Cromwellian wars, when great deal
their property was confiscated, though they still hold consider
able estates the barony Lieney. the reigns Queen
colour, which, by the elision of the two last letters, which have no
sound, makes Dubhda, and might signify a dark-haired chief.
Taithleach was a favourite name amongst the chiefs of the
O'Dowds, and may be derived from Tath a ruler, and laech or
laoch a warrior; hence it may signify the ruling warrior. The
O'Dowds are descended from Fiachra Ealgach, son of Dathi,
monarch of Ireland above mentioned, and took their name from
Dubhda, one of their ancient chiefs. Several celebrated chiefs of
the O’Dowds are mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters,
in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries. At A. D. 981,
Aodh O'Dubhda or Hugh O'Dowd, who is styled lord of North
Connaught, died. By a typographical error in O'Connor's Rer.
Hib. Scrip. the name is translated O'Duffy instead of O'Dowd.
In the Annals at A. D. 1097, is recorded the death of Murchartach
O'Dowd, lord of Hy Amhalgaidh. Many valiant chiefs of the
O'Dowds are mentioned in these Annals down to the seventeenth
century; and they had large possessions in the county of Sligo
until the Cromwellian wars, when their estates were confiscated.
The O'Dowds were inaugurated as princes of Hy Fiachra or
North Connaught at Carn Amhalgaidh, near Killala, as above VI. O'Gadhra
stated. They appear from history to have been a valiant race; and many of them even down to modern times were remarkable for their great strength and stature: indeed, it may be observed
chief
REIGN OF EDWARD I. 99
after times lord
that most of the clans of Sligo and Mayo furnished many men of which latter district extended into part the barony Cos
great size and strength.
The following chiefs and clans of Hy Fiachra, and the territo
ries they possessed in the twelfth century in the present counties
tello Mayo. Cian, son
The O'Garas derived their descent from Teige, son Oilioll Ollum, being exactly the same stock
the O'Haras.
of Sligo and Mayo, have been collected from O'Dugan and other ancient chiefs. Some chiefs the O'Garas are mentioned the
authorities: I. O'Maolcluiche, or O'Mulclohy, chief of Cairbre, now the barony of Carbury, county of Sligo. Carbury derived name from Cairbre, one the sons King Niall the Hostages.
This name has been anglicised Stone, and there are still many the family Carbury. Mac Diarmada Mac Dermott, chief Tir Oiliolla, now the barony Tirerrill, Sligo, which
derived its name from Oilioll, one the sons Eochaidh Muigh meodhain, monarch Ireland. The Mac Dermotts were also
Annals early the beginning the eleventh century, amongst others, Roderick O'Gara, lord Luighne, who died 1056. Many other distinguished chiefs are mentioned the course the Annals; appears that they retained considerable rank and possessions the county Sligo down the seventeenth cen tury; and one them, Fergal O'Gara, lord
Coolavin, justly celebrated great patron particularly the O'Clerys and other authors
princes Moylurg, large territory which account will found
the county Roscommon, the note south Connaught.
Moy O'Gara and learned men, the Annals the Four Masters, the beautiful dedication which work may seen
They afterwards became chiefs
O'Garas, lords Coolavin, and have the present day estates
prefixed the First Number their patron Fergal O'Gara. mharain, given O’Dugan
this publication, addressed VII. O'Ciearnachain and O'Huath chiefs the territory Lieney.
Coolavin, successors the
Coolavin, and retain the title princes Coolavin, being the VIII. O’Muiredhaigh O'Murray, chief Ceara, now the only family the Milesian clans who have preserved their an barony Carra, Mayo. The O'Murrays were the race cient titles the present time. III. Mac Donchaidh, that Hy Fiachra, and were also chiefs the Lagan, district the
Mac Donogh, branch the Mac Dermotts, afterwards
chiefs Sligo.
northern part the barony Tyrawley Mayo. Several
the O'Murrays are mentioned the course the IX. O'Tighearnaigh O'Tierney, chief Carra. the O'Tierneys are mentioned lords Carra the
O'Gormog, also given chief Carra. XI. O’Maille O'Malley, chief Umhall, which O’Dugan states was divided into two territories. The name has been rendered sometimes into
Tirerrill and Coran, now the barony Corran Several chiefs the Mac Donaghs are mentioned the the Annals; and they were great patrons learned mentioned the subsequent part this article, the
chiefs Annals. Several Annals.
course
men,
account the Book Ballymote. O'Donchathaigh given
chief O’Dugan Corran, and also mentioned the poem Giolla Iosa More Mac Firbis, which styled O’Dun chadha the “learned men,” and stated that his territory
extended far the beauteous stream the salmons, which was meant the river Ballysadare. This name has been anglicised O’Donagh O'Donaghy. IV. O'Dobhalen
Lieney the county Sligo but Lieney anciently comprised thus designated O’Dugan:
O’Devlin, given another chief Corran; and some O'Reillys, Mac Dermotts and other chiefs, explained the chiefs the name are mentioned the course of the Annals. note Brefney. The O'Malleys were celebrated chiefs, and many O'Headhra O'Hara, chief Luighne, now the barony them are mentioned the course these Annals. They are
part the baronies Costello and Gallen Mayo. The O'Haras were descendedfrom Cormac Gaileng, son Teige, son Cian, son Oilioll Olum, king Munster the third century, the race Heber, and therefore the same stock the Dalcassians
Thomond, whom the O'Briens were kings. From this Cor mag Galleng, who lived the fourth century, the territory Galinga, now the barony Gallen Mayo, took name. The territory Luighne Lieney derived name from Luighne,
“Duine maith riamh raibhe, D'ibh Maille acht namharuidhe,
Faidhe sine sibhse, Dine baidhe braithirsi. ”
“A good man yet there never was,
Of the O'Malleys, who was not mariner, Of every weather are prophets,
tribe brotherly affection and friendship. ”
Anne and George the O'Haras were created barons Tyrawley
and Kilmain, Mayo, and some them were distinguished ge
nerals the British service. The O'Haras are thus designated
“Itigh Luighne nam-bladhal
O’Dugan.
Luighne
“The lords The men
laoch lann. ”
Lieney Lieney,
high fame; warlike swords. ”
O'Gara, given
Lieney, but
barony Coolavin the connty
styled lord Moy O'Gara, Coolavin, and also Sliabh Lugha,
O’Dugan
Cuil O'bh-finn, now the
They took their name from Gadhra, one their
Umalia and Hy Malia. This territory comprised the present baronies Murrisk and Burrishoole the county Mayo.
The O'Malleys are the Hy Briuin race, descendedfrom Bryan, king Connaught the fifth century, who was also the pro genitor the O'Connors, kings Connaught, the O'Rourkes,
Sligo, and sometimes
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100 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1294.
son of Gillcreest Mac Dermott, succeeded him in and Dearvail, daughter of Teige, son of Cathal
the lordship.
Donogh, Mac Consnamha, chief of Muintir
Kenny (in Leitrim); Durkan Mac Tiarnan, lord or chief of Tullaghonoho (in the county of Cavan);
Mac Dermott, died.
The castle of Sligo was demolished by Hugh, son of Owen O'Conor.
Rickard Burke, the Red Earl, was taken pri
The O'Malleys were valiant chiefs and particularly distinguished
in naval engagements,having a considerable fleet always under
their command. In the reign of Elizabeth, Grace O’Malley,
daughter of Mac William Burke, and wife of the chief O'Malley,
was a celebrated heroine, commandedher fleet in person, and per
formed many remarkable exploits against the English. Her parts of Sligo and Mayo, particularly when the O’Donnells, princes memory was long famous among the Irish, and celebrated in their
songs, and even to the present day is held in esteem under the designation of Graine ni Mhaille or Graine Wale. The head of this ancient family is sir Samuel O'Malley, and there are at the present day many respectable families of the O'Malleys in Mayo. XII. O’Talcharain, chief of Conmaicne Cuile, now the barony of Kilmain, county of Mayo.
of Tirconnell, extended their power into Sligo.