No More Learning

Triinnoit O'Naan, head professor many and Irish sciences, and civil and canon law, died.
Tomaltach Gearr the Plunders, Mac Der mott, lord Moylurg, one who triumphed often over his enemies, whose friendship, protection, generosity, and hospitality excelled those any
general pardon was proclaimed the sons William Burke from the king England.
Conor Mac Brenan, chief Corcachlan (in Roscommon), died.
Hugh, son Donal Oge O'Donnell, lord Tirconnell, Kinel Moain, Inisowen, Fermanagh, North Connaught, and Brefney, and heir
the crown all Ulster, the most dreaded and for
midable his enemies any the Irish his time, man by whom most the English fell,
and also the Irish who were opposed him; one whose government, laws, and regulations were superior any his neighbouring chiefs, the most distinguished man western Europe for hospitality and benevolence, died after gaining the palm victory over the world and the devil, monastic habit, Innis Samer,” and was buried with great honours and solemnity the monastery
Eas Roe. Conor O’Donnell, his son, suc
lordship, until Art was slain conflict Conor.
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120 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1337.
of his tribe, died on the night of Trinity Sunday
Niall, son Conor, son Teige (O'Conor), was slain.
in his own house at the port of the Rock (of
Lough Key near Boyle), and was buried with
honours in the monastery of Boyle. Conor, his Siuire (Carrick-on-Suir, county Tipperary),
son, succeeded him in the lordship.
Theobald Burke Mac William, and Myler, the
son of Jordan Dexeter (in Mayo), died.
Owen O’Madden defeated the Clan Rickard
Burke, and many of their people were slain, viz. ,
sixty-six in number.
The sons of Dermod Gall, and the son of Felim
O'Conor, committed great depredations on the Clan Costello (in Mayo), and Maidiuc Mac Wail drin was slain while pursuing them.
dations on the Clan Cathal (in Roscommon), on Thomas, son Cormac O’Donnell, bishop which occasion Conor O'Flanagan and many other Raphoe, man eminent for wisdom and piety, persons were plundered; and Malachy O'Flana died.
Lughaidh O'Daly, bishop Edmond Mac William Burke committed depre after well-spent life.
Clonmacnois, died
-
The monastery St. Francis Carraic-na
the diocese Lismore, was founded James Butler (earl Ormond).
Mahon O’Reilly (lord Clanmahon the county Cavan), was slain by the English.
O’Meehan, the coarb St. Molaise (abbot Devenish Fermanagh), died.
A. D. 1337.
gan was slain in the pursuit of the prey on that occasion, and a brother to Mac Anmilidh was af terwards taken prisoner by the pursuers, and was retained as a hostage.
Conor Mac Dermott, lord of Moylurg; Hugh,
son of Felim, son of Hugh O'Conor, with the
The Master O’Rothlain died.
William (Burke), son the earl Ulster, and
Bryan Bane (the Fair) O'Brien, made peace with
each other, and the lands which (Bryan) took from the earl’s son were set to him for rents.
The king Connaught pitched his camp Athleague (in Roscommon), opposition Ed
household of O'Conor; the Mac Donoghs; and
Cormac, son of Roderick O’Conor, with the mond Burke.
young soldiers of Carbury (in Sligo), went on a predatory excursion into Tireragh, and arrived at
Mullach Ratha (near Easkey); the cattle of the
country were driven away before them, but they
John O’Fallon, lord Clan Uadach (in Ros common), died.
Teige Mac Clancy, lord Dartry Leitrim), was slain by Cormac, son Roderick, son
however carried away with them much property, Donal O'Conor, together with many others, re
many horses and steeds, and a great quantity of taliation for the death John, son Donal
valuable articles; they also slew many people, (O'Conor), and (Cormac) afterwards committed
and returned safe to their own homes.
Dermod O'Flanagan, lord of Clan Cathail (in rice Mac Clancy was slain while pursuing the
Roscommon), died.
Torlogh O'Conor, king of Connaught, collected
the light troops the Tuatha, Clan Cathail,
plunder.
Teige and Malachy, the sons Ivar Mac Ran mall, were taken prisoners Cathal Mac Rannall,
Clan Conor, and Moylurg (all clans Ros who was soon after slain by the kinsmen the common), Artagh; and the great castle Mac sons Ivar, who went rescue them, having
Costello (in Mayo) was taken and demolished by collected great force, conjunction with Wil O’Conor on that occasion, and the Ceithern' who liam Mac Mahon and the two other sons of Ivar
garrisoned the town, surrendered, tee of Mac Dermott.
Donal, son John, son died.
the guaran Mac Rannall, namely, Conor and Tomaltach;
A. D. 1336.
Ceithern, kerns, were the light-armed troops the Irish,
Donal O'Conor,
they also slew Manus O'Ferrall the same day, and Teige, the son Ivar Mac Rannall, was appointed chief.
and the galloglaochs, gallowglasses were the heavy-armed infantry.
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Donal Roe O'Malley (in Mayo), and Cormac, his son, were slain by the sons of Mebric, and others of the English, on the festival of St. Stephen.
Matthew O'Higgin, a man eminent for poetry and liberality, died.
Henry Mac Martin was slain.
Donogh, son of Murtogh More Mac Geoghe
gan, lord of Kinel Fiacha Westmeath) was slain by the people Offaley.
Hugh Reamhur (the Fat) O'Neill, made peace with the people Oriel and Fermanagh.
121
land, was the most liberal the Clan Mac Guire his time, died.
Donogh, son Roderick O'Conor, was slain.
Edmund (Burke), the son the earl Ulster, was taken prisoner Edmond Burke (Mac Wil liam) who tied stone about his neck and drowned him Lough Mask Mayo). The destruction
the English Connaught and his own race was the consequence that deed, for Torlogh O'Conor, king Connaught, soon after expelled Edmund Mac William Burke out Connaught, after the country and churches the west
Donogh More O'Dowd, tanist (in Sligo), died.
REIGN OF EDWARD III.
Hy Fiachra Connaught had been awfully destroyed between them, and O'Conor then assumed the supreme
government the entire country.
Edmund Burke afterwards collected large fleet
ships and boats, and remained for long time Roderick-an-Einigh (the Hospitable), Mac on the islands of the sea.
Guire, lord Fermanagh, man who, making The English Lieney and Corran (in Sligo), presents money, clothing, steeds and other were plundered and dispossessed their proper goods the learned men and professors Ire ties and power, which were transferred the
South Connaught. The name Deiscirt Conacht, South were highly skilled architecture and other arts, from their long Connaught, often occurs the course the Annals, also some residence Greece, and intercourse with the Phoenicians. The times called Uachtar Conacht, Upper Connaught, North Fomoraigh Fomorians, another ancient colony mentioned by Connaught called Tuaisceart Conacht, and sometimes Iachtar the old annalists settled the northern parts Ulster and Conacht, Lower Connaught. The history and topography Connaught, are stated have beenAfrican Phoenician pirates, the counties Sligo and Mayo have been given the note descendants Ham, and are represented race giants. North Connaught, and the present article will given the his The term Fomaire derived O'Brien, his Irish Dictionary,
from Fogh, plundering, and muir, the sea, and hence signifies pirates. These various colonies, according our annalists, settled Ire
land more than thousand years before the Christian era. O'Flaherty's Ogygia (vol. 26), stated that Orbsen, chief descendedfrom the Danans and Fomorians, was famous merchant, and carried commercial intercourse between Ire land and Britain, and that was commonly called Manannan,
A. D. 1338.
tory and topography the ancient territories comprised the present counties Roscommon and Galway, together with their
chiefs and clans, compiled from the books Leacan and Bally mote, O’Dugan's Topography, O'Flaherty's Ogygia, O'Conor's Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores, the Dissertations Charles O'Conor, Burgo's Hibernia Dominicana, the Histories Kea ting, O'Halloran, and Mac Geoghegan, County Surveys, and various other sources. the earliest ages the Firbolgs, called also Fir Domnians and Damnonians, O'Flaherty and others, were the first inhabitants Connaught, already stated the note North Connaught. The Firbolgs are called by various writers Belgae, Belgians, and, according our ancient annalists, were
colony originally from Scythia, or, according others, came from that part Gaul which was called the Romans Gallia Belgica, now Belgium, and are supposed others the same
account his frequent trading the Isle Mann, and that
people the Belgae Britain. The colony called Tuath De Orbsen, who was killed there, and now called Lough Corrib,
Danan, already mentioned the note North Connaught, con quered the Firbolgs, and became masters Ireland. The Danans are represented our old annalists originally Scythians, who
had settled some time Greece, and afterwards migrated Scan dinavia, the countries now forming Norway, Sweden, and Den
the county Galway. According O'Flaherty, the lakes called Lough Cime, now Lough Hacket, Lough Riach Loughrea, and some other lakes the county Galway, and also the river Suc,
between Roscommon and Galway, first began flow the time Heremon, son Milesius; and Loch Ke, Moylurg, near Boyle Roscommon, first sprung out the reign Tigearnmas, monarch Ireland, about nine centuries before the Christian era. The territory South Connaught, bounded one side the
Atlantic, and the other the mighty Shannon, abounds sublime and beautiful scenery, magnificent lakes, Lough Corrib and many others, Galway; Loughs Key, Gara, Allen, and many others, Roscommon; the Suc, and many other fine rivers; majestic mountains, Maam Trasna, Maam Turk, Maam, Ean, Slieve Baughta, and the twelve Pius Benabola, Galway; with immense ocean cliffs, large inlets, and bays, and many fine islands, those Arran, &c. , along the Atlantic coast. Amongst the remarkable features this country may mentioned the
R
mark. From Scandinavia the Danans came North Britain, where they settled colonies, and from thence passed into Ireland. appears that the Danans were highly civilized people, far more skilled arts and sciences than any the other ancient colonies that settled Ireland; hence from their great knowledge they were considered magicians by the Firbolgs and Milesians. O'Brien, his learned work the Round Towers Ireland, considers that these beautiful structures were built the Danans, for purposesconnectedwith Pagan worship and astronomical ob servations, an opinion not improbable, when
the Danans ruled Ireland about two centuries, and ninety-seven years, according the Psalter
considered that
one hundred Cashel, and
also got the name Mac Lir, signifying the son the sea, from his being expert mariner. He was killed Uillinn Abradhruaidh, Uillinn the Red Brows, another Danan chief,
battle Connaught, place called, from that circum stance, Magh Uillinn, the plain Uillinn, now the barony Moycullen, the county Galway. The lake near which this battle was fought got the name Lough Orbsen, from the chief
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122 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1339. w
ancient Irish inheritors, after the English had been by Cathal, son of Hugh, son of Owen O'Co expelled. nor, while going from O'Conor’s house to his
OWI).
Teige, son of Roderick, son of Cathal O'Conor,
who was called the Bratach righin (that is of the Thomas Mac Gauran was set at liberty by the firm Standard or Banner), was taken prisoner by Clan Muircheartaigh.
Thomas Mac Gauran (of the county of Cavan), Hugh Reamhar O'Neill marched with a great and many of his people were slain. force into Tirconnell, and the son of John O’Neill
and Geoffrey O’Donnell, of those forces, were slain of O'Conor, and on his return therefrom, the by the people of O’Dogherty.
Mac Gauran (Thomas) went then to the house
Clan Murtogh (O'Conor ofSligo), and people of
Muintir Eoluis (in Leitrim), collected their forces, took him prisoner, and slew many of his people.
Hugh-an-Chleitigh (of the Plumes), the son of Roderick O'Conor, while commanding in the rere of his forces, received a wound, of which he died.
Dervoill, daughter of Cathal Mac Murrogh, and wife of Donogh, the son of Hugh Oge, died.
A. D. 1339.
Roderick O’Kelly, lord of Hy Maine, was slain
Edmond Mac William Burke, who was on the
islands of the sea with his fleet, was expelled to Ulster, by Torlogh O'Conor, king of Con naught.
Torlogh O'Conor took to him (as wife) the daughter ofTorlogh O’Brien, who was the wife
of the earl of Ulster's son, and put away Dervoil, the daughter of Hugh O'Donnell.
A great war arose throughout Meath, between the English and the Irish.
The church of Kilronan (in Roscommon), was erected by Fergal Muinach O’Duigenan.
peculiarly wild and picturesque scenery of Connemara. In Ros Learned), chief bard to the monarch Niall of the Hostages, in the
common are many fine mountains, as the Curlews, Slieve Bawn, and many others. Cruachan, in Connaught, was celebrated from
the earliest ages, and nearly a thousand years before the Christian era, Muimne, monarch of Ireland, son of Heremon, is stated to
have died at Cruachan. Cruachan, or Croaghan, was situated near Elphin, in the county of Roscommon, and according to Char les O'Conor, was also called Druim na n-Druadh, or the Hill of the Druids, being a great seat of Druidism. Cruachan became the capital of Connaught, and residenceof the ancient kings; and the states of Connaught held conventions there, to make laws and inaugurate their kings. Eochaidh Feidhlioch, monarch of Ireland, about a century before the Christian era, erected a royal residence and a great rath there, called Rath Cruachan, which got its name from Cruachan Croidheirg, his queen, mother of Meadhbh. This Meadhbh or Meava, was queen of Connaught, and a cele brated heroine, who, like the ancient queens of the Amazons, com manded her own forces in person, in the seven-years' war with
the Red-branch Knights of Ulster, an event famous in the Tain bo-Cuailgne, and other ancient records. Meava is represented in her gilded war-chariot, surrounded by several other chariots, and
wearing on her head her Aision, or golden crown. At Cruachan was the burial-place of the pagan kings of Connaught, called Reilig na Riogh, or the Cemetery of the Kings. The heroic Dathi, the last pagan monarch of Ireland, having carried his vic torious arms to Gaul, and being killed by lightning at the foot of the Alps, A. D. 429, his body was brought to Ireland by his soldiers, and buried in Reilig na Riogh, and a large red pillar-stone erected over his grave, which remains to this day. Dathi was nephew to the famous warrior, Niall of the Nine Hostages, monarch of Ire land, and, like him, made war on the Romans in Gaul and Britain. Dathi's name was Feredach, but he got the appellation Dathi from his great activity, as the word Dathi or Dathe signifies agility, and he is represented to have been so expert in the use of his arms and handling his weapons that, if attacked by an hun dred persons at the same time, all discharging their arrows and javelins at him, he would ward off every weapon by his dexterity.
A beautiful poem, giving an account of the kings and queens buried at Cruachan, was composed by Torna Eigeas (Torna the
fifth century, commencing thus:
“Ata fudsari fionn bh-fear Fail, Dathi, mac Fiachrach, fear graidh, A Cruacha, ro cheilis sin
Ar Ghalluibh, ar Ghaoidhealuibh. ”
“Under thee lies the fair king of the men of Fail, Dathi, son of Fiachra, man of fame,
O ! Cruacha, thou hast this concealed From the strangers and Gaels "
literally, from the Galls and Gaels, the word Gaels
This last line
meaning the Irish themselves, and the term Galls being applied
the Irish all foreigners, the Gauls, Danes, English, &c.
the above Ireland called Fail, Inis Fail, signifying the Island Destiny, was the namegiven Ireland by the Tuath de Danans, from remarkable stone they brought with them into
Ireland, which was called the Lia Fail, sitting on which, the ancient kings, both
Stone Destiny, the Danan and Mile Tara. This stone was sent Scotland the sixth century, for the coronation Fergus, king Scots, who was descended from the Milesian kings Ire
sian race, were for many ages crowned
land, and was used for many centuries
Scottish kings, and kept the abbey
was taken England King Edward
land, and placed under the coronation chair Westminster Abbey, where still remains, though has been erroneously stated some modern publications, that the large pillar stone which
stands the mound rath Tara the Stone Destiny, an assertion opposed the statements O'Flaherty, the O'Conors, and all other learned antiquarians. may here observed, that three the Tuath Danan queens, namely, Eire, Fodhla, and Banba, gave their names Ireland, which mentioned by the various old writers under the names Fodhla, Banba, and Eire, and from Eire has beenderived the name Eirin. According the poem Torna Eigeas, the following were the kings and queens buried Cruachan: the three queens the Danans, Eire, Fodhla, and Banba, and their husbands, Mac Coill, Mac Cecht, and Mac
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REIGN OF EDWARD III. 123
A. D. 1340.
A contention arose between the people of Hy Maine, namely, between Teige O'Kelly, to whom Torlogh O'Conor, king of Connaught, gave the government of Hy Maine, and William, son of
HE monastery of Oirbeal Donogh Muinach O'Kelly, who was expelled from aigh' at Carraic-an-Chuil, the country; and although he had left Teige at the eastern end of Lough O'Kelly, with his kinsmen and people, pursued Lein, in the diocese of Ard and overtook him; William and his party once fert, in Munster, was found turned upon them, and engagement ensued,
ed for Franciscan friars by which Donogh, the son Hugh O’Kelly, was Mac Carthy, and many of slain, and Teige O’Kelly taken prisoner, after re
the nobility of the country selected their burial-places in that monastery,
and amongst these were O’Sullivan More and the two O’Donoghoes.
ceiving wounds, which died.
Malachy O'Gormley, chief Kinel Moain (in Donegal), died.
The sons Ualgarg O'Rourke, Donal, Hugh,
Greine, the three Danan kings; also Lughaidh Lamhfada, Eogan Beul, king Connaught the sixth century, who was
Daghda, and Midir, three other celebrated kings of the Damans; several Milesian kings and queens, as Ugaine Mor, or Hugony the Great, who was monarch of Ireland more than three cen turies before the Christian era; his daughter, the princess Muirease; Cobhthach Caol, monarch of Ireland, and son of Hu gony ; Breas, Nar, and Lothar, the three sons of Eochaidh Feidhleach, monarch of Ireland, a short time before the Christian era, and also his three daughters, namely, Meava, the famous queen of Connaught, Deirbhre, and Clothra; also Eochaidh Aireamh, monarch of Ireland, and brother of Eochaidh Feidh leach; the sons of Feidhlimidh Reachtmar, or Felimy the Law giver, who was monarch of Ireland in the second century, and other kings, the descendants of Con Cead Cathach, with the exception of Art, monarch of Ireland, who was buried at Trevet, in Meath, and his son Cormac, the famous monarch of Ireland, in the third century, who was buried at Ros-na-Riogh, now Ros naree, near Slane in Meath; and according to the Book of Bally mote, at folio 142, it is stated that Cormac, who it appears had some knowledge of Christianity, gave orders that he should not be buried at Brugh Boine, which was the cemetery of the pagan kings, but at Ros-na-Riogh, and that his face should be towards the rising sun. Brugh Boine, the town or fortress of the Boyne, was also a great cemetery of the pagan kings of Ireland, and
mortally wounded the battle Sligeach Sligo, fought with the people Ulster, gave directions that he should buried with his red javelin his hand, and his face towards Ulster,
defiance his enemies; but the Clanna Neill, from Ulster, came with strong force and raised the body the king, and buried near Lough Gill, with the face downwards, that might not the cause making them fly before the Conacians. Near Lough Gill, Sligo, are two great cairns still remaining, which place was probably ancient cemetery some the kings Con naught. After the introduction Christianity the kings and chiefs were buried the abbeys, churches, and cathedrals; for instance, the monarch Brian Boroimhe, who was killed Clon tarf, was buried the cathedral Armagh. The kings Con naught the Christian times were interred the abbeys
Clonmacnois, Cong, Knockmoy, Roscommon, &c. There are still some remains Reilig-na-Riogh Cruachan, consisting circular area about two hundred feet diameter, surrounded with someremains an ancient stone ditch, and the interior are heaps rude stones piled upon each other, stated Weld's Survey Roscominon.
Dun Aengus, the fortress Aengus, erected the largest the Arran islands off the coast Galway, and situated
tremendous cliff overhanging the sea, consists stone work immense strength, Cyclopean architecture, composed large stones without cement: circular form, and capable con
according to some antiquaries, was situated near Trim, but ac
cording to others, more probably, at the place now called Stack
allen, between Navan and Slane, in Meath. In various parts of taining within its area two hundred cows. According O'Fla
the ancient kingdom of Meath, in the counties of Meath, West herty, his Ogygia (W. II. 20. ), was erected by Aengus and meath, and Dublin, are many sepulchral mounds, usually called Conchobhar, two the Firboig kings Connaught, about cen
tury before the Christian era, and was also called the Dun of Comcovar.
pagan times; there are several of these mounds of great size,
particularly along the banks of the Boyne, between Drogheda and
Slane, and one of them, at Newgrange, is of immense extent,
covering an area of two acres, and about eighty feet in height,
and was surrounded by a circle of huge stones standing upright,
many of which still remain. The interior of this mound is formed
of a vast heap of stones of various sizes, and a passage, vaulted
over with great flags, leads to the interior, where there is a large
chamber or dome, and in it have been found sepulchral urns, and
remains of human bones. Cairns, or huge heaps of stones, many
of which still remain on hills and mountains in various parts of
Ireland, were also in pagan times erected as sepulchres over kings
and chiefs. In the Books of Armagh and Ballymote, and other Gauls, ancient inhabitants France and Belgium. Scythian
ancient records, are given some curious accounts of the customs used in the interment of the ancient kings and chiefs. Laoghaire,
monarch of Ireland in the fifth century, was buried in the ram part or rath called Rath Laoghaire, at Tara, with his military
weapons and armour on him, his face turned southwards, as it were bidding defiance to his enemies, the men of Leinster; and
moats, of a circular form, and having the appearance of hillocks;
these are the sepulchres of kings, queens, and warriors, of the
The Milesians are constantly mentioned these notes, that short account their colony may The Firbolgs, already explained, were conquered
the colony Tuath De Danan, who ruled over Ireland about two centuries, according our annalists. The Milesians, according Keating, O'Flaherty, and the old annalists, were originally colony from
Scythia, near the Euxine and Caspian seas, the borders Europe and Asia, about the country now called the Crimea. These Scythians, called by the Roman writers Celto-Scythae, were the most ancient inhabitants Europe after the deluge, and de scended from Japhet. The Celts peopled the greater part Europe those early ages, and the chief nation them were the
chief named Niul, the son one Feniusa Fearsa, having settled Scota, daughter Pharaoh, king
the kings Scythia named Egypt, married the princess Egypt, who was drowned the Red Sea. Niul had son called Gaodhal; hence his de
scendants are called Gadelians Gaels. These Gadelians being afterwards expelled from Egypt, sailed back Scythia, under
the course necessary.
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124 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1340.
Gilcreest, and Roderick, went on a predatory ex vach, son of Manus, son of Murtogh Muinach, cursion against Cathal, son of Hugh Brefnach together with many others; and that was the first (O'Conor), whom they plundered, and on the conflict between the people of O’Rourke and the same day they slew Conor, son of Donogh Ria Clan of Murtogh Muinach (O'Conor). Cathal,
the conduct of their chief Eiber Scut or Eber the Scythian ; hence they got the name Cineadh Scut, that the race the Scyths Scythians, and this name was latinised Scoti, and anglicised Scots, which signify Scythians. The Gade lians Scythians, again emigrated from Scythia, and having sailed through the Euxine Black Sea, and the Egean Ar chipelago, entered the sea now called the Mediterranean, which named by the Irish writers Muir Toirrian, and made settlements
Ireland, the beginning the third century, under
prince named Cairbre Riada, settled that part North
which was called the Irish Alba and Atbain, and Romans Caledonia, and conquered the Picts and Caledonians, they became kings the country, and gave the name Scotia
Scotland, and from the ancient Scottish kings Irish Milesian race were descended the kings Scotland and the royal house Stewart. Besides those already enumerated, Ireland men
tioned under various names; the Greeks was called Ierne, signifying the sacred Isle, was great seat Druidism, the Romans Hibernia, and by Plutarch Ogygia, which signifies the ancient land; the Christian times got the name Insula Sanctorum the Island Saints.
The Firbolgs having assisted the Milesians against the Danans,
were restored great measure their former possessions,and
were located chiefly Connaught, which was ruled over for many centuries Firbolg kings. According Charles O'Connor,
his Dissertations, the Cruithnidh Picts were early times set tled Moy Naoi Magh-Aoi, territory which comprised the central parts Roscommon, and were probably some the
thecoast Africa, according O'Flaherty,
try near ancient Carthage, and from thence sent Spain, who, landing there, defeated the race
Getulia, coun
colony Iberia Tubal, son
Japhet, who then inhabited that country. The Gadelians formed settlements that part ancient Spain called Celtiberia, and carried wars long time with the natives, under one their celebrated chiefs named Breogan, from whom the Gadelians Milesians got the name Clanna Breogain, which people some writers state the same the Brigantes. descendant Breogain named Gollamh, became king Spain, and being famous warrior, got the name Milidh Easpaine, which signi fies the Spanish hero, name latinised Milesius, and his posterity
valley the sea shore near Tralee. The commanders the
Milesians were Heber, Heremon, and Ir, the sons Milesius,
together with many other chiefs, who proceeded with their forces
towards Tara, and another great battle fought Tailten
Meath, totally defeated the Danans, and became masters Ire Cait reigned from A. D. 95. About thirty years after the land. The island was divided between Heber, Heremon and Ir, first insurrection the Firbolgs, second revolt took place, and another brother named Amergin, was appointed chief
bard. The period the arrival the Milesians Ireland placed by our ancient chronologists about thousand years before the Christian era. The descendants Heremon, the Heremo nians, divided into various branches, became the kings and chiefs
almost the whole the ancient kingdoms Meath, Ulster, Leinster and Connaught. The race Heber Fionn, Heber the Fair, called Heberians, became the kings and chiefs Munster,
which, assisted the people Ulster the Clanna Rory, the Heremonians were defeated great battle, and the monarch Fiacha Finioladh was slain, A. D. 126, and Elim, king, Ulster the race was made monarch. The Firbolgs engaged
these rebellions are called the ancient annalists Athach Tuatha, signifying according Dr. O'Connor the giant race, according O'Reilly, his Dictionary, the plebeians. This word has been anglicised into Attacots, and the revolts the Firbolgs are called different writers the Attacotic wars. - Tuathal Teachtmar, Tuathal the Acceptable, son the monarch
Fiacha Finnodhla, was forced fly from the kingdom North Britain, but returned A. D. 130, and regained the kingdom from
the Firbolgs. Tuathal celebrated one the greatest the Irish monarchs for his wisdom and valour. On his return Ireland, landed Iorras Domhan, now Erris Mayo, and, collecting
bis forces, defeated the Firbolgs many battles Connaught,
Ith, uncle Milesius, called Ithians,
but some also the race
became kings and chiefs
Heber were also monarchs
furnished far the greater number the monarchs
The race Ir, called Clanna Rudhraidh, from Rudhraidh, one
their ancestors, who was king Ulster early times, were
chiefly settled Ulster, which province they were kings for
many centuries, and several them also monarchs Ireland.
The Irians Clanna Rory, are mentioned O'Connor and va
rious writers, under the name Rudricians, and they continued
kings Ulster the fourth and fifth centuries, when they were conquered by the Heremonians, explained the notes Tir Eogain, Tir Conaill and Orgiall. may observed here, that the colonies Firbolgs, Danans and Milesians, were all originally Scythians Celto-Scythians, and all spoke dialects the same language, namely, the Celtic, which was also the lan guage the ancient Gauls and Britons. From the Milesians, called also Scoti Scots, above explained, Ireland got the name Scotia; and when colony the Milesian Scots from
Munster, and several Ireland but the race
the race Heremon
Ireland.
Firbolgs, having formed conspiracy invited the Milesian kings and chiefs
those Dumha Sealga, Magh-Ai, plain
the battle Orbsen near Lough Corrib Amergin the chief the Firbolgs was slain
Umhall, now the barony Aichle, now Croagh Patrick,
Brefney, now Fenagh others, having according
eighty-five battles for the recovery the crown. The battle Magh Cruimhe, Lughaidh Mac Con, valiant prince the
race Ith, having been expelled from Munster by Oilioll Olum, who became king Munster, and being banished
the battles Marrisk, Ceara, and Cruachan Mayo; and Magh Sleaght the county Leitrim, and many the old annalists fought altogether
Roscommon; also Galway, which
Irish Britain the
were called Clanna Mileadh,
Milesius having gone Egypt
Scota, daughter the king
sent force under Ith, son
valiant warrior, Eire Ireland, but was killed the Tuath
Danans. After the death Milesius, his sons having fitted out powerful fleet and large force for the invasion Ireland, and setting sail from the tower Brigantia, which was erected by Breogain near Corunna Cantabria, landed Inver Sceine, now the bay Kenmare the county Kerry, and the Tuath
Danans having collected their forces oppose them, great battle was fought between them Slieve Mis Mountain Kerry, where the Danans were defeated; but Scota, the widow Milesius, was killed while commanding the engagement, and was buried
term anglicised Milesians. This military commander, married
colony Picts from North Britain, who had settled Ulster,
Egypt. The Milesians Spain Breogain and uncle Milesius,
the present counties Down and Antrim, Dalaradia. Geaman, one the earliest Connaught. Meara, the celebrated queen
explained the note the Firbolg kings, had Connaught already
mentioned,was married Oilioll Fionn, king the Damnonian Firbolg race, and after she had reigned over Connaught for ninety eight years, died the one-hundred-and-twentieth year
her age, about the beginning the Christian era, stated O'Flaherty's Ogygia (v. 156. )
the first century the seize the monarchy, great assembly and feast Connaught, and having massacred vast number the chiefs, they seized upon the sovereignty, and set one their own
race monarch Ireland, named Cairbre Ceann Cait, Carbry Cat Head, called, said, from his ears resembling those cat. The place where the Milesian chiefs were mas sacred was called Magh Cru, signifying the field blood, and supposed have been near Lough Con Mayo. Cairbre Ceann
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REIGN OF EDWARD III. J 25
Britain, projected invasion Ireland, and, assisted by the Bri tons and other foreign auxiliaries under the command Beine
son of Hugh Brefnach, went in pursuit of
plundered property, and overtook the sons
Ualgarg O’Rourke, which fierce engagement
ensued, which Donal O’Rourke, one the the defeat their people. Teige, son Rode
Briot, Beine the Briton, who was one
the most famous warriors Wales, landed powerful Ireland, aided Oilioli
means stone
name Oilfinn
limpid water.
till his own time, 1675, when fell, the 9th October, and the well was inclosed, attended with some remarkable cir cumstances, which O'Flaherty gives curious account.
of that age, and son the king
army Galway.
Art, monarch
Olum, king Munster, who was his brother-in-law, and by Forga, king Connaught, collected their forces, and fought great battle, long celebrated the Irish annalists most fierce and bloody, which the foreigners were length victorious.
Connaught, the seventh century, described follows,
Alfred, Mayo, and
these An
this battle the monarch Art was slain, together with Forga, king Connaught, and also seven out the nineteen sons Oilioll Olum, who were commanders that engagement. After this victory Lughaidh Mac Con becamemonarch Ireland. The battle Moycruimhe Mucron, was fought 250, accord ing O'Flaherty, near Athenry, about eight miles from Galway. The head king Art was cut off after the battle, near brook pool, which from that circumstance was called Turloch Airt, name which O'Flaherty says retained
the poem called the Itinerary Ireland, composed king Northumberland, who had been educated translation this poem was made the translator nals, from which taken the following passage:
“I found Conacht, famed for justice, Affluence, milk abundance, Hospitality, lasting vigour, fame,
this territory Cruachan heroes. ”
Connaught, and afterwards monarch
Ireland from A. 206, Murroch the Patriot,
327. Muireadhach Tireach, son king Fiach, succeded king
Connaught, and was also monarch Ireland, from A. D. 331 A. D. 357. Eochaidh Muigh
meadhoin, son Muireadhach Tireach, became king naught, and was also monarch Ireland from
A. D. :566.
Con 358
Saint Patrick, the course his mission Connaught, already stated the note Brefney, and given life Jocelin the monk, and the tripartite life Colgan, quoted O'Flaherty's Ogygia, having thrown down the temple the
Moysleacht Brefney, now Fenagh Leitrim,
Druids
which occasion destroyed the great idol called Crom Cruach, worshipped deity the Druids, and which was made
large pillar stone, having head formed gold and silver, and surrounded with twelve inferior brazen idols, crossed the Shan
non, and proceeding onwards into Connaught, came near the royal palace Cruachan, where met the two princesses, Ethne and Feidhlimina, daughters Laoghaire, then monarch Ireland,
O'Flaherty's pp. 293,295), stated that six the sons
whom converted the Christian faith.
Ogygia (vol.
Bryan, king
with many
and that
great church, the banks Lough Sealga, now Lough Hacket,
and that three pillar stones which had been raised there the
ages idolatry, he had the name Christ inscribed three
languages, one then Jesus, the second Soter, and the
third Salvator, with cross over each, and also that Ono,
grandson Bryan, king Connaught, made present St. banks the Loire, A. 406. From Niall the Hostages were Patrick his palace, called Imleach Ona, where St. Patrick
Connaught, were converted and baptised, together the people, the plain Moyseola, Roscommon, erected church, called Domhnach Mor, that the
Niall Naoi Ghiallach, Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland the latter end the fourth and beginning the fifth century, was another son Eochy Moyvone. Niall was cele brated warrior, and made frequent expeditions against the Romans Gaul and Britain, one which was killed Gaul, the
founded the episcopal see Oilfinn Elphin, which obtained name from spring well the saint had sunk there, and the mar gin which was erected large stone; and thus from oil, which
descended the Hy Niall race, for many centuries kings Ulster and Meath, and monarchs Ireland: They were divided into two great branches, the north and south Hy Nialls; the head the southern Hy Nialls being the O’Melaghlins, kings Meath,
worthiest heirs the lordship Brefney, and many others, were slain, and Gilcreest O'Rourke and Mac Consnamha were taken prisoners, after
Connaught, and was killed 403, was progenitor
Eochy Moyvone, who became king battle Damheluan Galway,
rock, and finn, which signifies fair clear, the Elphin was derived, which meant the rock the O'Flaherty states that this stone continued there
the ninth and tenth centuries Connaught was often ravaged by the Danes and Norwegians, who destroyed its towns, abbeys, col
leges, and churches.
Eochaidh Muiglimheadhoin, already stated, was king
Connaught and monarch Ireland, about the middle the fourth century. He was lineal descendant Con Ceadcathach, Con the Hundred Battles, monarch Ireland the second century, the race Heremon. The nameMuighmheadhain, pronounced
Moyvone, derived from Muighe, the genitive case Magh, the race Heremon. This Aodh Hugh, the last king the plain, and meadhoin, cultivator; hence the name has been trans
tuated between Moyvola and Killcornan.
the third century Cormac, monarch
own day, and was
the monarch Art, attacked Aodh Hugh, the Firbolg. king Connaught, who had incurred his resentment, and according
Ireland, the son
O'Flaherty totally defeated sis forces the battle Magh Aoi Roscommon, upon which the sovereignty Connanght was
Firbolgs, was son Garad, and succeeded Lughaidh, the son Firtri, king Connaught, and was descended from Goll, the son Morna, the famous warrior, who was chief the Clanna Morna, celebrated warriors Connaught. Cairbre Liffeachair, the son Cormac, succeeded father monarch Ireland,
and Fiach, son Cairbre, surnamed Srabhtene, from Dun Srabh
tene, Connaught, where was nurtured, became king Briune, signifying the descendants Brian. This Brian had
twenty-four sons, and his posterity possessed the greater part Connaught. Of the Hy Briuin race were the O'Conors, kings Connaught; the O'Rourkes, princes West Brefney, Leitrim; the O'Reillys, princes East Brefney, Cavan; the Mac Der motts, princes Moylurg Roscommon; the Mac Donaghs, lords Corran and Tirerrill Sligo; the Mac Oiraghtys, some times styled head chiefs Siol Murray, and lords Clan Tomal tach, &c. Roscommon; the O'Malleys, lords Umalia Mayo; the O'Flahertys, lords West Connaught Galway; the O’Brenans Mac Brenans, the O’Beirnes, the O'Donnellans, O'Flynns, O'Flanagans, O'Feenaghtys, O'Concanans, O'Monagh ans, O'Murrays, O'Hanleys, and O'Hallorans, Mac Manuses, chiefs Roscommon and Galway; the O'Malones, chiefs Westmeath; the Mac Consnamhas Fords, chiefs Muintir Kenny Leitrim; the Mac Gaurans, Mac Tiarnans Mac Ker nans, the Mac Bradys, O'Sheridans, and some other chiefs and clans Cavan; also the Mac Hughs, O'Crollys, O'Bresleins, Mac Egans, O'Creans, O’Finnegans, O'Callinans, O'Finns, O'Fays, O'Devlins, O'Callanans, and some other clans Ulster and Connaught. From Fiachra, another son Eochy Moyvone, were descendedthe race Hy Fiachra, the O'Dowds, O'Heynes, O'Clerys, O'Shaughnesseys, and other chiefs Sligo, Mayo, and Galway, whom accounts are given the present article, and the note North Connaught.
taken from the Damnonians, and transferred the Milesians
lated by Dr. O'Conor, his publication the Annals the Four Masters, Eochius camporum Cultor, that Eochy the cultiva
tor plains.
Brian, one the sons
the race called Hy Briuin Hy
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126 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1340.
rick, son of Cathal O’Conor, whom O’Rourke soner by the king of Connaught, and sent for had in prison, was set at liberty in exchange for confinement to the castle of Roscommon, in con the liberation of Gilcreest O’Rourke. sequence of which a great contention and com
Hugh, son of Felim O'Conor, was taken pri motion arose between O'Conor and Mac Dermott,
of whom an account has been given in the note on Meath; and the head of the northern Hy Nialls being the O'Neills, princes of Tyrone and kings of Ulster, and the O'Donnells, princes of
Tirconnell, of whom accounts have been given in the notes on Tir Eogain and Tir Conaill. Thus from Brian, Fiachra, and Niall, the three sons of the monarch Eochy Moyvone, were descended the kings and chiefs of the ancient kingdoms of Meath, Ulster, and Connaught.
The Siol Muireadhaigh, or Siol Murray, so called as the des cendants of Muireadhach Muilleatham, a king of Connaught in the latter end of the seventh century, who died A. D. 700, and a descen dant of the above-named Brian, king of Connaught, became the chief branch of the Hy Briune race, and possessedthe greater part of Con naught, but were chiefly located in the territory now forming the county of Roscommon; and hence the term Siol Murray was ap plied to that territory.
The O'Conors, who becamekings of Connaught, were the head chiefs of Siol Murray, and took their name from Conchobhar or Conor, who was a king of Connaught in the tenth century. The name Ua Conchobhair, pronounced Concoovar, is derived from Cu or Con, which figuratively signifies a warrior, and Cobhair, aid; hence it signifies a helping warrior. Teige, king of Connaught, in
was Dervorgilla, daughter Donald O'Melaghlin, prince Meath; and his third was Duvcola, daughter Mulrooney Mac Dermott, prince Moylurg. By his last wife he had son, Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, the famous king Connaught, often mentioned the course these Annals. The O'Conors, kings Connaught, had royal residences Cruachan, near El phin, and Cluan Fraoich, near Tulsk, Roscommon; also Dunmore Galway, and Cong Mayo, and many castles various parts Connaught. The ancient kings Connaught were inaugurated Cruachan, near Elphin, but appears from these Annals that after times the O'Conors were inaugurated
kings Connaught the hill Carn Fraoich, near Tulsk, Roscommon. The O'Conors held their rank kings Con naught down the reign Elizabeth, the sixteenth century, and many celebrated and valiant princes and chiefs them are constantly mentioned the course these Annals. the Me moirs Charles O'Conor Belenagar, stated, that the latter end the fourteenth century the two head chiefs the O'Conors, namely, Torlogh Roe, and Torlogh Donn, having con tended for the lordship Siol Murray, agreed divide the terri tory between them. The families descended from Torlogh Donn called themselves O'Conors Don, the Brown; and the descen dants Torlogh Roe called themselves O'Conors Roe, the
the beginning of the eleventh century, who died A. D. 1030, and
was called Tadhg an eich ghil, or Teige of the White Steed, was Red. The present head the O'Conors, lineal descendant from
the first who took the name of O'Conor, from Concovar or Conor,
his grandfather, king of Connaught. Between the fourth and
eighth centuries fourteen of the race of Hy Fiachra were kings of
Connaught, as already stated in the note on North Connaught;
and two or three of the O'Rourkes are styled kings of Connaught
Cathal Crowdeardg O'Conor, the celebrated king Connaught the thirteenth century, the O'Conor Don, namely, Dennis
in the tenth century, in the Annals of the Four Masters. With
O'Conor, Belenagare, M. P. for the county
Another branch the O'Conors, already stated North Connaught, got great possessions the county
Roscommon. the note
Sligo, and
these exceptions, the ancestors of the O'Conors of the race of Hy
were styled the O'Conors Sligo.
The O'Conors are thus designated the topographical poem
O'Dugan, written the fourteenth century:—
Briune and Siol Murray, and the O'Conors themselves, held the
sovereignty of Connaught from the fifth to the fifteenth century,
“Riogha sluagh
for a period of more than a thousand years, and two of them be
senaidh Cruachain moir min heuruigh,
came monarchs of Ireland in the twelfth century, namely, Tor
Nir tubhadh thall d-toradh Do bhunadh clann Conchubhair.
logh, and his son, Roderick O'Conor, who was the last Milesian
monarch of Ireland. Torlogh O'Conor, called Toirdhealbhach
Mor, or Torlogh the Great, was a valiant monarch, and celebrated
for his magnificence, and is called by the Annalists the “Augustus of western Europe. ” He was many years king of Connaught, and
afterwards monarch of Ireland for twenty years, from A. D. 1136 to 1156. He died at Dunmore, in Galway, according to O'Flaher ty's Ogygia (vol. 386), the 19th May, 1156, the 68th year his age, and was buried Clonmacnois. As stated O'Flaherty, O'Halloran, and others, after having distri buted his precious household furniture, his gold and silver vases, goblets, gems,jewels, musical instruments, chess-boards, his studs
horses, military weapons, &c. , bequeathed the cathedral
Clonmacnois and other churches, 540 ounces pure gold, and 60 marks silver, with gold and silver chalices and crosses.
Duthaidh don t-siol so seach cach Siol Muiredhaigh na maol rath, Fine fuachdha da faire
Righe Cruachna clothaidhe. ”
“The kings the hosts refuse nought
To great Cruachan the fair grassy plains, Which did not refuse abundant fruits
To the tribe of Clan Conor.
The undisputed patrimony this race,
Was Siol Murray the broad mounds, warlike tribe defended
The illustrious kings Cruachan. ”
The O'Conors are the present day very numerous, and many highly respectable families the name exist Connaught.
Several the O'Conors, whom account given the sub sequent part the present article, were eminent literary men, and particularly distinguished Irish literature.
He was buried the north side St. Kiaran, having directed
arms, bow, and quiver, should
the great altar the cathedral his will that his favourite horse, deposited Clonmacnois. Rode
rick O'Conor, his son, was the last Milesian monarch Ireland, and after having reigned eighteen years, abdicated the throne
1184, consequence the English invasion, and retired the monastery Cong Mayo, where, after religious seclusion thirteen years, died, Sunday, the 27th November, 1198, the 82nd year his age, and was buried the same sepulchre with his father, the cathedral Clonmacnois. the first volume O'Conor's Rer. Hib. Scrip. stated that
bequeathed gold, silver, and many other valuable things, for the service God, the poor, the churches Ireland, and those Rome and Jerusalem. According Dr. O'Conor, king
Torlogh O'Conor was thrice married; his first wife was Taltenia, daughter Murtogh O'Melaghlin, king Meath; his second
The following chiefs and clans Roscommon and Galway, and the territories possessedby them the twelfth century, have been collected follows from O'Dugan's Topography, and other sources:
Mac Diarmada or Mac Dermott. The name Diarmada deri ved by O'Brien his Irish Dictionary from Dia, god, and armaid, the genitive plural arm, arms, the word thus signifying figura tively great warrior. The Mac Dermotts derive their descent from the same ancestor the O'Conors, kings Connaught, namely, from Teige the White Steed, king Connaught the
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REIGN OF EDWARD III. 127
andgreat devastations were committed on both sides. driven to Ballymote, after which they concluded a O'Conor experienced great danger and distress peace with each other.
from the attacks made on him by Mac Dermott Jordan Roe Mac Costello (in Mayo), was slain as far as Corran, and from thence was forcibly by Cathal Mac Dermott Gall.
eleventh century, as above stated, and thereforeare a branch of the prince, the Mac Dermott this day recognised prince
O'Conors. This Teige had a son named Maolruanaidh, the pro Coolavin the county Sligo, holding part the hereditary
genitor of the Mac Dermotts; hence their tribe name was Clan possessions his ancestors. There are several respectable fami
Maolruanaidh or Clan Mulrooney. Diarmaid, grandson of Mul lies the Mac Dermotts Connaught the present day, par
rooney, was the head of the clan in the twelfth century, and died ticularly the families Coolavin Sligo, and Mac Dermott
A. D. 1165, and from him they took the name of Mac Dermott. Roe Alderford Roscommon. The Mac Donoghs, whom an
The Mac Dermotts had the title of princes of Moylurg, Tir account has been given. the note north Connaught, were
Oilill, Tir Tuathail, Airteach, and Clan Cuain.
Moylurg, called Magh Luirg an Daghda, in O’Dugan, signifies
the Plain of the Track of Daghda, and got name from Daghda, one the Tuath De Danan kings. This territory comprised the Plains Boyle, the county Roscommon, consisting some
the finest lands Ireland, and famous for their fertility and beauty. Tir Oilill now the barony Tirrerill Sligo. Airteach, dis trict Roscommon, near Lough Gara, the borders Sligo and
Mayo. Clan Cuain was district the north the barony Carra, county Mayo. Tir Tuathail was district the barony Boyle, bordering Leitrim and Sligo, towards Lough Allen;
thus Mac Dermott's territories comprised the present barony Boyle, the county Roscommon, together with Tirerrill Sligo, and Clan Cuain Mayo Castlebar, which comprised the present parishes Islandeady, Turlough, and Breaffy. the topographical poem O’Dugan, written the fourteenth century, the MacDermotts are thus designated:—
“Clanna Maoilruana an raith Slogh foisteanach fiochathlamh
Glan m-buird data gach dreach Magh Luirg aca agus Airteach.
Tir Oililla Tir Tuathail
Arn-dul sios tar sean Chruachain Ni dith dine an rann radh Crich fear tire Clann Chuan.
Tir Neachtain Tir n-Enda Saoirse iad gan Aithmhela
Fir filialboga do glac goil
Do Mac Diarmada as duthaidh. ”
“The clan Mulrooney prosperity
The host good order but fierce and active,
Polished are their tables various colours, They possess Moylurg and Artagh.
Tirerrill and Tirtohill,
After passing northward ancient Croaghan, Numerous the tribes whom we treat,
They governed Firtire and Clan Cuan,
With the lands Naghtan and Enda.
They are freemen without sorrow,
They are mild men hospitality and valour, Such the inheritance of the Mac Dermotts. ”
The Mac Dermotts had their chief fortress at the Rock of Lough Key, island Lough Key near Boyle, and they held the high and honourable office hereditary marshals
branch the Mac Dermotts, and lords Tirerrill and Corran
Sligo. may observed that O’Dugan gives the following
the ancient chiefs Moylurg before the time the Mac Dermotts; designates them as:—
“The ancient chiefs Moylurg abundance
Mac Eoach (or Mac Keogh) Mac Maon the great,
And Mac Riabhaidh (or Mac Revy) the efficient forces. ”
II. O’Ceallaigh O'Kelly. The name O'Ceallaigh derived from Ceallach, warrior, and was taken from one their ances tors, Ceallach, celebrated chief the ninth century. The
Connaught, the duties attached which were raise and regulate the battle Clontarf. The O'Kellys had castles Aughrim,
the military forces, and prepare them for battle command ers-in-chief, also preside the inauguration the O'Connors kings Connaught, and proclaim their election. Many
valiant chiefs of the Mac Dermotts are mentioned the course of
Garbally, Gallagh, Monivea, Moylough, Mullaghmore, and Agh rane, now Castle-Kelly the county Galway, and Athlone, Athleague, Corbeg, Galy and Skryne the county Roscom mon. The chiefs the O'Kellys, according some accounts, were inaugurated Clontuskert, about five miles from Eyre court the county Galway, and held their rank princes
these Annals from the twelfth the sixteenth century, and se
veral them distinguished for their religion, bravery, hospitality
and patronage learned men. They held their rank lords Hy Maine the reign Elizabeth. There are still many highly Moylurg down the reign Elizabeth, and considerable pos respectable families the O'Kellys Galway, Roscommon,
sessions down the period the Cromwellian wars, when their estates were confiscated; but singular fact, that all the
Milesian chiefs, the Mac Dermotts alone have retained their title
and other parts Connaught.
III. Mac Oireachtaigh Mac Oiraghty, name anglicised
Mac Geraghty Geraghty, descended from the same stock
O'Kellys are branch
and the same descent
the Mac Mahons, lords
Oirior Armagh, and some other clans whom account has been given the note Orgiall. the fourth century, Maine Mór, Maine the Great, chief the Clan Colla, having col lected his forces Orgiall, the borders the present counties
Tyrone, Monaghan and Armagh, marched Connaught, and having conquered colony the Firbolgs who possessedthe ter ritory called Magh Seachnoile, expelled the Firbolgs; and that territory, which was possessed his posterity, gave the name Hy Maine, which has been latinised Hy Mania and I-Mania. This extensive territory comprised, according O'Flaherty and others, great part south Connaught the present county Galway, and was afterwards extended beyond the river Suck the Shannon, the south Roscommon, and comprehended the baronies Ballymoe, Tiaquin, Killian, and Kilconnel, with part Clonmacnoon Galway, and the barony
Athlone Roscommon. The O'Kellys were styled princes
Hy Maine, and their territory was called O'Kelly's
country. Hy
Mania
thus described O'Dugan :—
“Moirthrian Chonnacht an clarr sin, Ui Maine mordhail sin,
Shionainn sreabha sidhe,
the Clan Colla Orgiall Ulster, the Maguires, lords Fermanagh,
Monaghan, the O'Hanlons, chiefs
morrighe. ”
“A great division
Of Hy Maine
Extending from the Shannon fairy streams To Knoc Meadh the great kings. ”
Go Cnoc Meadh
Connaught vast assemblies,
that plain,
According the Dissertations Charles O'Connor, the O'Kellys held the office high treasurers Connaught, and the Mac Dermotts that of marshals. Several celebrated chiefs of
the O'Kellys are mentioned the course these Annals from the tenth the sixteenth century, and amongst these Tadhg Teige O'Kelly, one the commanders under Bryan Boroimhe
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128 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1340.
Cathal Mac Dermott Gall, the best man of his Riavach, the son of Malachy Carrach Mac Der race in his time, in valour, in feats of arms, in mott, at Lios Sealbhaidh,” in Clan Conor (in Ros sway, and in generosity, was slain by Donogh COIn Inon.
the O'Conors, kings of Connaught. The name is derived from Oireacht, a territory, hence Oireachtach signifies the man of the territory. They are thus designated in O’Dugan's poem :—
“Ag Mac Oireachtaigh na n-each,
Muintir Roduibh na righbhreath, Triath nach iodhalta os coill cuir. ”
“Mac Oiraghty of the steeds was the ruling chief, Of Muintir Roduiv of rightful laws, -
A fearless warrior as he ranged the woods. ”
from the O'Dugan
O'Byrnes :-
of Wicklow.
They
are thus
designated by
In the Annals at A. D. 1241, Mac Oiraghty is mentioned as
chief of Clan Tomaltaigh, and at 1278, as head chief of Siol
Murray. The districts of Clan Tomaltaigh and Muintir Roduiv, Bramain or Mac Brennan, sometimes made O’Brennan, and
were situated in the barony of Roscommon, county of Ros
common, and the term Siol Murray was applied to the central
parts of the county of Roscommon. Several distinguished chiefs
of the Mac Oiraghtys are mentioned in the course of the
Annals, and in the sixteenth century, when deprived of their Tuatha in which was situated the Sliev Baun Mountain. The
territories, someof the clan settled in Mayo and Sligo, and are to this day the chief possessors of the island of Inis Murray, off the coast of Sligo; their having, it is said, given name to the island from their former title as head chiefs of Siol Murray, and are still governed by a chief of the tribe. As a remarkable circum stance connected with the Mac Oiraghtys who reside at Croagh Patrick in Mayo, an antique bell is kept by them, and is tradi tionally stated to have been one of those used by St. Patrick. At A. D. 1297 in these Annals, an account is given of Henry Mac Oiraghty, who was bishop of Achonry, and afterwards of Derry and of Conor; and David Mac Oiraghty, who was archbishop of Armagh, died A. D. 1343. One of the chief representatives of this ancient and respectable clan is Mr. Bryan Geraghty, of Anglesea-street, Dublin, the publisher of these Annals.
IV. O'Fionnachta or O'Feenaghtys, chiefs of Clan Commaigh and Clan Murchadha, districts in the two half baronies of Bally moe, in the counties of Roscommon and Galway. Two distinct chiefs of the O'Feenaghty's are given by O’Dugan, one of Clan Murrogh and the other of Clan Conway, the former being desig nated “chiefs of Clan Murrogh of the champions. ” O’Feenaghty, chiefs of Clan Conway had their castle at Dunamon, near the river Suck, in the county of Roscommon. Several chiefs of the O'Fee naghtys are mentioned in the course of these Annals, and there are still several respectable families of the name in Connaught; and it is stated by some old authorities, that the O'Feenaghtys, as a head branch of the Siol Murray, had the privilege of drinking the first cup at every royal feast. W. O'Fallamhain or O'Fallons, chiefs of Clan Uadach, a district in the barony of Athlone, county of Roscommon, comprising the parishes of Cam and Dysart, and had a castle at Milltown. The O'Fallons were originally chiefs in Westmeath near Athlone. Several chiefs of the O'Fallons are mentioned in the course of the Annals. By O’Dugan they are designated in terms which may be thus translated:—
“The O'Fallons, who marched with every force, Were chiefs of Clan Uadach of wine banquets, Men who let not their spears decay,
Of those are the freeborn clans. ”
VI. O’Birm or O’Beirnes, chiefs of Mura O'Mannachain, other
wise called Tir Briuin-na-Sionna or Tir Briune of the Shannon.
This territory lay along the Shannon in the barony of Ballintobber,
in Roscommon, comprising the parishes of Kilmore of the Shannon,
Cloonaff, Aughrim and Kilumod, extending nearly to Elphin.
VII. O’Mannachain or O'Monnaghan, was also a chief on the
same territory as O’Beirne. Several chiefs of the O’Beirnes of Roscommon, near Cruachan. Some chiefs of the O'Mulremans
and O'Monaghans are mentioned in the course of the Annals, and occur in the course of the Annals, and at A. D. 1325 Dermod it is to be observed that these O’Beirnes are of a different race O'Mulbrenan is mentioned as Manannan, or head naval commander
“Brave are the defending tribe of Muintir Beirne,
In the fortresses of O'Monaghan,
By strength, by shouts of war and valour,
The country which they conquered still they hold. ”
VIII. O'Hainlidhe or O'Hanleys, chiefs of Kinel Dobhtha, a large district in the barony of Ballintobber, county of Roscommon, along the Shannon. It formed part of the Three Tuatha or three districts. The O’Hanleys were chiefs of note, and many of them are mentioned in the course of these Annals. IX.