No More Learning

To complete the present publication the best manner, excessive labour has been encountered, and great expenditure incurred, but trouble cost has been spared
render the work perfect possible, and copy should found the public and private Libraries the United Kingdom, |for without these Annals the real his–
tory of Ireland must remain unknown, they contain, together with full historical memoirs the Anglo-Normans and English Ireland, the most copious and
accurate accounts, and interesting information ever published the Milesian Irish, their Kings, Princes, Chiefs, and Clans—their laws, manners, and customs—their religious, literary, and charitable institutions, Colleges, Churches, Monasteries, and Houses
Hospitality—their Bards, Brehons, eminent Ecclesiastics, and learned men—their Music and Minstrels—their arts War and Peace; but are particularly rich accounts their military affairs, their forces and arms, their heroes and warriors, their battles and victories;
and, altogether, furnish full and impartial record the most important events the entire range Irish History.
- The writers candidly reveal the vices well the virtues their countrymen, and demonstrate the defects, with the good qualities, the Celtic character, the same
.
opportunity
bring out the receiving
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as that of the Celts of ancient Gaul and other countries, shewing the peculiarities of a remarkable race, so spirited, bold, brilliant, enthusiastic, and fond of fame, but
prone to fierce feuds and dissensions amongst themselves, impetuous, rash, violent, wanting caution, coolness and calculation, greater talkers than thinkers—valiant, social, generous, high-minded, hospitable and humane, but too easily excited, passionate, and proud, every page of the Annals of our country exhibiting what Byron designated “The magnificent and fiery spirit of her sons. ” The fierce wars of many centuries, with the Danes, Anglo-Normans, and English, must have greatly deteriorated the national character of the Irish, prevented the development of their virtues, and retarded all civili zation; for rapine, anarchy, and internal discord, constantly prevailed during these sangui
nary contests, which were incessantly continued for a period of more than seven hundred years, through which the Milesians fought for their national independence, against powerful foreign foes; and these Annals present a faithful picture of a people who, amidst
these adverse circumstances, were still renowned for their religious zeal, their love literature, their hospitality, and feats arms.
of all
of
* INTROI) UCTION.
**
IN publishing for the first time, the Annals of the Four Masters, it will be necessary to give some account of that celebrated work and authors. The Annals were composed chiefly the O'Clerys, very learned family, who were hereditary historians the O'Donnells, Princes Tyrconnel, now the county Donegal. The O'Clerys had from
the O'Donnells extensive grants lands Donegal, and resided their Castle Kil barron, the romantic ruins which still remain the shore the Atlantic near Bally shannon. Michael O'Clery, Cucogry Peregrine O'Clery, and Conary O'Clery, together
with Peregrine O’Duigenan, learned antiquary Kilronan, the county Roscommon,
were the four principal compilers: hence the work was called, The Annals the Four Masters. The Annals are also quoted various authors The Annals Donegal, from their being composed the Franciscan Monastery Donegal. There were, besides the
above-named authors, two other eminent antiquaries and chronologers, who assisted the compilation the Annals; namely, Fearfeasa O'Mulconaire O'Conery, and Maurice O'Conery, both the county Roscommon, the ancient and learned family the O'Mul conaires, who were hereditary historians the Kings Connaught. But the chief
author the Annals was Michael O'Clery, sketch whose life and literary labours will not prove uninteresting. He was native Donegal, and born about the year 1580. Distinguished early age for his abilities, application, and piety, retired the
Irish Franciscan Monastery history attracted the attention turer at Louvain and guardian
Louvain, where his knowledge the Irish language and
his countryman, the learned Hugh Ward, then Lec monastery. Ward, fully appreciating the character
O'Clery, determined avail himself his assistance and abilities put into execution project had long formed, rescuing from oblivion the Annals and Antiquities
his native land. Actuated spirit patriotism and love literature, O'Clery eagerly
embraced the proposal, returned Ireland, commenced his labours, and collected vast number ancient documents, which transmitted his friend Louvain; but the lamented death Ward put stop for time his noble intentions. The learned
John Colgan, also native Donegal, then Louvain, afterwards made ample use these manuscripts when compiling Acta Sanctorum Hibernia, and Trias Thaumaturga,
those great works the Irish Saints. O'Clery continued collection for period
Jifteen years, travelled through parts records, civil and ecclesiastical, that could arranging for publication this vast mass
Ireland, and got together the ancient obtained, and then spent many years
materials.
used the compilation the Annals the
Amongst the collection enumerated
Four Masters, mentioned the following. The Annals Tigernach, the learned Abbot
Clonmacnois, and the Book Clonmacnois. The Annals Innisfallen, composed the learned monks that Abbey. The Book the Mac Bruadins, hereditary historians
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to the O'Briens and other tribes of Thomond. The Annals of Ulster, by Cathal Mac Guire, and Roderick O'Cassidy, celebrated antiquaries in the diocese of Clogher. The Book of Conquests. The Book of the Mac Firbises, the learned antiquaries of Leacan, in Tireragh, county of Sligo. The Book of the O'Conrys, hereditary historians to the Kings of Connaught. The Book of the O’Duigenans of Kilronan, in Roscommon. The
Book of the Island of All Saints in Loughree, and many others.
After a life spent in the service of literature and of his country, Michael O'Clery died at the Monastery of Donegal, in the year 1643, and left to posterity the reputation of a
truly great and learned man. *
The Annals of the Four Masters commence at the earliest period of Irish history,
and are carried down to A. D. 1616. The learned and Rev. Doctor Charles O'Conor, Librarian to the Duke of Buckingham, at Stowe, in his great work, “Rerum Hibernicarum
Scriptores Veteres,” translated into Latin, and published with the original Irish, in the year 1824, part of those Annals, namely, to the English invasion, A. D. 1172. But the
chief and more interesting portion of the work has never yet been published.
The present publication will comprise the Annals from A. D. 1171, to their termination in A. D. 1616, a period of 444 years, containing an ample account of the English invasion,
and embracing by far the most important events in the whole range of Irish History.
The Annals have been carefully translated from the original Irish by Owen Connellan,
Esq. , Irish Historiographer to their late Majesties, George IV. , and William IV. , and author of a Grammar of the Irish language, &c. Copious explanatory notes are added by the Translator, and by several eminent Irish Antiquaries. Some short eluci dations of the text are given in brackets. The notes will be found very valuable and comprehensive, from the assistance afforded by Sir William Betham, Ulster King of Arms, who with his usual liberality, as a patron of Irish literature, has given free access to his extensive Library, containing by far the best collection of Irish MSS. , in any private hands in the kingdom, and also rich in rare Latin and English MSS. on Irish History.
In the course of the work, the notes will embody the Topographies of O’Dugan and O'Heerin, translated from the original Irish transcripts, and never before published.
John O'Dubhagain, or O'Dugan, was the learned historian of the O'Kellys, Princes
of Hy-Maine, and died A. D. 1372. O'Dugan commences his Topography thus: “Triall
am timeheall na Fodla;” that “Let travel over Fodla, Ireland). And
again says: “Ni bhia duine gan duithchidh;” “No man shall without his estate. ”
He gives full account the Chiefs and Clans Leath Coinn (that the King doms Meath, Ulster, and Connaught), and the territories they possessed the time of
the English invasion the twelfth century.
Giolla-na-Naomh O'Huidhrin, O'Heerin, another learned historian, who died A. D.
1420, wrote continuation O’Dugan's Topography, commencing thus: Tuilleadh feasa air Eirinn oigh;” “An addition Knowledge sacred Erin. ”
Accounts the O'Clerys, and other writers the Annals the Four Masters, are found the works Ware, Wadding and Colgan, and O'Reilly's Irish Writers.
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|
To render these Annals one the most important works ever published Irish History and Antiquities, trouble has been spared, available information neglected, and great expense has been incurred. All the best authorities, ancient and modern, have been consulted the explanations the text, and compilation the notes; and am Origst the numerous authentic sources from which information has been collected the following may mentioned: O’Conor's Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores Veteres, and the dissertations Charles O'Conor the History Ireland; O'Flaherty's Ogygia; Vallancey's Collectanea the Histories Ireland, Keating, O'Halloran,
Mac Geoghegan, and Moore; the Works Ware, Usher, Colgan, De Burgo, and
Lanigan; Harris's Hibernica; the Tracts Sir John Davies; Cox's Hibernia Anglicana; Pacata Hibernia; the History and Annals Ireland by Cambrensis, Camden, Holinshed, Hanmer, Campion, Temple, Borlase, Curry, and Leland; the Topographies
O’Brien, Seward, Lewis, and others; the various Surveys Ireland, with
the County Histories that have been published; various ancient Maps, those Ortelius, Petty, and others; State Papers, Public Records, Inquisitions, and Peer
ages; together with numerous Irish Manuscripts, and many valuable documents Public and private collections.
The Publisher respectfully submits the Work the consideration country men, impartial record important events, consisting only historical facts, free
from all political sectarian opinions; and confidently expects that these Annals, Without which the genuine History Ireland must remain unknown, will prove as acceptable they will found interesting Irishmen every class and every creed.
Dublin, January 1st, 1845. BRYAN GERAGHTY.
O'Heerin in his work gives an account of all the Chiefs and Clans of Leath Mogha (that Leinster and Munster), and the territories they possessed the twelfth century. Both these works are very valuable and authentic, and furnish complete Topo
graphy ancient Ireland, never published till now, though absolutely necessary
known, either for the elucidation work on Irish History. Some and satisfactory account could not mentioned those Topographies.
the Annals the Four Masters, any other the notes are unavoidably long; for otherwise full
given the ancient Clans and their territories, Therefore these notes will found clearly eluci date old names places and obscure passages the text the Four Masters, and
will also contain descriptions the former territorial divisions Ireland, and every county, with account their ancient and modern possessors.
The Ecclesiastical divisions will likewise given, with account ancient Bishops' Sees, and the territories comprised each Diocese.
With the last number will given valuable Map, accompanied with explanations
showing the ancient divisions Ireland, and the territories possessed and Clans, together with the chief families Anglo-Irish Proprietors
copious Indez will also added—containing references matter mentioned throughout the Work, either the text notes.
the Irish Chiefs subsequent times.
every remarkable
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DEDICATION TO FERGALL O'GARA, M. P. &C.
I INvo KE the Almighty God that he may pour down every blessing, corporal and spiritual, on Fergall O'Gara, lord of Moy O'Gara and Coolavin, one of the two knights elected to represent the county of Sligo in the parliament held in Dublin, this present year of our Lord, 1634.
In every country enlightened by civilization, and confirmed therein through a
succession of ages, it has been customary to record the events produced by time. For sundry reasons nothing was deemed more profitable and honourable than to study and peruse the works of ancient writers, who gave a faithful account of the chiefs and nobles who figured on the stage of life in the preceding ages, that posterity might be informed how their forefathers employed their time, how long they continued in power, and how they finished their days.
I, Michael O'Clery, poorbrotherof the order of St. Francis, (though ten years employed,
under obedience to my several provincials, in collecting materials for our Irish Hagiology,) have waited on you, noble Fergall O'Gara, as I was well acquainted with your zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of your country. I perceived the anxiety you suffer
from the cloud which at present hangs over our ancient Milesian race; a state of things
which has occasioned the ignorance of many, relative to the lives of saints, archbishops, bishops, abbots, and other dignitaries of the church; the general ignorance also of our
civil history, and of the monarchs, provincial kings, lords, and chieftains, who flourished in this country through a succession of ages, with equal want of knowledge of the syn chronism necessary for throwing light on the transactions of each. In consequence of your uneasiness on this subject I have informed you that I entertained hopes of joining
to my own labours the assistance of the antiquaries I held most in esteem, for compiling a body of Annals, wherein those matters should be digested under their proper heads; judging that should such a compilation be neglected at present, or consigned to a future
time, a risk might be run that the materials for it would never again be brought together.
In this idea I have collected the most authentic Annals I could find in my travels through the kingdom, (and, indeed, the task was difficult,) from which I have compiled this work,
which I now commit to the world under your name and patronage; for you it was who set the antiquaries to work, and most liberally paid them for their labour, in arranging and transcribing the documents before them, in the Convent of Donegal, where the fathers of that house supplied them with necessary refreshments. In truth every benefit derivable from our labours is due to your protection and bounty; nor should it excite jealousy or envy that you stand foremost in this, as in other services which you have rendered your country; for by your birth you are a descendant of the race of Heber, son of Milesius, which gave Ireland thirty monarchs, and sixty-one of which race died in the odour of
sanctity. To Teige, the son of Kian, son of Oilioll Olum, (who died king of Munster, A. D. 260,) from whom eighteen of those saints sprung, your pedigree can be accurately traced from one generation to another. The posterity of that Teige have had great establishments in every part of Ireland, viz. :-The race of Cormac Galeng, in Leiny of Connaught, from whom you are descended, as well as the two O'Haras of the Routes; also the O'Carrolls of Ely, O'Maghers of Hy Cairin, and the O'Conors of Kianactha of
Glengiven, (in the county of Derry. ) genealogy :—
FERGAL O’GARA, thou art the son of Teige, son of
Oilioll, son of
IDermod, son of
Cowen, son of IDermod, son of Cowen, son of
Tomaltach Oge, son of Tomaltach More, son of Lermod, son of
Raighne, son of Congalach, son of Durlslevey, son of Roderick, son of Dunslevey, son of Corncobar, son of Ruairc, son of
In proof of your noble extraction, here follows your
Gadhra, from whom the O'Garas have derived
the name, who was the son of Glethneachan, son of
-
Modha Neid, son of
Derc Mac Dergtheinidh, son of Enda Monchaoin, son of
Loich More, son of
Mofebis, son of
Muiredhach Muchna, son of Eachaidh Garbh, son of
Duach Dalta Deadhaidh, son of Cairpre Lusk, son of
Ionadmar, son of
Niasedhaman, son of
Adamar Foltchain, son of Fearcurb, son of
Modha Curb, son of
Cobhthach Caomh, son of Reachta Righdearg, son of Lughaidh Laigheach, son of Eachdach, son of
Oilioll, son of
Art, son of
Lughaidh Lamhdearg, son of Eachaidh Uaircheas, son of Lughaidh Iardhuinn, son of Enda dearg, son of
Duach fionn, son of
Sedna Ionnaireadh, son of Breasrigh, son of
Art Imligh, son of
Feidhlimidh, son of Rothechtach, son of
Roan Righ Ailigh, son of
Failbe Iolcoraidh, son of Caisced Coimhgnidh, son of
Fal Deargdoid, (or of the red finger rings,) son of Muineamon, son of
Casclothach, son of
Fear Arda, son of
-
d
Taichleach, son of
Cinn sadla, son of Derrnod, son of Fionnbhar, son of
Brenann, son of Nadfraoich, son of Fideoin, son of Fiodouire, son of
Art Curb, son of
Niadhcurb, son of
Lui, from whom Leiny,” or Leiny, derived
- |
Rotheachtagh, son of Rossa, son of
*
Saorgas, son of
Bece, son of Flaithios, son of
its name, who was the son of Teige, son of
Kian, son of
Oilioll Olum, son of
-
Modha Nuadhat, son of
* The barony of Lieny in the county of Sligo, and also an ancient district in the county of Westmeath, now the parish of Leney.
Glass, son of
Nuadat Deglam, son of
Eachaidh Faobharglass, son of Conmaol, son of
Eimhear Fionn, son of Milesius of Spain, son of
Bile, son of Breogan, son of Bratha, son of
Deaatha, son of Earchad, son of Aldoid, son of Nuadhad, son of Ninual, son of
Eimhear glass, son of Agnon fionn, son of
Lamh fionn, son of Agnamhan. &c.
On the 22nd January, 1632, this work was undertaken in the convent of Donegal, and was finished in the same convent on the 10th day of August, 1636, being the 11th year of the reign of Charles, King of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland.
I am thine affectionate friend,
Brother MICHAEL O'CLERY.
o
2
TESTIMO NIAL S.
THE Fathers of the Franciscan Order, subscribers hereunto, do certify that Fergal O'Gara was the nobleman who prevailed on Brother Michael O'Clery to bring together the antiquaries and chronologers, who compiled the following Annals, (such as it was in his
power to collect,) and that Fergal O'Gara, aforesaid, rewarded them liberally for their labour.
This collection is divided into two parts, and from the beginning to the end has been transcribed in the Convent of the Brothers of Donegal, who supplied the transcribers
with the necessary viands for their maintenance. The first volume was begun in the same Convent, A. D. 1632, when Father Bernardine O'Clery was guardian thereof.
The antiquaries and chronologers who were the collectors and transcribers of this work we attest to be Brother Michael O'Clery; Maurice O'Maolconery, the son of Torna, who assisted during a month; Ferfesa O'Maolconery, the son of Loghlin, (and both those antiquaries were of the county of Roscommon;) Cucogry (Peregrine) O'Clery, of the county of Donegal; Cucogry O’Duigenan, of the county of Leitrim ; and Conary O'Clery,
of the county of Donegal.
The old books they collected were the Annals of Clonmacnois, an abbey consecrated by St. Kiaran, son of the Carpenter; the Annals of the Island of Saints, on Lough Ribh, (now Lough Ree, or that part of the Shannon between Athlone and Lanesborough); the
Annals of Senat Mac Magnus, on Lough Erne, (in the county of Fermanagh); the Annals of the O'Maolconerys; and the Annals of Kilroman, (a parish in the county of Roscommon) compiled by the O’Duigenans. These antiquaries had also procured the Annals of
Leacan, compiled by the Mac Firbises, (after having transcribed the greater part of the first volume,) and from those Annals they supplied what they thought proper in the blanks
they left for any occasional information they could obtain. The Annals of Clonmacnois and those of the Island of Saints came down no farther than the year of our Lord 1227. The second part of this work commences with the year of our Lord 1208, and
began to be transcribed in the present year 1635, when Father Christopher Dunlevy was guardian; and these Annals were continued down to the year 1608, when Father Bernardine O'Clery was for the second time elected guardian.
Brother Michael O'Clery above-mentioned, Cucogry O'Clery, and Conary O'Clery,
Were the transcribers of the Annals from 1332 to 1608. The books from which they transcribed were; the greater part of O'Maolconery's book, ending with 1505; the Book
of the O’Duigenans, aforesaid, from the year 900 to 1563; the Book of Senat Mac Mag mus, ending with 1533; a part of the Book of Cucogry the son of Dermod, son of Teige
Cam O'Clery, from the year 1281 to 1537; the Book of Maoilin Oge Mac Bruadin from the year 1588 to 1603; and the Book of Lughaigh O'Clery, from 1586 to 1602. All those books we have seen in the hands of the antiquaries who have been the compilers of the present work; together with other records too numerous to be mentioned. In proof of what we have here set forth, we have hereunto annexed our signs manual, in the Con vent of Donegal, on the 10th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1636.
Frater BERNARDINUs O’CLERY, Guardianus Dungalensis.
Brother MAURICE DUNLEv Y. Brother MAURICE DUNLEvy.
O'Dox NELL, (Prince of Tirconnell. )
|
- ---
- –92
| fert Brenan,' originally a
{1// pious monk, was drowned in 77/, the Shannon on the 27th
Zoo December.
Sadhbh (or Sabina,) daugh
out extreme unction, as his evil deeds deserved. " Maolcron Mac Gille Sechnaill, lord of Deisgeart
Breagh’ died.
Tailtiu, daughter of Conor O’Melaghlin, the wife
of Iovar O'Casey, lord of Saitne,” died.
Donal, the grandson of Rory O'Mulloy, lord
of Fercall,” was slain by the people of Munster. Donal O’Fogarty, lord of south Ely," was killed by Donal, son of Donagh, lord of Ossory:"
*
Pter of Gluniairn Mac Murrogh, coarb” to Saint Bridget, died after penance.
The Cloicteach of Tealachard,” which
was crowded with people, was burned by Tiarnan O’Rourke.
ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS.
A. D. 1171.
living, by the miracles of God, through the inter vention of Columkille, Finnen, and other saints of Ireland, for having violated and burned their
N\ ETRUS O'MoRDHA, (or churches. He died at Ferns without making a will,
O'Moore,) bishop without penance, without the eucharist, and with of Clon
he had committed slaughter in the two Elys, where Dermod Mac Murrogh, king of Lein three hundred and twenty persons fell.
ster, who had spread terror throughout
Ireland, after putting the English in pos
session of the country, committing exces
sive evils against the Irish people, and Kinel Owen" into Uladh, to plunder Many plundering and burning many churches,
among which were Kells, Clonard,’ &c. ,
Every Irishman, doubt, aware that the English invasion was accomplished through the agency Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, who seduced Dearvorgail, the wife Tiarnan O'Rourke, prince Brefney. On account this act Roderick O'Conor, monarch Ireland, invaded the territory Dermod the year 1167, and put him flight. King Dermod was obliged, after many defeats, leave Ireland 1168, throw himself the feet Henry II. , and crave his assistance, offering become his
A piratical fleet from Uladh” entered Tyrone and carried away a great number of cattle.
Niall, son of Mac Loghlin, marched with the
were slain them; and they carried away immense prey cattle. Niall afterwards took hostages from Oriel. "
died this year of an intolerable and uncom
mon disease. ” He became putrid while Manus Mac Dunslevy O’Heoghy,” with party
Brezzan. —St. Brendan founded A. D. 553, the monastery Cluain Fearta Clonfert, which originated the diocese
the same name, the barony Longford, county Galway, and which he was first abbot bishop, and died A. D. 577.
many writers.
Cloiczeach theatcha aird; the round tower Tullaghard. —in M. S. in the library Sir William Betham, this place
Cozzz zarba, coarb St. Bridget. —That the successor
of St. Bridget,
the successor representative the patron saint, original foun
der of monastery, priory, any ecclesiastical establishment;
successor of bishop, the coarb St. Patrick, that the suc liegeman. The English king, having received Dermod’s oath cessor or representative St. Patrick Armagh, applied the
Primates. The term Comorban applied the same sense
abbess Kildare. The word coarb applied
mentioned Tullaghard, near Trim, the county Meath.
Cluan Eraird, Clonard, now post town the parish Marisco, Maurice Prendergast, Maurice Fitzgerald, and others,
the same name, barony Moyfenragh, county original seat the diocese Meath, celebrated for and famous college, founded by St. Finnen, abbot
monastery, and general lecturer (or reader) the saints who died A. D. 548.
This disease supposed of medical writers.
Meath, monastery
the same Ireland,
have been the morbus pedicularis
with which May, 1169, landed Bannow-bay, near Wexford, which they soon reduced together with the adjoining counties.
1170 earl Strongbow landed Waterford with large body followers, and laid siege that city which took. He then joined king Dermod's forces, marched for Dublin, and having defeated
the monarch Roderick, entered the city, and after great slaughter made himself master of it.
B
allegiance, granted letters patent general license his sub jects aid king Dermod the recovery his kingdom. Dermod
then engaged his causeRichard Clare, earl Pembroke, com monly called Strongbow, whom afterwards gave his daughter Eva marriage; and through his influence army was raised, headed Robert Fitzstephen, Myler Fitzhenry, Harvey Monte
o: *
4.
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2 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1171.
of Ultonians, preyed Cul-an-tuaiscirt: he plum chiefs and sons of chiefs, and a large portion of their dered Cuil Rathain (or Coleraine) and other chur army. Manus himself was wounded in the engage ches. A small body of the Kinel Owen, com ment, and fled from the field. He was afterwards
manded by Conor O'Cathain (or O’Kane,) over took them, and a battle ensued, in which the Ultonians were defeated, with the loss of twenty-one
King Dermod died in his castle at Ferns about the 65th year of his age. His character is drawn by various writers in the darkest colours; he was rapacious, fierce, cruel, vindictive, and of violent
passions; though to gain popularity he endeavoured to conciliate the lower classes of the people. It appears he was a man of great stature and strength of body, and possessedof much personal bra
very. Holingshed says, “he was a man of tall stature and of a large and great body, a valiant and bold warrior in his nation; from his continual shouting his voice was hoarse; he rather chose to be feared than to be loved, and was a great oppressor of his nobility; to his own people he was rough and grievous, and hateful unto
slain by his brother, Dunslevy, aided by Giolla Aongus, son of Gillespy, a prior of monks, at Down, after having committed many depredations.
are generally designated the annals under the denominations Cenel-Eoghain, the clan Owen, and Cinel Conaill, the clan
Connell. The Mac Loughlins were the senior branch the O'Neills. the course these notes full account will given Tyrone and Tyrconnell, and the various clans who possessed
those territories.
14. Orgialla. -The ancient kingdom principality Orgiall,
comprised extensiveterritory Ulster, and was called Ware,
Usher, Colgan, and other Latin writers, Orgallia and Ergallia;
and the English Oriel and Uriel. the beginning the fourth
century three warlike princes, called the three Collas, sons Eochy Doimhlein, son Cairbre Lifeachar, monarch Ireland, the
race Heremon, made conquest great part Ulster, which they wrested from the old possessors, princes the race Ir, cal
strangers; his hand was against men, and
him. ”
Deisceart Breagh. -Now theparish Dysart
men against Westmeath,
which, according O'Dugan, (who died A. D. 1372,)
his topo
led the Clanna Rory, Rudericians. The three Collas battle Achalethderg Fearmuighe, Dalaradia,
the great
graphical poem, was the property O'Giolla Seachlin.
Saitae Saithne. —This was one of the establishmentsreferred
the borders Fergus, the ground
Michael O'Clery his dedication Fergal O'Gara, pos
sessed the descendants Teige, son Kian, son Oilioll
Olum. According O’Dugan, this district was the property famous palace the Ultonian kings, which had stood for six cen the O'Caseys, clan the county Westmeath, where O’Dugan turies, and had been long celebrated the Irish bards. The has fixed this district.
This place now traceableunder the name
Sonagh, the property sir Hugh Morgan Tuite, Bart. , where
one the castles the Tuite family.
De Lacy stood, who conferred the property
place where this battle was fought called also Carn Achy Leth-Derg, and now known the parish Aghadeng, the barony Iveagh, county Down, where there still
Fear Ceall,
O'Mulloy, which O’Dugan places the ancient kingdom Meath, and which comprised the present baronies Ballycowen, Ballyboy, and Fercall, Eglish, the King's county.
remains
sovereignty
Heremon.
Colla the noble, Colla Meann, Colla the famous, and Colla-da Chrich, Colla the two territories. Colla Uais became mo
Fercall. —The lordship O'Maolmuaidh
10. Ele, Ely. —Ely O’Fogarty, South Ely, now the barony
narch Ireland A. D. 327, and died A. D. 332. The territory conquered the three Collas comprised according Usher, O'Fla herty, and others, the present counties Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, and obtained the name Oirgiall, stated by O'Halloran, from the circumstance the Collas having stipulated with the monarch Ireland, for themselves and their posterity, that any chiefs the clan Colla should any time demanded hostages. and shackled, their fetters should gold thus, from the Irish or, gold, and giall, hostage, came the name orgiałła. The term Oriel, Uriel, was general confined by the English to the present county Louth, which fomer times was part of Ulster; that province extending the Boyne Drogheda. We
Eliogarty, the county Tipperary; the south the King's county, west
tion the county beyond the boundary Meath.
and Ely O'Carroll lay Slieve Bloom, that por the ancient kingdom
11. Lord Osraighe Ossory. —Mac Giolla Phadraic was lord prince Ossory and his ancient principality extended through the whole country betweenthe rivers Nore and Suir, being
Ossory make considerable figure particular, Donal M*Giolla Phadraic, dis.
the Nore, and the W. and by
bounded the and
the Suir. The princes
Irish history, and one
tinguished himself the wars with Strongbow and the English. At
Colgan and Mac Geoghegan, that the O'Carrolls, noble
early period they were dispossessed part the kings Cashel; and the southern parts occupied the Butlers, afterwards earls
their patrimony by their territories were
Ormond, and other
find
clan kings
the race Orgiall,
the Dal Fiatachs, were the time St. Patrick, that part comprising the county Louth.
English adventurers; but the northern parts remained with the original proprietors, who, their connection with the English,
Dalfiatacians, who founded many powerful fa
changed their name Upper Ossory. clans Ossory will
Fitzpatrick, and took the titles earls
Dalaradia Ireland
Down, were descended the commencement of The O'Carrolls con
full account given
the county Kilkenny and the
Heremon.
the twelfth century, when they
Araidhe, which took its name from Fiacha Araidhe, king the third century, and was latinised into Dalaradia. number full account this territory and its clans will
Ulster
future given.
this race, founded the great Abbey Mellifont Louth, the
13. Cenel-Eoghain, Kinel-Owen. —That the descendants Owen, whose territory was called Tir-Eoghain, anglicised
sent county Donegal, derived name from his brother Conall Gulban, the ancestor St. Columkille, and the O'Don nells, princes Tirconnell. The people those two territories
twelfth century. The territory Louth mentioned
liest times under the names Magh Muirtheimhne,
Muirtheimhne, called from Muirtheimhne, son
uncle Milesius, who possessed Part the territory Louth and Armagh was called Cuailgne, from Cuailgne, another son of Breogan, who, according our old Annalists, was killed there in
future note.
comprised the present county
12. Uladh, Ulidia. -Ulidia
Down, and part the county Antrim. was also called Dal Donogh O'Carroll, prince Orgiall, the last celebrated head of
Tyrone, with parts the counties Derry and Antrim, and which
derived its name from Owen, the fifth son Niall the nine hos
tages, monarch Ireland, the fourth century, ancestor
the O'Neills, princes Tyrone. Tir Chonaill, now the pre thousand years before the christian era. Sliabh Cuailgne, now
Down and Antrim, A. D. 332, defeated the forces
king Ulster, who was slain; and the victors burned
Eamhain Macha Emania, (near the present city Armagh,) the
huge Carn loose stones near Loughbrickland. The Ulster thus passed from the race the race The names the three chiefs were Colla Uais, or
The Dal Fiatachs
milies Ulster, particularly
from Fiatach Fionn, monarch
the second century, the race
tinued kings Orgiall, down
were dispossessed the Anglo-Normans under John Courcy.
battle between the Milesians and the Tuatha-De-Damans, about
Slieve Gullion mountain Armagh, acquired its name from the
same person. Louth was ancient times also called Machaire Chonaill, the Plain Conall, from Conall Cearnach, Conall
the ear the Plain of Breogan,
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|- --
REIGN OF HENRY II.
Tiarnan O’Rourke, with the men of Brefne,” occasion he slew Giollu Emain Mac Lughadha, plundered the people of Saithne, slew great num chief of Cuircme,” and Mac Gilleseachnaill, chief
bers of them, and carried away an immense booty of Deisceart Breagh. O’Lamhduibh was slain on
that occasion by the men of Meath. Donal Breaghagh (O’Melaghlin) lord of East Meath, gave
hostages to Tiarnan O’Rourke.
in cattle.
Another predatory excursion was made by Tiar nan O’Rourke, into Deisceart Breagh, on which
the Victorious, the renowned warrior, who was chief of the Red O'Maddens, chiefs Siol Anmchadha Silanchia, now the barony
Longford, the county Galway.
Colla Meann's posterity possessedthe territory Modhorn, that
is, the districts about the mountains Mourne.
That part Orgiall, afterwards forming the county Armagh,
was possessed, already stated, partly the O'Hanlons and Mac Canns, and partly the O'Neills, Larkins, O'Duvanys, and O'Garveys the Clanna Rory, who according O'Brien, posses
Branch knights of Ulster, about the commencementof the Christian era, and whose descendantspossessedthis territory. (It may behere remarked that the celebrated hero of Ossian's poems, Cuchulin, the relative and cotemporary of Conall Cearnach, had his residence at
Dun-Dealgan, now Dundalk. ) The descendantsof Conall Cear nach were the Magennises, lords of Iveagh, in Dalaradia, or county
of HDown, the O’Moras, or O'Moores princes of Leix, in Kildare
and Queen's county, and others. Amongst the other chief clans sed the Craobh Ruadh, territory the famous Red Branch
who possessed Louth were the Mac Canns, Mac Cartans, O'Kellys, O'Moores, O'Callaghans, O'Carraghars, Mac Colmans, Mac Campbells, Mac Ardells, Mac Kennys, O'Devins, O'Markys,
knights Ulster; O'Hanrathys Hy-Meith Macha; O'Donegans Breasal Magha and others.
The nativechiefsheldtheirindependencedowntothereign Eliza beth, when Armagh was formed into county A. D. 1586, the lord deputy, John Perrott. Pynnar's Survey Ulster, the reign
O’ Branagans, Mac-Scanlons, and others.
In the reign of king John, A. D. 1210, Louth was formed into a
county, and acquired name from the town Louth, Irish
Loz/* f/agh. the Inquisitions the county called Lovidia.
The chief Anglo-Norman British families settled Louth were Hamiltons, Copes, Rowllstons, &c. The noble families now the LPe Lacys, De Verdons, De Gernons, De Pepards, De Flem Armagh, are the Atchesons, earls Gosford; the Caulfields, earls mings, barons Slane; the Bellews Barmeath, who had for Charlemont; and the Brownlows, barons Lurgan. The
where they had their chief seat. The Mac Mahons were sometimes
styled Princes Orgiall. An interesting account the Mac Kilmore, Clogher, Raphoe, Derry, Down and Conor, and Dromore.
Mahons, Monaghan, given John Davis, who wrote the reign James the First. may observed that several the Mac Mahons former times changed the name Mathews.
county
name
occurs
latter invaded Ulster. The name derived from Dun fortress, and Sleibhe, the mountain, from the circumstance one the chiefs having his fortress the mountains Mourne. The An nalists add the name O'Heoghy, which was the original name
The other chief clans Monaghan were the Mac Kennas, chiefs Touagh the Mac Cabes the Mac Neneys, anglicised Bird; the Mac Ardells; Mac Cassidys; O’Duffys, and O'Corrys; the O'Cos
Down, and the Clanna Rory Roderick Mac Dunslevy, prince the account the wars with John
the race Ir. The Ulidia, frequently Courcy, when the
gros, Mac Cuskers Mac Oscars, changed Cosgraves,whoposses
sed, according O'Dugan, territory called Fearra Rois, which
comprised the district about Carrickmacross Monaghan, with the
Polish of Clonkeen, adjoining, the county Louth; the Boylans the family, and still found that country under the name
Haughy and Hoey; and the name Mac Dunslevy also found various parts Ireland. This name has undergone various mu tations, Ulltach and Ulltachan Irish, always anglicised Dun
levy, the word Ulltach shewing the origin the family from Ulidia.
Some this clan also call themselves Nultys and Mac Nultys, which modification of the same name.
16. Brefne. —Brefney was divided into two principalities, viz. , Brefney O'Rourke, West Brefney, comprising the present county Leitrim, with the barony Tullaghagh, and part Tullagh onoho, the county Cavan; and Brefney O'Reilly, East Brefney, now the county Cavan; the river Ballyconnell being
the boundary between Brefney O'Rourke and Brefney O'Reilly. future number full account will given these two terri
tories, and ail their clans.
Dartree the Mac Gil Michaels, changed Mitchell; the Mac Donnells the O'Connellys, and others.
This part Orgia]] was overrun by the forces John Courcy "the reign king John, but the Mac Mahons maintained their *tional independence the reign Elizabeth, when Monaghan
*** formed into county, called from chief town Muin ohan, that the Town Monks. The noble families now Monaghan, are the Dawsons, barons Cremorne the Westenras, lords Rossmore; and the Blayneys, lords Blayney. The other
chief landed proprietors are the families Shirly, Lesley, Coote, Corry, and Hamilton.
From Colla-da-chrich were also descended the Mac Guires, lords Fermanagh, and barons Enniskillen the O'Flanagans
Fermanagh; the ohanlons, chiefs Hy-Meith-Tire, now the
–barony standard-bearers Clan Breasail,
counties
Armagh, who held the office Ulster; the Mac Cathans
Armagh; the O’Kellys, princes Galway and Roscommon; and
17. Cuireme, present barony which, according
O'Tolarg.
Machaire Cuirche. —This district comprised the Kilkenny West, the county Westmeath, O’Dugan and Dr. O’Brien, was the lordship
Orior
hereditary regal Mac Canns
Hy Maine, O'Madagans
James the First, the following are given the chief families Bri tish settlers, viz. :-the Atchesons, Brownlows, Powells, St. Johns,
merly the title barons Duleek; the De Berminghams, earls Louth, title afterwards possessed the Plunkets, great family iPanish descent; the Taaffes, earls Carlingford; the Balls,
Brabazons, Darcys, Dowdals, and Clintons, the Dromgools Danish descent, &c. ; the Fortescues now earls Claremont, and
Hamiltons former times had the title of earls of Clan brassil.
the ancient ecclesiastical divisions the territory Orgiall was comprised within the diocese Clogher; but the 13th century the county Louth was separated from Clogher and added the diocese Armagh. early times there were bishops' sees Clones and Louth, which seeswere afterwards annexed Clogher.
the early writers we find the bishops Clogher frequently styled bishops Orgiall and Ergallia. At present the diocese Clogher comprises the whole Monaghan, the greater part Fermanagh, parts Donegal and Tyrone, and small portion Louth.
The see Armagh, founded St. Patrick the 5th century,
archdiocese, and the metropolitan see all Armagh comprehends the greater part
15. Mac Duinslebhe O'Heochada, Mac Dunslerey O'Heoghy. —The Mac Dunsleveys were princes Uladh Ulidia, now the
more in Clern times, the family Gorges, barons the Fosters, viscounts Ferard, and barons Oriel.
Dundalk; and
The Posterity the three Collas, called clan Colla, founded many powerful clans and noble families Ulster and other parts Ire land. From Colla Uais were descended the Mac Donnells, earls Antrin in Ireland, and lords the Isles Scotland; also the Mac Rorys, great clan the Hebrides, and also many families that name in Ulster, anglicised Rogers.
became the seat Ireland. The diocese that county, with parts
From Colla Chrich, were descendedthe Mac Mahons, princes of Monaghan, lords Ferney, and barons Dartree, Conagh,
Louth, Meath, Tyrone, and Londonderry,
and has ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the sees Meath, Ardagh,
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4 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1171.
Tiarnan O’Rourke at the head of the men of Brefney and Oriel, marched a second time to Dub lin, and attacked Miles de Cogan and his knights, but he was defeated with the loss of his son Hugh, Tanist” of Brefney, the grandson of Dermod O'Quinn, and many others.
A party of Siol Murray” went on a predatory
excursion into Thomond,” they plundered Sir
taghan O’Lidiudha (Liddy,) and slew himself in a battle.
Siol Anmchadha,” and Muintir Cionaeth,” plun
dered Ely and took away a large prey in cattle. The earl’s son having gone out on a predatory
excursion, plundered the churches of the plain of
Leinster and a large portion of Hy Faolain, (or Murchad O'Carroll, marched with an army to O'Byrne's country. )
Dublin to besiege the city, then in the possession The people of West Connaught” and a party of
of earl Strongbow and Miles de Cogan. They Siol Murray plundered the west of Corcomroe,”
remained there for a fortnight, during which time and carried away an immense prey in cattle.
many fierce engagements took place. The king The earl’s people went on a predatory excursion
marched through Leinster with the cavalry of and plundered Cluain Conaire, Galam, and Lath
The people of Hy Maine” plundered Ormond on seven different expeditions from Palm Sunday to Low Sunday.
The church of St. Ciaman of Duleek” was
plundered by the knights of Miles de Cogan.
Some of them were slain on the day following by
the Danes of Dublin, in revenge of their dishonour ofSt. Ciaman.
A battle was fought at Dublin between Miles de Cogan and Asgal, son of Reginald, king of the
Danes in Ireland; many fell on both sides of the English knights and Danes of Dublin, among whom was Asgal himself, John, a Norwegian from the Orkney Isles, and many others.
Roderick O'Conor, Tiarnan O’Rourke, and
Brefney and Oriel, and burned the corn of the English. While Roderick was thus engaged, earl
Strongbow and Miles de Cogan attacked the camp of the northern Irish, slew many soldiers, and cap
tured their provisions, armour, and horses.
The son of Cormac Mac Carthaigh (or Mac Car
thy) defeated the Danes of Limerick, and slew many of them, including Foirne, son of Giolla Cainidh,
and Torcar, son of Treni; he also burned the mar ket-place and half the fortress.
18. Ibh-Maine or Hy Maine. —The principality of the O'Kellys, a large territory comprised within the present counties of Galway and Roscommon, and extending from the Shannon at Lanesborough
to the county of Clare, and from Athlone to Athenry in the county of Galway.
22. Thomond. —Tuadh Mumhan North Munster, which formed stone,) was founded St. Cianan, who died A. D. 489. This ancient times kingdom itself, and which full account
19. Duleek. -In the original Doimhliag, (that house
village which was formerly parliamentary borough, lies the parish the same name about five miles S. W. Drogheda. Du
will appear future number.
23. Siol Anmchadha. -Now the barony Longford, the
county Galway, and the parish Lusmagh, the other side of
the Shannon the King's county, which according O’Dugan, O'Madagain, (O'Madden,) and O'Huallachain, were chiefs.
25. West Connaught Iar Connacht. —Now Connemara the west the county Galway, which O'Flaherty was principal chief. This territory was bounded the east Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, and the west the Atlantic Ocean and comprised the baronies Moycullen and Ballinahinch, and the half barony Ross.
leek had early times famous monastery, and was the seat small diocese, afterwards united the see Meath.
20. Tanist Brefney. —“A successor was nominated for the prince his life-time fill the throne after his demise. sup pose his son brother, the most respectable relation, they denominated him Coimree, word translated from the finger on which the ring worn, which comes nearest the middle finger
24. Muintir Cionaoth. -The family O'Kenny,
now called, Kenny, were, according O'Dugan, chiefs Laitheamhain, conjointly with the family O'Finnegan
district lay the west the county Roscommon, along the Shannon.
situation and length. Thus Tanist, (or the heir apparent,) second
the prince rank and authority, and from this the title Ta mistry-law derived Davis and Ware. Each the other can didates the family called Riogh Damhna, (or heir presumptive) which royal, that subject qualified receivethe royal form.
But was attached any liberal mechanical art, was
denominated Adhbhar only, which also denoted matter, (or material
for king chief); that matter disposed instructed 26. Corcomroe. —In the original Corcumdruadh, Corcomo the rudiments such art. ”—O'Flaherty's Ogygia. druadh, east and west. This territory derived name from Core
rach Briuin, (in the county of Kildare. )
The daughter of O'Heoghy, wife of Murchad O'Carroll, lord of Oriel, died.
The Connaught squadron remained on the Shan
non and on Lough Derg Deirco from November to May.
Donnell Breaghagh (O’Melaghin) concluded a peace with Tiarnan O’Rourke; and the people of East Meath submitted to him.
21. Siol Muireadhaigh Murray. —The descendants of Muir eadhach Muilleathan, king Connaught, who died A. D. 700. The
O'Conors were chiefs this territory, and many them were kings Connaught. An account this territory, and all its clans will given future number.
they are Ölann their
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them vention churches
the miracles God, through the inter St. Patrick and St. Columkille, whose
they plundered.
|
Kiaran” at Clonmacnois, died.
Tiarnan O’Rourke, lord of Brefney and Con maicne,” for a long time a very powerful chieftain, was treacherously slain at Tlaghtgha" by Hugo de
and primate Ireland. (He died A. D. 1174, the 87th year his age. )
Mac Gillepscoip (Mac Gillespy,) chief the
Clan Aeilabra, Brehon (or judge) the tribe
EHenry the Second, king of England, duke of
Normandy, earl of Anjou, and lord of many other
countries, came to Ireland this year with a fleet
of two hundred and forty ships, and landed at Waterford. ”
A. D. 1172.
Brighdein O’Kane, coarb of St. Maedhog,' died.
Giolla Aodha O’Muidhin (O’Mugin) of the peo ple of Lough Con, bishop of Cork, died. He was distinguished for his piety, continence, and wisdom.
REIGN OF HENRY II. 5
Tigearnagh O'Maoileoin, (Malone) coarb of St. Giolla-Mac-Liag (Gelasius,) coarb St. Patrick,
Lacy and Donal, son of Annadh O'Rourke, one Monaig, was treacherously slain by Dunslevy
of His own tribe.