No More Learning

naught, through the influence of the lord justice and of the people of the king (of England).
Kildare, and was styled lord of Kildare; but, during his adminis
tration, he had frequent disputes with John Fitzthomas Fitzgerald,
baron of Offaley, who charged him with treason. Both parties
repaired to England to lay their complaints before the king, and
having challenged each other to battle in single combat, a day was
appointed, and great preparations were made, but in the mean time Arrow, Lough Gill, and others Sligo. There are many mag de Vessey fled to France, and his estates in Kildare, becoming nificent mountains some them ranging between two and forfeited to the crown, were conferred by the king on Fitzgerald, three thousand feet above the level the sea, those Croagh who was afterwards created the first earl of Kildare. This Fitz Patrick, Muilrea, Partry, Furnamore, Nephin, Bengorm, Ben
gerald, earl of Kildare, so often mentioned in the Annals at this period, was a celebrated warrior, and had frequent contests with Richard de Burgo, earl of Ulster; these two noblemen, then the most powerful in Ireland, contending for mastery. On the inva sion of Ireland by Edward Bruce, in 1315, the earl of Kildare commanded the Anglo-Irish forces in several engagements, in some of which he defeated Bruce. The earl died A. D. 1816, and was buried in the Franciscan Friary of Kildare. See Lodge's Peerage on earls of Kildare, and barons of Knapton; and Willis's Lives of Illustrious Irishmen.
I. North Connaught. The terms Tuaisceart Comacht, or North Connaught, and Deisceart Conacht, or South Connaught,
frequently occur in these Annals. In this article on North Con
naught will be given the history and topography, with the chiefs
and clans of the ancient territories comprised in the present coun
ties of Sligo and Mayo. In the succeeding number will be given Haven. These Firbolgs were named Fir-Domhnan, which has a full account of the ancient territories comprised in the present
race becamekings of Thomond.
O'Flaherty, and others, derived
the chief druids the Tuath
Cathach, that Con the hundred battles, monarch Ireland
the second century, whose posterity possessed the country; the word iacht, iocht, signifying children posterity, and hence Coniocht means the territory possessedby the posterity Con. The more ancient name Connaught, according O'Fla herty and Charles O'Connor, was Olnegmacht, and was called from Olnegmacht, ancient queen the Firbolgs; and hence the inhabitants were called Fir Olnegmacht. Sligo derived its name from the river Sligeach, which was probably derived from
the sea shore, carn large stones being erected sepulchral monument, which remains this day.
the genitive, supposed take its name from magh, and eo, yew tree, and therefore may signify the plain trees.
The territory earliest events annalists.
Conacht, according to Keating,
was buried
over him
This place
Sligo, and was called Traigh-an-Chairn, the Strand the Carn, from the carn erected there the Firbolg king; and later times obtained the name Traigh Eothuile-an t-Saoir, that the Strand Eothuile the carpenter. This was called the battle South Moyturey, and took place the borders Lough Mask, between Ballinrobe and Cong, the county Mayo. thirty years afterwards the Fomorians, aided by the
Firbolgs, fought another great battle with the Danans for the
name either from Con, one Danans, from Conn-Cead
the strand near Ballysadare, the county
recovery the kingdom, but were defeated. This was called the slig, shell; and the word may signify abounding shells, battle North Moyturey, Moyturey the Fomorians, and
probable inference, the tide course the river carries with many sea shells. Mayo, Irish Magh-Eo, Muigh-Eo
took place near Lough Arrow, Tirerrill, Sligo, the borders Roscommon, about fifty miles distant from the place the first battle. The townland Moterra, the parish Kilmac tranny, the barony Tirerril, points out the place where this battle was fought. An account the Fomorians has been given
the notes on Dalriada and Tirconnell. After the battle of North Moyturey the Danans became possessors Ireland, which they ruled for nearly two centuries, until the arrival the Milesian colony from Spain, who conquered them, and became masters
O
plain, the yew
connected with some the mentioned all our ancient the time Partholan, who planted the first colony
North Connaught Irish history,
Ireland, the lakes called Loughs Con, and Meascor Mask, Mayo,
Murtogh O'Flanagan, chief of Clan Cathail (in Roscommon), died.
and Lough Teithed, Techet, now Lough Gara Sligo, the bor ders Roscommon, suddenly burst forth, stated Ogygia,
goriff, and others Mayo; and those Slieve Gamh, corruptly changed Slieve Damh, and anglicised the Ox Mountains; the King's Mountain, Truskmore, Bengulban Benbulban, Knock marea, and Keis Corran, Sligo together with the Curlew Mountains the borders Sligo and Roscommon. some the mountains Mayo are still found herds red deer, which
former times inhabited the ancient forests vast numbers. The coasts Mayo and Sligo along the Atlantic abound wild and sublime scenery, such towering ocean cliffs, and immense rocky caverns, and contain Achill, and other interesting islands, and many fine bays, inlets and harbours, those Killery, Clew, Blacksod, Broadhaven, Killala, and Sligo.
and the Book Leacan, folio 273. The lakes North Con naught are numerous, and many them large and very beautiful, Loughs Mask, Con, and others Mayo; Lough Gara, Lough
counties of Galway and Roscommon. An account of the county of Leitrim has been given in the note on Brefney. A portion of Connaught was also called Iar Conacht, or West Connaught, which comprised Connamara in the county of Galway. The an cient kingdom of Connaught comprised the present counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, and Leitrim, together with Clare, now in Munster, and Cavan, now a part of Ulster, as ex
plained in the note on Brefney. The territory which forms the present county of Clare, as stated in Charles O'Conor's Disserta tions on the History of Ireland (p. 289), was taken from Con naught in the latter end of the third century by Cormac Cas, son of Oilioll Olum, king of Munster, or by Lughaigh Mean, king of Mun
ster, in the third century, another descendantof Oilioll Olum, and added to part of Limerick under the name of Tuadh–Mumhain, or North Munster, a word anglicised to Thomond (see O’Brien's Dictionary at the word Tuadh). The O'Briens of the Dalcassian
place where they landed was called Inbhear-Domhnan,
Bay the Dammonians, and the adjoining country Iarras, Irras-Domhnan, name probably derived from Iar, the west, and ros, promontory peninsula, and which, therefore, may signify the western promontory peninsula the Damnonians,
term exactly corresponding with the topographical features
the country; and the name has been retained that the barony Erris, Mayo, the present day.
When the colony called Tuatha-De-Daman first invaded Ireland they landed Ulster, and proceeded thence Sliabh-an-iarain (the iron mountain) Brefney, and forward into the territory Connaught. The Firbolgs having collected their forces oppose their progress, desperate battle was fought between them
place called Magh Tuireadh, the Plain the Tower,
which the Firbolgs were totally defeated, ten thousand them being slain, together with Eochaidh, son Eirc their king, who
On the arrival land, division Connaught, one
the colony Firbolgs, Belgians, Ire them landed the north-western coast
the bays now called Blacsod, the Broad
been anglicised Firdomnians, and sometimes Damnonians. The
the
in in in
of
of
In
or is of
of of
in of
inon in of to
or
inof is
of
of
to
in
up
or
of
of
or
of on
ofin of ; of in
it a a
as inin
of of
deits
is
its
of
of
in
a
ona ato of
to
of
or
ofin
or
in
in a soto
as
an
a of of
is, ofof In of it
of a
of inor a of
as
of
in
in to
in ofofof
in in ofor it,
or a
inof atofa inas a
inof
as
is a on
in
of
on
to of or
in of as of
of
to
ofof in of in of of or of
In
of
of
of
or in in
or
on to of or
or
of in
of
as of
in of
asin in on
of
98 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1294.
Tuathal, son of Murtogh O'Conor, was slain
A. D. 1294.
by the O’Haras.
The castle of Sligo was given to John Fitz Great depredations were committed by Hugh,
thomas (one of the Fitzgeralds), who soon after son of Owen (O’Conor), on the sons of Murtogh.
Murtogh, son of Manus O'Conor, the most
Ireland. The Firbolgs, who were defeated and dispossessed by
the Danans, having assisted the Milesians in the conquest of the
Danans, were in consequence restored by the Milesians to a great
part of their former possessions, particularly in Connaught, in
which province they were ruled by their own kings of the Firbolg.
race for more than a thousand years, and down to the third cen Moygoish in Westmeath. Dathi, son of Fiachra, was king of tury, when the Milesian kings of the race of Heremon became Connaught, and afterwards Monarch of Ireland ; he was one of chief rulers of Connaught. The Firbolgs appear to have been the most celebrated of the Irish monarchs, and carried his victo an athletic race, and those of Irros Domhnan, in Mayo, in the rious arms to Gaul, where he was killed by lightning at the foot of early ages, about the commencement of the Christian era, are the Alps, A. D. 429. His body was brought to Ireland and buried
described in O'Flaherty's Ogygia, under the name of Gamanradi in Relig-na-Riogh, the ancient cemetery of the Irish kings at ans, as celebrated champions and wrestlers. The Clanna Morna Cruachan, near Elphin. Dathi was the last Pagan monarch of
wards went to England.
of Connaught, under their chief, Goll, son of Morna, are also celebrated in the Ossianic poems and ancient annals, as famous
warriors in the third century. Many of the Firbolg or Firdomnian race are still to be found in Connaught, but blended by blood and intermarriages with the Milesians.
The ancient city called Nagmata by the Greek geographer, Ptolemy, in the second century, in his map of Ireland, is supposed
to have been situated near Sligo; but, according to others, near Galway.
Cormac, the celebrated monarch of Ireland, in the third century,
as stated in O'Flaherty's Ogygia, and the book of Ballymote, was
born in Corran, at the place called Ath-Cormaic, or the Ford of
Cormac, near Keis Corran, in Sligo, and hence was called Cormac of Corran.
The territory of North Connaught is connectedin a remarkable manner with the mission of St. Patrick in Ireland. Coill Fochladh, or the Forest of Fochuth, in Tir Amhalgaidh, now Tyrawley,
in the county of Mayo, is mentioned in the various Lives of St. Patrick as the scene of his vision respecting the conversion of Ireland, and a place which he afterwards visited in the course of his mission, and where he converted to Christianity Enda Crom, king of the territory, with his seven sons, and baptized twelve thousand persons in the water of a well called Tobar Enadharc. The place where St. Patrick held the assembly was called Forach Mac Amalgaidh, and is now known as Mullagh Farry, near Killala. The wood of Fochluth was situated between Ballina and Killala; and the village of Foghill, near Killala, is supposed to retain the ancient name. Croagh Patrick mountain, in Mayo, was long celebrated for the miracles the saint performed there, and has continued a famous place of pilgrimage to this day.
In the sixth century, A. D. 555, or, according to others, A. D.
561, was fought in the territory of Carbury, near Sligo, the great
Ireland. Oilioll Molt, son of Dathi, was also king of Connaught and monarch of Ireland in the fifth century. Amhalgaidh, ano ther son of Fiachra, was also king of Connaught, and from him the territory of Tir Amhalgaidh or Tirawley in Mayo obtained name. Dathi the Monarch had son called Fiachra Ealgach, whose posterity gave name the territory Hy Fiachrach Muaidhe Hy Fiachra the Moy, also called Tir Fiachrach, and afterwards Tireragh barony, the county Sligo. This Fiachra had son called Amhalgaidh, who raised carn great stones called Carn Amhalgaidh, where appears great assemblies the people were held and where Amhalgaidh himself was buried.
supposed that this carn was the hill Mullaghcarn, near the town of Killala. On this hill are some remains of an earthen rampart fort, with some very large stones arranged cir cular form, apparently the remains Druidical monument, which the writer saw few years ago. At Carn Amhalgaidh the chiefs the O'Dowds were inaugurated princes Hy Fiachra, though according some accounts the O'Dowds were sometimes inaugurated the hill
in Meath, where he was buried with great honours, and where a monument was erected to his memory with an inscription in Ogham characters, on which occasion fifty prisoners taken in the
battle were, according to the Pagan customs, sacrificed around his tomb. The place called Hy Mac-Uais is now the barony of
battle of Cula Dreimhne, between the forces of Meath and Lein
ster, under Diarmaid, monarch of Ireland, and the people of Tir
Eogain and Tir Conaill, commanded by the princes Fergus and
Domhnall, sons of Murtogh Mac Earca, former monarch of Ire
land, and aided by Aodh or Hugh, king of Connaught, with his O'Dowds, &c. According O’Dugan and Mac Firbis, fourteen forces; in which battle the army of the monarch Diarmaid was the race Hy Fiachra were kings Connaught, some totally defeated, three thousand of his men being slain, and he whom had their residence Aidhne, Galway others Ceara, himself having hardly saved his life by flight. now the barony Carra,
Hy Fiachra or Hy Fiachrach was a name applied to the Muaidhe the Moy, Sligo. territories possessed by the race of Fiachra, one of the sons of
Eochaidh Muighmeadhoin, monarch of Ireland in the fourth century, of the race of Heremon. The following accounts of the race of Hy Fiachra have been collected from the Books of Leacan and Ballymote, O'Flaherty's Ogygia, and other authorities. Fiachra was for some time King of Connaught, and was a celebrated warrior, and commander-in-chief of the Irish forces under his brother Niall of the Hostages, Monarch of Ireland; and according to the Book of Ballymote, folio 145, on his return home victorious from a great battle which he had fought with the menof Munster, A. D. 402, he died of his wounds at a place called Hy Mac-Uais
“Binn sluagh nam-borb cliathach. ”
“The music-loving hosts fierce engagements. ”
O'Dubhda, name sometimes anglicised O'Dowda, but more frequently O'Dowd, and by some O'Dowde, others O’Dooda and O’Doody, was the head chief North Hy Fiachra, whose
territory comprised nearly the whole Sligo, with the greater part Mayo. pears derived from Dubh, dark
Ardnarea near Ballina. Bryan, king the Hy Briuin race, and Niall the
Connaught, ancestor
Hostages, Monarch
whom accounts have been given the notes on Meath and Brefney, were brothers Fiachra, son Eochaidh Muighneadh ain, monarch Ireland; and hence these three brothers were the progenitors the kings and head chiefs Meath, Ulster and
Connaught. The territories possessed the race Fiachra also obtained the name Hy Fiachra, and comprised the present counties Sligo and Mayo with great portion Galway. The territory Hy Fiachra Galway, southern Hy Fiachra, was called Hy Fiachra Aidhne from Eogan Aidhne, son Eochaidh Breac, son Dathi, monarch Ireland. The posterity Eogan Aidhne, the chief whom were the O'Heynes, O'Clerys, and O'Shaughnesseys, possessedthis territory, which was co-ex tensive with the diocese Kilmacduagh and account its chiefs and clans will found the note South Connaught. The chiefs North Hy Fiachra Sligo and Mayo were the
Ireland, ancestor the Hy Nialls,
Mayo; and some the plain The Clans Hy Fiachra are thus designated by O’Dugan:—
the present county
The name Dubhda ap black, and dath,
to be
of
of
on it in to
of
by of of
asa of a
or
a of ofof of
of of
or
or
of in
to
in at
of
of
is
a
to of in
of
in
of
be
of
of of of
a
of
of on
a
of of a
of inin or in
of ;
or on ofof of
a of
of
of of
It
its
by; of on an ofof of of
at of of
of of
in of a
of
eligible heir to the province (of Connaught) of his family, was slain by Teige (O'Conor), and Donal, son of Teige.
Malachy O'Flanagan, chief of Clan Cathail, was
slain by Cathal, son of Teige Mac Dermott, in
the street of Sligo.
Cathal, son of Teige Mac Dermott, lord of
Moylurg, died soon afterwards, and Maolrooney,
brother Cormac Gaileang. The O'Haras took their name from Eaghra, lord Lieney the tenth century, whose death men tioned the Annals 926. Many chiefs the O'Haras are mentioned the Annals the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries, amongst others Donal O’Hara, lord Lieney, who was killed D. 1023; and from the twelfth the seventeenth cen tury they held their rank lords Lieney, and had large pos sessions the period the Cromwellian wars, when great deal
their property was confiscated, though they still hold consider
able estates the barony Lieney. the reigns Queen
colour, which, by the elision of the two last letters, which have no
sound, makes Dubhda, and might signify a dark-haired chief.
Taithleach was a favourite name amongst the chiefs of the
O'Dowds, and may be derived from Tath a ruler, and laech or
laoch a warrior; hence it may signify the ruling warrior. The
O'Dowds are descended from Fiachra Ealgach, son of Dathi,
monarch of Ireland above mentioned, and took their name from
Dubhda, one of their ancient chiefs. Several celebrated chiefs of
the O’Dowds are mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters,
in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries. At A. D. 981,
Aodh O'Dubhda or Hugh O'Dowd, who is styled lord of North
Connaught, died. By a typographical error in O'Connor's Rer.
Hib. Scrip. the name is translated O'Duffy instead of O'Dowd.
In the Annals at A. D. 1097, is recorded the death of Murchartach
O'Dowd, lord of Hy Amhalgaidh. Many valiant chiefs of the
O'Dowds are mentioned in these Annals down to the seventeenth
century; and they had large possessions in the county of Sligo
until the Cromwellian wars, when their estates were confiscated.
The O'Dowds were inaugurated as princes of Hy Fiachra or
North Connaught at Carn Amhalgaidh, near Killala, as above VI. O'Gadhra
stated. They appear from history to have been a valiant race; and many of them even down to modern times were remarkable for their great strength and stature: indeed, it may be observed
chief
REIGN OF EDWARD I. 99
after times lord
that most of the clans of Sligo and Mayo furnished many men of which latter district extended into part the barony Cos
great size and strength.
The following chiefs and clans of Hy Fiachra, and the territo
ries they possessed in the twelfth century in the present counties
tello Mayo. Cian, son
The O'Garas derived their descent from Teige, son Oilioll Ollum, being exactly the same stock
the O'Haras.
of Sligo and Mayo, have been collected from O'Dugan and other ancient chiefs. Some chiefs the O'Garas are mentioned the
authorities: I. O'Maolcluiche, or O'Mulclohy, chief of Cairbre, now the barony of Carbury, county of Sligo. Carbury derived name from Cairbre, one the sons King Niall the Hostages.
This name has been anglicised Stone, and there are still many the family Carbury. Mac Diarmada Mac Dermott, chief Tir Oiliolla, now the barony Tirerrill, Sligo, which
derived its name from Oilioll, one the sons Eochaidh Muigh meodhain, monarch Ireland. The Mac Dermotts were also
Annals early the beginning the eleventh century, amongst others, Roderick O'Gara, lord Luighne, who died 1056. Many other distinguished chiefs are mentioned the course the Annals; appears that they retained considerable rank and possessions the county Sligo down the seventeenth cen tury; and one them, Fergal O'Gara, lord
Coolavin, justly celebrated great patron particularly the O'Clerys and other authors
princes Moylurg, large territory which account will found
the county Roscommon, the note south Connaught.
Moy O'Gara and learned men, the Annals the Four Masters, the beautiful dedication which work may seen
They afterwards became chiefs
O'Garas, lords Coolavin, and have the present day estates
prefixed the First Number their patron Fergal O'Gara. mharain, given O’Dugan
this publication, addressed VII. O'Ciearnachain and O'Huath chiefs the territory Lieney.
Coolavin, successors the
Coolavin, and retain the title princes Coolavin, being the VIII. O’Muiredhaigh O'Murray, chief Ceara, now the only family the Milesian clans who have preserved their an barony Carra, Mayo. The O'Murrays were the race cient titles the present time. III. Mac Donchaidh, that Hy Fiachra, and were also chiefs the Lagan, district the
Mac Donogh, branch the Mac Dermotts, afterwards
chiefs Sligo.
northern part the barony Tyrawley Mayo. Several
the O'Murrays are mentioned the course the IX. O'Tighearnaigh O'Tierney, chief Carra. the O'Tierneys are mentioned lords Carra the
O'Gormog, also given chief Carra. XI. O’Maille O'Malley, chief Umhall, which O’Dugan states was divided into two territories. The name has been rendered sometimes into
Tirerrill and Coran, now the barony Corran Several chiefs the Mac Donaghs are mentioned the the Annals; and they were great patrons learned mentioned the subsequent part this article, the
chiefs Annals. Several Annals.
course
men,
account the Book Ballymote. O'Donchathaigh given
chief O’Dugan Corran, and also mentioned the poem Giolla Iosa More Mac Firbis, which styled O’Dun chadha the “learned men,” and stated that his territory
extended far the beauteous stream the salmons, which was meant the river Ballysadare. This name has been anglicised O’Donagh O'Donaghy. IV. O'Dobhalen
Lieney the county Sligo but Lieney anciently comprised thus designated O’Dugan:
O’Devlin, given another chief Corran; and some O'Reillys, Mac Dermotts and other chiefs, explained the chiefs the name are mentioned the course of the Annals. note Brefney. The O'Malleys were celebrated chiefs, and many O'Headhra O'Hara, chief Luighne, now the barony them are mentioned the course these Annals. They are
part the baronies Costello and Gallen Mayo. The O'Haras were descendedfrom Cormac Gaileng, son Teige, son Cian, son Oilioll Olum, king Munster the third century, the race Heber, and therefore the same stock the Dalcassians
Thomond, whom the O'Briens were kings. From this Cor mag Galleng, who lived the fourth century, the territory Galinga, now the barony Gallen Mayo, took name. The territory Luighne Lieney derived name from Luighne,
“Duine maith riamh raibhe, D'ibh Maille acht namharuidhe,
Faidhe sine sibhse, Dine baidhe braithirsi. ”
“A good man yet there never was,
Of the O'Malleys, who was not mariner, Of every weather are prophets,
tribe brotherly affection and friendship. ”
Anne and George the O'Haras were created barons Tyrawley
and Kilmain, Mayo, and some them were distinguished ge
nerals the British service. The O'Haras are thus designated
“Itigh Luighne nam-bladhal
O’Dugan.
Luighne
“The lords The men
laoch lann. ”
Lieney Lieney,
high fame; warlike swords. ”
O'Gara, given
Lieney, but
barony Coolavin the connty
styled lord Moy O'Gara, Coolavin, and also Sliabh Lugha,
O’Dugan
Cuil O'bh-finn, now the
They took their name from Gadhra, one their
Umalia and Hy Malia. This territory comprised the present baronies Murrisk and Burrishoole the county Mayo.
The O'Malleys are the Hy Briuin race, descendedfrom Bryan, king Connaught the fifth century, who was also the pro genitor the O'Connors, kings Connaught, the O'Rourkes,
Sligo, and sometimes
Oof
of
as as
byof
or
of
of ;
inofin a of of of be
its
in
to
in
ofin itinis is
in of
its
of
a of
of
by
as
in is,
A
of by of as of of in
of V. or ofa
in of of of
ofof of
oforis aof
ofin of of
as
of
as
of
he is
ason of
of
in or
of
of
in in
to
of in
in
of
of
of na in in
.
or
in
of at A. in
ye
ni
of
as or of
a of
of
a
inasin to of ;Into asof a in of of of of
of
of
is
of
ofof na
of as D. in
in of
of
as
of
of
anof
by
or
I. ,
or
of
II. to
on of of
in
ofitofin inininof
of
ofofin of of
of
of
in is
of of
to of
in
its
ofor ofof
X. of of of to as is in
of
in
A. in
to of
as of as a
of of of
of
a ofbyofof ofin inof of
of
of a as of in
2 of asofa
of in of A. a of
in in of in be
of
D. inof of
of to of as of by
is
100 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1294.
son of Gillcreest Mac Dermott, succeeded him in and Dearvail, daughter of Teige, son of Cathal
the lordship.
Donogh, Mac Consnamha, chief of Muintir
Kenny (in Leitrim); Durkan Mac Tiarnan, lord or chief of Tullaghonoho (in the county of Cavan);
Mac Dermott, died.
The castle of Sligo was demolished by Hugh, son of Owen O'Conor.
Rickard Burke, the Red Earl, was taken pri
The O'Malleys were valiant chiefs and particularly distinguished
in naval engagements,having a considerable fleet always under
their command. In the reign of Elizabeth, Grace O’Malley,
daughter of Mac William Burke, and wife of the chief O'Malley,
was a celebrated heroine, commandedher fleet in person, and per
formed many remarkable exploits against the English. Her parts of Sligo and Mayo, particularly when the O’Donnells, princes memory was long famous among the Irish, and celebrated in their
songs, and even to the present day is held in esteem under the designation of Graine ni Mhaille or Graine Wale. The head of this ancient family is sir Samuel O'Malley, and there are at the present day many respectable families of the O'Malleys in Mayo. XII. O’Talcharain, chief of Conmaicne Cuile, now the barony of Kilmain, county of Mayo.
of Tirconnell, extended their power into Sligo. Many families of the O'Donnells and Mac Sweeneys in Sligo and Mayo have been very respectable. Sir Neill O'Donnell has large estates in the county of Mayo.
The O'Conor Sligo. A branch of the O'Conors of Roscommon, descendants of the the kings of Connaught, settled in Sligo, and became very powerful in the sixteenth century. The head of the family was designated The O'Conor Sligo, and appears to have extended his power over the greater part of that county. In the learned work, the Irish Antiquarian Researches, by sir William Betham, Ulster King of Arms, accounts are found of the O'Conor Sligo, the O'Donnells, princes of Tirconnell, together with many other Irish chiefs, and much interesting information on curious points of Irish history and antiquities.
theachain or O'Gavagan, and O'Maoilfhiona or O'Mulleeney, chiefs of Calraighe of Moy Heleog, a district in which was com prised the present parish of Crossmolina, in the barony of Tyrawley, in Mayo. W. O'Gairmiallaigh or O'Gormley; and O’Dorchaidhe,
a name anglicised to Dorchy, and by others to Darcy.
These were
chiefs of Breach Magh, a district in the parish of Kilmore Moy in Sligo. IX. O'Conniallain or O'Connellan, chief of Bun-ui-Con niallan, now Bunnyconnellan, a district in the barony of Gallen, county of Mayo, and also of Cloonconnellan, in the barony of Kil main. This clan are a branch of the southern Hy Nialls, descen ded from Laoghaire, monarch of Ireland in the fifth century, and are of the same family as the O'Coindealbhains or O'Kendellans, princes of Hy Laoghaire in Meath, but long settled in the counties
of Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon. They are mentionedin these Annals at A. D. 1295, as a clan in Roscommon; and under the year 1316 in the Annals one of their chiefs, Thomas O'Connellan, is recorded as having beenslain in the great battle fought at Athenry. X. O’Ceirin or O'Keerin, chief of Ciarraighe Loch-na-nairneadh, an ancient territory in the barony of Costello, county of Mayo, comprising the parishes of Aghamore, Bekan, and Knock.
There are various other clans, many of them still numerous, in the counties of Mayo and Sligo, as the O'Bannans, O’Brogans, Mac Conbains, O'Beans or Whites, O'Beolans, O’Beirnes, O'Flattelleys, O'Creans, O'Careys, O'Conachtains or O'Conaghtys of Cabrach, in Tireragh, O'Flannelleys, O'Coolaghans, O’Burns, O'Hughes,
lala, and lastly at Leacan in the parish of Kilglass, barony of Tireragh, east of the river Moy, where they had estates and a cas tle, the ruins of which still remain. The Mac Firbises held the
Partraighe Partry,
all Connaught.
From the Annals
following
or
an ancient
at the
the Four
Hy Fiachra, died. O'Reilly's Irish Writers.
A. died.
territory
The present parish of Ballyovey, also called
chiefs of
mountains in Mayo.
the parish of Partry, shews the situation of this ancient territory.
The O’Dorceys were a distinguished clan, and many families of them
in Mayo and Galway, having anglicised the name to Darcey or
D’Arcy, have been erroneously supposed to be someof the D'Arcys
of Meath, of English descent. VI. O’Lachtmain or O'Loughnan, by
some anglicised to Loftus. The O'Loughnans were chiefs of a ter
ritory called the Two Bacs, now the parish of Bacs, situated
between Lough Con and the river Moy in Mayo. VII. O'Maol
foghmair and O'Maolbrennuin, chiefs of Hy Eachach Muaidhe, a
district extending along the western banks of the Moy, between
Ballina and Killala. This name O'Maolbrennuin has been angli
cised to Mulrennin, and the name O'Maolfoghmair has beenby some
rendered into Milford. VIII. The O’Mongans or O'Mangans, O'Reilly's Irish Writers.
Partry
authorities, :-
D. 1301. Giolla Iosa Mac Firbis, chief historian Tir Fiach
O'Huada or O'Fuada, and O’Tapa, names anglicised to Swift, O'Loingsys or O'Lynches, O'Maolmoicheirghe, anglicised to Earley, O'Mulrooneys or Rooneys, O'Morans, O'Muldoons, O'Meehans, O'Caffreys, O’Finnegans, O'Morriseys, Mac Geraghtys, O'Spillans. The O'Donnells and Mac Sweeneys from Donegal who settled in many
The following chiefs and clans not given in O’Dugan, have been
collected from various other sources: I. O'Caithniadh, chief of
Iorrus, now the barony of Erris, in Mayo. Several chiefs of the
O'Caithniadhs are mentioned in the Annals; the name was an
glicised to O'Cahenney, but few of the family exist at the present
day. II. O’Ceallachain or O'Callaghan. The O'Callaghans were
chiefs in Erris, but of a different race from the O'Callaghans of
Munster. III. O’Caomhain, a name anglicised to O'Keevan and
O'Cavanaghs, a senior branch of the O'Dowd family, and
chiefs of some districts on the borders of Sligo and Mayo, in Fiachra. Their original territory was Magh Broin in Tyrawley; the baronies of Tireragh, Corran, and Costello. IV. O'Gaibh they afterwards settled in Rosserk, between Ballina and Kil
The Mac Firbises, called Clan Firbisigh, were a branch de scended from the same stock as the O'Dowds, princes of Hy
office of Ollamhs, that Fiachra, and one time
historiographers and poets Hy
Masters,
the Mac Firbises has been collected
and other
1138. Awlave More Mac Firbis, ollav,
account
1279. Giolla Iosa More Mac Firbis, ollav Four Masters.
historiographer
Tir Fiachra,
ra, &c. , died. Annals Clonmacnoise.
1876. Donogh Mac Firbis, eminent historian, died.
Four Masters.
1379. Fearbisigh Mac Firbis, learned historian, died.
A. 1418. Giolla Iosa More Mac Firbis, the famous anti quary Leacan, one the chief compilers the book Leacan,
and Maol Iosa Mac Firbis, another learned writer, and poet, died.
Dubhaltach, Duald, Dudley Mac Firbis, whom accounts
may found the Dissertations the learned Charles O'Conor Belenagar, his preface Ogygia Vindicated, O'Flaherty's
Ogygia, and the works Ware Harris, was one the most celebrated the historians Leacan, and was instructed the
Brehon laws by the Mac Egans, hereditary Brehons O'Conor says that “Duald Mac Firbis closed the line ditary antiquaries Leacan, Tir Fiachra, the Moy,
Ormond. the here family
whose law reports (on Brehonism) and historical collections have derived great credit their country. This last the Mac Fir
bises was unfortunately murdered Dunflin and by his death our antiquities received The learned Roderick O'Flaherty, author
the
the county Sligo, irreparable blow. ” Ogygia, was the pupil speaks with the highest praise, the
Mac Firbis, whom
chief ornament and support
and irreparable loss
the year 1670, about the eightieth year his age; and stated
Irish antiquarianism while living, when dead. Mac Firbis was killed
some accounts that was buried the old church Kilglass.
also mentioned Ware's works by Harris, under the account John Burgo, archbishop Tuam the fifteenth century,
of Itin is
of
of
of
an de
A. A. A.
A. D.
in
a an
of of or
in of
by of
of
ofin in in
at
of
in to of
he to he or it ofof
of
of is, of
of of in to
at
of -
of it
is ofa
of of
of
of
in
as
in
of of of
anin
on of in
be
of D. D.
D. D.
of
of
r
REIGN OF EDWARD I. I 01 soner by Fitzgerald, which circumstance occa Hugh, son of Owen (O'Conor); and they spoiled
sioned great commotions in Ireland.
Fitzgerald and Mac Feorais (Bermingham)
treacherously committed great depredations on the people of Connaught, and attempted to depose
that Duald Mac Firbis was short time before his death em ployed by sir James Ware collecting and translating Irish MSS. There are still some the family Mac Firbis about Leacan,
some whom have changed the name Forbes.
The Book Leacan, called from being composed Leacan,
the country, but did not, however, establish their power over and only disturbed peace.
David Mac Gillaraigh (in Sligo), was slain by the sons of Donal Duv O’Hara.
the note Meath, and who also settled Mayo and took the Irish surname Mac Costello, and from whom the barony Costello derived its name. The Exeters, who took the name Mac Jordans, and were styled lords Athleathan, the barony Gallen. The Barretts, some whom took the surnames Mac Watten and Mac Andrew the Stauntons, Carra, some whom took the name Mac Aveeley; the Lawlesses, Cusacks,
was compiled by the Mac Firbises, from the twelfth the fifteenth
century, and one the greatest and most authentic works on
Irish history and antiquities. very voluminous MS. , Lynots, Prendergasts, and Fitzmaurices, the Berminghams, who
written fine vellum, and comprises the history Ireland from the earliest ages the fifteenth century. The original book Leacan the Library the Royal Irish Academy, from which the translator these Annals, who had the honour being ap pointed the office Irish Historiographer
changed their name Mac Feorais; the Blakes, Dillons, Bing hams, &c. &c. The Mac Philips are placed the map Or telius the barony Costello; their principal seat Cloon more, and they are branch the Burkes, who took the name Mac Philips.
Sligo the Anglo-Normans under the Burkes, and the Fitzgeralds, earls Kildare, made some settlements, and had frequent contests with the O'Conors, and with the O'Donnells, princes Tirconnell, who had extended their power over great part Sligo.
George IV. and William IV. , transcribed
their late Majesties
deposited the Royal Library The Book Ballymote,
copy, which
now
Windsor.
called from having been their castle Ballymote
the pos Sligo, or, according others, from having been partly composed the monastery Ballymote, was compiled the latter end the four teenth century, chiefly by Solamh O'Droma, Solomon O'Drom, and Manus O’Duigenan, learned antiquaries and historians. Tomal
tagh Mac Donogh, lord Tirerrill and Corran, Sligo, was the patron these learned men; and the Book Ballymote remained long time possession this family, but was purchased from one
the Mac Donoghs, the year 1522, Hugh Duv, son Hugh
session the Mac Donoghs
Mayo, according some accounts, was formed into county early the reign Edward III. , but not altogether reduced English rule till the reign Elizabeth. Speed's Theatre
Roe, son Niall Garv O'Donnell, Donegal, the price given for the
Sligo was formed into county 1565, the reign Elizabeth by the lord deputy, sir Henry Sydney.
The following have been the noble families Mayo and Sligo since the reign James Mayo the Burkes, viscounts Clan morris and earls Mayo. The Brownes, barons Kilmain, ba rons Westport, and barons Oranmore. The Binghams, ba rons Castlebar; and the Savilles, barons Castlebar. The Dillons, barons Costello-Gallen, and viscounts Dillon. The O'Haras, barons Tyrawley and Kilmain. Sligo the Taaffes, barons Ballymote, and visocunts Corran. The Cootes, ba rons Collooney. The Scudamores, viscounts Sligo. And the
Book being one hundred and forty milch cows. The Book Bally
mote large folio M. S. vellum contains the ancient his
tory Ireland from the earliest period the end the fourteenth
century, and considered very authentic work and great authority. The original deposited the library the Royal
Irish Academy; and copy with full account con tents, was made by the translator these Annals Irish Historio grapher, and deposited the Royal Library Windsor.
Further accounts the Books Leacan and Ballymote and Browns, marquesses Sligo.
their learned authors are found O'Reilly's Irish Writers. The Annals the Four Masters, which copious account has been given the introduction the first number the present
Ecclesiastical divisions. At Cong, Mayo, monastery was founded and dedicated the Blessed Virgin by St. Feichin, native Sligo, man eminent for his learning and sanctity, the seventh century. This abbey, possessed by Augustinian monks,
publication, were compiled the O'Clerys and other learned wri
ters, under the patronage Fergal O'Gara, lord Moy O'Gara was celebrated seat learning and religion for many centuries,
and Coolavin, the county Sligo; and thence happens that
these three great works Irish history and antiquities, are inti mately connected with Sligo, giving that county peculiarly
honourable position respect ancient Irish literature.
the twelfth century John Courcy made some attempts with his Anglo Norman forces towards the conquest Connaught,
and became bishop's see, which was united the see Tuam the twelfth century. Cong was also the residence some the kings Connaught; and Roderick O'Conor, the last Milesian
monarch Ireland died there A. 1198, and was buried Clonmacnois.
Mayo. monastery was founded here the seventh century St. Colman, Irishman, who had been bishop Lindisfarne, Northumberland, but leaving England, returned his own
but did not succeed any extent. The the reign king John, obtained grants
Burgos, Burkes,
various parts Con long period with the O'Connors, kings Connaught, and various chiefs. They made
country, and founded this monastery, chiefly for the use English monks, whom had brought over with him. college also was founded here which was long famous seat learning, and, being established chiefly for the use the English, was called
naught, and carried fierce contests for
considerable conquests the country, and were styled lords
Connaught; but appears that the fourteenth century several
chiefs the Burkes renounced their allegiance the English go
vernment, and some them then took the surname Mac Wil
liam, and, adopting the Irish language and dress, identified them
selves with the ancient Irish customs and manners. One of
them, namely, Edmund Burgo, took the name Mac William
Oughter, Mac William the Upper, who was located Galway,
and another, Mac William Eighter, Mac William the Lower, The see Killala Cill Alaidhe was founded St. Patrick
who was located Mayo. Some branches the Burkes took the surnames Mac David, Mac Philbin, and Mac Gibbon, from their respective ancestors. The other families Anglo-Norman,
English, descent who settled Mayo, were the following, viz. : The Angulos, Nangles, whom account has beengiven
the fifth century, and the bishops are sometimes styled bishops Tir Amhalgaidh Tyrawley, also bishops Tir Fiachra, and
Hy Fiachra, and sometimes Hy Fiachra Muaidhe, that
Hy Fiachra the Moy, called distiuguish from Hy Fiachra Aidhne the diocese Kilmacduagh the county
Great Britain, published 1676, Mayo stated “re plenished both with pleasure and fertility, abundantly rich cattle, deer, hawks, and plenty honey. ”
Magh-Eo-na-Saaron, Northumberland
Mayo the Saxons. Alfred, king the seventh century, was according some
Mayo, and other accounts Alfred the
accounts educated
Great, king England, the ninth century, also received his
education there. Mayo likewise became bishop's see, and the sixteenth century, 1559, was annexed the see Tuam.
or de
ofa
of or or in
of
of
in of in in toofof isof
of
de in
in to of by be in of a
of so in atso a
an or
in; isof of aintoitby in a to
itof ofontoin
ininofisis of
to
of ofof
In
of is of a of of of to is on
A
of of hean a of
ofon
of of to
of In D. of of of
of ofaof
of to
to In is In in of in
its
of
ofof
a
or in or A. at
ofof of
it,
orD.
of
ofto
aof
to of
a in
on of to is on of of
in indetoofofit,of atIt
a in de
ofto aasin
in
ofofin
of
of
of
of a ofor to
of
in of
of itof or a
of at of
of of to
of of in
itsof of at is
in by
in
toas as
In
a
of
of of
of of
of
of
soin toI. aA. ;de
or
by D. of A. ofas in
in
aa D.
in
in ofA aofofinofonin
by of
of is
toa at of
it to
of of of
of in
be of of of ofinof of ofof
is, in to
ofof of atof a
of in of
ofof in at
in
102 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1295-96.
Donal O’Hara, lord of Lieny, died. Dermod O’Caemhain (in Sligo), died.
A. D. 1295.
The Red Earl was set at liberty from his con finement by Fitzgerald, by command of the king of England, and good hostages of his own kindred were taken in exchange for him.
Bryan, son of Hugh Buidhe O’Neill, lord of
deacon of Brefney,' from Drumcliff to Kells, died.
Hugh, son of Owen O'Conor, was deposed by
his own people, who brought in the Clan Muir– cheartaigh, and the government was conferred on
Conor Roe (O'Conor), son of Cathal, to whom they gave hostages. The entire country both clergy and laity was spoiled through that depo sition. A great force was collected to the aid of Hugh O'Conor, composed of English and Irish, with William Burke and Theobald Burke, whom
Tyrone, was slain by Donal, son of Bryan O’Neill,
and many of the English and Irish were slain he invited to the country, and they continued four
along with him. days and nights plundering and devastating the A contest arose in Tirconnell between Hugh, country of property and corn. The chiefs of the son of Donal Oge O’Donnell, and Torlogh his country waited on him afterwards, and he brought
brother, respecting the lordship, so that a great them before the earl to make peace with them; as part of the country was spoiled between them, to the sons of Murchertagh they burned and
both clergy and people; Torlogh was deposed and
expelled from Tirconnell to the people of Tyrone and to the Clan Donnell (Mac Donnells).
Donal O'Kelly, lord of Hy Maine, the most wise of counsel in his time, died in a monastic
habit, and was interred in the monastery of Knock moy.
Mac Branan, chief of Corc Achlan (in Roscom mon), died, and Tomaltagh Mac Branan, the chief who was appointed his successor, was slain by Muintir Connellan in revenge of their father who had been killed by him.
The castles of Baile Nui,' Moy Brecraighe, and Moy Dumha, were demolished by Geoffrey O’Ferrall.
A. D. 1296.
Anliatanaigh (O'Conor), bishop
of Elphin ; and Maolpeadar O’Duigenan, arch Loghlin, son
him; Mac Dermott having gone his plundered property, engage which Conor Roe was slain, and Conor, and Manus, son Tomal
spoiled the entire district of Carbury (in Sligo), and plundered churches, but God, the Virgin Mary, and Columkille, were avenged them soon after for having violated their churches. As the forementioned chiefs, after promising they would tributary Hugh they returned their homes, but did not continue long peace with him, for they again joined the sons Murtogh. Hugh, son Owen, having then come into the Tuatha (in Roscommon), and having brought with him thither O’Ferrall and Mac Ranmall with their
forces, sent messengers Mac Dermott and O'Flanagan, who having turned against the sons Murtogh and separated from the other clans,
joined Hugh. Conor Roe (O'Conor) having
received intelligence this, attacked Mac Der mott, and, aided by his supporters, committed
Giollaisa Mac
Galway. The diocese Killala comprehends great part the
depredations pursuit
county
Thesee century
Mayo and portion Sligo.
Achonryor Achadh Chonaire, was founded the sixth St. Finian, bishop Clonard, Meath, who placed over
A. D. 1295.
Newtown, was probably the place now
his disciple St. Nathy, its first bishop. The bishops Achonry
were early times styled bishops Luighne Lieney, which was
the ancient name the territory. The diocese Achonry compre
hends large portion the county Sligo, with considerable part Mayo.
Drumcliff Sligo. monastery was founded here by St. Columkille the sixth century, and was long famous seat learning and religion. became bishop's see and its abbots
were styled bishops. was united the see Elphin the
sixteenth century. See Ware's Bishops by Harris, Archdall's Monasticon, and Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History.
the county Longford; Newtown-Gore, the parish Carrigallen, county the borders Longford, where there are some ruins
might Leitrim,
ment ensued,
Baile Nui, that called Newtown-Forbes,
castle. The castle Moyduma was that Moydow, the parish
Moydow, county
Archdeacon
Sligo.
Longford.
which, stated here, extended from Kells Meath
-
A. D. 1296.
Brefney, that the diocese
Kilmore, Drumcliff
|
in
onbe
in
of
It
of
a to
of
in
of
a
of or of
a in
in
of
it
to of
of of or a it
of
an
1.
1.
in
in
as
of
he
be of
of a
in
by of of
of of of in
of ofin on
its to
of is, of
of
to
of
of
of
of
a
It A
of
as in a
of
in
of at
of
of
to
of of
is in
to
ot- | \o\
W.
Alexander Mac Donnell (of Antrim), the most William O’Duffy, bishop Clonfert, fell from distinguished his name, either Ireland
\,*
A. D. 1300.
so —"
Congalach O'Loghlin, bishop
Manus O’Hanley, chief Kinel Dobhtha (in ruadh," man distinguished for learning, piety,
of #!
o,
o: **
o |->T
A. D. 1297.
and hospitality, died.
from 1295, 1297, and Ware conjectured that might have been the same person Henry Mac Oiraghty, bishop
REIGN OF EDWARD I. 103
*gh, were taken prisoners. Great numbers Cu-uladh O’Hanlon, lord Orior (in Armagh), *re slain on both sides; Mac Dermott brought Aongus Mac Mahon, and many others the
'' prisoners Hugh O'Conor, people \. to who with O'Fer chiefs their
No.
! , Mac Dermott, Mac Rannall, and the clans Dundalk,
"ore-mentioned committed a retaliatory depre
people Muircheartaigh
on the of Clan the
by English were slain the
returning
A. D. 1298.
same day; and Loghlin, son ofConor, afterwards had his eyes put out, and died of his wounds.
The king of England marched with an army Thomas O'Hairectaigh, abbot Eas Roe (at into Scotland and gained great power over that Ballyshannon), died.
country.