No More Learning

When his ene the property belonging them they could mies expected he would return back into Ulster, he seize. They next proceeded that night Tellach did not do so, but sent messengers privately to Eachdhach (barony Tullaghagh, Cavan), west Maguire, namely, Hugh, requesting he would come
with him into Annaly; he sent reconnoiterers be
fore him into the territory, and commanded them
to meet him at a certain place; he himself after
wards proceeded with his forces, silently and O’Neill rose alliance with O’Donnell, the war, expeditiously, into the two Annalys (North and the lord justice (sir William Russell), and the South Longford), where he arrived early in the
morning. These were the territories of the
two O'Ferralls, before the English had gained
power over them, and one of the English them
selves was in possession of O'Ferrall’s Port-Air O'Donnell, requesting him come his aid eachais (hereditary mansion), whose name was against the oppressors who had come his coun Christopher Brown. Scouring parties from the try, which was not negligently heard O’Donnell, large forces of O’Donnell and Maguire overran for mustered his forces, and proceeded through the country from Slieve Cairpre (probably the Tyrone the place where O'Neill was, and they Clanhugh mountains, on the borders of Long both marched Fochaird Muirtheimhne (Fogh ford and Leitrim), to Eithne (the river Inny, on ard, near Dundalk, the plain Muirthevne, the borders of Longford and Westmeath), and set the county Louth), the month May every thing before them in those districts on precisely; when the lord justice received intel large columns of fire, and dense dark clouds of ligence that they were both that place pre
O’Donnell the same day; many people were slain and destroyed that occasion, and among
their chief men was Hoberd, the son son Bryan, who was slain by Maguire
Fergus, conse the
quence not knowing him, and the son
prior O'Reilly was taken prisoner another party
the forces. All the property the country which they thought value was collected and brought them, and they then proceeded with their prey and booty, and encamped Teallach Dun
that
scouring parties the monastery Cavan, ex pectation getting advantage the English who were quartered and when they found
ward Bel-Atha-Conaill (Ballyconnell, Cavan), and they then returned their homes, after vic torious campaign that occasion.
When the English were convinced that the earl
council, sent ten hundred warriors Newry fight against the Tyronians, and the lord justice promised follow them with his forces, plunder and spoil the country. O’Neill sent messages
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594 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1595.
the direct way between Armagh and Avonmore, they beheld the strong camp, and the powerful ranks of battalions which the Tirconnallians and
Tyronians were, along with the earl O’Neill and O'Donnell, and the English forces having perceived them, they remained that place till the following
plunder Tirconnell, and they entered the har day when they returned back Armagh; the Irish bour Lough Swilly, and having obtained ad went pursuit them, and having encamped vantage the country that time, they plundered near them, they remained for fifteen days con the monastery the Virgin Mary, which was
pared for him, he remained in Dublin on that occasion.
Young George Bingham, who was in Sligo, from
the governor of the province of Connaught,
Richard Bingham, went with ship's crew the right hand side Ireland north-eastward, make
the margin the shore (the Carmelite monastery Rathmullen, the barony Kilmacrennan,
the other, for the lord justice and his forces were within the strongholds Armagh, erecting towers
Donegal), and carried away with them their Mass and deepening trenches about the town. At the vestments, chalices, and other property; they af end that time the lord justice left three compa
terwards proceeded Toraidh (Tory Island, off
the coast Donegal), island which Columkille,
the patron saint, blessed, and having spoiled and
plundered every thing the island, they then re
turned back Sligo. O'Donnell, having been in which proceeded with his forces Dublin, and formed that his territory had been plundered his the English did not attempt bring army into absence by strangers, returned from Tir Eogain Ulster for some time after that, except one force,
fronted that manner, without either attacking
nies soldiers guard Armagh, and himself returned Newry, and the Irish pursued them the gates Newry. week afterwards the lord justice went Monaghan with stores, from
relieve them, but his stay was not long Tir which was mustered John Norris, and connell, when O’Neill’s messengers came him Thomas Norris, his brother, namely, the president
inform him that the lord justice with his forces had come into Tyrone; returned back again the place where O'Neill was, who was much re
the two provinces Munster, with the troops
Munster and Meath, for the purpose marching into Ulster; they proceeded Newry, and from
joiced with him. Immense was the army which thence they set out for Armagh. When they had
came with the lord justice, namely, sir William Russell, for had along with him the queen’s general war Ireland, namely, sir John Norris; the earl Thomond, Donogh, the son Con
O’Brien, with all their forces; and these did not halt until they arrived Iubhar-Chinn-Tragha (Newry), from which they proceeded Armagh,
gone nearly half the way, they were met the Irish, who began spear, shoot, pierce, and cut
them down, that they did not suffer them sleep, eat, rest, refresh themselves for twenty
four hours; they were not allowed advance one foot forward beyond that; and their officers were thankful for returning Newry with their lives, after having lost great many their men and
where they came the resolution not stop until
they would reach the Avonmore (the river Black horses, with arms and property; the General, Sir
water, the borders Tyrone and Armagh),
John Norris, and Sir Thomas his brother, were wounded on that occasion. "
nor Munster. He afterwards, conjunction with the lord deputy, sir William Russell, and his brother, Thomas Norris, marched into Ulster with powerful force opposeO'Neill, but, after the success their expedition, Russell returned Dub lin, and left the command Norris, who, conjunction with his brother, advanced from Newry towards Monaghan, relieve the English garrison the castle that town, which was then be sieged the Irish. The English forces amounted about three thousand men, and Hugh O'Neill, with some chiefs the Maguires, Mac Mahons, O’Hanlons, O'Quinns, and O'Kanes, resolved op pose their progress, and posted their cavalry, with their kerns and galloglasses, the pass Clontibret, near little river situated
valley enclosed small hills. The English advanced and made repeated efforts force the pass, which was resolutely defended
the very centre Tir Eogain;
A. D. 1595. Battle Clontibret. —An account
their march,
this battle given by Mac Geoghegan and O'Sullivan Beare, and also Stuart's Ar
magh; was fought
which the above battle
called Cluain Tiobruid,
known Clontibret, about five miles south-east Monaghan, to wards the borders Armagh. Queen Elizabeth, alarmed the warlike attitude assumed the Northern Irish, under Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, sent over Ireland captain-general the army, sir John Norris, distinguished commander who had served the Netherlands, against king Philip II. Spain. Nor ris arrived Ireland with three thousand the veteran troops who had served the Netherlands, and was some time gover
the summer 1595, about the period recorded the annalists, place
the “Lawn the Spring,” now well
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The forementioned George (Bingham), having When
where O’Donnell himself was, and having delivered the message to him, he after that went to the earl O'Neill, and they were both rejoiced at that slay
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
59. 5
those the province Connaught insurrection, namely, the Lower of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Rathmullen, and the Burkes, the Mac Donnells, O'Conors, O’Rourkes
returned to Sligo, after plundering the monastery who were
church of Columkille on Tory Island, God did not and Clan Maolroona (the Mac Dermotts Ros
allow him a long period without avenging it on him,
for there was a gentleman of the Burkes in his
company, who had twelve warriors along with him,
namely, Ulick Burke, the son of Redmond-na
Sguab, who had been on a former occasion re
proached and insulted by George, and by the
English, in general, on which account he was angry
and enraged, and was resolved to be revenged of own native patrimony, and every inhabitant whom George for his insult, if he possibly could, and
afterwards to get into O’Donnell's friendship, for
he was certain of being secure in his alliance.
Having obtained an advantage of theforementioned
George, on a certain day, when he was in his private
apartment, with only a few attendants, he came
up to him and accused him of his oppression and
injustice, but did not receive a satisfactory answer,
and as he did not, he drew his sword, and struck
at him until he cut off his head from his neck; he
then took the castle (of Sligo), and sent his mes
senger to Ballyshannon, where O’Donnell's people
were, who dispatched a messenger to Tyrone, Scottish fleet landed Lough Foyle, command
by Mac Leod Arran, proceeded them, take them into his service; they were six hun dred number, and after having been for some time the country, resting and recruiting them leave of the earl, and, accompanied by his forces, selves, and being engaged by him, mustered he did not halt a night until he arrived at Sligo, his forces together, with his hired soldiers, and
where he was welcomed, and Ulick having deli they marched across the rivers Erne, Drowis, vered the town to him, he was very happy in his Dubh, (Bunduff, the borders Leitrim and mind; these things happened in the month of Sligo), the Sligeach (the river Sligo), Eas-Dara June.
ing; on the following day O’Donnell took his
by the Irish. Norris, finding his troops repulsed, rallied his men, and rushed forward at their head, animating them to conflict, but
his horse being struck by a musket ball, fell dead beneath him, and himself and his brother sir Thomas were wounded in the heat
of battle. After the contest had continued fiercely for some time, Sedgrave, a commander from Meath, who from his great strength and gigantic stature was considered their chief champion, and the most valiant man in the English Pale, galloped impetu ously forward at the head of a troop of horse, and having made good his passage across the ford which separated both armies, he charged O'Neill’s cavalry. The dauntless O'Neill, at the head of his men, met him in mid career, and they closed in single com bat, while the troops on both sides stood still as spectators, awaiting the issue of the contest. Both champions were clad in armour, and their spears were shivered to pieces on their breast-plates in the first encounter; they then grasped their swords, and cut at
each other, but both being equally expert at their weapons, Sed
grave could obtain no advantage, and resolved to grapple in closer combat; with desperate valour, and trusting to his superior
strength, seized O'Neill the neck, and, after severe strug gle, the warriors dragged each other off their horses, and fell together the ground. Both struggled for few moments
deadly strife, but Sedgrave, superior strength, getting the earl under, seized his sword cut off his head, and the contending armies already deemed him slain. The English gave cheer victory, but was premature, for O'Neill, making powerful effort, grasped his dagger, and buried the bowels his anta gonist beneath his mail, and Sedgrave rolled the ground the agonies death. The Irish raised tremendous shout triumph, and O'Neill, remounting his steed, charged the enemy the head
his men, who, attacking the English with redoubled vigour took their standard, put them flight directions, and pursued them with great slaughter Armagh. The remnant the Eng lish forces, with the two Norrises, fled towards Newry, and, ac cording Mac Geoghegan, 700 their men were slain this
battle, and the garrison Monaghan soon after surrendered O'Neill.
common, and Mac Donoghs Sligo), and not
they alone but also those who were proclaimed and dispersed, after they had been dispossessed and
expelled by the Binghams into Ulster and other places, heard the death George (Bingham),
and the taking Sligo, they came O’Donnell Sligo, and each them afterwards went his
the English settled their lands during the time
they themselves had been proclaimed, joined them as adherents from that hour forth. The most of
those from the western parts Erris and Umh all, (the western baronies Mayo), Drowis (Bundrowis, near Ballyshannon), were afterwards
alliance and united with O’Donnell, the space
one month, and very few castles fortresses, whole demolished, those countries, but were
under his controul the same period. O’Donnell afterwards went Donegal, where remained
the middle August. Having been informed that
(Ballysadare), and the Ox mountain, into Lieney;
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596 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1595.
from thence until he arrived in Costello (in Mayo). the fortress, and the men who were and they The English had at that time a rendezvous and re having proceeded the banks the river, and sidence in Caislen-Mor-Mec-Goisdealbhaigh (the the hill which called Raith-Dabriotog (near the great castle of Mac Costello, in the parish of town Sligo), they beheld the English quar Castlemore, barony of Costello), and O’Donnell,
with his forces, having laid siege to the castle, the guards were at length obliged to surrender the
castle; he then proceeded to Dun-Mor-Mic-Feorais (Dunmore of Bermingham, in the county of Gal way); they sent forth predatory parties to Con maicne (barony of Kilmaine, in Mayo), to Muintir
ters throughout the town. There was proud and boastful young officer along with Sir Richard that time, who was sister's son his, whose name was captain Martin, and was the commander
his horse forces; could not bear see his enemies near him without attacking them, and
proceeded with his troops over the bridge Murchada (barony of Clare, in Galway), to the Sligo when O’Donnell’s men perceived them ad borders of Machaire Riavach, and to Tuaim vancing, they returned back quickly they da-Ghualann (Tuam); they took Turlach Mochain could, they had not force equal theirs; the (Turlaghvohan, or Thurlagh, near Tuam), and English pursued them, but not being able over
a great number of the chiefs of the country,
along with Richard, the son of Bermingham; they
completely preyed and plundered the country
around them, and having carried off the cattle and
flocks, and the wealth and property those before
them, they returned back. When the governor
the province Connaught, namely, Richard
Bingham, received intelligence that O’Donnell had
gone past him westward into Connaught, mus
tered fifteen companies soldiers, both horse and quivers; commanded them ambush foot, with which he marched the border the
take them, they returned back. O’Donnell’s people related what happened, how they were pursued, and the manner which they escaped
the fleetness their horses; when O’Donnell heard this information the resolution he came was lay ambuscade for the foreigners the same direction; he then selected hundred the best horsemen his force, and three hundred foot soldiers with their shooting arms, viz. , bows and
Curlew mountains, for the purpose attacking O'Donnell his return from his expedition.
O'Donnell having been informed this, shortly returned back with his preys and booty, from one encampment another, through Costello, Lieney,
within mile Sligo, and send small party cavalry the banks the river, decoy the En glish forces, and should they pursue them, not wait engage them until they passed the place where the ambuscade was laid; all this was accor dingly done. When captain Martin saw the small party horsemen the banks the river,
the lower part Tirerrill (in Sligo), across the
three bridges, viz. , the bridge Collooney, the proceeded with large body cavalry wreak bridge Ballysadare, and the bridge Sligo. his vengeance them they the same time
The English pursued him quickly they could
through these passes. O’Donnell having detached large body cavalry, commanded them
fall the rear his forces, prevent the van the English army from attacking the attendants, and unarmed portion his men; then proceed
with his booty, without meeting any opposition, and arrived the neighbourhood Gleann Dal lain (Glenade and Glencar, on the borders Leitrim and Sligo). The governor continued the pursuit after him, and took up quarters the monastery Sligo, besiege the guards O'Don
moved slowly and carelessly the first instance,
but was not long after that until the warriors were obliged spur their horses, they were closely and hotly pursued by the English; one
them, namely, Felim Riavach Mac Davett (the Mac Davids, Davetts, were branch the
Burkes Mayo), was left behind despite him, on account the slowness his horse, that was not able keep up his party, and was therefore obliged wait for his enemies, and diso bey the command his lord, that fighting with the English; when was certain being instantly killed, turned his face the foremost
nell, who were the castle. On the following day
O’Donnell sent party cavalry reconnoitre his pursuers, and that was captain Martin, and the English, and receive information respecting having raised his arm, for the purpose wield
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 597
ing his weapon on the person before him who dows and loop holes the castle, and began opposed them, Felim extended his hand to meet discharge their leaden balls and rapid flames the blow made at him, to cut him down, and fire on them, that the warriors who were enclos struck captain Martin directly in the armpit, and the wooden engine were wounded that pierced his heart in his breast, and he was com pouring stones and continued firing. The pletely covered with armour except that place in English did not endure wounded any longer, which he was wounded. The English returned and they could gain advantage the fortress, back after their valiant hero and warrior had been they left their wall-demolishing habitation, and re
wounded, and they carried him with them on a tired deeply wounded, and were thankful for having
bearer, debilitated and stretched in the faint weak escaped with their lives. was anguish
ness of death, until they arrived in the town, and heart the governor, Richard Bingham, that
he died that night. When O’Donnell saw that could not wreak his vengeance the guards
the English had retreated, he became enraged, the fortress, any the people O’Donnell,
until the decoying party certified on behalf of and he returned back across the Curlew mountains
Felim, that nothing could have saved him from through Moy Aoi, until arrived Roscommon. being slain by captain Martin, but that single O’Donnell afterwards marched across the river
thrust; he afterwards however became pacified in Erne, and dismissed his Scottish forces, after his mind, when news came to him the next day having paid them their stipend, and having retur that the captain died. As to the governor, he was ned Sligo, demolished the castle, lest
filled with anger and wrath after his kinsman had been slain, and he commanded his forces to con struct an engine for demolishing the castle, in the expectation of taking it from O’Donnell's people, who were in they accordingly made the rafters and boards of the bed-chambers of the
should occupied the English.
the river Moy), Culdees (the monks), and every article which that intelligence reached the governor, com
they could use which was the monastery; they then covered this engine with the hides cows and oxen, and also put wheels under move
manded his brother, captain John Bingham, cap
tain Foal, captain Mensi, and the son William Buighe Tuite, together with great number
the fortress, and they afterwards filled with other gentlemen along with them, march the champions, valiant warriors, and engineers, for the relief the castle, with provisions and arms; but
purpose demolishing the castle. ” They drew before they were able relieve the guards Theo with force this powerful engine, dusk, the bald got possession the castle; they returned beginning the night, until they placed against back sorrow, and Theobald pursued them, the angle the castle, and they then began de spearing, and circumventing them, harrassing and molish the wall. There were engineers within the slaying them, throughout the day, that they castle, who commenced penetrating the wall, lost many men and much arms and armour; enable the men inside shoot their enemies; slew that day captain Foal, captain Mennsi, others the guards went the battlements the and the son and heir William Tuite, and many fortress, who began throw down them large other officers and common soldiers who are not masses stones, and rough edged rocks which recorded; and was their feats arms, bra smashed atoms every thing they fell upon; very, and good knowledge the way, that such others the people the castle went the win survived made their escape that day.
The Engine. —The engine above-mentioned was called the advanced under the walls besieging towns and attacking for Irish the Sow, and was constructed strong planks, iron hoops, tresses. This war engine described Ledwich's Military Anti &c. , covered with cow hides, and was very strong, and proof against quities, and mentioned the Pacata Hibernia, and Borlase's musket balls, spears, &c. Like the wooden horse used the account the battles the war 1641, and was also used the Greeks the siege Troy, was filled with armed warriors, Irish the siege Sligo 1689, mentioned Harris his and being very large, might probably contain men more, who Life King William.
were completely protected; the machine, being rolled wheels, was
Theobald Burke, the son son John, son Oliver, son
Walter Ciotach, John, laid siege
Bel-Leice (now Belleek,
castle the barony Tyrawley, the county Mayo, which were the governor's guards; when
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598 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1595.
O'Neill, i. e. Torlogh Luineach, the son of Niall
Connallach, son of Art, son of Con, son of Henry,
son of Owen, died; he was the most bountiful
bestower of wealth and property to literary men
and professors, and those the habit re ceiving presents, any the lords Ireland
The monastery Monaghan Oirgiall was possession the English this year, and was con stantly guarded company soldiers, and message reached Dublin from them stating they were want provisions. When the lord jus tice sir William Russell, and sir John Norris, re ceived intelligence that, they gave directions
his time, for often issued invitations throughout
Ireland to all those who were in the habit of send twenty-six companies English and Irish seeking aid, come him precisely the festi soldiers, together with many officers, with provis
vals the birth Christ, and when they came none departed without being satisfactorily supplied;
was lord who had great forces retained, and on pay; lord who was bountiful peace, and powerful war, until age and infirmity overcame him, and heir was appointed him ten years before his death, the Parliament which was held
Dublin, the name the queen Elizabeth, namely, Hugh, the son Feardorcha, the baron, son Con, son Con, son Henry, son
Owen, who had been nominated earl (of Tyrone) that Parliament; where O’Neill died was
ions, and sorts necessary stores, Monaghan;
they proceeded their march unnoticed and unopposed till they arrived the town, and having remained that night Monaghan, they prepared
depart the following day, Newry.
When they proceeded short distance eastward
from Monaghan, they were met O'Neill’s people,
who were there oppose them, and uncourteous and unfriendly was the reception they got there,
for they (O'Neill's forces), began shoot, slay,
cut down, and destroy them, from the fourth hour before noon-day, the close the evening's light,
that was not easy relate enumerate that were slain the lord justice’s people, both officers and common soldiers, all they lost military horses, armour, and arms; and various sorts weapons, property, fine cloth, horses, and hampers provisions, every place through which they proceeded that day. They encamp
Strabane, and was interred straw, Tyrone).
Magennis, Hugh (lord
Ardsratha (Ard
county Down), the son Hugh, son
Oge, man who bore the greatest fame and re
nown any his lineage among the English and Irish Ireland, died piously.
Iveagh,
the Donal
the neighbourhood Newry, and companies came for them from Newry the following Corcabaiscin (barony Moyarta, Clare), man morning, and deficient and broken were their ranks
Torlogh, the son Bryan, son Donogh, son Donogh Bacach (Mac Mahon), lord western
great fame and renown throughout Ireland, ac cording his patrimony, for had only Triocha Ced (barony), died, and his son Teige Caoch assumed his place.
going that town, and they did not think, leaving Dublin, that they would sustain such overthrow Ulster; that flying battle was fought
Edmond-na-Sguab, the son Heads, son Rickard, son Tuagh, died.
Ulick Ulick
the Knock
the month May precisely. ” Captain Felli, agentleman
who had the controul and care lands, was treacherously slain in Caislean-an-Aircin.
the queen's people, the governor's
his own people
John, the son Tuathal, man great fame and renown
O'Gallagher, (of Donegal), namely,
among the English and Irish that time, died
O’Donnell collected his forces the month December, for the purpose marching into the province Connaught; the direction which
their march, and the fierce engagement,
flight Newry, leaving 600 men dead the field battle, and the loss the year, namely 1595, according Mac Geoghegan, who quotes O'Sul Irish was only 200. This battle was fought Kilclooney, near livan Beare, the lord deputy, sir William Russell, and general sir the Fews Mountains, about two miles southward Market Hill,
John Norris, led the English forces from Dundalk take posses Armagh. sion Armagh, but Hugh O'Neill, with Maguire, O'Kane, the
April.
of Kilclooney. —The engagement above mentioned
which the English forces were defeated with great slaughter, and their arms, ammunition, horses, &c. captured, took
the 25th
Battle the Annals,
O'Hanlons, and other chiefs, met them Irish forces having attacked them, they had which the English were defeated and put
place the borders Monaghan and Armagh, and the same
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English from his estate, and promised aid him his power; and moreover he, being
district Lusmagh King's county); they after
wards proceeded across the Shannon into Delvin
the prime life, was capable
enduring the trou which (O’Don chief was then
(barony Garrycastle, the territory lan, King's county), Fercall territory, King's county), and
Mac Cogh (O’Molloy’s their return
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
599
same war, except O’Madden alone, namely, Donal, the son John, and his son Anmcha. The sons Redmond-na-Scuab, the son Ulick Burke,
and those we have mentioned, proceeded
expedition, and they took and demolished Meelick O'Madden (in Galway), Tir-Athain, and the
most the castles the country, except the came his invitation, and having held con Longport (the fortress O'Madden, the barony sultation with his counsellors, determine which Longford, county Galway); they completely
them should appointed lord, the resolution plundered and spoiled Clonfert St. Brendan,
they finally came was, nominate Theobald and took the bishop the town (Stephen Kero Burke, the son Walter Ciotach, son John, van, Kirwan, bishop Clonfert), prisoner;
son Oliver, lord, because he was the first who along with those engaged there was Owen Duv, had gone him after had been expelled the the son Malachy Balv O’Madden, from the
proceeded was to Sligo, to Traigh Eothuile (west of Ballysadare, in Sligo), through Tireragh, and
across the river Moy into Tyrawley. The Clan William Burke were in contention with each other
about the lordship of the country, for each of them considered that he himself was entitled to it.
When O’Donnell arrived in the country, they
bles and hardship
nell), was engaged.
conferred him
the war The title
the presence the forces
back the banks the Shannon, two companies soldiers which were quartered Meath were
general, although there were others older and more
entitled the nomination than after the ap sent pursuit them, and notice warning
pointment Theobald, hostages and securities were having gone before them, they arrived, unnoticed given him by the other Burkes who were con and unperceived, until they surrounded the town
tention with him. O’Donnell remained with Mac
William during the Christmas that year, the barony Cill-Meadhain (Kilmaine, Mayo), and
the Brighs Clanmorris (hence Mac Muiris-na mBrigh, Mac Morris the Brighs). The lord justice Ireland, namely, William Russell,
which the plunderers were, that numbers them were slain, along with Anmcha, the son Malachy Modarda, son Malachy, son Breasal,
and Covthach Oge, the son Covthach O’Mad den; the sons Redmond Burke, with the most their people, escaped from that conflict. Thir
was that time Galway, and peace was pro teen the castles Connaught were demolished claimed for the space two months, without by O’Donnell that expedition; after O’Don
sureties pledges, between O’Donnell and the nell had crossed the Moy into Tireragh (in Sligo), Conacians, the one side, and the lord justice nominated Teige, the son Teige Riavach, the other hand, his leaving Galway. There son Owen, the O’Dowd, and O’Hara Riavach
was not county Connaught, except the county Clare alone, but all the inhabitants, great numbers them from each these counties, were
Lieney; Maurice Caoch, the son Teige Triubhas, the Mac Donogh Tirerrill; Roderick, the son Hugh Mac Donogh Corran, and Co
alliance and united with O'Donnell on that oc nor, the son Teige Mac Dermott, the Mac casion, from Drowis (Bundrowis, Leitrim), Dermott Moylurg; brought with him the Conmaicne Mara (Connamara, Galway), and hostages every country through which passed, from the Moy the Shannon; those were the sureties, and after having completed his expe O'Kellys, except Conor, the son Donogh Ria dition, returned back until crossed the river
Connaught, for the mostpart, Galway by the governor, sir
Erne.
the Caladh (in Galway), from Feardorcha, the son The hostages Kellach, son Donal, son Hugh-na-goail were confined
vach, son Teige Duv O’Kelly, for had taken
leach O’Kelly; and Feardorcha having attended Richard Bingham.
the meeting held by O’Donnell, was nominated became inebriated and excited, after drinking lord O’Donnell. The O'Maddens rose the wine, the first month harvest this year, and
happened time that these
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600 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
they contemplated among themselves to escape warlike man, benevolent and humane, brave the from the prison in which they were, and to fly, by conflict, successful attacks, pre-eminent for good stealth or force. Having determined on that re sense and council, peace and war, died the solution, they threw off their chains and fetters; 26th January, and his brother's son, namely, the gates of the town were open at that time, and Maolmuire, the son Murrogh Mall, assumed his
place.
persons general, for was the beginning O’Reilly John Roe, the son Hugh Con
night they passed out through the gate the town; allach, son Maolmora, son John, died;
it happened to have been the time of dinner for
and although had been ordained, according composition by authority the queen, some time
that period, that each the descen Maolmora O’Reilly should enjoy the his own territory, O’Neill, i. e. Hugh
Tyrone), the son Feardorcha, appointed and the others were turned back into the prison Philip, the son Hugh Conallach, the O'Reilly
from which they had escaped. When these infor over Brefney; but did not live long after mations reached the governor, sent written had been nominated lord, for was accidentally
the bridge was gained them, that they were obliged face the rough river before them, and
previous river that the fierce soldiers of the town had ar dants
was the same time they were getting out the
rived there, after they had crossed the bridge lordship
meet them; some them were killed the spot, (earl
order Galway hang, without respite, every
one who had attempted escape that occasion;
there were hanged command the governor the son Mac William Burke, namely, Edmond,
the son Richard the Iron the son O’Conor Roe, the son Teige Oge, son Teige Buighe,
son Cathal Roe; the son Mac David, namely,
Hoberd Buighe, son William, son Thomas;
Murrogh Oge, the son Murrogh the Battle
axes, son Teige O'Flaherty; Donal, the son
Roderick, son Teige O'Flaherty, and Myler, the Tipperary), and the Third Clonmell (barony
son Theobald, son Walter Fada (Burke).
A. D. 1596.
Mac Carthy More died, namely, Donal, the son Donal, son Cormac Ladhrach, son Teige;
and although was called Mac Carthy More, had been honourably created earl (earl Clancare, Cork), before that time, by command the
Iffa and Offa, Tipperary), died; was man benevolence and great bounty, and had the greatest collection poems any, for the most part, the Normans Ireland; and his son
Thomas succeeded his place.
Mac Geoghegan, namely Niall, the son Rossa,
son Conla, died.
Redmond Fitzgerald, lord Tuath Brothail
(Broghill Castle, near Charleville, the county sovereign England; left male heir after Cork, one the seats the Fitzgeralds
him, who would appointed his successor, and Desmond), was put death Cork, account only one daughter, who became the wife the son the crimes his rebellion against the English.
MacCarthy Riavach, namely, Fingin (Florence), When the lord justice and the council Ireland and were opinion that was heir that perceived the strength and power the Irish
Mac Carthy who died, namely Donal.
Mac Sweeney-na-dTuath (of the Districts,
against them, and that those whom they had brought under subjection themselves before that
Donegal), namely Owen Oge, the son Owen
Oge, son Owen, son Donal, affluent, boun
tiful man, who incurred neither reproach nor dis came was, send ambassadors O’Neill and
respect from the time assumed the goverment O’Donnell, sue for peace and truce from them. his territory the day his death, valiant, The persons chosen for negociating affairs between
killed before the space half quarter (six weeks), the people O’Neill, by whom had been inaugurated; and Edmond, the son Maolmora, the senior the two lords before mentioned, was
nominated the O’Reilly.
The son the earl Desmond died, namely, Thomas, the son James, son John, son
Thomas Drogheda.
Theobald, the son Pierce, son Edmond
Butler, lord Cathair-Duin-Iasgaidh (Cahir,
time were joining alliance with the forementioned Irish, opposition them, the resolution they
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 601
them were Thomas Butler, earl of Ormond, and he remained, and sent dispatches to O'Neill, infor the archbishop of Cashel, namely, Myler Magrath. ming him of the object of his arrival there; O’Neill
The earl of Ormond proceeded to Dundalk, where sent the same messages to O’Donnell, and O’Don
XII. Ancient Topography and Chiefs of Ulster &c. —In the various topographical annotations, in the course of these Annals, ac
counts have been given of the old territorial divisions, and of the possessions held by each of the Irish princes and chiefs; but an opportunity did not occur, until now, of giving in full O' Dugan's Topography of Ulster, which is now translated from the original Irish, as his topography of Meath, and Connaught, has been given in former numbers. The topography of O'Heerin on Leinster and Munster, has been also given in the course of these notes; and an account of these important works, the Topographies of O’Dugan and O'Heerin, has been given in the Introduction to these Annals. They contain an account of the territories possessed by each of the Irish princes, lords, and chiefs, in the 12th and 13th centuries, and are now for the first time translated from the Irish, and embodied in these notes; but a full translation of these valuable Topogra phies, accompanied with the necessary annotations, and the Irish original on one side, is in course of preparation, and will be pub lished in a separate work, as soon as prepared.
The Eugenians and tribes of Aileach. -O’Dugan thus commen ces his Topography of Ulster:
“Let us proceed to the chiefs of Uladh (Ulster),
From Tailtean of the valiant warriors,
From the Plain of Bregia, and forth from Meath, From the select tribes of Tenor.
“We must not stop till we arrive at Aileach,
To the race of Eogan of powerful arms;
The sway of greatness they uprightly obtained, The supreme nobility of Erin.
“This statement is not an idle saying,
Which has been handed down by historians; The torches of royal houses and of feasts, All were heroes up to Eogan. ”
The O'Neills and Mac Loghlins are thus designated by O’Dugan:
“Hui Niall rioghdha an ratha truim Agus Meg laomsgair Lachlaind Dual don maicne an mine
Da aicme na hairdrighe.
“The princely O'Neill, of great prosperity, And also the mighty Mac Loghlin; Hereditary it was to those warlike chiefs To be both heirs to the monarchy. ”
O'Dugan then proceeds to describe the other chiefs of the race of Eogan, and their territories:
“Ten Triochas, no mean portion belonged
To the ten sons of Eogan of the red weapons; Delightful to behold their possessions,
To them an undisputed inheritance.
“Of the Kinel Eogan, of mild countenance,
The prince of Kianaght is O'Cathain,
His forces are ready at every call;
Of the race of Teige, the son of Kian of Cashel, Is the tribe of abundant wealth and fame, O'Conor was at first their prince. ”
Aileach, above mentioned, was a celebrated fortress, in Donegal, and the chief residence of the ancient kings of Ulster, of the race of Hy Niall, and an account of it has been given at p. 438 in the notes. The Eugenians, or race of Eogan, also called Kinel Eogain, the head branch of the Northern Hy Niall, possessedthe territory of Tir-Eogain, which comprised the present counties of Tyrone and Derry, with a portion of Donegal, and accounts of the chiefs of the Eugenians, and their territories, have been given at pp. 49, 50, and
also at pp. 441,442, in these notes. The O'Neills, above mention
ed, were princes of Tir-Eogain, princes of Aileach, and kings of Ulster, and many of their ancestors also monarchs of Ireland. The Mac Loghlins, who are mentioned by O’Dugan and sometimes called O'Loghlins, were a branch of the O'Neills, as before ex plained, and became powerful chiefs, as princes of Aileach and kings of Ulster; and two of them were acknowledged as monarchs of Ireland in the 12th century. Many of their distinguished chiefs are recorded in these Annals in the 11th and I2th centuries, and they held their rank to the end of the 12th century, when they were put down by the O'Neills, who became princes of Tir Eogain, and held their rank and power down to the 17th century. There are still many respectable families of the Mac Loghlins in Ulster, and various other parts of Ireland. O'Cahan, or O'Kane, prince of Cianachta, above mentioned, ruled over the greater part of the present county of Derry, and the name of his chief territory is still preserved in the barony of Kenaght. The territory of the O'Kanes was also called Oireacht- Ui-Chathain, or O’Kane's Country; these powerful chiefs had also some possessions in An trim, and a further account of them will be found at p. 50, in the notes. Many distinguished and valiant chiefs of the O’Kanes are mentioned in the course of these Annals, and they held their rank and possessions down to the end of the reign of Elizabeth ; but in the reign of James their territory, like most the other parts
Ulster, was confiscated the project called the Plantation Ulster, and transferred British settlers, chiefly Company Londoners, who gave name the county London-Derry. There are still some respectable families the O'Kanes Ulster, and other parts Ireland. The O'Conors, mentioned O’Dugan the first possessors O'Kane's Country, were the descendants Teige the son Cian, Kian, son Oilioll Olum, king Mun ster Cashel, the third century, and from their ancestor Kian
the country was called Kianaghta. O'Dugan account the other chiefs Tir-Eogain:
“O’Dooyiarma exalted fame,
Chief Bredach, ancient nobility;
Their tribe has been high prosperity,
thus proceeds his
The most noble race that sprung from Eogan.
The chief who always cultivated peace,
Of the men of Bredach was the race of the monarchs.
“A strong chief rules over Tullaghoge, O'Hagan, the lord fair avenues;
The oak woods abound through every place,
also ruled another O'Hagan. “The O'Gormleys mighty deeds,
Numerous are their warriors the banquets; The fortress heroes comfortable and happy, They rule over the noble Kinel Moen.
“O'Fergal substantial aid,
The fair O'Donnellan fine figure;
Strongly established the soil
Are O'Donnagan and Mac Murrogh.
“Mac Dunchuan and the agreeable Mac Rory, Rule over the extensive Teallach Nainbith;
No others are heard over the inhabited plains, Or over the victorious Muintir Birn.
“The chiefs the exalted Kinel Eochy Are Muintir Kelly just judgments;
O'Kieran rules with might over Fearnmuigh, And also the strong tribe O'Tierney.
“The noble men Moy Ith,
Who have defended distant countries;
Their worthy acts are seen every church; They are O'Maolbreasail and O'Boyle;
They excel ships over all heroes, O'Quinn the brave, and O'Kenny.
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602 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
nell, with a large body of cavalry, having gone to Louth). The earl and the archbishop having come where O’Neill was, they both proceeded to Foch to them, they related to the chiefs the object which
aird Muirthemhne (Foghard, near Dundalk, in
“Kimel Binigh of the fair glens,
Chiefs who venerated the truth ; Kinel Binigh of Tuath Rois,
From which lasting fame has spread.
“Kinel Binigh, not accustomed to bondage, Of Loch-Drochaid of violent waves; Heroes who shared in every conflict, O'Donnell is their brave chieftain.
“Of one tribe are the O'Duvanys,
What poet has not truly heard of them * Their commands are promptly executed,
Of those are O'Hamill and O'Etigen.
“Three tribes in the eastern territory, They are Tealach-Cathalain of clerics, Also the delightful Tealach-Braonan,
In their praise the verse runs smoothly.
“Teallach Dubhrailbe of prosperity, Their noble conduct is hereditary; The Fir-Li flourish in that place: Those are the three tribes.
“Over the powerful Kinel-Tiarnaigh, O'Maolfogharty I record;
Great is their knowledge and prosperity, Of those are O'Hosey and O'Eogan.
had brought them, viz. , that it was to treat for peace
and were Brehons to the O'Neills, princes of Tyrone. The O'Gorm leys were anciently chiefs of note, in the barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal, and are often mentioned in the course of the Annals. The Mac Caghwells, above-mentioned by O'Dugan, were lords of Kinel Feradaigh, in the barony of Omagh, in Tyrone, and held Ardstraw and other districts. They were powerful chiefs, and many of them are mentioned in the course of these Annals, but in modern times there are few families of them of any note; some of them have changed the name to Campbell, and others to Caulfield, and are to be found in Tyrone, Monaghan, Armagh, and Louth. The various chiefs above mentioned by O’Dugan were located in different parts of Tyrone, Derry, and Donegal, and an account of the territories possessed by each has been given at p. 50, in the note on Tir-Eogain.
The Orgiellians, or tribes of Orgiall. —An account of the an cient territory of Orgiall, which comprised the present counties of Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, has been given at p. 2, in the note on Orgiall, but ancient Orgiall appears to have been of greater ex tent, and to have comprised some of the southern part of Tyrone, in the barony of Clogher, bordering on Monaghan, and also the greater part of Fermanagh, and, under the head Orgiall, O' Dugan describes the chiefs of all those territories, and also some in Dala radia, or the southern part of the present county of Antrim, as some of the Orgiellians, or race of Clan Colla, possessed parts of
those territories. An account the chiefs and clans orgiall,
“The Clan Fergus of warriors,
By the records we know their chiefs;
Victorious are they on every hill,
They are Clan Cuanach and Clan Baothgulach. “Over the lasting Carraic Brachaidhe,
Over Clan Forgusa of the red arms,
Ruled O'Bruadair and O'Maolfabhail;
They extended on both sides to the waves, As far as O'Hagan on this side, Maintaining a tribe of the people.
“Proclaim for Siol-Aodha-Eanaigh,
Their chieftains ruling over their tribes,
For them the poem is not dull or scanty,
They are O'Murrogh and O'Mellan. “Kinel Fearadaigh of the Banquets,
Their pedigree has been always noble; O'Fiachra ruled the strong southern half, I do not fear his courage in the conflict.
“The Siol Airnin rule on the northern side,
And the Siol Maolfabhail of red weapons,
A clan who got their property not unlawfully by arms,
And the Clan Caghwell of battles.
“Two tribes in the east excelling all forces In the exalted Kinel Fearadaigh ;
The tribe of Maolgeimry of honesty,
And the fair and active tribe of Maolpatrick.
“We cease to treat of the hospitable clans,
We end with the tribes of Fearadach,
We follow the course of all historians,
And proceed from the exalted race of Eogan. ”
The tribe of O'Dooyiarma, or O’Duibhdiorma, above-mentioned, were chiefs of note in former times, and possessed the territory of Bredach, near Lough Foyle, in Donegal, as mentioned at p. 50. Some of them are mentioned in the Annals at an early period, but they make no figure in after times; they anglicised the name O'Dermott or MacDermott, but they were a different clan from the Mac Dermotts of Roscolumon. The O'Hagans mentioned by O’Du gan were chiefs of Tullaghogein Tyrone, in the barony of Dungannon,
our journey, the nobles,
the Orgiellians, hostages.
them, hasbeengiven thesenotes,and further account the Orgiellians has been given 417. An account the chiefs and clans Fermanagh, who were mostly Orgiellians, has been given
pp. 78, 79, the notes Fermanagh. The Hy Manians Connaught were also branch the Orgiellians, the race Clan Colla, and came originally from Ulster; their head chiefs were the O'Kellys, princes Hy Maine, Galway and Roscom mon. An account the O'Kellys, O'Maddens, O'Mulallys, O'Neaghtans, O'Nortons, Mac Egans, and other chiefs the Hy Manians, has been given the notes South Connaught. O'Dugan thus proceeds describe the chiefs and clans the Or giellians, and their territories:
“Let hasten onwards
Let leave the country And not stop till we come Men who were not fettered
the race Clan Colla, and the territories possessed
“O'Carroll and O’Duibdara,
Exalted princes, free from massacre,
Men who maintained all clerics,
Ruled over the Orgiellians without reproach. ”
Dugan thus designates Mac Mahon and Maguire, princes
Orgiall,
the following verses, which the translation added:
“Ardriogha n-ionadh sin
Meg Mathghamhna Maguidhir Maith uaibhsi amiocht riaghlaibh Sliocht uaisle d'Oirgiallaibh. ”
“Mag Uidhir ceann gcath Air Fearaibh morda Monach, Maith thoirbearta ga thigh Flaith oirdhearca n-einigh. ”
“The high princes that country Are Mac Mahon and Maguire;
well for those who are under their rule, They are the most noble tribe the Orgiellians.
“Maguire leader their battalions,
He rules over the mighty men Monach At home munificent presents,
The noblest lord hospitality. ”
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 603
they were sent, and they related the terms which them, except the tract of country from Dundalk the lord justice proposed, which were the confir to the Boyne, which was inhabited by the English
mation of the province of Concovar (Ulster), to
The O'Carrolls, princes of Orgiall, ruled chiefly over the territory now forming the county of Louth, with parts of Monaghan and Armagh, and the Mac Mahons, afterwards princes of Orgiall, and lords of Monaghan, Dartry, and Farney, ruled over the territory which forms the present county of Monaghan, with part of Louth, and were lords of Lurgan in that county. Many distinguished chiefs of the O'Carrolls and Mac Mallons are mentioned in these Annals, and in the annotations. It appears that, soon after the English invasion, the O'Carrolls were put down by John de Courcy and his Anglo-Norman followers, as the de Verdons, de Gernons, Clintons, Flemings, Taaffes, Peppards, &c. , who took possessionof Oriel or Louth, which constituted part of the English Pale. The O'Carrolls afterwards make no figure in Irish history, but the Mac Mahons maintained their independence for many centuries, with great valour, amidst incessant war with the English of the Pale; and copious accounts are given, in the course of these Annals, and in the notes, of the battles of the Mac Mahons with the British settlers for more than 300 years. Down to the reign of James and even the Cromwellian wars, the Mac Mahons had consider able possessions and power Monaghan, and some interesting accounts of them will be found the Tracts of sir John Davis. The last celebrated chief Monaghan was Hugh Mac Mahon, who actively co-operated with sir Felim O'Neill the great insurrection 1641, and having, conjunction with Conor Maguire, baron Enniskillen, attempted, 1641, seize the castle Dublin, the plot was discovered one Owen O'Connolly, and Maguire and Mac Mahon, being made prisoners, were sent the Tower London, and 1644 both tried and beheaded Tyburn. The Mac Ma hons are still very numerous Monaghan, and there are some respectable families then that county. There were, for mer times, many eminent ecclesiastics the name, and three them were archbishops Armagh the 18th century, whom accounts are given Stewart's Armagh. The Mac Mahons Monaghan, before stated, were the race Clan Colla, and
different descent from the Mac Mahons Clare, chiefs Tho
for a long period before that time ; and along with
“Lord the smooth Machaire Meadhaidh, O'Criodain rules over tribes;
O'Haodha over another clan,
He governs the men Fearnmoighe.
“O’Keevan, leader the battalion,
Lord Magh Leamhna, high prosperity; Noble the warrior goblets, O'Machoiden lord of Mourne”
The O'Flynns above-mentioned, were princes
ancient territory Dalaradia, which lay along Lough Neagh the southern part Antrim, and described the notes 20. The O'Flynns were distinguished chiefs, and are often mentioned
the Annals the 12th century, and they fought with great valour many battles against John Courcy and the Anglo-Nor mans, recorded the Annals, and the notes on Ulster. The
O'Donnellans were chiefs the same territory O'Flynn. The O'Hercs, Ercks; the O'Criodans, Creedans, and O'Haodha,
the 11th and 12th centuries, before the Maguires, and them are recorded the Annals; but after times they figure, and appear have becomeextinct (see notes on Fermanagh, 79). O'Dugan thus proceeds with the other chiefs
some make
Orgiall:
“To lordship entitled right,
O'Lairgnen, full prince Orgiall;
Nothing can claimed without strong warlike power,
The O'Boylans were the head chiefs Dartry,
the barony Lurg, and several the O’Tullys are mentioned
By O'Flaithri the high prince The name O'Lairgnen has beenanglicised
Ulidia. ”
O'Largan, and O'Flaith
abbots and Erenachs Devenish, doons, lords Lurg, were chiefs note
Fermanagh. The O'Mul ancient times.
ri,
O'Florry, and both these appear some part Orgiall ancient times.
have been chiefs
note
“Princes Hy Tuirtre great victories,
They are O'Flynn and O'Donnellan;
O'Heirc rules over Hy Fiachra Finn,
Who never flinched from battle conflict.
“Mac Tiarnan, the flourishing chief,
Rules over the intelligent Clan Fergall; The fair Tuath Ratha, free from conflicts,
entirely ruled by O'Flanagan.
Hy Tuirtre,
mond, who were the race the Dalcassians. Spenser, View Ireland, has absurdly asserted that the Mac Mahons Monaghan were English descent, and the ancient family
his
the territories possessed all these chiefs given 20 the notes:
“Two exalted lords ruled over Oirtheara,
They are O'Hir and O’Hanlon
O’Cosgraigh chief the plain Feara Rois;
They are victorious every battle.
“Lord O'Meth Macha, undisputed,
O'Hanratty the great preys,
scion who ruled over strong tribe; Mac Donnell governed Clan Kelly. ”
The O'Hanlons were lords the territory which now forms the baronies Orior, Armagh, and many them are mentioned the course these Annals; they were powerful and valiant chiefs, and held the office hereditary standard-bearers the kings Ulster. The O'Cosgreys, sometimes called Mac Cuskers, Mac Oscars, and others changed Cosgraves, were chiefs part
Farney Monaghan, and some adjoining parts Louth,
shown the notes. QThe O'Hanratty's were chiefs note Armagh, and held the territory O'Meth Macha, some
times called O'Meath, and part forms the district called Meigh, the parish Killevey, and barony Orior, near New ry, and along Slievegullion mountain. ) Mac Donnell, mentioned
Fitz-Urse, Fitz-Ursula, and he also states that the Mac Swee neys Donegal were English extraction, being branch the
de Veres, earls Oxford, and that the Mac Sheehys Munster were English descent. Spenser likewise states that the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes Wicklow were British descent, but all these assertions are utterly absurd, and fully contradicted all the accounts these Milesian clans given by the Irish genealogists and historians. The Maguires, princes Fermanagh, make re markable figure Irish history, and many distinguished chiefs them are mentioned the course these Annals, amongst others, the valiant Hugh Maguire, commander note the war against Elizabeth, conjunction with O'Neill and O'Donnell. The O'Dubhdaras, above-mentioned O’Dugan, were princes Fer managh,
chief Clan Kelly, appears have been located the adjoining barony Iveagh, Down.
“The blue-eyed host fair hands, The red-lipped O'Boylans;
Chiefs the excellent steeds, The intrepid lords Dartry.
“Hy Laoghaire, Lough Lir,
The Muinter Taithligh were their chiefs;
The powerful Muinter Maolduin Lurg, Deep were their wounds combat. ”
Monaghan. The O’Tullys, Mac Tullys, were chiefs Lough Lir, which appears have been district Fermanagh, near Lough Erne,
that O'Hugh, O'Hea, were chiefs situated the barony Iveagh, county probably O'Macken, was chief Mourne
Fernmoy, which was Down. O'Machoidhen,
Down. An account
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604 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
that they promised, that the English should not ford, and in Newry, who were always permitted to encroach on them beyond that boundary, except carry on commerce and traffic; that no officers or the English who were in Carrickfergus, in Carling collectors of rents or tributes should be sent to
“Muintir Peodachain of the Port,
Chiefs of the noblest offspring; Melodious men of the level plain,
I record the prosperous Mac Gilfinnen. ”
“Over the valorous Hy Mac Carthain, Rule noble majestic chiefs,
Most of their ancestors were princes, They are O'Colgan and O'Connell.
“The high princes of those territories Are the Mac Mahons of nobility, Good are their laws and regulations,
The most noble tribe in Orgiall.
“Their most exalted achievements we have proclaimed, Eastward into Ulidia let us proceed,
It is agreeable for us to part in friendship,
We must not therefore remain in Orgiall. ”
The O'Garveys, above mentioned in the poem, were chiefs of note in ancient times, and an account of them is given at the latter end of O'Brien's Irish Dictionary; they were located on Hy Breasail Macha, or Clan Breasail, which comprised the baronies of O'Neil land in Armagh, and some of them also had possessions in Iveagh, in the county of Down. O'Lorcan or O' Larkin, and O'Heaney, were also chiefs in Hy Breasail. The O'Donnells and O'Rogans, or Rodaghans, were chiefs in Iveagh, in the county of Down. The O'Loghnans were chiefs in Mourne, in the county of Down, andthe O'Hanveys were chiefs about the same territory. The O'Cormacs, O'Colgans, and O'Connells, are given as chiefs in Hy Mac Car thain. The Mac Mahons are stated by O’Dugan to have ruled over those chiefs and territories, above-mentioned, princes Orgiall; these were the Mac Mahons Monaghan, whom account has been given the preceding part this article.
The Tribes Creeve Roe and Ulidia. -O’Dugan thus proceeds
describe the chiefs the territories Craobh Ruadh, and Uladh. The term Craobh lèuadh, signifying the Red Branch, was applied the ancient territory originally possessed thefirst
century the celebrated champions called the Red Branch Knights Ulster, and comprised the districts about Emania, which was situated near Armagh. From the ancient kings Emania,
the Irian race, were descendedthe kings Uladh Ulidia, now the county Down, and the following princes and chiefs, descri
bed by O’Dugan, were their descendants:
“Let proclaim the renown Creeve Roe, The high kings Ulidia we shall enumerate;
The heads established hospitality, Are O'Dunlevy and O'Heoghy.
“Of their nobles are the men fierce combats, They are O'Aidith and O'Eochagan;
Great are the acquirements by preys,
Of the O'Lawreys and O'Lawlors.
“O'Loinsy haughty champions, the
And O'Mordha the red helmets;
Let visit their territories,
And ceasefrom treating the princes; Hereditary their chiefs are the possessions; Of their nobles O'Mahon.
“The chiefs Hy Eachach Coba,
Powerful are their ancient tribes;
Delightful are their meetings every country,
To entertain the active O'Garvey. “O'Hanvey high prince there,
He has not been neglected, nor shall we neglect him; His prosperity and power have not beenretarded,
Proud leading the battle.
Chief over the noble Clan Aodh
the exalted and agreeable Magennis;
They settled the fertile hill, They took poesession all Ulidia.
Fergal,
have been either in Clanawley or Magheraboy, in Fermanagh.
The Mac Tiernans were chiefs of Clan
which
appears
to
The O'Flanagans, lords of Tura, ruled over the territory which now forms the barony of Magheraboy, in Fermanagh, and a fur
ther account of them will be found at p. 79, in the notes; they were distinguished chiefs, and many of them are mentioned in the course of the Annals. The Mac Gilfinnens were lords of Muintir Peoda
chain, in the north of Fermanagh, and on the borders of Donegal, and the name of the district is still preserved in the town and river of Pettigoe. The Mac Gilfinnens were distinguished chiefs, and
many of them are recorded in the course of the Annals, as military commanders and admirals of Lough Erne, under the O'Donnells of Donegal. A further account of them is given at p. 79, in the notes; in modern times some of them have changed the name to Finnan, and others to Leonard.
“It is proper to speak of and record them, The valiant chiefs O'Connollys;
The handsome tribe, like lions in combat, Are the majestic Mac Gilmichaels.
“The prosperous O'Mulrooneys,
And O'Heaneys of great renown, They are two lords who rule
Over the fertile slopes of Monach.
“Lord of Triucha Ceud Cladaigh
Is Mac Kenna, as you have heard recorded, A tree, though it bends, is strong,
He is from Meath, though now in Orgiall. ”
The O'Mulrooneys and O'Heaneys were chiefs of note in Ferma magh, and appear to have been located on the borders of Monaghan; Some of the O'Mulrooneys have changed the name to Rooney.
The Mac Kennas were chiefs of Truagh, in Monaghan, and came originally from Meath.
“O'Cormac is valorous with his clan,
He rules over the warlike Hy Mac Carthan, Over the exalted Hy Breasail Macha
Rules O'Garvey, the valiant chieftain.
“O’Longan and O'Duvany,
O'Conor of the well-formed figure,
They all rule over western Hy Breasail, By whom every nobleman is entertained.
“Over the exalted eastern Hy Breasail,
Rules the brave O’Lorcan, free from sorrow, Like trees they protect every mansion; O'Heaney rules over Clan Kearney.
“The O'Donnells, men of extensive possessions, And the prosperous O'Rogans;
They were courageous in battle,
Two noble tribes of Iveagh.
“The tribe of Duibhtire rule over the country, Over the well-formed Clan Daimhin ; O'Mulcreeve, I relate to you,
Rules the dark-haired majestic Clan Sionaigh.
“O'Lachtnan rules over the lesser Mourne, Whose sway is not diminished;
O'Hanvey, whose course is prosperous,
Is lord over the profitable Hy Seanain.
S
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 605
them, but to transmit to Dublin the rent which had them for that purpose, and that the same terms been formerly imposed on their ancestors ; that should be extended to the Irish who were in alli
no hostages or sureties would be demanded from ance with O’Donnell in the province of Connaught.
“To Mac Cartan by charter belongs The intelligent Kinel Fogartaigh,
Champions who have been liberal to clerics,
The treasurers of hospitality are they. “O’Duvany above all tribes,
Over the exalted Kinel Amalgaidh;
O'Morna of the tribe of victory,
The leaders of Ulidia of high-tempered weapons.
“Mac Dullaghan of the hosts
Rules over the yellow-haired Clan Breasal; The O'Coltarans, adjoining the fortress, Are dwellers in Dal-Cuirb.
“In the north-east have been collected, The stock of the nobility in Ulster;
Brave men by whom tribes are supported, The head source of hospitality in Erin.
“The sway of heroism of Leath Cuinn, The champions of triumph and combat,
Numerous are the farmers on their hills;
They are the Ulidians and Erneans.
“It is difficult to depart from Emania,
From the exalted Creeve Roe of long weapons;
And though bound to go to the land of the west,
My inclination would lead me to retard my progress.
“Let us proceed from Boirche of the pointed hills, And from Cuailgne, the country of glens;
From Moyrath of the fatal conflict,
To the port of the heroes of O'Labradha.
“From Dun-da-Leathglas of the mantles (Downpatrick), Which is the chief cemetery of Erin;
On trying there I could not discover
The earth of which town enclosed Colum (St. Columkille).
“In the same tomb was buried
Bridget, the victory of heroines,
Where all sway has been conferred on them; Patrick lies at Macha, in the great tomb.
“The victory of Erin belongs to the Ultonians, With the host of chariots of fair form ;
Through their valour they have gained conquest; The noblest of Erin are the Eugenians.
“The head of Ireland is the great Armagh,
But not in reference to the noblenessof its chiefs; Men profoundly learned are there,
Without disparagement to the three let us proceed. ”
An account of the territories called Ulidia and Dalaradia, which
comprised the present county of Down and part of Antrim, with
their chiefs and clans, has been given at pp. 20, 21, in these notes,
and a further account of the Ulidians, Dalaradians, Irians, and
other tribes who possessed those territories, has been given from
p. 415 to 417, in the notes on Ulster. The O’Dunlevys above
article, in the note on Orgiall. The Magennisses mentioned by
O'Dugan became the head chiefs of the Irian race, and representa tives of the ancient kings of Ulidia; they were styled princes and
lords of Iveagh, and some of them were created viscounts of Iveagh; they possessed the baronies of Iveagh and Lecale, with part of
Mourne, in the county of Down, and a further account of them is given at p. 20 in the notes. Many distinguished chiefs of the Ma gennises are mentioned in the course of these Annals, and there are several respectable families of the name in modern times in Ulster and other parts of Ireland. The O'Loinsys, or O'Lynches; O'Lawreys, or O'Lowrys; O'Heoghys, or O'Hoeys; Mac Cartans, O'Hanveys, O'Duvanys, O'Mahons, O'Moores, O'Lawlors, O'Logh nans, O'Larkans, O'Colgans, O'Connells, O'Heaneys, O'Coltrans, or O'Coulters, &c. , above-mentioned by O’Dugan, were all chiefs of note in ancient times in Ulidia, and part of Orgiall, and were lo cated in the county of Down, and some adjoining parts of Antrim, Armagh, and Louth, and an account of the territories possessedby them has been given in the notes on Dalaradia, Ulidia, and Orgiall. These chiefs appear to have been mostly all put down by John de Courcy and his Anglo-Normans, for in subsequent times few of them make any figure, and many of them were expelled to other parts of Ireland. The ancestors of the O'Mordhas, O'Morras, or O'Moores, of the Irian race in Ulidia in very remote times, settled in Leinster, and were very distinguished chiefs as princes of Leix, now part of the Queen's county and Kildare, and an account of them has been given in the notes on Leix. The O'Lawlors from Ulidia also settled in Leix in ancient times.
O'Dugan above refers to the circumstance of St. Columkille and St. Bridget being buried at Downpatrick, and says that St. Patrick was buried at Macha, or Armagh, but the old ecclesiastical histo rians state that SS. Patrick, Bridget, and Columkille were buried at Downpatrick; it however, stated others, that the relics St. Patrick were removed Armagh, which may above alluded
by O’Dugan.
Tirconnell and the Connallians. —An account the territory Tirconnell Donegal, with its chiefs and clans, has been given pp. 51, 52, the notes, and further account the Connal
lians has been given pp. 441, 442, the notes on Ulster. O'Dugan thus commences the topography Tirconnell:
“Our progress journey prosperity,
Let leave the valiant host great Macha,
Let not refuse good prosperity that people,
Let proceed into Kinel Conaill.
“Let them come, prosperous journey, Rugged the land that race,
To meet the Cataract Hugh
the interest that people agreeable aspect.
“The O'Maoldoras, were they living, Would come (but they will not come),
mentioned by O'Dugan, and their ancestors of the Irian race of nannans, were the ancient princes Tirconnell before the
kings in Ulster, were in ancient times kings and princes of Ulidia, and the chief rulers of that territory. Many of them are men
tioned in the Annals in the 11th and 12th centuries, but after that
period they make no figure in Irish history, being subdued by
John de Courcy and his Anglo-Norman followers, the Savadges, were powerful princes those times, and ruled over Tirconnell Mandevilles, Audleys, Coplands, Russells, Whites, &c. , who took
possessionof the greater part of Ulidia, or county of Down. There
are in modern times very few families of any note of the O’Dunlevys
in Ireland. The O'Garveys above-mentioned by O'Dugan, were
anciently chiefs of note, but they make no figure in modern times;
they had extensive possessions in Down and Armagh, and an ac name O'Muldory, O'Muldarry, and the O'Canannans scat count of them has been given in the preceding part of the present tered parts Ulster and Meath, but all extremely obscure.
Without delay, To meet us, and
slow assembly,
would the O'Canannans. ”
Ballyshannon called Easroe. The O'Maoldoras, O'Muldorys, and O'Can
The Cataract Hugh
the great waterfall
O'Donnells, and the same descent that great family who were the head chiefs the race the Connallians, Many valiant chiefs of the O'Maoldoras and O'Canannans are men
tioned these Annals the 11th and 12th centuries; they
and some parts the adjoining territories, but, the latter end the 12th century, they were put down by the O'Donnells, and afterwards make figure Irish history; and O'Dugan,
the above verses, alludes their having become obscure, and their power extinct his time; modern times there are few the
of in of
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606 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
O'Neill and O’Donnell, and the chiefs ofthe pro them, and they, and the chiefs
general, having the treachery
the English since
vince who were along with them, then held coun concerning those terms which were conveyed
considered for long time which had been committed
The Clann Dalaigh are thus designated
“Tiocfa siad budh teand d-triath Clanna Dalaigh n-doinn sgiath
Leo go coimhcheart gan chrionadh Oidhreacht h-airdrioghaibh. ”
Dugan
“The host Catharnaidh, who are not deceitful, Are over Ard Miod hair the fertile slopes;
An account which has been truly established Has assigned O'Dogherty.
“To the power Mac Gillesamhais belong Ros Guill and Ros Iorguill, record,
host without deception falsehood; O'Furaran rules over Fionn-Rus.
“Two other chiefs are certified you, Rule over the victorious Tuath-Bladhaigh, Of those O'Cearnach, recorded,
And his prosperity have certified.
“Of those are the princely host thriving folds, Muintir Dalaclan the bountiful presents;
shall relate proper verses you, Their mainesand their territories.
“Tir-Mac-Caorthaim the preys and slaughters possessed the cheerful tribe O'Mulligan;
To mention them my poem our decision,
There was time when would not have been regretful.
“Tir Breasail, the country produce,
Two tribes are its full possession;
Numerously established are they their country, They are O'Donnagan and Mac Garvey.
“These will come, powerful are their lords,
The Clanna Dalaigh the brown shields; To them belongs, undecayed sway,
The inheritance from the high kings. ”
The Clan Dalaigh, above mentioned, means the O'Donnells, that being their tribe-name, taken from Dalach, celebrated chief, one their ancestors the tenth century; but they afterwards took
the name O’Donnell, from Donal, another their celebrated chief tains the tenth century. The O'Daly's Connaught were
the same descent the O'Donnells, and kept the ancient tribe name Clanna Dalaigh. The O'Donnells, princes Tirconnel,
whom copious accounts are given the course these Annals, were very distinguished chieftains, and many them were eminent
for great abilities and valour. The O’Neills and O'Donnells, head chiefs the northern Hy Niall, and rulers Ulster, make con spicuous figure the history Ireland, and were far the most
illustrious the Irish princes; they always kept up more nume rous and better disciplined forces than any others the Irish chiefs, and, from the 12th the 17th century, for period more than 400 years, they maintained their power and independence amidst incessant warfare with the English the Pale, and were ultimately subdued only very powerful armies sent from England the war Elizabeth. Ample accounts are given the Annals the many battles fought during this war the northern Irish, under their heroic leaders, Hugh O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell. Even down the middle the 17th century, the O'Neills make remarkable figure Irish history, thegreat insurrection 1641, and the Cromwellian wars, Felim, and the celebrated Owen Roe O'Neill, being the chief commanders the northern Irish those wars. After the war Elizabeth, the project called the Plantation Ulster was carried into effect, the reign James
which the entire lands six counties Ulster, namely, Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, were confiscated, and the ancient territories the O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Reillys,
wound-giving Muintir-Maolgaoithe, [fortable.
Maguires, and other chiefs, were transferred settlers.
O'Dugan thus proceeds with the topography
“Clan Cinnfaeladh the white steeds, And delightful Tir-Ainmireach
Their troops are valiant seen, And also the warlike Tir-Baghuine.
colonies British Tirconnell:
tribe distinguished spearsmen, O'Maolgaoithe their lawful chief.
Mac Tiernan of the fair countenance
Rules over the steady Clan Feargal
Many prosperous clerics have sprung from the tribe;
Let depart from Kinel Connell.
“The victory and valour the clans Niall, Are carried battle-sway Tirconnell;
host not slow entertain me there, Although from Tirconnell we must depart. ”
“This the portion the proud host,
The country O'Boyle the rosy complexion;
The resident tribe, who are numerous there, They have large portion the land.
“O'Maolmaghna rules over Magh Seireadh,
To learned men proved intelligent;
O'Hugh governs the prosperous cataract,
He active the conflict every great force.
“To O'Tairceirt powerful heroes Belongs the purely fair Clana Neachtain; Mac Duvan, extensively known,
Rules over Kinel Enda bright arms.
North and opportunity did not oc.
streams, Which belongs the affluent Mac Loingseachan;
“Airdrigh Brefne buan smacht O’Ruairc dan-dual cios Chonacht Uirrigh don gnaoi sin nach gann Is thadisich na thimcheall.
“Gleann Finne, free the enclosure
Powerful with his spears every conflict O’Breislen the hospitable Fanad.
“The
By whom the country the foreigners has beenmadecom
An account has been given 52, the note
Tirconnell, the territories possessed each the chiefs and clans above
mentioned O'Drigan, and they were all located the county Donegal.
The Brefnians, Tribes Brefney. —O’Dugan
various parts
proceeds them,with
describe the territories Connaught, and their princes and chiefs, has been given South Connaught, and Brefney, but cur until now giving O’Dugan's poem Brefney.
“From Siol Murray mirthfulness Let proceed into the country
account the notes
To the host Brefney time, though slow
Sen-Feargal, keen knowledge;
O'Dugan, was Roscommon,from which proceeded Brefney, and thus designates O'Rourke
Siol Murray, above-mentioned
and O'Reilly, the princes Country Sean-Feargal,
that territory, which calls the being named from Sean-Feargal,
princes Brefney
one
the ancient kings
our progress. ”
the chiefs and clans
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O'Dugan thus designates the chiefs MacTiernan
“Mac Tigearmain an trean firear Fosgadh fior na bhfiaithfheneadh Ceandach na celiar saccara
Air Tueallach ndian n Dunchadha.
“Mac Samhradhain snaidhm go neart Air Theallach Eachaidh oirdheirc. ”
“Mac Tiernan the valiant man,
. The true protector of warlike chieftains,
The patron of clerics, and their friend, Rules over the powerful Tullaghonoho.
“Mac Gauran, the mainstay of strength, Rules over the noble Tullaghaw;
A country sheltered from the wind,
Mac Consnamha rules over clan Kenny.
and Mac Gauran:
O'Dugan proceeds describe other chiefs Brefney, amongst
whom he places the O'Ferralls and O'Quinns, Longford,
appears that some the northern and western parts Longford, called Conmaicne, belonged Brefney ancient times.
“Let proceed—may prosperous journey, On visit the Clan Fergus,
Towards the other valia tribe, To the prosperous Clan Rory.
“Muintir Giollagain the preys,
O'Quinn their lord and chief;
Mac Maoiliosa the fair countenance,
His rents are from Magh Breacraidhe
Mac Fionnvarr, pure his prosperity,
Ruling over the intelligent Miuintir Gearadhan. ”
The Mac Rannalls are thus mentioned by O'Dugan:
ofu
*W, both in the county of Cavan; Mac Consnamha, a name
are mentioned the course
prised the present baronies
the county Leitrim. The Mac Rannalls were the same race
possessed the territory which now forms the barony
Leitrim, Mohill, and Carrigallen, the O'Ferrals, lords Annally Longford, namely the Clan
aghonoho, and Mac Gauran possessed the barony of Tul
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 607
their arrival in Ireland, by their false promises to
them, which they had never fulfilled towards them; the numbers of their high-born princes, nobles,
“Rioghthaoisiuch na ruathar n-garbh O'Raghallaigh na ruadh arm
Do cluintear aoibha orgha
Os Muintir Maoil min Mhordha. ”
“The high-prince of Brefney, of lasting sway,
Is O'Rourke, to whom the tribute of Connaught belonged : His attendant lords are not few,
And he is surrounded by his chieftains.
“Head chief of the fierce conflicts
Is O'Reilly of the red weapons; His courteous commands are heard Over the mild Muintir Maolmora. ”
An account has been given, from p. 75 to 77, of the O'Rourkes and
O'Reillys, princes of Brefney, who were a branch of the Hy Briui
nians of Connaught, as explained at p. 442 in these notes. The
ancient territory of Brefney, which comprised the present counties
of Cavan and Leitrim, was originally part of Connaught, but Cavan
was added to Ulster, as before explained. Brefney was divided
into two principalities, namely, West Brefney, or Leitrim, which
was called Brefney O'Rourke, and East Brefney, or Cavan, called
Brefney O'Reilly. The O'Rourkes and O'Reillys, princes of both
Brefneys, were of the same descent, being two branches from one
of the ancient kings of Connaught, their ancestor being Aodh
Fionn, or Hugh the Fair, a king of Connaught in the 7th century,
of the race of Hy Briuin. The O'Rourkes were in ancient times
very powerful princes, and two or three of then are mentioned in
the Annals as kings of Connaught in the 10th century. The many then are mentioned the course these Annals.