No More Learning

Saerbrethach, the son of Maolisa Dunn Mac
Egan, chief professor of Conmaicne Leitrim),
died Inis Clothran (in Lough Ree, county Longford).
Fergal, son Fergal, son Murtogh More, the son Congalach Mac Geoghegan, chief Kinel Fiacha (in Westmeath), died.
Murrogh, the son Cathal O'Ferrall; Derfor
gaill, the daughter O'Ferrall; and Teige Mac
Egan, man learned the law (Brehonism), died.
The English the west Connaught defeated Mac William (Burke), and slew many his people.
Edward Mac William Mac Rickard (Burke),
was slain the people Siol Anmcha (in Gal way).
Rickard Oge gave great defeat the people Mac William (Burke), that Edward, and the people Siol Anmcha, which Stephen Mac Jordan, Henry Mac Philbin, and sixteen the
chiefs Siol Anmcha, were slain.
Niall Mac Mahon (in Monaghan), was slain by the sons ofJohn Mac Mahon.
Aduc Mac Quillan (of Antrim), was slain the people Orior Armagh).
Ten lambs were yeaned once one sheep.
A. D. 1356.
Fergal, son Geoffrey Mac Rannall, primate
Armagh," and successor St. Patrick, died. Nicholas MacCathasaigh, bishop Orgiall,” died. Solomon O’Meallan, keeper adjuration
bell,” died; was the most illustrious the clergy Ireland.
ancient family the Mac Rannalls, chiefs Muintir Eoluis Leitrim, and was probably the same person the primate called Fitzralph by Ware and others.
poetry
Conor Mac Consnamha, bishop
from Drumcliff Kells; Mac Gallgael, prior the Trinity; and Mac Cathail, abbot Sruthra, died.
Donogh, son Felim, son Hugh, son Donal Oge O’Donnell, was slain while forcibly attempting the abduction Gormley, the daughter
Hugh Roe Mac Guire (lord Fermanagh),
and Donn, the son Murrogh, was the man who slew him the fortress of Mac Guire.
Donal, the son John O'Ferrall, lord Annaly, died.
Dermod O'Mulvey, chief Muintir Carolan (in Leitrim), was slain Muintir Beirne (of Ros
A. D. 1355.
Bishop Brefney, from Kells Drumcliff, that from
Kells Meath Drumcliff Sligo, which was the extent the
diocese Kilmore. Mac Consnamha, name anglicised Ford,
were chiefs Muintir Kenny Leitrim. The prior the Trinity here mentioned, was that Trinity Island Lough Key, the
county Roscommon. The abbot Sruthra wasabbot Shrule, the barony Kilmaine, county Mayo.
A. D. 1356.
Primate Armagh. The archbisbop Armagh this
time, according Ware and others, was the celebrated Richard Fitzralph. This Fergal, son Geoffrey Mac Rannall, not given Ware's Archbishops Armagh; appears havebeen the
Malachy Mac Rafferty, chief professor Fermanagh, died.
A. D. 1355.
Brefney,'
Bishop Orgiall, that bishop Clogher. There are two three the Mac Cathasaighs given bishops Clogher, and
the nameappears Cassidy.
Mac Casey, but some suppose Mac
Bell. ancient times the Irish held great the bells used the saints early times, and preserved them for many ages, some them even the present day; amongst other purposes for administering solemn oaths and
adjurations, and swear falsely them was considered the greatest crime and profanation.
Adjuration
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142 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1357-58-59.
Hugh, son of Torlogh O'Conor, king of Con John, son Bryan O’Reilly (chief Cavan), naught, was slain in Baile Loch Deacair," by was slain by the English.
Donogh Carrach O'Kelly, and by the Clan Mac Bryan, son Gilcreest O’Rourke, and Manus Award, at the instigation of the Hymanians, for Buidhe Mac Gauran (in Cavan), were slain the
the crime of carrying off clandestinely the daughter
of Seoinin Burke, the wife of O'Kelly.
Hugh, son of Felim O'Conor, then assumed the
sovereignty of Connaught.
Conor, son of Teige O'Kelly, was slain by
Teige, the son of Dermod O'Kelly.
Torlogh, son of Hugh Brefnach O'Conor, was
slain by the Mac Donoghs.
Dermod, son of Dermod Mac Carthy (in the
the county of Cork), and his son Donogh, were slain by the son of O'Sullivan.
Routs (county Antrim) Mac Quillan, by
Hugh O'Neill.
Donslevy Mac Carroll, the most accomplished
master music and harmony his own time, died. general peace was concluded between the
two Cathals, namely, Cathal, son Hugh Bres
Bryan Mac Cathmoil, bishop More, daughter of O'Conor, and wife of O’Fer (Clogher), died.
rall, died.
Murtogh, son of John O'Neill (of Tyrone), was
slain by Philip Mac Guire.
Dugall Mac Sweeney was slain by Donal
O'Conor.
Roderick, son of Hugh O'Conor, and Donal,
son of Hugh Brefnach O'Conor, died.
Donogh Mac Namara (of Clare), the best chief’s
son in Munster in his time, was slain by the O’Briens.
O’Hanley, chief Kinel Dobtha, the son Aongus(in Roscommon), died after had gained
the palm victory over the world and the devil. Hugh O'Neill gained battle over the Orgal lians (people Monaghan and Armagh), and the
Murrogh, son of Bryan O’Neill, died. gained great victory over the English Dublin, Felim, son of Hugh, son of Donal Oge, lord of and left two hundred and forty them dead
Tirconnell, was slain by his brother's son, namely, John, the son of Conor O'Donnell, who assumed
the lordship of Tirconnell without opposition.
A. D. 1357.
O’Duigenan, vicar of Kilronan (in Ros
the field of battle.
Torlogh, son Hugh the Wood O'Neill, and
the son Andrew Bermingham, died.
great shower hail fell Crioch Cairpre
(Carbury Sligo), the summer, and each stone was large wild apple.
Clement
common), died; he was called the priest of the province Ulster, died.
Sionachs. The son Manus MacMahon, lord of Orgiall (Monaghan); Manus, son
Loghlin, son of Murtogh O'Conor; and Fergal (O'Conor). Muinach O’Duigenan, chief professor of Con
maicne Leitrim), and Clan Maolrooney (in Roscommon), north and south, died.
Giolla Iosa O'Flanagan was slain
Baile Locha Deacair was probably that part Galway
Hy Maine, belonging the O'Kellys; and the Mac Wards
called
were clan the
barony Tiaquin, county Galway.
Cathal,
Orgiall
Manus Mac Guire was slain by the Clan Cath mail (of Tyrone).
Donal O’Hara, lord Lieney (in Sligo), died
Easter Day.
nach (O'Conor), and Cathal Oge, son son Donal (O'Conor).
A. D. 1358.
Donogh Praisteach was treacherously slain by people Fermanagh, which Hugh Mac Cabe two of his own people. and Malachy Mac Anaspuig O’Dowd, with many
Garrett Tyrrell was put to death by the king of others, were slain.
England’s people on the plain of Dublin. O'Moore (of Leix, the Queen's county),
Conor
Senicin Mac Quillan, high constable the
Hugh Brefnach
Desmond, and Donal, son Teige O’Mahony, died.
Cathal Oge, the son Cathal O'Conor, gave great defeat Ballyshannon, John, the son
Cathal, the son
A. D. 1359.
Cormac Mac Carthy, lord
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Cathal Bodhar, the son of Cathal O’Rourke, and Malachy O'Gormley, fell by each other's hands in the course of this contest, after Cathal O'Conor had marched his forces a second time
into Tirconnell, on which occasion a party from
the territory of O’Gormley, came in contact with Cathal Bodhar O’Rourke.
Murtogh, son of Thomas O'Flynn of Line,
Roscommon, Ennis, Sligo, and the monasteries of Lisgoole (in Fermanagh), Fenagh (in Leitrim), and Drumlias (in Sligo), were burned.
John, son of Gilcreest O’Rourke, was slain by Hugh Mac Dorchy.
Dermod O'Brien was deposed by his brother's SOIl. -
Dermod, son of Donogh Riavach Mac Dermott,
was slain by Cathal Oge, the son of Cathal O'Conor.
REIGN OF EDWARD III. 143
Conor O’Donnell, and the Connallians, and he
took John O’Dogherty, chief of Ard Miodhair;
Owen Conactach; and Torlogh Mac Sweeney,
prisoners, and slew many others; Matthew Mac
Gauran, heir to the chieftaincy of Tullaghaw
(county of Cavan), received wounds on that day and Dermod O’Hanley (of Roscommon), died.
heir to the lordship of Hy Tuirtre (in An The daughter of Torlogh O'Conor, the wife trim), was slain by Hugh, son of Bryan, son of of Fergal O'Reilly (of Cavan), was killed by a
Hugh Buidhe O'Neill. fall.
Bryan Mac Donogh, heir to the lordship of A bridge of stone and mortar was built by
Tirerrill (in Sligo), was slain by Mac Sencha, of Cathal Oge O'Conor over the river of Bally
Donegal), a man distinguished for dignity, hospi tality, wisdom, heroism, and protection, died.
Awlave, son of Geoffrey Mac Rannall, was slain.
Sir Robert Savadge (of the county of Down),
—
the party of O'Gara.
Henry, son of Ulick, son of Rickard Burke (in Galway), died.
Murrogh Oge Mac Mahon, heir to the lordship of Corco Baiscind (in the county of Clare), was slain by the O’Briens.
Manus O’Dowd, son of the lord of Tireragh (in Sligo), and Hugh, son of Conor Mac Egan, the chief Brehon (judge) in Ireland, died.
Donal, son of Teige O’Mahony, was slain.
Art, son of Awlave O’Rourke, was slain by Mac Gennis (of the county of Down).
A. D. 1360.
Maolrooney, son of Cammuinelach (the crooked
Sadare.
Fergal, son of Geoffrey Mac Rannall (of Lei trim), and Tuathal O'Feenaghty (of Galway), died.
Naovoge O'Duigenan (of Roscommon), died.
Cathal, son of the Caoch Mac Rannall, was slain.
Giolla-na-neev O’Conmaighe (O'Conway), chief professor of music in Thomond, died.
The king of England's son' came to Ireland.
Art, son of the Giolla Riavach Mac Gennis (county of Down), was treacherously slain by the family of the Savadges, and the son of Murtogh Riaganach Mac Gennis.
Cathal O'Conor marched with a force into
Tyrawley Mayo), and destroyed many houses and churches.
his wife becameearl Ulster and lord Connaught, titles
still held by the royal family England. The Duke Clarence
held the office lord lieutenant A. D. 1367, and his adminis tration was held the celebrated parliament Kilkenny, which was passed the Act called the Statute Kilkenny, which pro hibited, under penalty high treason, the families Anglo Norman English descent, settled Ireland, form any alliances
necked), O'Boyle,
chief of the three Tuatha (in
A. D. 1360.
The King of England's son was Lionel, duke Clarence,
son Edward III. , who being appointed his father, lord
lieutenant Ireland, landed Dublin the 15th September, with force fifteen hundred men, consisting archers and men arms, together with Ralph, earl Stafford, who was one the com
manders under the Black Prince, the battle Cressy; James Butler, earl Ormond; John Carew; William Windsor,
and other knights.
officers and soldiers
Davies. The Duke Elizabeth, daughter
death recorded
intermarriages with the native Irish, thus endeavouring curious account the pay received these prevent all intercourse between them; and prohibiting the
given page the Tracts sir John Clarence was accompanied his countess, William Burgo, earl Ulster, whose
these Annals, A. D. 1333, and right
Anglo-Irish from adopting Irish surnames, the Irish language, dress, manners, customs; and also making penal appoint any the native Irish ecclesiastical livings, bishops' sees, abbotships over monasteries, any other preferments.
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144 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1361–62.
A. D. 1361.
Benedict O'Moghan, erenach of Kill Athrachta," died.
Art Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster,” and Donal Riavach (Mac Murrogh) heir presumptive to the crown of Leinster, were treacherously taken pri soners by the king of England's son, at his own residence, and they died in prison.
Cormac Ballach O’Melaghlin, king of Meath; Donogh O'Loughlin, lord of Corcamroe Clare);
Cathal and Murtogh, the sons Hugh, son Owen; Dubhoge, daughter Hugh Mac Guire, the wife Cuchonacht, the son Philip Mac
Mahon (of Monaghan); Thomas Mac Tiarnan, chief Tullyhunco (county Cavan); Nicholas
Killarry; O'Fergus, vicar Iomtha; and Mur ragh Mac Teige, the monk, died.
Owen Fionn (the Fair) O'Conor, son the king Connaught; Maolrooney O’Dowd (in Sli go), and his wife, the daughter Mac Donogh; Niall Mac Gauran, chief Tullaghaw (county Cavan); Dermod, son John O'Ferrall, lord Annaly; Carbry O'Quinn, chief Muintir Gioll gain (in Longford); Donal, son Roderick
O'Kelly (of Galway); Tomaltach O’Beirne (of Roscommon); Murtogh Don Mac Oiraghty (of Roscommon); Owen O’Malley, and Dermod, his
O'Feenaghty (of the county Tuathal O'Malley (of Mayo), died.
Galway); and
Sir Edmond Burke; Raymond, the son
Burke Buine; Walter Stanton; and Gilbert
Mac Myler, died.
Cluithe-an-Righ (some epidemic disease), pre
vailed throughout Ireland generally, which Richard Savadge died. Magrath O’Finn, chief professor Siol Murray (Roscommon), mu sic and minstrelsy, died.
Great depredations were committed by Mac William Burke, Bermingham, and the English
Connaught, Cathal Oge, the son Cathal O'Conor, and they plundered and devastated
Lieney and Tireragh (in Sligo); Cathal after that marched with force, retaliate for all the devas tations they had committed, and they plundered the people Birmingham, and the territory Edmond Mac Hoberd (Burke), and spoiled and laid waste the entire country.
A. D. 1362.
O’Beollan, the abbot Drumcliff (in Sligo); Giolla Ancovde Mac Mughroin, erenach Kil laniomaire'; Oirechtach Mac Brennan, archdeacon
Elphin; Aongus Mac Anaglaoigh, erenach
A. D. 1361.
Kill Athracht, now Killaraght, parish the barony
took the castle Ballintobber (in Roscommon). Hugh, son Felim O'Conor, king Con
naught, and Cathal Oge O'Conor, marched with great army into Meath, which they burned and
laid waste; they also burned Kilkenny, with
fourteen churches, which the English had taken up their quarters, and after inflicting great injuries
them that expedition, they returned safe their own homes.
Teige, son Conor, son Torlogh O’Brien, was slain by the Clan Coilein (of Clare).
Cathal Oge O'Conor, the most illustrious heir presumptive, for excellence, magnanimity, power,
Coolavin, county Sligo, called from Athrachta, female saint, who founded nunnery there the fifth century.
vach O’Rourke (in Leitrim), died.
Donal, son O’Kelly (of Galway), and Cu
chonacht O’Duigenan, vicar Kilronan (in Ros common), died.
Awlave Mac Firbis, chief historian elect Hy Fiachra (in Sligo); Fergal, son Teige Mac Egan,
learned Brehon; John, son Donogh Mac Fir bis, chief historian elect Hy Fiachra; Dermod, son Mac Carthy (of Cork); Conor, son Mala chy Carrach O’Dowd, and Murtogh his son, died.
A. D. 1362.
Kill-an-Iomaire, now the parish Killanummery, the
diocese Ardagh, county Leitrim. Kill-Arraidh, now the parish Killery Sligo. Iomtha, now Immagh, Omey,
land off the coast Galway, where there was ancient abbey, founded St. Feichin.
King Leinster. appears that these two chiefs the Mac Murroghs were confined Dublin Castle, where, according
some accounts, they were put death the English.
son, both lords Umalia Peregrine Mac Geoghegan,
Geoghegan, and Maurice, son Geoghegan, died.
Cathal Oge, and the son
Mayo), died.
honour, hospitality, and generosity, died Sligo, the plague.
Murtogh, son Thomas, son
his time,
Cathal Ria
son
Dermod Mac Murtogh Mac
Felim O'Conor,
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REIGN OF EDWARD III. 145
Lasairiona, Catharina, daughter O'Ferrall,
and wife O'Reilly (of Cavan), died.
Murtogh Roe, son Donal, Erris O'Conor,
was slain Teige Mac Manus.
Bebin, daughter Mac Geoghegan, and wife
the Sionach (Fox Westmeath), died.
Cathal Mac Donogh (of Sligo), was slain by
o§ THIS year Manus the people Moylurg.
X Eoghanach, son of Co
So nor, son of Hugh, son of many churches and buildings, and many ships
by Manus the son of Cathal Sra mach O’Conor.
Dermod O’Brien, lord Thomond; Malachy, son Murrogh, son Giolla-na-neev, son
An awful storm wind this year destroyed and vessels were sunk.
Donal Oge O’Donnell;
Hugh
and Roe Mac Conor O'Dowd was slain
Guire, lord of Ferman and Murtogh O'Dowd. agh, died.
Donogh
O’Dowd
Manus Mebhlach (the Crafty),
son of Hugh O’Donnell, heir pre
sumptive to the lordship of Tir
connell, a man who performed the
most noble and enterprising deeds
A. D. 1364.
Hugh O'Neill, king Tyrone, the best Irish man his time, died, after gaining the palm
victory for justice, hospitality, and magna
of any in his time, was slain nimity.
Teige Mac Consnamha, chief Hugh, son Awlave (O'Ferrall), lord Annaly; of Muintir Kenny (in Leitrim), Dervail, daughter O’Donnell, and wife Mac
was wounded by Cathal, son of Guire (of Fermanagh); Donal Mac Guire, chief
Hugh Brefnach (O'Conor), by
whom he was after that taken prisoner; and he died in his imprisonment.
E3’ It is necessary to observe that the above figure represents the two ancient Irish letters I N. One of these ornamental letters
has been given with each number of these Annals, and will be so continued in every succeeding number, the publisher having for that purpose, at a great cost, got them engraved one the ablest artists Dublin, being anxious preserve these curious and beautiful specimens ancient Irish art, but few which have been ever engraved any printed works, and which are only
found the old Irish MSS. , many them illuminated, and very elegant execution; and though many them are early
Clan Fergaile (barony Knockninny, county Fermanagh); Giolla-na-neev O’Duibhda Boi reann, chief Brehon Corcomroe (in the county
The Firbolgs divided Ireland into five portions provinces, over each which they placed king.
The Tuath De Danans, according some accounts, divided the
island into three parts, with king over each, one whom ruled alternately supremiemonarch over the entire country.
The Milesians under their princes, the three brothers, Heber, Heremon, and Ir, divided the island among them into three parts; Heremon and his posterity, called Heremonians, had Leinster and Connaught; Ir, and his descendants, called Irians, and Clanna Rory, Rudricans, had Ulster; and Heber Fionn, Heber the
least the fifth and sixth centuries, for instance, the Fair and his posterity, called Heberians, had Munster. The kings
Book St. Columkille, the Book Kells, the original
which the library Trinity College, Dublin, yet, point
execution and colouring they could not excelled, probably
equalled by any artists the present day. As the ancient Ir, divided the entire island between them. Sobairce had the Irish MSS. themselves, they furnish some the most beautiful
specimens penmanship any language, and are even considered beauty superior any specimens typography.
ON THE ANCIENT DIVISIONS OF IRELAND.
According our ancient annalists, the first colonies which
came Ireland were Scythians, namely, the Partholanians and
Nemedians, and afterwards, the colonies Firbolgs, Tuath De his twenty-five children, namely, twenty-two sons and three Danans, and Milesians, who were also either Celts Scythians.
The Fomorians African pirates also settled the north Ire land early ages.
Accounts all these colonies have been already given the notes North and South Connaught, Dalri ada, and Tir Conaill.
daughters.
Eochaidh Feidhlioch, who was monarch Ireland, the race
the race Clanna Rory, appears, were very powerful early times, for, according our annalists, about nine centuries before the Christian era, two brothers, princes the posterity
portion from Drogheda northwards, and built his chief fortress Dun Sobairce, now Dunseverick, near the Giant's Causeway, the
county Antrim; and his brother Cearmna had his chief fortress Dun Cearmna, near the place now called Kinsale, the county
of Cork.
Ugaine Mor, Hugony the Great, who was monarch Ire
land, the race Heremon, nearly four centuries before the Christian era, divided the island into twenty-five portions among
Heremon, short time before the Christian era, divided the kingdom into five provinces, namely, Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, and the two provinces Munster.
U
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who was also monarch Ireland. The Clanna Deagha make remarkable figure the ancient history Munster; they had extensive possessions, became very powerful, and, stated by Keating, O'Flaherty, O'Halloran, and other historians, were the chief military commanders Munster, and masters nearly the entire country. Some them became kings Munster, and three them also monarchs Ireland, namely, Eiderscol, and his son Conaire, about the beginning the Christian era; and Conaire II. , descendant Conaire was monarch Ireland the beginning the third century. From Cairbre Riada, son Conaire II. , were descended the Dalriadians, princes Ulster, who planted colony Albain, afterwards called Scotland, the third century; and from them were descended the Scottish kings
146 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1364.
of Clare); and Aiffric, daughter of Bryan O’Reilly Donal, son of Roderick O’Kelly, heir presump (of Cavan), the wife of Bryan Mac Tiarman, tive to the lordship of Hy Maine, died.
died.
Giolla-na-neev Mac Gowan, of the records, a
Eochaidh Mumho, who was king of Munster and monarch of Ireland of the race of Heber, about eight centuries before the Christian era; Munster is latinised Momania. Ancient Munster comprised the present counties of Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and part of Kilkenny, to which was added the territory now forming the county of Clare, by Lughaidh Meann, king of Munster, of the race of the Dalcassians in the latter end of
Tuathal Teachtmar, monarch of lreland, of the race of Here
mon, in the beginning of the second century, formed a new division
of Ireland into five provinces, and having taken a portion from
each of the provinces of Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connaught,
as already explained in the note on Meath, formed the new province
of Meath, which was to be appropriated as mensal lands for the
use of the monarchs of Ireland. This division continued for many
centuries, and even long after the Anglo-Norman invasion; a the third century, who took it from Connaught and added it to king ruling over each of the five provinces or kingdoms, namely, Munster. Ancient Munster is mentioned under the following Meath, Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, and Munster, the Irish divisions, namely, Tuadh Mumhan or North Munster, anglicised government being a Pentarchy, and a supreme monarch being Thomond; Deas Mumhan, or South Munster, rendered Desmond;
elected to preside over all the provincial kings, and designated Ard righ, or the High King. The island being thus divided into five provinces, the name of a province in Irish was Coigeadh, which signifies a fifth part.
About the middle of the second century, Con Cead Cathach, or Con of the hundred battles, monarch of Ireland, of the race of
Heremon, and grandson of the monarch Tuathal Teachtmar, hav
ing long and fierce contests for the sovereignty of Ireland with Eogan Mor, called Mogha Nuadhat, king of Munster, of the race of Heber, they at length agreed to divide the kingdom between
Urmhumha or Oirmhumha, which signifies East Munster, and has been anglicised Ormond, and Iar Mumhan, or West Munster. These divisions will be followed in the course of these notes; and in the first place will be given the history and topography of the kingdom of Thomond, with chiefs and clans.
Thomond, under ancient kings, extended from the isles Arran, off the coast Galway, the mountain Eibline, near Cashel Tipperary, thence Carn Feradaigh, now Knock Aine,
Limerick, and from Leim Chuchullain Cuchullin's Leap, now Loophead, the mouth the Shannon the county Clare, Sliabh Dala mountain Ossory, the borders Tipperary,
them into two parts, by a line drawn direct from Dublin to Gal
way; the northern half, consisting of the kingdoms of Meath, Kilkenny, and Queen's county, thus comprising the present
Ulster, and Connaught, being Con's share, and hence called Leath
Cuinn, or Con's half; and the southern portions or kingdoms of
counties Clare and Limerick, with the greater part Tipperary,
but after times Thomond was confined the present county of Clare.
The Milesians the race of Heber the Heberians, as above explained, possessed Munster, but the descendants Ith, son Breogain, and uncle Milesius, also possessed early times great part Munster. The race Heber furnished most the kings Munster, and many them were also monarchs Ire land. The Heberians are called by the old annalists Deirgtheine, from one their ancient kings named Deirgtheine. The race Ith Ithians also furnished many kings Munster, and some them were also monarchs Ireland the early ages. They were called Dairine, from one their kings named. The Deirgtini ans and Darinians had frequent contests before the period the Christian era, for the sovereignty Munster, which they length agreed hold alternately; thus while the head one race reigned
king, the other held the office chief Brehon judge.
The Clanna Deaghaidh, another colony, also settled Munster
short time before the Christian era. They were named Deagadhs Degadians, from Deagadh Deag their chief, and stated
Leinster and Munster, being allotted to Mogha Nuadhat, and hence
called Leath Mogha, or Mogha's half; and this division was long
recognised in after times, and is often mentioned in the course of these annals.
The Kingdom of Meath, as already described in the note on Meath, comprised the present counties of Meath and Westmeath, with parts of Longford, King's county, Kildare, and Dublin; and in the early ages, like other parts of Ireland, was ruled by the Firbolgs and Damans, and lastly by the Milesians of the race of Heremon. The ancient kingdom of Meath was in after times added to the province of Leinster.
The Kingdom of Ulster comprised the present counties of Armagh, Down, Antrim, Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, and Monaghan, with a portion of the eastern part of Cavan, the greater part of Cavan, called East Brefney, belonging to Connaught. Ulster also contained the present county of Louth, which was part of Orgiall, as explained in the note on Orgiall, the boundaries between Ulster and Meath being the rivers Boyne and Black water, from Drogheda to Kells. The Firbolgs, Danans, and Fomo rians ruled over Ulster in the early ages; and afterwards the Milesians, of the race of Ir or Clanna Rory; but in the fourth and fifth centuries, the race of Ir were conquered by the Heremonians of the race of Hy Niall and Clan Colla, who became rulers of Ulster, as already explained in the notes on Orgiall, Tir Eogain, and Tir Conaill.
The Kingdom of Connaught, as explained in the notes on North and South Connaught and Brefney, comprised the present counties of Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, and Leitrim, with the greater part of Cavan, which was part of ancient Brefney. The territory of the present county of Clare also originally belonged to Connaught, but was in early times added to Munster. Connaught in the early ages was ruled by the Firbolgs, Danans, and Fomorians, and lastly by the Milesians of the race of Heremon.
The Kingdom of Leinster comprised the present counties of Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, with the greater part of Kilkenny, the Queen's county, the greater part of the King's county, and of Kildare, and that part of Dublin south of the river Liffey; but in after times, the kingdom of Meath, and also the county of Louth in Ulster, were added to the province of Leinster. The Firbolgs and Danans were the first rulers of Leinster, and lastly the Milesians of the race of Heremon.
The Kingdom of Munster, in Irish, Mumha, Mumhan, and Mumhain, according to O'Flaherty's Ogygia, derived its name from
O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, (vol. ii. , 142), were also called Ermans, from Oilioll Arronn, prince Ulster, and grandfather Deag. These Deagadians Ernans were the race Heremon, and
being expelled from Ulster the race Ir, Clanna Rory, went Munster, where they were favourably received, and had lands allotted them by Duach, king Munster, the race Heber,
Milesian race, and the royal house
the Deagas becoming powerful
reignty Munster, the exclusion
attacked and conquered by the celebrated Eogan More, Mogha Nuadhat, who expelled them from Munster, except such families
them yielded him submission. Amongst the chiefs the
Stuart. the second century, nearly assume the entire sove the race Heber, they were
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REIGN OF EDWARD III. 147 learned historian ; Dermod O'Sgingin, chief his of Walter Burke, the wife of Hugh, son of Felim
toriographerof Tirconnell; and Margaret, daughter
O'Conor, king of Connaught, died.
kings Thomond. From Eogan, another the sons Oilioll Olum, were descended the Eoganachts Eugenians, who were, alternately with the Dalcassians, kings Munster, and sometimes styled kings Cashel. The Eugenians possessed Desmond, South Munster, the present counties Cork and Kerry, and they also had territory, part the present county Tipperary, about
Clanna Deagadh, are mentioned Daire, and his son Conrigh Mac
Daire, famous warriors in Munster about the beginning of the
Christian era; and celebrated by the ancient bards, amongst the
cotemporary heroes Cuchullain, and Conall Cearnach, chiefs of the
Red Branch Knights of Ulster. This warrior, Conrigh Mac Daire,
had his fortress, called Cathair Conraidh, on the top of a mountain
still called Cahir Conrigh, situated between the bays of Castlemain
and Tralee, in the county of Kerry; and of this fortress, composed Cashel, called the Eoganacht Cashel. The head family the
of huge stones in a circular form, there are some remains to this day; and on the opposite shore, at the mouth of the Shannon, is a promontory called Loophead, anciently named Leim Chuchullain,
or Cuchullan's Leap, from which place the ancient bards state that the famous hero Cuchullain set out, when on his expedition to
attack Conraidh Mac Daire, whom he slew. On the hill of Knockfennell, near Lough Gur in Limerick, are the remains of an
immense fortress of Cyclopean architecture, of a circular form,
three hundred and sixty feet in circumference, with walls ten feet
thick, composed of massive stones accurately laid together without
cement; and on Calan mountain in the county Clare are some naught, and added Thomond. Conall Eachluath, Conall
Ceallachan himself, with single stroke his battle-axe. The celebrated champion Connaught the Firbolg race. The chiefs under Ceallachan acted with equal valour; O'Sullivan
place where this battle was fought, stated O'Flaherty's Ogygia, (vol. 212), the ancient barony Fircall the
killed single combat, and cut off the head Moran, son the king Denmark; O'Keeffe ran his spear through the body Magnus, the Danish standard bearer and Lochlin, another Danish chief, was slain single combat O'Riordan. Ceallachan, king
King's county, and there are still sepulchral mounds, one
Eogan, and the other that also slain that batlte.
seen there two hillocks
which was buried the body Fraech, the Spaniard, who was
Lorcan, king Munster, the Dal Cineidi, son Lorcan, succeeded
Cashel, died A. D. 952. cassian race, died A. D. 942. king Thomond, and dying
the Hundred Battles,
great battle Ceann Febradh, which Eogan, the son Oilioll, slain; and Brian, brother Mahon, then young man, displayed
Oilioll Olum, the son
Beara, and son-in-law
being married his daughter Saba, having contended with Lugh aidh Mac Con, prince the race Ith, for the sovereignty Munster, defeated him and Nemeth, prince the Ernans,
slew Dadar the Druid, and Nemeth was slain Cairbre Riada; after this victory, Oilioll Olum became king Munster.
950, was succeeded his son Mahon, who becameking Munster. Mahon was celebrated war rior and fought many battles against the Danes, over whom gained
Eogan More
the Spanish princess
the monarch Con
Oilioll Olum had three sons, Eogan, Cormac Cas, and Cian, and
his will, made regulation that the kingdom should ruled alternately one the posterity Cormac Cas. From Cormac Cas, king Munster,
Munster Eogan and according
consequence his having exacted tribute from the peo Leinster, punishment for their having assisted the
others, from his descendantCais, who was king
the fifth century, their posterity got the name Dal Cais Dal Gais, anglicised Dalcassians, the various families whom, were
cattle,
ple
Danes
his Irish dictionary, the word Borumha, got his name from
Thomond located chiefly that part Thomond which forms the present
their wars with the Irish or, according O’Brien,
county Clare, and the ruling family them were the O'Briens,
Eugenians were the Mac Carthys, princes Desmond. From Cian, the third son Oilioll Olum, were descended the Clan Kian, who were located chiefly Ormond, and the chief which families were the O'Carrolls, princes Ely. An account the various families the Dalcassians, Eugenians, and Clan Kian, and
the other Milesian families Munster, are given the subse quent part the present article Thomond, and the notes
Desmond and Ormond. the latter end Lughaidh Meann, king Munster, the race
the third century, the Dalcassians,
took the territory afterwards called the county
Clare, from Con
huge stones, said to be the tomb of Conan, one of the celebrated Fenian heroes of the third century.
About the beginning of the Christian era, Eochaidh Abrat Ruadh, or Eochy of the Red Brows, of the race of Heber, a man of gigantic stature, was king of South Munster; and Conrigh Mac
the Swift Steeds, son Lughaidh Meann, became king Munster. Criomthan, monarch Ireland, who was also descendant Oilioll Olum, and celebrated for his foreign expeditions into Gaul and Britain, during his absence appointed Conall Eachluath regent the kingdom, being distinguished for his great valour. Cais, the son Conall, was prince Thomond, and Carthen Dubh, the son Cais, succeeded prince the Dalcassians. the seventh century, A. D. 622, Guaire, king
Daire was prince of North Munster, and was succeeded by Cairbre
Finn More, son of the monarch Conaire, also of the Clanna Deagadh,
as king of Munster. In the second century, amongst the battles
fought by the monarch Tuathal Teachtmar, are mentioned Connaught, having collected great army, marched into Thomond,
those of Magh Raighne, and of Clar or Clare, in which fell Felim and Conall, two princes of the Deagadhs of Munster, as mentioned in O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, vol. pp. 192, 195; and Eochaidh, the son Daire, succeeded king both Munsters.
the latter end the second century, Eogan More, Mogha
Nuadhat, called also Eogan Taidhleach, Eogan the Splendid,
the race Heber, and maternally descended from the Clanna
for the purpose recovering the territory Clare, which had been taken from Connaught, and fought great battle against the Munster
forces commanded Failbe Flann and Dioma, kings Munster, but the Conacians were defeated, and, according some accounts, four thousand them were slain. The place where this battle was fought was called Carn Feradaigh, which, according
Deagadhs, was celebrated warrior; the monarchy Ireland with Con
last divided the island betweenthem
being afterwards defeated, and forced fly into Spain, where
lived many years exile, and married Beara, Spanish princess,
daughter Heber, king Castile; and entering into confederacy carried long and fierce contests with the Danes, whom with Fraech, the son Heber, they collected powerful army,
with which they landed Ireland, recover the sovereignty from
Con the Hundred Battles, and both armies, A. D. 192, fought
and having contended for the Hundred Battles, they
tremendous battle the plain Moylena, which Con was victorious, and Eogan More was killed Goll, the son Morna,
Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick, and Cork.
already stated; but Eogan
the tenth century, from A. D. 940 950, Ceal Cashel, the Eugenian race, celebrated warrior,
Steward's Topography, now called Knock Aine the county
of Limerick.
various parts sea-ports
In the ninth and tenth centuries the Danes overran Ireland, and made settlements, particularly the
the middle lachan, king
defeated many battles, one which, described O'Halloran fought place called Sainangeal, now Singland, near Limerick, the Danes were defeated with dreadful slaughter, their chief com
mander, Aulaf, having his skull cloven through his helmet
great victories, particularly the battle Sulchaid, near Limerick, fought 959, which more than 2,000 the foreigners were
great bravery
Tributes, from the word Boroimhe, which signifies tribute
this battle. Mahon having beenslain one Thomond, named Donovan, was succeeded king
965, his brother Brian, afterwards known the celebrated Brian Boroimhe. According O'Halloran, Mac Curtin, and others, was called Brian Boroimhe, Brian the
Irish chiefs Munster,
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148 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1365.
A. D. 1365. Roderick, son of Donal O’Neill, was slain with Patrick O’Congaile, parson and erenach of the cast of a javelin, by Malachy, son of Anghir
Ross Airthir (Rossory in Fermanagh), died.
a town so called near Killaloe, in the county of Clare, adjoining which he had his palace of Ceann Coradh. Brian, while king of Munster, for a period of more than thirty years, carried on inces sant war with the Danes, whom he defeated, according to some accounts, in forty battles, chiefly fought in Munster and Leinster, and having attained greater power than any of the Irish kings, he marched his victorious forcesthrough parts Ireland, reducing
Mac Cathmaoil (of Tyrone. )
Rights the library Sir William Betham, with full trans
subjection the provincial kings and chiefs, and obtaining hos
tages from them; and finally, 1002, deposed the monarch,
Malachy II. , and assumed the sovereignty Ireland, thus setting
aside the Hy Niall kings the race Heremon, who had exclu
sively ruled monarchs Ireland for period six hundred
years. Brian, having ruled monarch Ireland for twelve Munster, the Dalcassian clans Thomond being the only people
years, fought the great battle Clontarf, which
feated the Danes, Good Friday, the 23rd April, but after the victory was himself slain, unawares,
totally de i014,
his tent,
who had the privilege exemption from all tributes. Together with the above contributions, Brian, when conquered the Danes,
gave them permission reside some the chief cities Leins ter and Munster, for purposes commerce, but for such permis
sion compelled the Danes Limerick deliver him annually 365 pipes red wine, and levied 150 pipes wine the Danes Dublin.
The O’Briens took their name from Brian Boru, and the follow
ing account his successors, the O'Briens, kings Munster and
Thomond, have been collected from the Four Masters; from the histories O'Halloran, Mac Geoghegan, &c. ; from Ware, and va
rious other sources: Donogh O'Brien, the son Brian Boru,
Brodar, Danish chief. Brian, the time his death, was the 88th year his age, and his body was conveyed Armagh,
St. Patrick's cathedral, with great honours and so Brian represented our old annalists man
and buried
lemnity.
fine figure,
valour, and has beenalways justly celebrated one the greatest
large stature, great strength body, and undaunted
lation into English the translator
following tributes were paid Brian Boru,
cora, annually, the first day November:
800 cows and 800 hogs. From Tirconnell
and 500 cloaks mantles. From Tir Eogain,
and 60 loads iron. From the Clanna Rory
these Annals. The his palace Kin From Connaught, Donegal, 500 cows, Tyrone, 60 hogs,
Ulster, 150 cows
and 150 hogs. From the people Orgiall, now the counties
Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, 160 cows. From the province Leinster, 300 bullocks, 300 hogs, and 300 loads iron. From the people Ossory, beeves, hogs,and loads iron Besides these tributes had also large revenues from the two kingdoms
the Irish monarchs, equally conspicuous for his mental endow ments and physical energies; man great intellectual powers, sagacity, and bravery; warrior and legislator; and, the same time, distinguished for his munificence, piety, and patronage learned men; thus combining the elements great character, equally eminent the arts war and peace; hero and patriot whose memory will always remain famous one the foremost
the Irish kings wisdom and valour. Murchertach Mac Liag, chief bard, historian, and secretary Brian Boru, wrote his life,
and account his wars with the Danes, together with many beautiful poems his heroic actions. An account Mac Liag's works found, the year 1015, O'Reilly's Irish Writers,
and from these curious and valuable MSS. interesting life Brian Boru could compiled. the chronological poem the
kings Ireland, written the twelfth century Giolla Modula O'Cassidy, abbot Ardbraccan, and given the first volume
Munster, and was partly acknow He abdicated the throne Muns Rome, where died, the monas
O'Conor's Rerum Hib. Scriptores, the following verse Boru :—
“Fiach fairrgi, tuile tric
Brian breo Banbha blaith bric, Cen ciamhair, cen bed, cen brath,
Da bliadhain decca degh rath, Denmaircc Atha cliath na cclann
Dibherga Laochda Lochlann. ”
For twelve years deserved prosperity,
To Dublin (Clontarf) the clans woeful deeds Against the warring chiefs Lochlinn (Denmark). ”
Brian lived his palace Ceann Coradh, Kincora, which, according O'Halloran, was called Ball Borumha, signifying the habitation Boruma, style regal splendour and magnifi cence unequalled any the Irish kings since the days Cor mac, the celebrated monarch Ireland the third century, the glories whose palace Tara were for many ages the theme the Irish bards. The palace Kincora was situated the banks the Shannon, near Killaloe, the county Clare, and some exten sive earthen ramparts, shewing its site, remain this day. An
Donogh was Driella, daughter Godwin, earl Kent, and sister Harold, the last Saxon king England; and after Wil
liam the Conqueror had defeated and slain Harold, the battle Hastings, 1066, Edmond, Godwin, and Magnus, sons Ha
rold, retired Ireland, and resided the court their relative, Torlogh O'Brien, king Munster. Torlogh O'Brien, the nephew Donogh, and grandson Brian Boru, succeeded king Munster, and was also generally acknowledged monarch Ire land. He was prince great power and valour, and died his palace Kincora, 1086, the 77th year his age. His three sons, Teige, Murtogh, and Dermod, contended for the throne
Munster, but Murtogh O'Brien became last king Munster,
and had many contests for the monarchy Ireland with Donal Mac Loughlin, king Ulster, who, having marched Munster with powerful force, took and burned the ground the royal
Brian
varied fame, Free from sadness, free from grief, and free from stain,
palace
Kincora, 1088; but the year 1101 Murtogh powerful army into Ulster, and having proceeded Ballyshannon, and Inisowen, took the fortress the celebrated residence the kings Ulster, which he
“A raven
marched
Easroe,
Aileach,
totally demolished, retaliation for the destruction Kincora. Murtogh O'Brien was powerful prince, and one his daughters was married Sigurd, king the Hebrides and Isle Mann, and
the sea—a rapid torrent,
Was Brian the brave over Banba (Ireland)
account the revenues and tributes paid Brian given
Keating's Ireland, from the first volume Valancey's Collectanea, O'Conor, king Connaught, who, having collected powerful
translated from the ancient record called Leabhar g-Ceart,
the Book Rights, which gives account the tributes and re venues the Irish kings and princes. perfect copy the Book
force, marched Munster, joined the men Meath and those Leinster, under Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, and
also aided Dermod Mac Carthy, king Desmond. bloody
succeeded his father king
ledged monarch Ireland.
ter 1063, and retired
tery St. Stephen, the 88th year his age. The second wife
Magnus the celebrated king Norway; and said that his relatives, prince the O’Briens, was also king the Mann. 1095, Murtogh invaded Leinster, and having
son
one
Isle
expelled Godfrey Merenagh, the Danish king Dublin, became himself king Dublin and Fingal, and ruled over the greater part
Leinster, and appointed his son Donal governor Dublin. Murtogh O'Brien being deposed, D. 1116, retired the monas tery Lismore, where died, 1119. Dermod O’Brien, his brother, succeeded king Munster. Conor O'Brien, son Dermod, succeeded king Munster, 1120, and died Killaloe, 1142. Torlogh O'Brien, brother Conor, succeeded
king Munster; but Teige, son Dermod O'Brien, having
contended with him for the sovereignty, was assisted by Torlogh
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|
-
mirals the Isles Arran, the county Galway. modern times the O'Briens are marquesses Thomond, earls Inchiquin,
and barons Burren, the county Clare; and female branch the O'Briens had the title countesses the Orkneys, Scotland. Many the O'Briens have been distinguished com
manders the Irish Brigades the service France, under the titles of earls of Clare and counts of Thomond. The O'Briens are
ster, and there are many highly respectable families them, par
REIGN OF EDWARD III. 149
Felim, the hospitable, son of Donal O'Conor, hospitality and generosity; and Tomaltach, son lord of Corcomroe (in Clare), a man of unbounded Murcha O'Ferrall, died.
battle was fought at a place called Moin More, or the Great Bog, between Cork and the River Blackwater, A. D. 1151, in which 9000 of the Dalcassians were totally defeated; and, according to
the Four Masters, and the Book of Leacan, upwards of 7000 of them were slain, together with Murtogh, the son of Conor O'Brien, prince of Thomond, and heir presumptive to the throne of Munster; Lughad, the son of Donald O'Brien, and the following chiefs: Aneslis O'Grady, lord of Hy Caissin, and five others of the O'Gradys; Flaherty O'Dea, and eight other chiefs of the O'Deas; two of the O'Kennedys; nine chiefs of the O'Seanchans; upwards of twenty-four chiefs of the O'Hogans; five of the O'Neils, and many other chiefs. Torlogh O'Brien died A. D. 1167, and was succeeded by his son, Murtogh O'Brien, who was killed the follow ing year by Conor O’Brien, or, according to other accounts, by the people of Desmond, who, on account of his death, had to pay an eraic, or fine, of 3000 cows, as stated by O'Halloran. Donal O’Brien, brother of Murtogh, succeeded, and was king of Thomond at the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion.
they held their rank as kings and princes of Thomond, and are also styled kings of Limerick down to the reign of Henry VIII. , and
many celebrated chiefs of them are mentioned in the course of these Annals. The O'Briens in the twelfth century are thus desig nated in the topographical poem of O'Heerin:
“Airdrigh air Eirinn uile O’Briain bile na Boruimhe
O crich Caisil cead do chind Treabh os taisibh an tailginn. ”
the 10th for ever
earl
created baron Ibrackan, the county Clare; and
The O'Briens had long and fierce contests to maintain their in dependence against the Anglo-Norman and English settlers; but
marquesses Thomond, and the O'Briens Dromoland, the county Clare, which family are Sir Lucius O'Brien Dromo land, and his brother, William Smith O'Brien, M. P. for the county
Limerick, who are lineal descendants Brian Boru.
On Irish Surnames. —The meaning the terms, and Mac, Kinel, Clan, &c. , has been already explained. Surnames were
partially adopted various tribes early the ninth and tenth centuries, may seen the Four Masters, and other annalists;
but hereditary and permanent surnames were not established until the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Brian Boru made an ordinance that every family and clan should adopt particular surname, order preserve correctly the history and genealogy the diffe rent tribes, and his own descendants took from himself the name O'Briain, O'Brien. appears that surnames were not arbitra rily assumed, but each family clan were liberty adopt surname from some particular ancestor, and generally took their names from some chief their tribe, celebrated for his valour, wisdom, piety, some other great qualities, some prefixing Mac, which means son, and others Ua, O, which signifies of, grandson, descendant.
July, after divine service, publicly and solemnly swear renounce the name O'Brien, and use only the name
Thomond. Donogh O'Brien was, by King Henry VIII. ,
other branches the O'Briens were created viscounts Clare by
king Charles II. , and earls Clare by king James II. the
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries the O’Briens were lords and ad
ticularly Clare, Limerick, Tipperary.
the counties chief representatives
and
the O’Briens the present day are the
The
“High king of Erin, O'Brien, the stately tree
Boruime,
Over the country Cashel
permission ordained tribe protecting chiefs are the pious warriors. ”
The place inauguration the O'Briens kings and princes
Thomond, stated O'Brien's Dictionary, the word Bile, was Magh Adhair, plain the barony Tullagh, county
Clare, large tree there, the word Bile, Irish, signifying tree, hence the place was called Bile Magh Adhair.