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When they proceeded short distance eastward
from Monaghan, they were met O'Neill’s people,
who were there oppose them, and uncourteous and unfriendly was the reception they got there,
for they (O'Neill's forces), began shoot, slay,
cut down, and destroy them, from the fourth hour before noon-day, the close the evening's light,
that was not easy relate enumerate that were slain the lord justice’s people, both officers and common soldiers, all they lost military horses, armour, and arms; and various sorts weapons, property, fine cloth, horses, and hampers provisions, every place through which they proceeded that day. They encamp
Strabane, and was interred straw, Tyrone).
Magennis, Hugh (lord
Ardsratha (Ard
county Down), the son Hugh, son
Oge, man who bore the greatest fame and re
nown any his lineage among the English and Irish Ireland, died piously.
Iveagh,
the Donal
the neighbourhood Newry, and companies came for them from Newry the following Corcabaiscin (barony Moyarta, Clare), man morning, and deficient and broken were their ranks
Torlogh, the son Bryan, son Donogh, son Donogh Bacach (Mac Mahon), lord western
great fame and renown throughout Ireland, ac cording his patrimony, for had only Triocha Ced (barony), died, and his son Teige Caoch assumed his place.
going that town, and they did not think, leaving Dublin, that they would sustain such overthrow Ulster; that flying battle was fought
Edmond-na-Sguab, the son Heads, son Rickard, son Tuagh, died.
Ulick Ulick
the Knock
the month May precisely. ” Captain Felli, agentleman
who had the controul and care lands, was treacherously slain in Caislean-an-Aircin.
the queen's people, the governor's
his own people
John, the son Tuathal, man great fame and renown
O'Gallagher, (of Donegal), namely,
among the English and Irish that time, died
O’Donnell collected his forces the month December, for the purpose marching into the province Connaught; the direction which
their march, and the fierce engagement,
flight Newry, leaving 600 men dead the field battle, and the loss the year, namely 1595, according Mac Geoghegan, who quotes O'Sul Irish was only 200. This battle was fought Kilclooney, near livan Beare, the lord deputy, sir William Russell, and general sir the Fews Mountains, about two miles southward Market Hill,
John Norris, led the English forces from Dundalk take posses Armagh. sion Armagh, but Hugh O'Neill, with Maguire, O'Kane, the
April.
of Kilclooney. —The engagement above mentioned
which the English forces were defeated with great slaughter, and their arms, ammunition, horses, &c. captured, took
the 25th
Battle the Annals,
O'Hanlons, and other chiefs, met them Irish forces having attacked them, they had which the English were defeated and put
place the borders Monaghan and Armagh, and the same
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English from his estate, and promised aid him his power; and moreover he, being
district Lusmagh King's county); they after
wards proceeded across the Shannon into Delvin
the prime life, was capable
enduring the trou which (O’Don chief was then
(barony Garrycastle, the territory lan, King's county), Fercall territory, King's county), and
Mac Cogh (O’Molloy’s their return
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
599
same war, except O’Madden alone, namely, Donal, the son John, and his son Anmcha. The sons Redmond-na-Scuab, the son Ulick Burke,
and those we have mentioned, proceeded
expedition, and they took and demolished Meelick O'Madden (in Galway), Tir-Athain, and the
most the castles the country, except the came his invitation, and having held con Longport (the fortress O'Madden, the barony sultation with his counsellors, determine which Longford, county Galway); they completely
them should appointed lord, the resolution plundered and spoiled Clonfert St. Brendan,
they finally came was, nominate Theobald and took the bishop the town (Stephen Kero Burke, the son Walter Ciotach, son John, van, Kirwan, bishop Clonfert), prisoner;
son Oliver, lord, because he was the first who along with those engaged there was Owen Duv, had gone him after had been expelled the the son Malachy Balv O’Madden, from the
proceeded was to Sligo, to Traigh Eothuile (west of Ballysadare, in Sligo), through Tireragh, and
across the river Moy into Tyrawley. The Clan William Burke were in contention with each other
about the lordship of the country, for each of them considered that he himself was entitled to it.
When O’Donnell arrived in the country, they
bles and hardship
nell), was engaged.
conferred him
the war The title
the presence the forces
back the banks the Shannon, two companies soldiers which were quartered Meath were
general, although there were others older and more
entitled the nomination than after the ap sent pursuit them, and notice warning
pointment Theobald, hostages and securities were having gone before them, they arrived, unnoticed given him by the other Burkes who were con and unperceived, until they surrounded the town
tention with him. O’Donnell remained with Mac
William during the Christmas that year, the barony Cill-Meadhain (Kilmaine, Mayo), and
the Brighs Clanmorris (hence Mac Muiris-na mBrigh, Mac Morris the Brighs). The lord justice Ireland, namely, William Russell,
which the plunderers were, that numbers them were slain, along with Anmcha, the son Malachy Modarda, son Malachy, son Breasal,
and Covthach Oge, the son Covthach O’Mad den; the sons Redmond Burke, with the most their people, escaped from that conflict. Thir
was that time Galway, and peace was pro teen the castles Connaught were demolished claimed for the space two months, without by O’Donnell that expedition; after O’Don
sureties pledges, between O’Donnell and the nell had crossed the Moy into Tireragh (in Sligo), Conacians, the one side, and the lord justice nominated Teige, the son Teige Riavach, the other hand, his leaving Galway. There son Owen, the O’Dowd, and O’Hara Riavach
was not county Connaught, except the county Clare alone, but all the inhabitants, great numbers them from each these counties, were
Lieney; Maurice Caoch, the son Teige Triubhas, the Mac Donogh Tirerrill; Roderick, the son Hugh Mac Donogh Corran, and Co
alliance and united with O'Donnell on that oc nor, the son Teige Mac Dermott, the Mac casion, from Drowis (Bundrowis, Leitrim), Dermott Moylurg; brought with him the Conmaicne Mara (Connamara, Galway), and hostages every country through which passed, from the Moy the Shannon; those were the sureties, and after having completed his expe O'Kellys, except Conor, the son Donogh Ria dition, returned back until crossed the river
Connaught, for the mostpart, Galway by the governor, sir
Erne.
the Caladh (in Galway), from Feardorcha, the son The hostages Kellach, son Donal, son Hugh-na-goail were confined
vach, son Teige Duv O’Kelly, for had taken
leach O’Kelly; and Feardorcha having attended Richard Bingham.
the meeting held by O’Donnell, was nominated became inebriated and excited, after drinking lord O’Donnell. The O'Maddens rose the wine, the first month harvest this year, and
happened time that these
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600 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
they contemplated among themselves to escape warlike man, benevolent and humane, brave the from the prison in which they were, and to fly, by conflict, successful attacks, pre-eminent for good stealth or force. Having determined on that re sense and council, peace and war, died the solution, they threw off their chains and fetters; 26th January, and his brother's son, namely, the gates of the town were open at that time, and Maolmuire, the son Murrogh Mall, assumed his
place.
persons general, for was the beginning O’Reilly John Roe, the son Hugh Con
night they passed out through the gate the town; allach, son Maolmora, son John, died;
it happened to have been the time of dinner for
and although had been ordained, according composition by authority the queen, some time
that period, that each the descen Maolmora O’Reilly should enjoy the his own territory, O’Neill, i. e. Hugh
Tyrone), the son Feardorcha, appointed and the others were turned back into the prison Philip, the son Hugh Conallach, the O'Reilly
from which they had escaped. When these infor over Brefney; but did not live long after mations reached the governor, sent written had been nominated lord, for was accidentally
the bridge was gained them, that they were obliged face the rough river before them, and
previous river that the fierce soldiers of the town had ar dants
was the same time they were getting out the
rived there, after they had crossed the bridge lordship
meet them; some them were killed the spot, (earl
order Galway hang, without respite, every
one who had attempted escape that occasion;
there were hanged command the governor the son Mac William Burke, namely, Edmond,
the son Richard the Iron the son O’Conor Roe, the son Teige Oge, son Teige Buighe,
son Cathal Roe; the son Mac David, namely,
Hoberd Buighe, son William, son Thomas;
Murrogh Oge, the son Murrogh the Battle
axes, son Teige O'Flaherty; Donal, the son
Roderick, son Teige O'Flaherty, and Myler, the Tipperary), and the Third Clonmell (barony
son Theobald, son Walter Fada (Burke).
A. D. 1596.
Mac Carthy More died, namely, Donal, the son Donal, son Cormac Ladhrach, son Teige;
and although was called Mac Carthy More, had been honourably created earl (earl Clancare, Cork), before that time, by command the
Iffa and Offa, Tipperary), died; was man benevolence and great bounty, and had the greatest collection poems any, for the most part, the Normans Ireland; and his son
Thomas succeeded his place.
Mac Geoghegan, namely Niall, the son Rossa,
son Conla, died.
Redmond Fitzgerald, lord Tuath Brothail
(Broghill Castle, near Charleville, the county sovereign England; left male heir after Cork, one the seats the Fitzgeralds
him, who would appointed his successor, and Desmond), was put death Cork, account only one daughter, who became the wife the son the crimes his rebellion against the English.
MacCarthy Riavach, namely, Fingin (Florence), When the lord justice and the council Ireland and were opinion that was heir that perceived the strength and power the Irish
Mac Carthy who died, namely Donal.
Mac Sweeney-na-dTuath (of the Districts,
against them, and that those whom they had brought under subjection themselves before that
Donegal), namely Owen Oge, the son Owen
Oge, son Owen, son Donal, affluent, boun
tiful man, who incurred neither reproach nor dis came was, send ambassadors O’Neill and
respect from the time assumed the goverment O’Donnell, sue for peace and truce from them. his territory the day his death, valiant, The persons chosen for negociating affairs between
killed before the space half quarter (six weeks), the people O’Neill, by whom had been inaugurated; and Edmond, the son Maolmora, the senior the two lords before mentioned, was
nominated the O’Reilly.
The son the earl Desmond died, namely, Thomas, the son James, son John, son
Thomas Drogheda.
Theobald, the son Pierce, son Edmond
Butler, lord Cathair-Duin-Iasgaidh (Cahir,
time were joining alliance with the forementioned Irish, opposition them, the resolution they
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 601
them were Thomas Butler, earl of Ormond, and he remained, and sent dispatches to O'Neill, infor the archbishop of Cashel, namely, Myler Magrath. ming him of the object of his arrival there; O’Neill
The earl of Ormond proceeded to Dundalk, where sent the same messages to O’Donnell, and O’Don
XII. Ancient Topography and Chiefs of Ulster &c. —In the various topographical annotations, in the course of these Annals, ac
counts have been given of the old territorial divisions, and of the possessions held by each of the Irish princes and chiefs; but an opportunity did not occur, until now, of giving in full O' Dugan's Topography of Ulster, which is now translated from the original Irish, as his topography of Meath, and Connaught, has been given in former numbers. The topography of O'Heerin on Leinster and Munster, has been also given in the course of these notes; and an account of these important works, the Topographies of O’Dugan and O'Heerin, has been given in the Introduction to these Annals. They contain an account of the territories possessed by each of the Irish princes, lords, and chiefs, in the 12th and 13th centuries, and are now for the first time translated from the Irish, and embodied in these notes; but a full translation of these valuable Topogra phies, accompanied with the necessary annotations, and the Irish original on one side, is in course of preparation, and will be pub lished in a separate work, as soon as prepared.
The Eugenians and tribes of Aileach. -O’Dugan thus commen ces his Topography of Ulster:
“Let us proceed to the chiefs of Uladh (Ulster),
From Tailtean of the valiant warriors,
From the Plain of Bregia, and forth from Meath, From the select tribes of Tenor.
“We must not stop till we arrive at Aileach,
To the race of Eogan of powerful arms;
The sway of greatness they uprightly obtained, The supreme nobility of Erin.
“This statement is not an idle saying,
Which has been handed down by historians; The torches of royal houses and of feasts, All were heroes up to Eogan. ”
The O'Neills and Mac Loghlins are thus designated by O’Dugan:
“Hui Niall rioghdha an ratha truim Agus Meg laomsgair Lachlaind Dual don maicne an mine
Da aicme na hairdrighe.
“The princely O'Neill, of great prosperity, And also the mighty Mac Loghlin; Hereditary it was to those warlike chiefs To be both heirs to the monarchy. ”
O'Dugan then proceeds to describe the other chiefs of the race of Eogan, and their territories:
“Ten Triochas, no mean portion belonged
To the ten sons of Eogan of the red weapons; Delightful to behold their possessions,
To them an undisputed inheritance.
“Of the Kinel Eogan, of mild countenance,
The prince of Kianaght is O'Cathain,
His forces are ready at every call;
Of the race of Teige, the son of Kian of Cashel, Is the tribe of abundant wealth and fame, O'Conor was at first their prince. ”
Aileach, above mentioned, was a celebrated fortress, in Donegal, and the chief residence of the ancient kings of Ulster, of the race of Hy Niall, and an account of it has been given at p. 438 in the notes. The Eugenians, or race of Eogan, also called Kinel Eogain, the head branch of the Northern Hy Niall, possessedthe territory of Tir-Eogain, which comprised the present counties of Tyrone and Derry, with a portion of Donegal, and accounts of the chiefs of the Eugenians, and their territories, have been given at pp. 49, 50, and
also at pp. 441,442, in these notes. The O'Neills, above mention
ed, were princes of Tir-Eogain, princes of Aileach, and kings of Ulster, and many of their ancestors also monarchs of Ireland. The Mac Loghlins, who are mentioned by O’Dugan and sometimes called O'Loghlins, were a branch of the O'Neills, as before ex plained, and became powerful chiefs, as princes of Aileach and kings of Ulster; and two of them were acknowledged as monarchs of Ireland in the 12th century. Many of their distinguished chiefs are recorded in these Annals in the 11th and I2th centuries, and they held their rank to the end of the 12th century, when they were put down by the O'Neills, who became princes of Tir Eogain, and held their rank and power down to the 17th century. There are still many respectable families of the Mac Loghlins in Ulster, and various other parts of Ireland. O'Cahan, or O'Kane, prince of Cianachta, above mentioned, ruled over the greater part of the present county of Derry, and the name of his chief territory is still preserved in the barony of Kenaght. The territory of the O'Kanes was also called Oireacht- Ui-Chathain, or O’Kane's Country; these powerful chiefs had also some possessions in An trim, and a further account of them will be found at p. 50, in the notes. Many distinguished and valiant chiefs of the O’Kanes are mentioned in the course of these Annals, and they held their rank and possessions down to the end of the reign of Elizabeth ; but in the reign of James their territory, like most the other parts
Ulster, was confiscated the project called the Plantation Ulster, and transferred British settlers, chiefly Company Londoners, who gave name the county London-Derry. There are still some respectable families the O'Kanes Ulster, and other parts Ireland. The O'Conors, mentioned O’Dugan the first possessors O'Kane's Country, were the descendants Teige the son Cian, Kian, son Oilioll Olum, king Mun ster Cashel, the third century, and from their ancestor Kian
the country was called Kianaghta. O'Dugan account the other chiefs Tir-Eogain:
“O’Dooyiarma exalted fame,
Chief Bredach, ancient nobility;
Their tribe has been high prosperity,
thus proceeds his
The most noble race that sprung from Eogan.
The chief who always cultivated peace,
Of the men of Bredach was the race of the monarchs.
“A strong chief rules over Tullaghoge, O'Hagan, the lord fair avenues;
The oak woods abound through every place,
also ruled another O'Hagan. “The O'Gormleys mighty deeds,
Numerous are their warriors the banquets; The fortress heroes comfortable and happy, They rule over the noble Kinel Moen.
“O'Fergal substantial aid,
The fair O'Donnellan fine figure;
Strongly established the soil
Are O'Donnagan and Mac Murrogh.
“Mac Dunchuan and the agreeable Mac Rory, Rule over the extensive Teallach Nainbith;
No others are heard over the inhabited plains, Or over the victorious Muintir Birn.
“The chiefs the exalted Kinel Eochy Are Muintir Kelly just judgments;
O'Kieran rules with might over Fearnmuigh, And also the strong tribe O'Tierney.
“The noble men Moy Ith,
Who have defended distant countries;
Their worthy acts are seen every church; They are O'Maolbreasail and O'Boyle;
They excel ships over all heroes, O'Quinn the brave, and O'Kenny.
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602 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
nell, with a large body of cavalry, having gone to Louth). The earl and the archbishop having come where O’Neill was, they both proceeded to Foch to them, they related to the chiefs the object which
aird Muirthemhne (Foghard, near Dundalk, in
“Kimel Binigh of the fair glens,
Chiefs who venerated the truth ; Kinel Binigh of Tuath Rois,
From which lasting fame has spread.
“Kinel Binigh, not accustomed to bondage, Of Loch-Drochaid of violent waves; Heroes who shared in every conflict, O'Donnell is their brave chieftain.
“Of one tribe are the O'Duvanys,
What poet has not truly heard of them * Their commands are promptly executed,
Of those are O'Hamill and O'Etigen.
“Three tribes in the eastern territory, They are Tealach-Cathalain of clerics, Also the delightful Tealach-Braonan,
In their praise the verse runs smoothly.
“Teallach Dubhrailbe of prosperity, Their noble conduct is hereditary; The Fir-Li flourish in that place: Those are the three tribes.
“Over the powerful Kinel-Tiarnaigh, O'Maolfogharty I record;
Great is their knowledge and prosperity, Of those are O'Hosey and O'Eogan.
had brought them, viz. , that it was to treat for peace
and were Brehons to the O'Neills, princes of Tyrone. The O'Gorm leys were anciently chiefs of note, in the barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal, and are often mentioned in the course of the Annals. The Mac Caghwells, above-mentioned by O'Dugan, were lords of Kinel Feradaigh, in the barony of Omagh, in Tyrone, and held Ardstraw and other districts. They were powerful chiefs, and many of them are mentioned in the course of these Annals, but in modern times there are few families of them of any note; some of them have changed the name to Campbell, and others to Caulfield, and are to be found in Tyrone, Monaghan, Armagh, and Louth. The various chiefs above mentioned by O’Dugan were located in different parts of Tyrone, Derry, and Donegal, and an account of the territories possessed by each has been given at p. 50, in the note on Tir-Eogain.
The Orgiellians, or tribes of Orgiall. —An account of the an cient territory of Orgiall, which comprised the present counties of Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, has been given at p. 2, in the note on Orgiall, but ancient Orgiall appears to have been of greater ex tent, and to have comprised some of the southern part of Tyrone, in the barony of Clogher, bordering on Monaghan, and also the greater part of Fermanagh, and, under the head Orgiall, O' Dugan describes the chiefs of all those territories, and also some in Dala radia, or the southern part of the present county of Antrim, as some of the Orgiellians, or race of Clan Colla, possessed parts of
those territories. An account the chiefs and clans orgiall,
“The Clan Fergus of warriors,
By the records we know their chiefs;
Victorious are they on every hill,
They are Clan Cuanach and Clan Baothgulach. “Over the lasting Carraic Brachaidhe,
Over Clan Forgusa of the red arms,
Ruled O'Bruadair and O'Maolfabhail;
They extended on both sides to the waves, As far as O'Hagan on this side, Maintaining a tribe of the people.
“Proclaim for Siol-Aodha-Eanaigh,
Their chieftains ruling over their tribes,
For them the poem is not dull or scanty,
They are O'Murrogh and O'Mellan. “Kinel Fearadaigh of the Banquets,
Their pedigree has been always noble; O'Fiachra ruled the strong southern half, I do not fear his courage in the conflict.
“The Siol Airnin rule on the northern side,
And the Siol Maolfabhail of red weapons,
A clan who got their property not unlawfully by arms,
And the Clan Caghwell of battles.
“Two tribes in the east excelling all forces In the exalted Kinel Fearadaigh ;
The tribe of Maolgeimry of honesty,
And the fair and active tribe of Maolpatrick.
“We cease to treat of the hospitable clans,
We end with the tribes of Fearadach,
We follow the course of all historians,
And proceed from the exalted race of Eogan. ”
The tribe of O'Dooyiarma, or O’Duibhdiorma, above-mentioned, were chiefs of note in former times, and possessed the territory of Bredach, near Lough Foyle, in Donegal, as mentioned at p. 50. Some of them are mentioned in the Annals at an early period, but they make no figure in after times; they anglicised the name O'Dermott or MacDermott, but they were a different clan from the Mac Dermotts of Roscolumon. The O'Hagans mentioned by O’Du gan were chiefs of Tullaghogein Tyrone, in the barony of Dungannon,
our journey, the nobles,
the Orgiellians, hostages.
them, hasbeengiven thesenotes,and further account the Orgiellians has been given 417. An account the chiefs and clans Fermanagh, who were mostly Orgiellians, has been given
pp. 78, 79, the notes Fermanagh. The Hy Manians Connaught were also branch the Orgiellians, the race Clan Colla, and came originally from Ulster; their head chiefs were the O'Kellys, princes Hy Maine, Galway and Roscom mon. An account the O'Kellys, O'Maddens, O'Mulallys, O'Neaghtans, O'Nortons, Mac Egans, and other chiefs the Hy Manians, has been given the notes South Connaught. O'Dugan thus proceeds describe the chiefs and clans the Or giellians, and their territories:
“Let hasten onwards
Let leave the country And not stop till we come Men who were not fettered
the race Clan Colla, and the territories possessed
“O'Carroll and O’Duibdara,
Exalted princes, free from massacre,
Men who maintained all clerics,
Ruled over the Orgiellians without reproach. ”
Dugan thus designates Mac Mahon and Maguire, princes
Orgiall,
the following verses, which the translation added:
“Ardriogha n-ionadh sin
Meg Mathghamhna Maguidhir Maith uaibhsi amiocht riaghlaibh Sliocht uaisle d'Oirgiallaibh. ”
“Mag Uidhir ceann gcath Air Fearaibh morda Monach, Maith thoirbearta ga thigh Flaith oirdhearca n-einigh. ”
“The high princes that country Are Mac Mahon and Maguire;
well for those who are under their rule, They are the most noble tribe the Orgiellians.
“Maguire leader their battalions,
He rules over the mighty men Monach At home munificent presents,
The noblest lord hospitality. ”
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 603
they were sent, and they related the terms which them, except the tract of country from Dundalk the lord justice proposed, which were the confir to the Boyne, which was inhabited by the English
mation of the province of Concovar (Ulster), to
The O'Carrolls, princes of Orgiall, ruled chiefly over the territory now forming the county of Louth, with parts of Monaghan and Armagh, and the Mac Mahons, afterwards princes of Orgiall, and lords of Monaghan, Dartry, and Farney, ruled over the territory which forms the present county of Monaghan, with part of Louth, and were lords of Lurgan in that county. Many distinguished chiefs of the O'Carrolls and Mac Mallons are mentioned in these Annals, and in the annotations. It appears that, soon after the English invasion, the O'Carrolls were put down by John de Courcy and his Anglo-Norman followers, as the de Verdons, de Gernons, Clintons, Flemings, Taaffes, Peppards, &c. , who took possessionof Oriel or Louth, which constituted part of the English Pale. The O'Carrolls afterwards make no figure in Irish history, but the Mac Mahons maintained their independence for many centuries, with great valour, amidst incessant war with the English of the Pale; and copious accounts are given, in the course of these Annals, and in the notes, of the battles of the Mac Mahons with the British settlers for more than 300 years. Down to the reign of James and even the Cromwellian wars, the Mac Mahons had consider able possessions and power Monaghan, and some interesting accounts of them will be found the Tracts of sir John Davis. The last celebrated chief Monaghan was Hugh Mac Mahon, who actively co-operated with sir Felim O'Neill the great insurrection 1641, and having, conjunction with Conor Maguire, baron Enniskillen, attempted, 1641, seize the castle Dublin, the plot was discovered one Owen O'Connolly, and Maguire and Mac Mahon, being made prisoners, were sent the Tower London, and 1644 both tried and beheaded Tyburn. The Mac Ma hons are still very numerous Monaghan, and there are some respectable families then that county. There were, for mer times, many eminent ecclesiastics the name, and three them were archbishops Armagh the 18th century, whom accounts are given Stewart's Armagh. The Mac Mahons Monaghan, before stated, were the race Clan Colla, and
different descent from the Mac Mahons Clare, chiefs Tho
for a long period before that time ; and along with
“Lord the smooth Machaire Meadhaidh, O'Criodain rules over tribes;
O'Haodha over another clan,
He governs the men Fearnmoighe.
“O’Keevan, leader the battalion,
Lord Magh Leamhna, high prosperity; Noble the warrior goblets, O'Machoiden lord of Mourne”
The O'Flynns above-mentioned, were princes
ancient territory Dalaradia, which lay along Lough Neagh the southern part Antrim, and described the notes 20. The O'Flynns were distinguished chiefs, and are often mentioned
the Annals the 12th century, and they fought with great valour many battles against John Courcy and the Anglo-Nor mans, recorded the Annals, and the notes on Ulster. The
O'Donnellans were chiefs the same territory O'Flynn. The O'Hercs, Ercks; the O'Criodans, Creedans, and O'Haodha,
the 11th and 12th centuries, before the Maguires, and them are recorded the Annals; but after times they figure, and appear have becomeextinct (see notes on Fermanagh, 79). O'Dugan thus proceeds with the other chiefs
some make
Orgiall:
“To lordship entitled right,
O'Lairgnen, full prince Orgiall;
Nothing can claimed without strong warlike power,
The O'Boylans were the head chiefs Dartry,
the barony Lurg, and several the O’Tullys are mentioned
By O'Flaithri the high prince The name O'Lairgnen has beenanglicised
Ulidia. ”
O'Largan, and O'Flaith
abbots and Erenachs Devenish, doons, lords Lurg, were chiefs note
Fermanagh. The O'Mul ancient times.
ri,
O'Florry, and both these appear some part Orgiall ancient times.
have been chiefs
note
“Princes Hy Tuirtre great victories,
They are O'Flynn and O'Donnellan;
O'Heirc rules over Hy Fiachra Finn,
Who never flinched from battle conflict.
“Mac Tiarnan, the flourishing chief,
Rules over the intelligent Clan Fergall; The fair Tuath Ratha, free from conflicts,
entirely ruled by O'Flanagan.
Hy Tuirtre,
mond, who were the race the Dalcassians. Spenser, View Ireland, has absurdly asserted that the Mac Mahons Monaghan were English descent, and the ancient family
his
the territories possessed all these chiefs given 20 the notes:
“Two exalted lords ruled over Oirtheara,
They are O'Hir and O’Hanlon
O’Cosgraigh chief the plain Feara Rois;
They are victorious every battle.
“Lord O'Meth Macha, undisputed,
O'Hanratty the great preys,
scion who ruled over strong tribe; Mac Donnell governed Clan Kelly. ”
The O'Hanlons were lords the territory which now forms the baronies Orior, Armagh, and many them are mentioned the course these Annals; they were powerful and valiant chiefs, and held the office hereditary standard-bearers the kings Ulster. The O'Cosgreys, sometimes called Mac Cuskers, Mac Oscars, and others changed Cosgraves, were chiefs part
Farney Monaghan, and some adjoining parts Louth,
shown the notes. QThe O'Hanratty's were chiefs note Armagh, and held the territory O'Meth Macha, some
times called O'Meath, and part forms the district called Meigh, the parish Killevey, and barony Orior, near New ry, and along Slievegullion mountain. ) Mac Donnell, mentioned
Fitz-Urse, Fitz-Ursula, and he also states that the Mac Swee neys Donegal were English extraction, being branch the
de Veres, earls Oxford, and that the Mac Sheehys Munster were English descent. Spenser likewise states that the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes Wicklow were British descent, but all these assertions are utterly absurd, and fully contradicted all the accounts these Milesian clans given by the Irish genealogists and historians. The Maguires, princes Fermanagh, make re markable figure Irish history, and many distinguished chiefs them are mentioned the course these Annals, amongst others, the valiant Hugh Maguire, commander note the war against Elizabeth, conjunction with O'Neill and O'Donnell. The O'Dubhdaras, above-mentioned O’Dugan, were princes Fer managh,
chief Clan Kelly, appears have been located the adjoining barony Iveagh, Down.
“The blue-eyed host fair hands, The red-lipped O'Boylans;
Chiefs the excellent steeds, The intrepid lords Dartry.
“Hy Laoghaire, Lough Lir,
The Muinter Taithligh were their chiefs;
The powerful Muinter Maolduin Lurg, Deep were their wounds combat. ”
Monaghan. The O’Tullys, Mac Tullys, were chiefs Lough Lir, which appears have been district Fermanagh, near Lough Erne,
that O'Hugh, O'Hea, were chiefs situated the barony Iveagh, county probably O'Macken, was chief Mourne
Fernmoy, which was Down. O'Machoidhen,
Down. An account
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604 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
that they promised, that the English should not ford, and in Newry, who were always permitted to encroach on them beyond that boundary, except carry on commerce and traffic; that no officers or the English who were in Carrickfergus, in Carling collectors of rents or tributes should be sent to
“Muintir Peodachain of the Port,
Chiefs of the noblest offspring; Melodious men of the level plain,
I record the prosperous Mac Gilfinnen. ”
“Over the valorous Hy Mac Carthain, Rule noble majestic chiefs,
Most of their ancestors were princes, They are O'Colgan and O'Connell.
“The high princes of those territories Are the Mac Mahons of nobility, Good are their laws and regulations,
The most noble tribe in Orgiall.
“Their most exalted achievements we have proclaimed, Eastward into Ulidia let us proceed,
It is agreeable for us to part in friendship,
We must not therefore remain in Orgiall. ”
The O'Garveys, above mentioned in the poem, were chiefs of note in ancient times, and an account of them is given at the latter end of O'Brien's Irish Dictionary; they were located on Hy Breasail Macha, or Clan Breasail, which comprised the baronies of O'Neil land in Armagh, and some of them also had possessions in Iveagh, in the county of Down. O'Lorcan or O' Larkin, and O'Heaney, were also chiefs in Hy Breasail. The O'Donnells and O'Rogans, or Rodaghans, were chiefs in Iveagh, in the county of Down. The O'Loghnans were chiefs in Mourne, in the county of Down, andthe O'Hanveys were chiefs about the same territory. The O'Cormacs, O'Colgans, and O'Connells, are given as chiefs in Hy Mac Car thain. The Mac Mahons are stated by O’Dugan to have ruled over those chiefs and territories, above-mentioned, princes Orgiall; these were the Mac Mahons Monaghan, whom account has been given the preceding part this article.
The Tribes Creeve Roe and Ulidia. -O’Dugan thus proceeds
describe the chiefs the territories Craobh Ruadh, and Uladh. The term Craobh lèuadh, signifying the Red Branch, was applied the ancient territory originally possessed thefirst
century the celebrated champions called the Red Branch Knights Ulster, and comprised the districts about Emania, which was situated near Armagh. From the ancient kings Emania,
the Irian race, were descendedthe kings Uladh Ulidia, now the county Down, and the following princes and chiefs, descri
bed by O’Dugan, were their descendants:
“Let proclaim the renown Creeve Roe, The high kings Ulidia we shall enumerate;
The heads established hospitality, Are O'Dunlevy and O'Heoghy.
“Of their nobles are the men fierce combats, They are O'Aidith and O'Eochagan;
Great are the acquirements by preys,
Of the O'Lawreys and O'Lawlors.
“O'Loinsy haughty champions, the
And O'Mordha the red helmets;
Let visit their territories,
And ceasefrom treating the princes; Hereditary their chiefs are the possessions; Of their nobles O'Mahon.
“The chiefs Hy Eachach Coba,
Powerful are their ancient tribes;
Delightful are their meetings every country,
To entertain the active O'Garvey. “O'Hanvey high prince there,
He has not been neglected, nor shall we neglect him; His prosperity and power have not beenretarded,
Proud leading the battle.
Chief over the noble Clan Aodh
the exalted and agreeable Magennis;
They settled the fertile hill, They took poesession all Ulidia.
Fergal,
have been either in Clanawley or Magheraboy, in Fermanagh.
The Mac Tiernans were chiefs of Clan
which
appears
to
The O'Flanagans, lords of Tura, ruled over the territory which now forms the barony of Magheraboy, in Fermanagh, and a fur
ther account of them will be found at p. 79, in the notes; they were distinguished chiefs, and many of them are mentioned in the course of the Annals. The Mac Gilfinnens were lords of Muintir Peoda
chain, in the north of Fermanagh, and on the borders of Donegal, and the name of the district is still preserved in the town and river of Pettigoe.
The Mac Gilfinnens were distinguished chiefs, and
many of them are recorded in the course of the Annals, as military commanders and admirals of Lough Erne, under the O'Donnells of Donegal. A further account of them is given at p. 79, in the notes; in modern times some of them have changed the name to Finnan, and others to Leonard.
“It is proper to speak of and record them, The valiant chiefs O'Connollys;
The handsome tribe, like lions in combat, Are the majestic Mac Gilmichaels.
“The prosperous O'Mulrooneys,
And O'Heaneys of great renown, They are two lords who rule
Over the fertile slopes of Monach.
“Lord of Triucha Ceud Cladaigh
Is Mac Kenna, as you have heard recorded, A tree, though it bends, is strong,
He is from Meath, though now in Orgiall. ”
The O'Mulrooneys and O'Heaneys were chiefs of note in Ferma magh, and appear to have been located on the borders of Monaghan; Some of the O'Mulrooneys have changed the name to Rooney.
The Mac Kennas were chiefs of Truagh, in Monaghan, and came originally from Meath.
“O'Cormac is valorous with his clan,
He rules over the warlike Hy Mac Carthan, Over the exalted Hy Breasail Macha
Rules O'Garvey, the valiant chieftain.
“O’Longan and O'Duvany,
O'Conor of the well-formed figure,
They all rule over western Hy Breasail, By whom every nobleman is entertained.
“Over the exalted eastern Hy Breasail,
Rules the brave O’Lorcan, free from sorrow, Like trees they protect every mansion; O'Heaney rules over Clan Kearney.
“The O'Donnells, men of extensive possessions, And the prosperous O'Rogans;
They were courageous in battle,
Two noble tribes of Iveagh.
“The tribe of Duibhtire rule over the country, Over the well-formed Clan Daimhin ; O'Mulcreeve, I relate to you,
Rules the dark-haired majestic Clan Sionaigh.
“O'Lachtnan rules over the lesser Mourne, Whose sway is not diminished;
O'Hanvey, whose course is prosperous,
Is lord over the profitable Hy Seanain.
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 605
them, but to transmit to Dublin the rent which had them for that purpose, and that the same terms been formerly imposed on their ancestors ; that should be extended to the Irish who were in alli
no hostages or sureties would be demanded from ance with O’Donnell in the province of Connaught.
“To Mac Cartan by charter belongs The intelligent Kinel Fogartaigh,
Champions who have been liberal to clerics,
The treasurers of hospitality are they. “O’Duvany above all tribes,
Over the exalted Kinel Amalgaidh;
O'Morna of the tribe of victory,
The leaders of Ulidia of high-tempered weapons.
“Mac Dullaghan of the hosts
Rules over the yellow-haired Clan Breasal; The O'Coltarans, adjoining the fortress, Are dwellers in Dal-Cuirb.
“In the north-east have been collected, The stock of the nobility in Ulster;
Brave men by whom tribes are supported, The head source of hospitality in Erin.
“The sway of heroism of Leath Cuinn, The champions of triumph and combat,
Numerous are the farmers on their hills;
They are the Ulidians and Erneans.
“It is difficult to depart from Emania,
From the exalted Creeve Roe of long weapons;
And though bound to go to the land of the west,
My inclination would lead me to retard my progress.
“Let us proceed from Boirche of the pointed hills, And from Cuailgne, the country of glens;
From Moyrath of the fatal conflict,
To the port of the heroes of O'Labradha.
“From Dun-da-Leathglas of the mantles (Downpatrick), Which is the chief cemetery of Erin;
On trying there I could not discover
The earth of which town enclosed Colum (St. Columkille).
“In the same tomb was buried
Bridget, the victory of heroines,
Where all sway has been conferred on them; Patrick lies at Macha, in the great tomb.
“The victory of Erin belongs to the Ultonians, With the host of chariots of fair form ;
Through their valour they have gained conquest; The noblest of Erin are the Eugenians.
“The head of Ireland is the great Armagh,
But not in reference to the noblenessof its chiefs; Men profoundly learned are there,
Without disparagement to the three let us proceed. ”
An account of the territories called Ulidia and Dalaradia, which
comprised the present county of Down and part of Antrim, with
their chiefs and clans, has been given at pp. 20, 21, in these notes,
and a further account of the Ulidians, Dalaradians, Irians, and
other tribes who possessed those territories, has been given from
p. 415 to 417, in the notes on Ulster. The O’Dunlevys above
article, in the note on Orgiall. The Magennisses mentioned by
O'Dugan became the head chiefs of the Irian race, and representa tives of the ancient kings of Ulidia; they were styled princes and
lords of Iveagh, and some of them were created viscounts of Iveagh; they possessed the baronies of Iveagh and Lecale, with part of
Mourne, in the county of Down, and a further account of them is given at p. 20 in the notes. Many distinguished chiefs of the Ma gennises are mentioned in the course of these Annals, and there are several respectable families of the name in modern times in Ulster and other parts of Ireland. The O'Loinsys, or O'Lynches; O'Lawreys, or O'Lowrys; O'Heoghys, or O'Hoeys; Mac Cartans, O'Hanveys, O'Duvanys, O'Mahons, O'Moores, O'Lawlors, O'Logh nans, O'Larkans, O'Colgans, O'Connells, O'Heaneys, O'Coltrans, or O'Coulters, &c. , above-mentioned by O’Dugan, were all chiefs of note in ancient times in Ulidia, and part of Orgiall, and were lo cated in the county of Down, and some adjoining parts of Antrim, Armagh, and Louth, and an account of the territories possessedby them has been given in the notes on Dalaradia, Ulidia, and Orgiall. These chiefs appear to have been mostly all put down by John de Courcy and his Anglo-Normans, for in subsequent times few of them make any figure, and many of them were expelled to other parts of Ireland. The ancestors of the O'Mordhas, O'Morras, or O'Moores, of the Irian race in Ulidia in very remote times, settled in Leinster, and were very distinguished chiefs as princes of Leix, now part of the Queen's county and Kildare, and an account of them has been given in the notes on Leix. The O'Lawlors from Ulidia also settled in Leix in ancient times.
O'Dugan above refers to the circumstance of St. Columkille and St. Bridget being buried at Downpatrick, and says that St. Patrick was buried at Macha, or Armagh, but the old ecclesiastical histo rians state that SS. Patrick, Bridget, and Columkille were buried at Downpatrick; it however, stated others, that the relics St. Patrick were removed Armagh, which may above alluded
by O’Dugan.
Tirconnell and the Connallians. —An account the territory Tirconnell Donegal, with its chiefs and clans, has been given pp. 51, 52, the notes, and further account the Connal
lians has been given pp. 441, 442, the notes on Ulster. O'Dugan thus commences the topography Tirconnell:
“Our progress journey prosperity,
Let leave the valiant host great Macha,
Let not refuse good prosperity that people,
Let proceed into Kinel Conaill.
“Let them come, prosperous journey, Rugged the land that race,
To meet the Cataract Hugh
the interest that people agreeable aspect.
“The O'Maoldoras, were they living, Would come (but they will not come),
mentioned by O'Dugan, and their ancestors of the Irian race of nannans, were the ancient princes Tirconnell before the
kings in Ulster, were in ancient times kings and princes of Ulidia, and the chief rulers of that territory. Many of them are men
tioned in the Annals in the 11th and 12th centuries, but after that
period they make no figure in Irish history, being subdued by
John de Courcy and his Anglo-Norman followers, the Savadges, were powerful princes those times, and ruled over Tirconnell Mandevilles, Audleys, Coplands, Russells, Whites, &c. , who took
possessionof the greater part of Ulidia, or county of Down. There
are in modern times very few families of any note of the O’Dunlevys
in Ireland. The O'Garveys above-mentioned by O'Dugan, were
anciently chiefs of note, but they make no figure in modern times;
they had extensive possessions in Down and Armagh, and an ac name O'Muldory, O'Muldarry, and the O'Canannans scat count of them has been given in the preceding part of the present tered parts Ulster and Meath, but all extremely obscure.
Without delay, To meet us, and
slow assembly,
would the O'Canannans. ”
Ballyshannon called Easroe. The O'Maoldoras, O'Muldorys, and O'Can
The Cataract Hugh
the great waterfall
O'Donnells, and the same descent that great family who were the head chiefs the race the Connallians, Many valiant chiefs of the O'Maoldoras and O'Canannans are men
tioned these Annals the 11th and 12th centuries; they
and some parts the adjoining territories, but, the latter end the 12th century, they were put down by the O'Donnells, and afterwards make figure Irish history; and O'Dugan,
the above verses, alludes their having become obscure, and their power extinct his time; modern times there are few the
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606 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
O'Neill and O’Donnell, and the chiefs ofthe pro them, and they, and the chiefs
general, having the treachery
the English since
vince who were along with them, then held coun concerning those terms which were conveyed
considered for long time which had been committed
The Clann Dalaigh are thus designated
“Tiocfa siad budh teand d-triath Clanna Dalaigh n-doinn sgiath
Leo go coimhcheart gan chrionadh Oidhreacht h-airdrioghaibh. ”
Dugan
“The host Catharnaidh, who are not deceitful, Are over Ard Miod hair the fertile slopes;
An account which has been truly established Has assigned O'Dogherty.
“To the power Mac Gillesamhais belong Ros Guill and Ros Iorguill, record,
host without deception falsehood; O'Furaran rules over Fionn-Rus.
“Two other chiefs are certified you, Rule over the victorious Tuath-Bladhaigh, Of those O'Cearnach, recorded,
And his prosperity have certified.
“Of those are the princely host thriving folds, Muintir Dalaclan the bountiful presents;
shall relate proper verses you, Their mainesand their territories.
“Tir-Mac-Caorthaim the preys and slaughters possessed the cheerful tribe O'Mulligan;
To mention them my poem our decision,
There was time when would not have been regretful.
“Tir Breasail, the country produce,
Two tribes are its full possession;
Numerously established are they their country, They are O'Donnagan and Mac Garvey.
“These will come, powerful are their lords,
The Clanna Dalaigh the brown shields; To them belongs, undecayed sway,
The inheritance from the high kings. ”
The Clan Dalaigh, above mentioned, means the O'Donnells, that being their tribe-name, taken from Dalach, celebrated chief, one their ancestors the tenth century; but they afterwards took
the name O’Donnell, from Donal, another their celebrated chief tains the tenth century. The O'Daly's Connaught were
the same descent the O'Donnells, and kept the ancient tribe name Clanna Dalaigh. The O'Donnells, princes Tirconnel,
whom copious accounts are given the course these Annals, were very distinguished chieftains, and many them were eminent
for great abilities and valour. The O’Neills and O'Donnells, head chiefs the northern Hy Niall, and rulers Ulster, make con spicuous figure the history Ireland, and were far the most
illustrious the Irish princes; they always kept up more nume rous and better disciplined forces than any others the Irish chiefs, and, from the 12th the 17th century, for period more than 400 years, they maintained their power and independence amidst incessant warfare with the English the Pale, and were ultimately subdued only very powerful armies sent from England the war Elizabeth. Ample accounts are given the Annals the many battles fought during this war the northern Irish, under their heroic leaders, Hugh O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell. Even down the middle the 17th century, the O'Neills make remarkable figure Irish history, thegreat insurrection 1641, and the Cromwellian wars, Felim, and the celebrated Owen Roe O'Neill, being the chief commanders the northern Irish those wars. After the war Elizabeth, the project called the Plantation Ulster was carried into effect, the reign James
which the entire lands six counties Ulster, namely, Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, were confiscated, and the ancient territories the O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Reillys,
wound-giving Muintir-Maolgaoithe, [fortable.
Maguires, and other chiefs, were transferred settlers.
O'Dugan thus proceeds with the topography
“Clan Cinnfaeladh the white steeds, And delightful Tir-Ainmireach
Their troops are valiant seen, And also the warlike Tir-Baghuine.
colonies British Tirconnell:
tribe distinguished spearsmen, O'Maolgaoithe their lawful chief.
Mac Tiernan of the fair countenance
Rules over the steady Clan Feargal
Many prosperous clerics have sprung from the tribe;
Let depart from Kinel Connell.
“The victory and valour the clans Niall, Are carried battle-sway Tirconnell;
host not slow entertain me there, Although from Tirconnell we must depart. ”
“This the portion the proud host,
The country O'Boyle the rosy complexion;
The resident tribe, who are numerous there, They have large portion the land.
“O'Maolmaghna rules over Magh Seireadh,
To learned men proved intelligent;
O'Hugh governs the prosperous cataract,
He active the conflict every great force.
“To O'Tairceirt powerful heroes Belongs the purely fair Clana Neachtain; Mac Duvan, extensively known,
Rules over Kinel Enda bright arms.
North and opportunity did not oc.
streams, Which belongs the affluent Mac Loingseachan;
“Airdrigh Brefne buan smacht O’Ruairc dan-dual cios Chonacht Uirrigh don gnaoi sin nach gann Is thadisich na thimcheall.
“Gleann Finne, free the enclosure
Powerful with his spears every conflict O’Breislen the hospitable Fanad.
“The
By whom the country the foreigners has beenmadecom
An account has been given 52, the note
Tirconnell, the territories possessed each the chiefs and clans above
mentioned O'Drigan, and they were all located the county Donegal.
The Brefnians, Tribes Brefney. —O’Dugan
various parts
proceeds them,with
describe the territories Connaught, and their princes and chiefs, has been given South Connaught, and Brefney, but cur until now giving O’Dugan's poem Brefney.
“From Siol Murray mirthfulness Let proceed into the country
account the notes
To the host Brefney time, though slow
Sen-Feargal, keen knowledge;
O'Dugan, was Roscommon,from which proceeded Brefney, and thus designates O'Rourke
Siol Murray, above-mentioned
and O'Reilly, the princes Country Sean-Feargal,
that territory, which calls the being named from Sean-Feargal,
princes Brefney
one
the ancient kings
our progress. ”
the chiefs and clans
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O'Dugan thus designates the chiefs MacTiernan
“Mac Tigearmain an trean firear Fosgadh fior na bhfiaithfheneadh Ceandach na celiar saccara
Air Tueallach ndian n Dunchadha.
“Mac Samhradhain snaidhm go neart Air Theallach Eachaidh oirdheirc. ”
“Mac Tiernan the valiant man,
. The true protector of warlike chieftains,
The patron of clerics, and their friend, Rules over the powerful Tullaghonoho.
“Mac Gauran, the mainstay of strength, Rules over the noble Tullaghaw;
A country sheltered from the wind,
Mac Consnamha rules over clan Kenny.
and Mac Gauran:
O'Dugan proceeds describe other chiefs Brefney, amongst
whom he places the O'Ferralls and O'Quinns, Longford,
appears that some the northern and western parts Longford, called Conmaicne, belonged Brefney ancient times.
“Let proceed—may prosperous journey, On visit the Clan Fergus,
Towards the other valia tribe, To the prosperous Clan Rory.
“Muintir Giollagain the preys,
O'Quinn their lord and chief;
Mac Maoiliosa the fair countenance,
His rents are from Magh Breacraidhe
Mac Fionnvarr, pure his prosperity,
Ruling over the intelligent Miuintir Gearadhan. ”
The Mac Rannalls are thus mentioned by O'Dugan:
ofu
*W, both in the county of Cavan; Mac Consnamha, a name
are mentioned the course
prised the present baronies
the county Leitrim. The Mac Rannalls were the same race
possessed the territory which now forms the barony
Leitrim, Mohill, and Carrigallen, the O'Ferrals, lords Annally Longford, namely the Clan
aghonoho, and Mac Gauran possessed the barony of Tul
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 607
their arrival in Ireland, by their false promises to
them, which they had never fulfilled towards them; the numbers of their high-born princes, nobles,
“Rioghthaoisiuch na ruathar n-garbh O'Raghallaigh na ruadh arm
Do cluintear aoibha orgha
Os Muintir Maoil min Mhordha. ”
“The high-prince of Brefney, of lasting sway,
Is O'Rourke, to whom the tribute of Connaught belonged : His attendant lords are not few,
And he is surrounded by his chieftains.
“Head chief of the fierce conflicts
Is O'Reilly of the red weapons; His courteous commands are heard Over the mild Muintir Maolmora. ”
An account has been given, from p. 75 to 77, of the O'Rourkes and
O'Reillys, princes of Brefney, who were a branch of the Hy Briui
nians of Connaught, as explained at p. 442 in these notes. The
ancient territory of Brefney, which comprised the present counties
of Cavan and Leitrim, was originally part of Connaught, but Cavan
was added to Ulster, as before explained. Brefney was divided
into two principalities, namely, West Brefney, or Leitrim, which
was called Brefney O'Rourke, and East Brefney, or Cavan, called
Brefney O'Reilly. The O'Rourkes and O'Reillys, princes of both
Brefneys, were of the same descent, being two branches from one
of the ancient kings of Connaught, their ancestor being Aodh
Fionn, or Hugh the Fair, a king of Connaught in the 7th century,
of the race of Hy Briuin. The O'Rourkes were in ancient times
very powerful princes, and two or three of then are mentioned in
the Annals as kings of Connaught in the 10th century. The many then are mentioned the course these Annals. The O'Reillys took the tribe-name of Muintir Maolmordha, signifying
the people of Maolinora, from one of their celebrated chiefs so called in the 12th century; the name Maolmora signifies a majes tic chief, and it has beenlatinised Milesius, and anglicised Miles; it was a favourite name amongst the O'Reillys, and borne hy many of their chiefs. The O'Rourkes and O'Reilly's make a remarkable figure from the 12th to the 17th century, and many of their cele brated chiefs are recorded throughout these Annals, distinguished
for their valour during their contests, for nearly 500 years, with the Anglo-Normans and English of the Pule, but after the wars of Elizabeth and Cromwell their extensive territories were confis cated, and transferred to British settlers. There are still several respectablefamilies of the O'Rourkes in different parts of Ireland. The O'Reillys are extremely numerous, and it is estimated that there are about twenty thousand persons of the name in the county of Cavan, and many also in Meath, Longford, and Leitrim ; there are many highly respectable families of the O'Reillys in the coun ties of Meath, Westmeath, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Down, Cavan, and Longford.
and chiefs, who, although they had been guilty of no actual crimes, came to an untimely death, merely for the purpose of robbing them of their
anglicised to Ford, was chief of Clan Kenny, a district which now forms the parish of Inismagrath, along Lough Allen, in the county of Leitrim. These were chiefs note, and many them are mentioned the course these Annals. O'Dugan thus proceeds
with the other chiefs
Brefney:
“Mac Cogan the welcome visits Rules over the noble Clan Fearmaigh;
Mac Dorchy whose tribe not enslaved, Rules over the heroic Kinel Luachain.
“The chiefs Dartry, recorded,
And Calry the tribes;
They have not destroyed the land depredation; Of those are the valiant O' Finn and O'Carroll.
The power those chiefs has never beensubdued, And them the mighty Mac Clancy. ”
An account the above-mentioned chiefs, and the territories pos sessed them, has been given 77, the notes Bresney. The O'Carrolls, mentioned O’Dugan chiefs Calry, possessed territory called Calry, which comprised the present parishes
Drumlease and Killarity, and the parish Calry,
the barony the barony
Dromahaire Leitrim, Carbury, the county Colgan, Lanigan, and
Sligo, and the district others, under the name Calrigia. the 13th century, according
mentioned
those O'Carrolls, Mac Geoghegan, took the name
the county Cavan, particularly the barony Loughtee, where they became chiefs note, and
Mac Brady, and they settled
Mac Bradys, sometimes called O’Bradys, are extremely numerous modern times the county Cavan, and are often called,
those speaking the Irish language, O'Carrolls; there are many very respectable families the Bradys various parts Ire land. The celebrated Baron Thomas O'Brady, distinguished field marshal for many years the Austrian service, and who died Vienna 1827, was native the county Cavan. The Mac Clancys above-mentioned, lords Dartry, now the barony Rossclogher, Leitriin, were powerful chiefs, and many them are recorded the course of these Annals.
“Mac Raghnaill cluintear anois Air Muintir aluinn Eoluis. ”
“Mac Rannall now heard to rule Over the delightful Muintir Eoluis. ”
The Mac Rannalls, lords Muintir Eoluis, and Conmaicne
Moyrein, were powerful chiefs
ancient times, and many them these Annals; their territory com
tribe
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|-
608 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
patrimonies, they greatly dreaded that what was
then promised would not be fulfilled towards them, and they finally resolved on rejecting the peace.
Fergus, also called the Clanna Rory, and an account of them has been given at p. 77, in the note on Brefney; there are still many respectable families of the Mac Rannalls in various parts of Ire land, but in modern times the name has been absurdly anglicised Reynolds.
The other chiefs of Brefney were the following:
“The affable O'Mulveys
Rule over Moy Nisi of many hostages:
They afterwards communicated the resolution to the earl, who proceeded to Dublin, to the lord jus tice and council, and related to them that he was
the Alps, in A. D. 429, while on a military expedition in Gaul. The ancestors of the O'Dowds, as above-stated, furnished fourteen kings of Connaught of the race of Hy Fiachra. The O'Dowds were powerful princes in ancient times, and copious accounts of them are given in the Annals of the Four Masters; they ruled over the ex tensive territories which now form the baroniesof Erris, Tyrawley, Carra, and Kilmaine, in Mayo, with Tireragh in Sligo. An account of the O'Haras, O'Garas, and other chiefs above-mentioned, in the Lieneys, in Sligo, and Mayo, has been also given at p. 99, in the notes on North Connaught.
The Counties of Ulster. —An account of the formation of various counties from the ancient territories has been given in the course of these notes. In Ulster, the territory of Orgiall was formed into the counties of Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh; Dalaradia, Ulidia, and Dalrieda, were formed into Down and Antrim; Tir-Eogain and Tirconnell into Tyrone, Derry and Donegal; Fermanagh retained
ancient name; Brefney, which was part a-ncient Connaught,
-
kingdom Ulster, which extended far the Boyne Drogheda and Slane; the name Irish Lugh. Magh, which
They
are the two lords of the level
plain
of Corran.
portion, purchase. without
Good is their
Let us record the chief of the warlike heroes.
“The O'Ferralls now prevail
In the government over the Clan Fergus ; To him belongs the protecting tribes,
The O'Quinns were his ancestors. ”
The O'Ferralls, styled princes and lords of Annaly, an ancient ter
ritory which comprised the present county of Longford, were
powerful chiefs in former times, and many of them are recorded in
the course of these Annals; there are still many very respectable
families of the name in various parts of Ireland. The O'Quinns,
above mentioned, chiefs of Muintir Giollagain, were in ancient
times lords of the territory which forms the barony of Rathcline, in
the county of Longford. An account of the district possessedby the O'Mulveys in Leitrim, near Carrick-on-Shannon, has been given at p. 77, in the notes on Bresney. -
The Tribes of North Connaught. —An account has been given of the chiefs and clans of Sligo and Mayo, from p. 97 to p. 100, in the note on North Connaught, but the translation of the poem of O'Dugan, referring to the following chiefs, has not been given:
“Let us proceed into the Lieneys,
Let us depart from the country of Carbury,
Let us remember the clans of Kian,
In the warlike Lieneys of sharp weapons.
“The princes of Lieney, of productive bloom, Are O'Hara and O'Huathmaran;
Let Lieney of the heroes of swords be visited ; Bear in remembrance O'Kearnachan,
Good is each mansion of that tribe, O'Gara is of that noble race.
“O’Devlin of good fame,
O’Donaghy of the Kerns,
Let us accurately praise them with affection,
was formed into Cavan and Leitrim.
Louth was part Orgiall, and was comprised the ancient
“Let us go to the land of Fiachra,
To the melodious hosts of fierce conflicts, From the hospitable and powerful tribe,
It is our wish there to proceed.
“From Codhnaigh, it is a peaceful visit, Which marks the end of the territory,
To the boundary of Rodhba to be recorded ; It is a delightful perfect land;
The whole of that portion
“Fourteen kings of the tribe Obtained the province undivided,
By deeds of combined force and battle, Of the illustrious race of Fiachra. ”
which, however, much less extent than
Is the inheritance of O'Dowd.
An account of the O'Dowds, princes of Hy Fiachra, and sometimes called princes of North Connaught, has been given at p. 98, in the notes on North Connaught. They were the head family of the race of Hy Fiachra, descended from Fiachra, king of Connaught in the latter end of the 4th century, whose son, the heroic Dathi, the last Pagan monarch of Ireland, was killed by lightning at the foot of
w
Lugh, Lughaidh, probably from somean
signifies the Plain
cient chief; was
that the Plain
ted chief the Clanna Breogain, Brigantes, who came along with the Milesians from Spain; and many centuries afterwards got the name Machaire-Chonaill, signifying the Plain Conal, from Conal Kearnach, Conal the Victorious, famouswarrior the Red Branch Knights Ulster the first century, whose pos terity possessedthe territory. Louth was O'Carroll's Country, and also partly belonged afterwards the Mac Mahons Mo naghan, but after O'Carroll, the prince the territory, was subdued by John Courcy and the Anglo-Normatis, the territory was formed into the county Louth, about 1210, the reign King John, and formed part the English Pale; was called the English Oriel and Uriel, name taken from the an cient one Orgiall, and the name Louth latinised Lovidia. The chief town Irish called Droichead-Atha, signifying the Bridge the Ford, hence latinised Pontana; the name was anglicised Tredagh, and lastly Drogheda (see note Or giall).
Monaghan, part ancient Orgiall, was formed into county about 1585, by the lord deputy, sir John Perrott; got its name from the chief town Muineachan, said signify the town the monks, and was called from an ancient abbey there, and the name latinised Monachana. Monaghan was called Mac Mahon's Country, those chiefs were the principal possessors; the other chiefs and clans note were the Mac Kennas, O'Boylans, Mac Cahes, O'Connolys, O'Duffy's &c, great part Monaghan was called the Fnglish the Fermey, Irish, Fearnmuighe, signify ing the Plain the Alder Trees, and this name still retained the barony Farney,
the ancient Ferney.
the reign Elizabeth, about the year 1584 I585, the lord
deputy, sir John Perrott, according Cox, Borlase, and others, formed seven counties Ulster, namely Armagh, Monaghan, Ty rone, Coleraine, afterwards called Derry and Londonderry, Done gal, Fermanagh, and Cavan, though, according other accounts, these counties were formed, about the year 1570, by the lord deputy, sir Henry Sydney, but not regularly settled until the time of Perrott.
Armagh, part ancient Orgiall, was formed into county
about 1585, John Perrott, and took name from the chief town, Irish Ard Macha, signifying the Hill Macha, and
called either from Macha, the wife Nemedius, after times from another Macha, celebrated queen Emania, who flourished nearly four centuries before the Christian era. great part the territory was called Magh-Macha, the Plain Macha, and
remote times also called Magh Muirtheimhne, Murhevney, from Murtheimhne, celebra
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 609
refused the peace, and the answer he got from the of these affairs, so that she then sent an immense
Irish. The lord justice and the council sent de number of men to Ireland, with a supply of mili spatches to England to the queen, informing her tary stores, and their numbers were not less than
comprised the celebrated district and palace of Eamhain Macha,
or Emania, the seat of the ancient kings of Ulster; the name is
}*
the Monks, from Feara, men, and manach monk, had
ancient times many ecclesiastical establishments, might derived from Feara, men, and monach, the marshes, was
the same in the Latin as in the Irish, namely Ardmacha. It was
anciently possessed by the O'Neills, O'Hanlons, O'Hanratty ) country full marshes and lakes; the name latinised Ferma
machia. The Maguires were princes Fermanagh, hence was Down, in Irish Dun, signifying a fortress, was in ancient times called Maguire's Country, and was formed into county,
O'Garveys, Mac Canns, &c. —(See note, p. 3, on
called Dundaleathglas, and afterwards Dun Patraic, or Downpa about 1585, the lord deputy Perrott. The other chiefs note
trick, from St. Patrick having beenburied there. Down comprised the greater part of ancient Ulidia or Dalaradia, and was formed into two counties, namely Down, and The Ards, or Newtown, in
Antrim comprised ancient Dalrieda, and part Dalaradia, counties, about 1585,by the lord deputy Perrott, Cavan was added Ulidia; was formed into county the reign Edward II. , Ulster, and Leitrim was left Connaught. The territory and took its name from the chief town, Irish Aendruim, which Cavan being possessed the O'Reillys, princes East Brefney,
said signify the Handsome Hill, from Aen Aon, excellent, was called Brefney O'Reilly, and O'Reilly's Country; and the and druim hill latinised Aendronia, and Antrumnia. territory Leitrin, being possessed by the O'Rourkes, prince The O'Flynns O'Flinns, O'Kanes, &c. , were the chief ancient pos West Brefney, was called Brefney O'Rourke, and O'Rourke's sessors, and also the O'Neills, lords North Clannahoy; the Mac Country. The name Leitrim, Irish Liath-Druim, signifies the
Donnells and Mac Quilians possessedthe northern parts, called the Routes and Glynns(see notes Dalaradia and Dalrieda, from
the reign of Edward II. , but both were formed into the present county of Down in the reign of Elizabeth, and got name from the chief town loune, Downpatrick, and latinised Dunum.
Fermanagh were the O'Flanagans, O'Muldoons, Mac Manuses,
Mac Gilfinnens, Mac Donnells, O'Cassidys, O’Tullys, &c. (See
noteson Fermanagh 78).
Cavan, Irish Cabhan, pronounced Cawan, derived from
the word Cabhan, which signifies hollow place, and corresponds with the situation the town Cavan, which located re markable hollow. The territory Brefney formed ancient
was anciently possessed the O'Donlevys, Mac Gennises,
O'Garveys, Mac Cartans, &c. , and partly the O'Neills, lords times part Connaught, and was divided into East Brefney, South Clannaboy. Cavan, and West Brefney, Leitrim but when formed into
20 22. Tyrone,
t Owen, was
Grey Hill, and from the town the county was called Leitrim,
the county Cavan was called from the town Cavan; the name Cavan latinised Cavania, and Leitrim Leitrimnia. Brefney,
Irish Tir-Eogain, signifying the country Eogan
Irish Breifne Brefne, signifies the Hilly Country; called the English The Brenny, and has been latinised Bres
called from Eogan, one the sons the celebrated the Nine Hostages.