Mac Duinslebhe O'Heochada, Mac
Dunslerey
O'Heoghy.
Four Masters - Annals of Ireland
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: *
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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.
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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. He was beheaded and ignomi O’Heoghaidh, king Ulidia; the Ulidian nobles,
niously carried to Dublin; his head was placed who were the sureties between them, were the per over the town-gate, and his body was gibbetted sons who slew him.
nis, and the Clan Hugh, (the tribe name the Magennises,) Ulidia.
Dermod O'Caolaidhe (Keely. ) died.
The Kinel Owen were defeated by Flaith
bheartach O'Maoldoraidh" and the people Tir connell, who committed great slaughter among
The fourth visitation the entire province Connaught, and far Armagh, was made by
witH his feet upwards, on the north side of the city, The people Anghaile (Anally,) and Muintir
a spectacle woful
Megiollgain, were treacherously plundered the LXonal O’Ferrall, chief of Commaicne, was slain son Annadh O'Rourke and the English, who
to the Irish '"
by the people of the king of England. took much cattle and booty. They afterwards NMaolmaire Mac Murchadha, chief of Muintir marched Ardagh bishop Mel, plundered the
Birne, was slain by Hugh MacAengusa (or Magen
country, and slew Donal O'Ferrall, chief Anally. "
Feardoid, third son of Fergus, by Meadhbh or Maud, queen of Con
considered identical. The Mac Rannalls, (anglicised Reynolds) were the principal chiefs Muintir Eoluis, which territory com prised the southern part the county Leitrim, and extended from Slieve-an-Iarain and Lough Allen, Slieve Carbry, west Balona, the county Longford, and contained the castles Rinn, Lough Scur, and Leitrim, (See Annals under the year 1490,) and the monasteries Fenagh, Mohill, and Cloon. Under the year 1562 stated that the power O'Rourke extended from Caladh, the territory
Leitrim, Donegal, and the county Long Tireragh, and county
naught, in the beginning of the Christian era, from whom descended O'Loughlin of Burren, and O'Conor Corcomroe, lords of the
baronies of Burren and Corcomroe, in the county of Galway. 27. An expansion of the Shannon in the county of Tipperury.
28. Henry landed Waterford St. Luke's day, the 18th October, A. D. 1171, with army consisting 500 knights,
and about 4000 men arms. -Lanigan.
Hy Maine, (in the county Roscommon)
1- St. Maodhog was the founder the monastery Ferns, which afterwards became the seat diocese, which he was first bishop. He died the 31st January, A. D. 632, and was in
Drobhaois, Droos,
terred at Ferns. He was monasteries and churches name was Aodh Og, that celebrated ecclesiastic “My,” title respect
native Brefney, where founded
Dromlane and Rosinver. His original Young Hugh, which, after became
saint, was prefixed the pronoun Mo
Sligo, and from Granard
Sligo, near Ballysadare; and may therefore inferred that
St. Kiaran, who founded the monastery
afterwards bishops' see, the parish barony of Garrycastle, King's county, died ber, A. D. 459.
Connaught, the inhabitants §scendants Conmac, one
which were called Conmaicne, the the three sons queen Maud
mar, monarch Ireland were held here every year the feast Samhain,
the second century, solemn conventions the night the last day October, appease the gods immolating victims
those days, precisely
present used
Clonmacnois, the same name, the
the 9th Septem Conmaicne. —There were several districts this name
the address “My Lord. ”
Connaught, whom she bore
exiled king Ulster, about the beginning the Christian era. This
one birth for Fergus Mac Roy, the
and raising fires.
The Kingdom Meath. -Tiarman O'Rourke, prince Brefney,
place was designated Conmaicne Moyrein, Brefney O'Rourke, was married the daughter Murtagh O'Melaghlin, king
which, according O'Flaherty, extended into the county Long
Meath. The ancient kingdom Meath was formed the second century Tuathal Teachtmar, (or Tuathal the Acceptable,) who
was monarch Ireland from A. D. 130 A. D. 160, the com bination portion from each the then four provinces king
ford. Under the date A. D. 1175 stated that Fenagh, barony Leitrim, and county Leitrim, Moyren, and
the *ne authorities Commaicne Moyrein and Muintir Eoluis were
the borders Taffa Teffia, ford, the strand Eohuile, the barony
Conmaicne Moyrein extended far Granard.
however, under the present year 1172, that Donal O'Ferrall, the Anally family, was chief Conmaicne, that portion Longford adjoining the county Leitrim.
Tachtgha. -A hill near Athboy, the barony Lune, county Meath. Mr. Hardiman, his Statute Kilkenny, states that
this now called the Hill Ward, between Athboy and Trim. stated O'Flaherty that fire temple the Druids stood here the time paganism, and that the reign Tuathal Teaght
stated
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6 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1173.
A general synod of Ireland, both of the clergy ordaining priests, deacons, and clergymen of every
and chief laity, was held at Tuam in Connaught, degree, repairing and consecrating many ecclesi
at which Rory O'Conor and Cadhla O’Duffy, arch astical establishments and cemeteries, building many
bishop of Tuam, presided; three churches were monasteries and abbeys, performing every clerical
duty, and gaining the victory of devotion, pilgri mage, and penance, his spirit departed to heaven, in the Black Abbey church of Columkille, at Derry,
on the 10th day of February. A great miracle was performed on the night of his death, viz. :-the
dark night became bright from dusk till morning, and it appeared to the inhabitants that the adjacent parts of the globe were illuminated; and a large
body of fire moved over the town and remained
Heremon, and Ir. From the fifth the eleventh century, during period six hundred years, the Hy Nialls the race Here mon held exclusive possession the Irish monarchy, until A. D.
1002, when Brian Boroimhe, king Munster, the race
was formed by a portion or neck taken from each of the four pro
vinces. Others derive it from Midhe, who was chief Druid to
Nemedius, and by whom the first sacred fire was kindled in Ireland
at Uisneach. By the Latin writers it is written Midia and Me Niall the Nine Hostages, who was monarch Ireland from A. D. dia. According to Keating, Meath contained eighteen territories 379 A. 1). 406. They were divided into two great families, called Triochas, thirty townlands in each territory, twelve plough
consecrated.
A. D. 1173.
Murragh O’Cobhthaidh (Coffey,) bishop of
Derry and Raphoe, died. He was a man of pure chastity, a precious stone, a transparent gem, a
brilliant star, a treasury of wisdom, and chief con servator of the canons of the church ; after bestow ing food and raiment on the poor and needy,
doms, and their annexation to Meath: hence it becamea Cuigeadh, or fifth province, which term was afterwards and has been to the present applied to a province. The Irish name is Midhe, or, accor ding to some authorities, Meidhe, which signifies a mech,becauseit
Heber, dethroned Malachy the Second, and became monarch Ireland.
lands in each townland, and a hundred and twenty acres in each
ploughland. He describes its boundaries as extending from the
Shannon eastward to Dublin, and from Dublin to the river Righ,
(now the Rye water, which falls into the Liffey at Leixlip), then
by a line drawn through Kildare and the King's county to Birr,
from the Righ westward to Cluan Conrach, from thence to French
Mill's ford, and to the Cumar (or junction) of Clonard, (on the
southern border of Meath,) thence to Tochar Cairbre, (the hog pass
of Carberry, in the barony of Carberry, and county of Kildare,)
thence to Geashill, (King's county,) to Drumchuillin, (a parish in
the barony of Eglish, and King's county,) and to the river called
Abhain Chara (probably the Little Brosna, or the river flowing
into the Shannon from Lough Couragh, between Frankford and
Birr,) thence by the Shannon northwards to Athlone, and Lough
IRíbh (or Lough Ree, a part of the Shannon between Westmeath and
Anally or Longford on one side, and Roscommon on the other,) and
finally thence to Drogheda, being bounded on the north by Brefney
and Orgiall. Thus the ancient kingdom of Meath comprised the Teamair Tara, Tailten, Tlachtga, and Uisneach. present counties of Meath and Westmeath, with parts of Dublin,
Kildare, King's county, the greater part of Longford, and small portions of Brefney and Orgiall on the borders of the present coun ties of Cavan and Louth.
The great plain of Meath which included the greater parts of the present counties of Meath and Dublin, was known by the name of Magh Breagh, signifying the Magnificent Plain, mentioned by the
Latin writers under the name of Bregia, and by O'Conor, (Rer. Hib. Scrip. Vol. Campus Brigantium, the Plain the Brigantes, from being possessed the Brigantes, who were called
the Irish Clanna Breogain. Part the territory Bregia
obtained the name Fingal from the Danes, rather Norwegians,
who planted colony there the tenth century, along the coast
Amergin, the celebrated bard Dermod, monarch Ireland the sixth century, derives the name Teamair from Tea, the queen Heremon, who was buried there, and Mur, which signifies “Mound,”
between Dublin and Drogheda, and who were called by the Irish
Fionn Ghaill, signifying the Fair-haired Foreigners: hence the
name Fingal. The plain Bregia extended from Dublin
Drogheda, and thence Kells, and contained the districts about Tara, Trim, Navan, Athboy, Dunboyne, &c. Another great division
ancient Meath was called Teabhtha Tefia, which comprised the present county Westmeath, with parts Longford and the King's county.
Meath was for many ages the seat the Irish monarchy; and from the kings Meath were generally elected the monarchs Ireland. From the earliest period the fifth century the monarchs
Ireland were oceasionally elected from the descendants each the three sons Milesius, namely, from the races Heber,
was another great seat Droidism.
The chiefs and clans the kingdom Meath, and the territories
The Hy-Nialls took their name from their immediate ancestor,
denominated the northern and southern Hy Nialls. One branch the northern Hy Nialls consisted the O'Neills, who were descended from Eoghan, one the sons Niall the Hostages,
and were princes Tyrone, and many instances kings Ulster, and monarchs of Ireland: the other branch consisted of the O'Don nells, princes Tyrconnell, and some whom were also monarchs
Ireland, who were descended from Conall Gulban, another son
of the monarch Niall.
-
The southern Hy Nialls were descendedfrom four other sons Niall, but chiefly from his son Conall Criomthann, many whose
descendants were kings Meath, and inonarchs Ireland. This family took the name Clan Colman, from Colman More, son Dermod, son Criomthann, and monarch Ireland, from A. D.
554 A. D. 565. The descendants the Clan Colman, kings Meath, took the name O'Maolseachlain O'Melaghlin, from Maolseachlain Malachy, monarch Ireland, their ancestor the tenth century.
The ancient monarchs had four royal palaces Meath, namely,
hence Tea Mur, the Mound Tea. By Latin and English writers namedTemoria and Temor, and was celebrated for the great national conventionsheld there, called the Feis Tamhrach. Taill ten obtained its name frem Taillte, queen Eochaidh, son Eirc. , the last king the Firbolgs, who was buried there. This place was long celebrated for the great assemblies the people held there
which various sports and recreations similar Greece were exhibited, and marriage con known Teltown, near the river Black water, between Kells and Navan. Thachtga, according the
Annals the Four Masters, was situate near Athboy, and was celebrated seat Druidism The hill Uisneach, the barony Rathconrath, Westmeath, between Mullingar and Athlone,
annually August, the Olympic games
tracts ratified.
they possessed the twelfth century, are given O’Dugan's To pography follows: which are added various clans not men tioned by O’Dugan, but whose names are collected from other sources. O’Melaghlins, kings
togh O’Melaghlin was king Meath
Norman invasion, when the kingdom
II. , Hugh Lacy. II.
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: *
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6.
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. He was beheaded and ignomi O’Heoghaidh, king Ulidia; the Ulidian nobles,
niously carried to Dublin; his head was placed who were the sureties between them, were the per over the town-gate, and his body was gibbetted sons who slew him.
nis, and the Clan Hugh, (the tribe name the Magennises,) Ulidia.
Dermod O'Caolaidhe (Keely. ) died.
The Kinel Owen were defeated by Flaith
bheartach O'Maoldoraidh" and the people Tir connell, who committed great slaughter among
The fourth visitation the entire province Connaught, and far Armagh, was made by
witH his feet upwards, on the north side of the city, The people Anghaile (Anally,) and Muintir
a spectacle woful
Megiollgain, were treacherously plundered the LXonal O’Ferrall, chief of Commaicne, was slain son Annadh O'Rourke and the English, who
to the Irish '"
by the people of the king of England. took much cattle and booty. They afterwards NMaolmaire Mac Murchadha, chief of Muintir marched Ardagh bishop Mel, plundered the
Birne, was slain by Hugh MacAengusa (or Magen
country, and slew Donal O'Ferrall, chief Anally. "
Feardoid, third son of Fergus, by Meadhbh or Maud, queen of Con
considered identical. The Mac Rannalls, (anglicised Reynolds) were the principal chiefs Muintir Eoluis, which territory com prised the southern part the county Leitrim, and extended from Slieve-an-Iarain and Lough Allen, Slieve Carbry, west Balona, the county Longford, and contained the castles Rinn, Lough Scur, and Leitrim, (See Annals under the year 1490,) and the monasteries Fenagh, Mohill, and Cloon. Under the year 1562 stated that the power O'Rourke extended from Caladh, the territory
Leitrim, Donegal, and the county Long Tireragh, and county
naught, in the beginning of the Christian era, from whom descended O'Loughlin of Burren, and O'Conor Corcomroe, lords of the
baronies of Burren and Corcomroe, in the county of Galway. 27. An expansion of the Shannon in the county of Tipperury.
28. Henry landed Waterford St. Luke's day, the 18th October, A. D. 1171, with army consisting 500 knights,
and about 4000 men arms. -Lanigan.
Hy Maine, (in the county Roscommon)
1- St. Maodhog was the founder the monastery Ferns, which afterwards became the seat diocese, which he was first bishop. He died the 31st January, A. D. 632, and was in
Drobhaois, Droos,
terred at Ferns. He was monasteries and churches name was Aodh Og, that celebrated ecclesiastic “My,” title respect
native Brefney, where founded
Dromlane and Rosinver. His original Young Hugh, which, after became
saint, was prefixed the pronoun Mo
Sligo, and from Granard
Sligo, near Ballysadare; and may therefore inferred that
St. Kiaran, who founded the monastery
afterwards bishops' see, the parish barony of Garrycastle, King's county, died ber, A. D. 459.
Connaught, the inhabitants §scendants Conmac, one
which were called Conmaicne, the the three sons queen Maud
mar, monarch Ireland were held here every year the feast Samhain,
the second century, solemn conventions the night the last day October, appease the gods immolating victims
those days, precisely
present used
Clonmacnois, the same name, the
the 9th Septem Conmaicne. —There were several districts this name
the address “My Lord. ”
Connaught, whom she bore
exiled king Ulster, about the beginning the Christian era. This
one birth for Fergus Mac Roy, the
and raising fires.
The Kingdom Meath. -Tiarman O'Rourke, prince Brefney,
place was designated Conmaicne Moyrein, Brefney O'Rourke, was married the daughter Murtagh O'Melaghlin, king
which, according O'Flaherty, extended into the county Long
Meath. The ancient kingdom Meath was formed the second century Tuathal Teachtmar, (or Tuathal the Acceptable,) who
was monarch Ireland from A. D. 130 A. D. 160, the com bination portion from each the then four provinces king
ford. Under the date A. D. 1175 stated that Fenagh, barony Leitrim, and county Leitrim, Moyren, and
the *ne authorities Commaicne Moyrein and Muintir Eoluis were
the borders Taffa Teffia, ford, the strand Eohuile, the barony
Conmaicne Moyrein extended far Granard.
however, under the present year 1172, that Donal O'Ferrall, the Anally family, was chief Conmaicne, that portion Longford adjoining the county Leitrim.
Tachtgha. -A hill near Athboy, the barony Lune, county Meath. Mr. Hardiman, his Statute Kilkenny, states that
this now called the Hill Ward, between Athboy and Trim. stated O'Flaherty that fire temple the Druids stood here the time paganism, and that the reign Tuathal Teaght
stated
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6 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1173.
A general synod of Ireland, both of the clergy ordaining priests, deacons, and clergymen of every
and chief laity, was held at Tuam in Connaught, degree, repairing and consecrating many ecclesi
at which Rory O'Conor and Cadhla O’Duffy, arch astical establishments and cemeteries, building many
bishop of Tuam, presided; three churches were monasteries and abbeys, performing every clerical
duty, and gaining the victory of devotion, pilgri mage, and penance, his spirit departed to heaven, in the Black Abbey church of Columkille, at Derry,
on the 10th day of February. A great miracle was performed on the night of his death, viz. :-the
dark night became bright from dusk till morning, and it appeared to the inhabitants that the adjacent parts of the globe were illuminated; and a large
body of fire moved over the town and remained
Heremon, and Ir. From the fifth the eleventh century, during period six hundred years, the Hy Nialls the race Here mon held exclusive possession the Irish monarchy, until A. D.
1002, when Brian Boroimhe, king Munster, the race
was formed by a portion or neck taken from each of the four pro
vinces. Others derive it from Midhe, who was chief Druid to
Nemedius, and by whom the first sacred fire was kindled in Ireland
at Uisneach. By the Latin writers it is written Midia and Me Niall the Nine Hostages, who was monarch Ireland from A. D. dia. According to Keating, Meath contained eighteen territories 379 A. 1). 406. They were divided into two great families, called Triochas, thirty townlands in each territory, twelve plough
consecrated.
A. D. 1173.
Murragh O’Cobhthaidh (Coffey,) bishop of
Derry and Raphoe, died. He was a man of pure chastity, a precious stone, a transparent gem, a
brilliant star, a treasury of wisdom, and chief con servator of the canons of the church ; after bestow ing food and raiment on the poor and needy,
doms, and their annexation to Meath: hence it becamea Cuigeadh, or fifth province, which term was afterwards and has been to the present applied to a province. The Irish name is Midhe, or, accor ding to some authorities, Meidhe, which signifies a mech,becauseit
Heber, dethroned Malachy the Second, and became monarch Ireland.
lands in each townland, and a hundred and twenty acres in each
ploughland. He describes its boundaries as extending from the
Shannon eastward to Dublin, and from Dublin to the river Righ,
(now the Rye water, which falls into the Liffey at Leixlip), then
by a line drawn through Kildare and the King's county to Birr,
from the Righ westward to Cluan Conrach, from thence to French
Mill's ford, and to the Cumar (or junction) of Clonard, (on the
southern border of Meath,) thence to Tochar Cairbre, (the hog pass
of Carberry, in the barony of Carberry, and county of Kildare,)
thence to Geashill, (King's county,) to Drumchuillin, (a parish in
the barony of Eglish, and King's county,) and to the river called
Abhain Chara (probably the Little Brosna, or the river flowing
into the Shannon from Lough Couragh, between Frankford and
Birr,) thence by the Shannon northwards to Athlone, and Lough
IRíbh (or Lough Ree, a part of the Shannon between Westmeath and
Anally or Longford on one side, and Roscommon on the other,) and
finally thence to Drogheda, being bounded on the north by Brefney
and Orgiall. Thus the ancient kingdom of Meath comprised the Teamair Tara, Tailten, Tlachtga, and Uisneach. present counties of Meath and Westmeath, with parts of Dublin,
Kildare, King's county, the greater part of Longford, and small portions of Brefney and Orgiall on the borders of the present coun ties of Cavan and Louth.
The great plain of Meath which included the greater parts of the present counties of Meath and Dublin, was known by the name of Magh Breagh, signifying the Magnificent Plain, mentioned by the
Latin writers under the name of Bregia, and by O'Conor, (Rer. Hib. Scrip. Vol. Campus Brigantium, the Plain the Brigantes, from being possessed the Brigantes, who were called
the Irish Clanna Breogain. Part the territory Bregia
obtained the name Fingal from the Danes, rather Norwegians,
who planted colony there the tenth century, along the coast
Amergin, the celebrated bard Dermod, monarch Ireland the sixth century, derives the name Teamair from Tea, the queen Heremon, who was buried there, and Mur, which signifies “Mound,”
between Dublin and Drogheda, and who were called by the Irish
Fionn Ghaill, signifying the Fair-haired Foreigners: hence the
name Fingal. The plain Bregia extended from Dublin
Drogheda, and thence Kells, and contained the districts about Tara, Trim, Navan, Athboy, Dunboyne, &c. Another great division
ancient Meath was called Teabhtha Tefia, which comprised the present county Westmeath, with parts Longford and the King's county.
Meath was for many ages the seat the Irish monarchy; and from the kings Meath were generally elected the monarchs Ireland. From the earliest period the fifth century the monarchs
Ireland were oceasionally elected from the descendants each the three sons Milesius, namely, from the races Heber,
was another great seat Droidism.
The chiefs and clans the kingdom Meath, and the territories
The Hy-Nialls took their name from their immediate ancestor,
denominated the northern and southern Hy Nialls. One branch the northern Hy Nialls consisted the O'Neills, who were descended from Eoghan, one the sons Niall the Hostages,
and were princes Tyrone, and many instances kings Ulster, and monarchs of Ireland: the other branch consisted of the O'Don nells, princes Tyrconnell, and some whom were also monarchs
Ireland, who were descended from Conall Gulban, another son
of the monarch Niall.
-
The southern Hy Nialls were descendedfrom four other sons Niall, but chiefly from his son Conall Criomthann, many whose
descendants were kings Meath, and inonarchs Ireland. This family took the name Clan Colman, from Colman More, son Dermod, son Criomthann, and monarch Ireland, from A. D.
554 A. D. 565. The descendants the Clan Colman, kings Meath, took the name O'Maolseachlain O'Melaghlin, from Maolseachlain Malachy, monarch Ireland, their ancestor the tenth century.
The ancient monarchs had four royal palaces Meath, namely,
hence Tea Mur, the Mound Tea. By Latin and English writers namedTemoria and Temor, and was celebrated for the great national conventionsheld there, called the Feis Tamhrach. Taill ten obtained its name frem Taillte, queen Eochaidh, son Eirc. , the last king the Firbolgs, who was buried there. This place was long celebrated for the great assemblies the people held there
which various sports and recreations similar Greece were exhibited, and marriage con known Teltown, near the river Black water, between Kells and Navan. Thachtga, according the
Annals the Four Masters, was situate near Athboy, and was celebrated seat Druidism The hill Uisneach, the barony Rathconrath, Westmeath, between Mullingar and Athlone,
annually August, the Olympic games
tracts ratified.
they possessed the twelfth century, are given O’Dugan's To pography follows: which are added various clans not men tioned by O’Dugan, but whose names are collected from other sources. O’Melaghlins, kings
togh O’Melaghlin was king Meath
Norman invasion, when the kingdom
II. , Hugh Lacy. II.
