The O'Donnell dynasty ( or ''Ó Domhnaill,'' ''Ó Doṁnaill'' ''or Ua Domaill;'' meaning "descendant of Dónal") were the dominant
Irish clan
Irish clans are traditional kinship groups sharing a common surname and heritage and existing in a lineage-based society, originating prior to the 17th century. A clan (or in Irish, plural ) included the chief and his patrilineal relatives; howe ...
of the kingdom of
Tyrconnell
Tyrconnell (), also spelled Tirconnell and Tirconaill, was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland. It is associated geographically with present-day County Donegal, which was officially named ''County Tirconaill'' between 1922 and 1927. At times it also i ...
in
Ulster
Ulster (; or ; or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional or historic provinces of Ireland, Irish provinces. It is made up of nine Counties of Ireland, counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom); t ...
in the north of
medieval
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with the fall of the West ...
and early modern Ireland.
Naming conventions
Origins
Like the family of O'Neill, that of
O'Donnell of Tyrconnell
The O'Donnell dynasty ( or ''Ó Domhnaill,'' ''Ó Doṁnaill'' ''or Ua Domaill;'' meaning "descendant of Dónal") were the dominant Irish clan of the kingdom of Tyrconnell in Ulster in the north of History of Ireland (1169–1536), medieval an ...
was of the
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill (; meaning "descendants of Niall") are Irish dynasties that claim descent from Niall Noígíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), a historical King of Tara who is believed to have died around c. 405. They are generally divided ...
, i.e. descended from
Niall of the Nine Hostages
Niall Noígíallach (; Old Irish "having nine hostages"), or Niall of the Nine Hostages, was a legendary, semi-historical Irish king who was the ancestor of the Uí Néill dynasties that dominated Ireland from the 6th to the 10th centuries. ...
,
High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland ( ) was a royal title in Gaelic Ireland held by those who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over all of Ireland. The title was held by historical kings and was later sometimes assigned anachronously or to leg ...
at the beginning of the 5th century; the O'Neill, or
Cenél nEógain
Cenél is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Cenél Conaill, the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history
* Cenél nEógain (in English, Cenel Eogan) is ...
, tracing their pedigree to
Eógan mac Néill
Eógan mac Néill (Irish orthography: Eoghan mac Néill) (reportedly died in 465 in Ireland, 465) was a son of Niall Noígiallach and the eponymous ancestor of the Cenél nEógain (kindred of Eoghan) branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The Ce ...
, and the O'Donnells, or
Cenél Conaill
Cenél is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
*Cenél Conaill, the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history
*Cenél nEógain (in English, Cenel Eogan) is ...
, to
Conall Gulban
Conall Gulban (died c. 464) was an Irish king and eponymous ancestor of the ''Cenél Conaill'', who founded the kingdom of '' Tír Chonaill'' in the 5th century, comprising much of what is now County Donegal in Ulster. He was the son of Niall ...
, both sons of Niall. Conall was baptised by
St. Patrick.
Arms and motto
The
Roman
Roman or Romans most often refers to:
*Rome, the capital city of Italy
*Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD
*Roman people, the people of Roman civilization
*Epistle to the Romans, shortened to Romans, a letter w ...
Emperor
Constantine the Great
Constantine I (27 February 27222 May 337), also known as Constantine the Great, was a Roman emperor from AD 306 to 337 and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He played a Constantine the Great and Christianity, pivotal ro ...
converted to Christianity after a vision before the famous
Battle of the Milvian Bridge
The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine the Great, Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October AD 312. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Constantine won the batt ...
, having seen a
chi-rho
The Chi Rho (☧, English pronunciation ; also known as ''chrismon'') is one of the earliest forms of the Christogram, formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters—chi (letter), chi and rho (ΧΡ)—of the Greek (Romanization of ...
in the sky, and thence the motto ''
In Hoc Signo Vinces
"" is a Latin phrase conventionally translated into English as "In this sign thou shalt conquer", often also being translated as "By and/or in this sign, conquer".
The Latin phrase itself renders, rather loosely, the Greek phrase "", translit ...
'', telling him he would be victorious with the sign of the cross. The chi-rho was adopted on a banner, the
labarum
The labarum ( or λάβουρον) was a '' vexillum'' (military standard) that displayed the "Chi-Rho" symbol ☧, a christogram formed from the first two Greek letters of the word "Christ" (, or Χριστός) – '' Chi'' (χ) and ''Rho'' (� ...
, upheld on a
vexillum
The ''vexillum'' (; : ''vexilla'') was a flag-like object used as a War flag, military standard by units in the Roman army. A common ''vexillum'' displayed imagery of the Aquila (Roman), Roman ''aquila'' on a reddish backdrop.
Use in Roman arm ...
, which resembled a Christian cross, and in time the motto became associated with the Cross all over Europe. Legend has it that
St. Patrick struck the shield of Conall, son of King Niall of the Nine Hostages, with his
crosier
A crozier or crosier (also known as a paterissa, pastoral staff, or bishop's staff) is a stylized staff that is a symbol of the governing office of a bishop or abbot and is carried by high-ranking prelates of Roman Catholic, Eastern Catho ...
, called
Bachal Isu
The Bachal Isu (from Latin ''baculus Iesu'', "Staff of Jesus") was a Christianity, Christian relic. According to legend, Saint Patrick brought his celebrated golden Crozier, which was consistently identified with the Staff Of Jesus, along with his ...
(the staff of Jesus) inscribing thereon a sign of the cross and told him the same, and baptized him. According to the ''Life and Acts of Saint Patrick'' (chapter 138), commissioned by Sir
John de Courcy
Sir John de Courcy (c. 1150–1219) was an Anglo-Norman knight who lived in Ireland from 1176 until his expulsion in 1204. He conquered a considerable territory, endowed religious establishments, built abbeys for both the Benedictines and the ...
and written by
Jocelyn of Furness
Jocelin of Furness (fl. 1175–1214) was an English Cistercian hagiographer, known for his Lives of Saint Waltheof, Saint Patrick, Saint Kentigern and Saint Helena of Constantinople. He is probably responsible for the popular legendary associa ...
(c. 1185 AD), St. Patrick took his staff, known as the staff of Jesus, or Bacall Iosa, and struck the shield of Prince Conall, rendering a sign of the Cross on it, “''et mox cum baculo suo, qui baculus Jesu dicebatur Crucis signum ejus scuto impressit, asserens neminem de stirpe ejus in bello vincendum qui signum illud''”, and thus indicating that he and his offspring would henceforth be victorious in battle if they followed that sign This legend is also described several centuries later in the ''Lebhar Inghine i Dhomhnaill''. His land became ''Tír Chonaill'', Tyrconnell, the land of Conall.
Conall's Constantinian shield, and this motto, have been the main O’Donnell arms in various forms, through the centuries. The motto also appears prominently placed as a motto on a ribbon unfurled with a passion cross to its left, beneath a window over the
Scala Regia
Scala Regia (; {{langx, en, "Royal Staircase") is a term referring to a number of majestic entrance staircases in Italian palaces plus some European palaces, including:
* The Scala Regia of the Vatican, a flight of steps designed by Gian Lorenz ...
, adjacent to
Bernini
Gian Lorenzo (or Gianlorenzo) Bernini (, ; ; Italian Giovanni Lorenzo; 7 December 1598 – 28 November 1680) was an Italian sculptor and architect. While a major figure in the world of architecture, he was more prominently the leading sculptor ...
's equestrian statue of Emperor Constantine, in the
Vatican
Vatican may refer to:
Geography
* Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy
* Vatican Hill, in Rome, namesake of Vatican City
* Ager Vaticanus, an alluvial plain in Rome
* Vatican, an unincorporated community in the ...
. Emperors and other monarchs, having paid respects to the Pope, descended the Scala Regia, and would observe the light shining down through the window, with the motto, reminiscent of Constantine's vision, and be reminded to follow the Cross. They would thence turn right into the atrium of
St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican (), or simply St. Peter's Basilica (; ), is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initiall ...
, ostensibly so inspired. In an earlier version (before Bernini's renovations in the mid-17th century), something similar may have resonated with and been observed by Prince
Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell
Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell (Irish language, Irish: ''Rudhraighe'' ''Ó Domhnaill''; 1575 – 28 July 1608), was an Gaelic Ireland, Irish Gaelic lord and the last lord of Tyrconnell prior to the Plantation of Ulster. He succeeded his ...
following his visit to
Pope Paul V
Pope Paul V (; ) (17 September 1552 – 28 January 1621), born Camillo Borghese, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 16 May 1605 to his death, in January 1621. In 1611, he honored Galileo Galilei as a mem ...
(at the Palazzo Quirinale) in Rome, just prior to his death in 1608. It would certainly have resonated with and been observed by
Cardinal Patrick O'Donnell.
Territory
Tyrconnell, the territory named after the Cenel Conaill, is the vast territory where the O'Donnells held sway, comprised the greater part of the modern county of
Donegal except the peninsula of
Inishowen
Inishowen () is a peninsula in the north of County Donegal in Ireland. Inishowen is the largest peninsula on the island of Ireland.
The Inishowen peninsula includes Ireland's most northerly point, Malin Head. The Grianan of Aileach, a ringfor ...
. But it also included areas outside Donegal, such as the baronies of Carbury in County Sligo, Rosclogher in County Leitrim, and Magheraboy and Firlurg in
County Fermanagh
County Fermanagh ( ; ) is one of the thirty-two counties of Ireland, one of the nine counties of Ulster and one of six counties of Northern Ireland.
The county covers an area of and had a population of 63,585 as of 2021. Enniskillen is the ...
, and part of southern
County Londonderry
County Londonderry (Ulster Scots dialects, Ulster-Scots: ''Coontie Lunnonderrie''), also known as County Derry (), is one of the six Counties of Northern Ireland, counties of Northern Ireland, one of the thirty-two Counties of Ireland, count ...
, hence it straddled the modern Republic of Ireland and also part of Northern Ireland in the UK. The jewel in the O'Donnell crown was
Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle () is a castle situated in the centre of Donegal Town in County Donegal in Ulster, the northern province in Ireland. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaeli ...
, one of seven O'Donnell castles, and now a national monument restored in the 1990s.
Tyrconnell also, therefore, bordered on territory ruled by the O'Neills of
Tyrone, who were periodically attempting to assert their claim of supremacy over it, and hence the history of the O'Donnells is, for the most part, a record of clan warfare with their powerful neighbours, and of their own efforts to make good their claims to the overlordship of northern
Connacht
Connacht or Connaught ( ; or ), is the smallest of the four provinces of Ireland, situated in the west of Ireland. Until the ninth century it consisted of several independent major Gaelic kingdoms (Uí Fiachrach, Uí Briúin, Uí Maine, C ...
, and a wider swathe of
Ulster
Ulster (; or ; or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional or historic provinces of Ireland, Irish provinces. It is made up of nine Counties of Ireland, counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom); t ...
. Nonetheless, Tyrconnell existed for a period as an independent kingdom, recognised by King Henry III of England.
Ascendancy
Gofraidh Ó Domhnaill
Gofraid O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Gofraidh Ó Domhnaill'') was a king of Tyrconnell and the first chieftain of mark in the O'Donnell dynasty.
Biography
O'Donnell was a son of Donal Mor O'Donnell (died 1241).
O'Donnell rapidly came to power, initiall ...
, the first chieftain, was son of Domhnall Mór Ó Domhnaill. In 1257, Gofraidh was victorious when he went to battle at
Creadran-Cille
The Battle of Creadran Cille was fought in 1257 between the Gaelic Ireland, Gaels of Tyrconnell, Tír Chonaill, led by Gofraid O'Donnell, Gofraidh Ó Domhnaill, and the Normans in Ireland, Normans, led by Maurice FitzGerald, 2nd Lord of Offaly, ...
against
Maurice FitzGerald. Upon Gofraidh's death, subsequent to wounds incurred during the battle against Ó Néill, he was succeeded in the chieftainship by his brother
Domhnall Óg
Donald is a Scottish masculine given name. It is derived from the Gaelic name ''Dòmhnall''.. This comes from the Proto-Celtic *''Dumno-ualos'' ("world-ruler" or "world-wielder"). The final -''d'' in ''Donald'' is partly derived from a misinterp ...
, who returned from
Scotland
Scotland is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It contains nearly one-third of the United Kingdom's land area, consisting of the northern part of the island of Great Britain and more than 790 adjac ...
in time to withstand successfully the demands of Ó Néill. Over time, the O'Donnell King of Tyrconnell became known as the ''Fisher-King'', on the Continent, ostensibly due to the export of fish traded for wine in
La Rochelle
La Rochelle (, , ; Poitevin-Saintongeais: ''La Rochéle'') is a city on the west coast of France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime Departments of France, department. Wi ...
.
Patronage by the O'Donnell dynasty
The O'Donnells were patrons of the arts, literature, and of religious benefices. In particular, one, Manus, wrote the biography of ColmCille (St. Columba). They also were the patrons of the
Franciscans
The Franciscans are a group of related organizations in the Catholic Church, founded or inspired by the Italian saint Francis of Assisi. They include three independent religious orders for men (the Order of Friars Minor being the largest conte ...
in
Donegal Abbey
Donegal Abbey (Irish: ''Mainistir Dhún na nGall'') is a ruined Franciscan Priory in Donegal in Ireland. It was constructed by the O'Donnell dynasty in the fifteenth century and remained a center of Classical Christian education even after its ...
. They also exercised "jus patronus" to nominate bishops.
In the early 14th century A.D., the O'Donnell rulers aided
Templar knight
The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, mainly known as the Knights Templar, was a Military order (religious society), military order of the Catholic Church, Catholic faith, and one of the most important military ord ...
s fleeing via
Sligo
Sligo ( ; , meaning 'abounding in shells') is a coastal seaport and the county town of County Sligo, Ireland, within the western province of Connacht. With a population of 20,608 in 2022, it is the county's largest urban centre (constituting 2 ...
and
Tyrconnell
Tyrconnell (), also spelled Tirconnell and Tirconaill, was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland. It is associated geographically with present-day County Donegal, which was officially named ''County Tirconaill'' between 1922 and 1927. At times it also i ...
to
Scotland
Scotland is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It contains nearly one-third of the United Kingdom's land area, consisting of the northern part of the island of Great Britain and more than 790 adjac ...
where a Templar
priory
A priory is a monastery of men or women under religious vows that is headed by a prior or prioress. They were created by the Catholic Church. Priories may be monastic houses of monks or nuns (such as the Benedictines, the Cistercians, or t ...
existed at
Ballymote
Ballymote () is a market town in southern County Sligo, Ireland. It is around 20 km south of Sligo town in the province of Connacht, which is in the north-west of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Ballymote lies in the Barony (Ireland), barony ...
br>
a Percival family estate for the last 300 years. The
House of Stuart, Stewarts relied on the O'Donnells in the balance of power with the
MacDonalds beginning in the fourteenth century.
The O’Donnell rulers of
Tyrconnell
Tyrconnell (), also spelled Tirconnell and Tirconaill, was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland. It is associated geographically with present-day County Donegal, which was officially named ''County Tirconaill'' between 1922 and 1927. At times it also i ...
are also noted for having in the late 12th century given sanctuary to the
Donlevy
Donlevy is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'son/descendant of Donn Sléibhe'; a given name meaning 'Donn of the mountain', i.e. 'dark mountain'. The MacDonlevys were the hereditary rulers of Dál Fiatach and styled as the Kings of Ulai ...
dynasty of
Ulaid
(Old Irish, ) or (Irish language, Modern Irish, ) was a Gaelic Ireland, Gaelic Provinces of Ireland, over-kingdom in north-eastern Ireland during the Middle Ages made up of a confederation of dynastic groups. Alternative names include , which ...
(Ulster), after their kingdom had fallen to
John de Courcy
Sir John de Courcy (c. 1150–1219) was an Anglo-Norman knight who lived in Ireland from 1176 until his expulsion in 1204. He conquered a considerable territory, endowed religious establishments, built abbeys for both the Benedictines and the ...
in 1177. It is in Tyrconnell that a branch of the Donlevy's became known as the MacNulty's, deriving from the Irish ''Mac an Ultaigh'', meaning "son of the Ulsterman", in reference to their former kingdom of Ulaid. During the Donlevy exile in Tyrconnell, The O’Donnell gave them the high Gaelic status of “''ollahm leighis''” or his official physicians.
It was in fact two of these deposed MacDonlevy (> MacNulty) royals and Roman Catholic priests thereto exiled in Tyrconnell, Fathers Muiris Ulltach in full
Muiris mac Donnchadh Ulltach Ó Duinnshléibhe and Muiris Ulltach in full
Muiris mac Seaán Ulltach Ó Duinnshléibhe
Muiris mac Seaán Ulltach Ó Duinnshléibhe, aka Father Muiris Ulltach, fl. 1602-1630s.
Spain
Ó Duinnshléibhe was one of two Donegal men named Father Muiris Ulltach who attended Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill (d. 1602) on his death-bed in Simancas ...
, who both along with the
Archbishop of Tuam
The Archbishop of Tuam ( ; ) is an Episcopal polity, archbishop which takes its name after the town of Tuam in County Galway, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. The title was used by the Church of Ireland until 1839, and is still in use by the Cathol ...
attended
Hugh Roe O'Donnell
Hugh Roe O'Donnell II (; 20 October 1572 – 30 August 1602), also known as Red Hugh O'Donnell, was an Irish Chief of the Name, clan chief and senior leader of the Irish confederacy during the Nine Years' War (Ireland), Nine Years' War. He was ...
(aka Red Hugh O’Donnell), The O'Donnell of 1601 Kinsale fame, in his exile at his death bed at
Simancas
Simancas is a town and municipality of central Spain, located in the province of Valladolid, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is situated approximately 10 km southwest of the provincial capital Valladolid, on the r ...
Castle in
Spain
Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...
in 1602. And, it was, in turn, an Irish Count O’Donnell, who compassionately married the widow (d. 1708) of Don-Levi, a Jacobite (
Jacobitism
Jacobitism was a political ideology advocating the restoration of the senior line of the House of Stuart to the Monarchy of the United Kingdom, British throne. When James II of England chose exile after the November 1688 Glorious Revolution, ...
) and, thereby, on
James II of England
James II and VII (14 October 1633 – 16 September 1701) was King of England and Monarchy of Ireland, Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII from the death of his elder brother, Charles II of England, Charles II, on 6 February 1 ...
's and his French allied's failure to reclaim his British crowns, the last The MacDonlevy to sit in Ireland (departed 1691), after this prince died in exile with the
Stuarts
The House of Stuart, originally spelled Stewart, also known as the Stuart dynasty, was a royal house of Scotland, England, Ireland and later Great Britain. The family name comes from the office of High Steward of Scotland, which had been hel ...
in
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
at the Archbishopric of
Treves
Trier ( , ; ), formerly and traditionally known in English as Trèves ( , ) and Triers (see also names in other languages), is a city on the banks of the Moselle in Germany. It lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills of red sandstone i ...
. This union of the MacDonlevy and the O'Donnell, though, bore no issue.
In the absence of these indulgences of the O’Donnell dynasty kings having maintained the Mac
Donlevy
Donlevy is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'son/descendant of Donn Sléibhe'; a given name meaning 'Donn of the mountain', i.e. 'dark mountain'. The MacDonlevys were the hereditary rulers of Dál Fiatach and styled as the Kings of Ulai ...
and MacNulty physicians as a dignified community, it is debatable whether they could have so influenced the course of western medicine, educating and training
Niall Ó Glacáin
Niall Ó Glacáin (sometimes anglicised as Nial O'Glacan; 1563 – 1653) was an Irish physician and plague doctor who worked to treat victims of bubonic plague outbreaks throughout continental Europe. He was a physician to Hugh Roe O'Donnell ...
(L. Nellanus Glacanus) in the medical arts, so he could later on the Continent apply empirical method to pioneer the field of forensic anatomy and pathology, first describe the
petechial
A petechia (; : petechiae) is a small red or purple spot ( 1 cm in diameter) and purpura (3 to 10 mm in diameter). The term is typically used in the plural (petechiae), since a single petechia is seldom noticed or significant.
Causes Physical t ...
haemorrhages
Bleeding, hemorrhage, haemorrhage or blood loss, is blood escaping from the circulatory system from damaged blood vessels. Bleeding can occur internally, or externally either through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethr ...
of the lung and swelling of the spleen incident of
bubonic plague
Bubonic plague is one of three types of Plague (disease), plague caused by the Bacteria, bacterium ''Yersinia pestis''. One to seven days after exposure to the bacteria, flu-like symptoms develop. These symptoms include fever, headaches, and ...
(''Tractatus de Peste'', 1629), and early elucidate the empirical method of
differential diagnosis
In healthcare, a differential diagnosis (DDx) is a method of analysis that distinguishes a particular disease or condition from others that present with similar clinical features. Differential diagnostic procedures are used by clinicians to di ...
for the continental European medical community, and producing the medieval physician and medical scholar
Cormac MacDonlevy translator from Latin to vernacular of
Bernard de Gordon
Bernard de Gordon (; 1270 - 1330) was a French medical doctor and professor of medicine at the University of Montpellier
The University of Montpellier () is a public university, public research university located in Montpellier, in south-eas ...
's ''Lilium Medicine'', Gaulteris Agilon's ''De dosibus'' and Gui de Chuliac's ''Chirurgia''.
Later in the early 13th century, the O’Donnell also gave succour to the Ó Cléirigh kings of
Uí Fiachrach Aidhne
Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne (also known as Hy Fiachrach) was a kingdom located in what is now the south of County Galway.
Legendary origins and geography
Originally known as Aidhne, it was said to have been settled by the mythical Fir Bolg. Dubhalta ...
. Onara Ultach was descended from the MacDonlevy (dynasty) royals of Ulidia (kingdom), who as above noted after the fall of that Ulster kingdom to the
Anglo-Norman forces of
Henry Plantagenet
Henry II () was Monarchy of the United Kingdom, King of England from 1154 until his death in 1189. During his reign he controlled Kingdom of England, England, substantial parts of Wales in the High Middle Ages, Wales and Lordship of Ireland ...
served as ollam lieghis or the official physicians to the O'Donnell kings of Tyrconnell. Onara married Donnchadh Ó Cléirigh, a son of the
Chief of the name
The Chief of the Name, or in older English usage Captain of his Nation, is the recognised head of a family or clan ( Irish and Scottish Gaelic: ''fine'') in Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland
There are instances where Norman lords of the time like ...
of the
Ó Cléirigh
O'Cleary or O'Clery () is the surname of a Gaelic Irish family. It is one of the oldest recorded surnames in Europe It is related to Cleary (surname) and often Anglicized as Clark.
Naming conventions
The name has been Anglicised variously as ...
family then also of Tyconnell. The Ó Cléirigh were too a learned Irish royal family that had lost their sub-kingdom in
Uí Fiachrach Aidhne
Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne (also known as Hy Fiachrach) was a kingdom located in what is now the south of County Galway.
Legendary origins and geography
Originally known as Aidhne, it was said to have been settled by the mythical Fir Bolg. Dubhalta ...
in what is today
County Galway
County Galway ( ; ) is a Counties of Ireland, county in Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is in the Northern and Western Region, taking up the south of the Provinces of Ireland, province of Connacht. The county population was 276,451 at the 20 ...
to the Anglo-Norman forces of Henry Plantagenet. The Ó Cléirigh then went into service of the O’Donnell as poet historians, scribes and secretaries or official bards, called in
Irish language
Irish (Standard Irish: ), also known as Irish Gaelic or simply Gaelic ( ), is a Celtic language of the Indo-European language family. It is a member of the Goidelic languages of the Insular Celtic sub branch of the family and is indigenous ...
"''ollam righ''". Onara bore for Donnchadh a son
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh (), sometimes known as Michael O'Clery, was an Irish chronicler, scribe and antiquary and chief author of the ''Annals of the Four Masters'', assisted by Cú Choigcríche ÓCléirigh, Fearfeasa ÓMaol Chonaire, and Pe ...
(c. 1590 – 1643), anglicized Michael O’Cleary, who matured to become the principal author of the
Annals of the Four Masters
The ''Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland'' () or the ''Annals of the Four Masters'' () are chronicles of Middle Ages, medieval Irish history. The entries span from the Genesis flood narrative, Deluge, dated as 2,242 Anno Mundi, years after crea ...
. But for the manifold grace of the O’Donnell, this union would never have occurred, and Michael O’Cleary never lived to memorialize this history of
Gaelic Ireland
Gaelic Ireland () was the Gaelic political and social order, and associated culture, that existed in Ireland from the late Prehistory of Ireland, prehistoric era until the 17th century. It comprised the whole island before Anglo-Norman invasi ...
.
Royal Household
The Royal Household was known in Gaelic as "''Lucht Tighe''" and comprised several offices that were performed on a hereditary basis by the heads and members of particular other families, for over four centuries.
*Lector & Inaugurator of the Chieftaincy -
O'Friel
O'Friel ( or ) is a surname of Tyrconnell (modern-day County Donegal).
The origin of the names comes from Firghil (Ó Fearghial or Fergal), a descendant of Eoghan, (son of Niall Noígíallach, the most prolific warrior in Irish history) brother o ...
(
Ó Frighil
O'Friel ( or ) is a surname of Tyrconnell (modern-day County Donegal).
The origin of the names comes from Firghil (Ó Fearghial or Fergal), a descendant of Eoghan, (son of Niall Noígíallach, the most prolific warrior in Irish history) brother ...
)
*Gallowglass Marshalls & Standard - Bearers -
McSweeney McSweeney is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
* Ailis McSweeney (born 1983), Irish sprinter specialising in the 100 metre event
* Alex McSweeney, British actor who appeared on the TV show ''EastEnders'' (2003–2004)
* Alf ...
(
Mac Suibhne
The Gaelic surname Mac Suibhne is a patronymic form of '' Suibhne'' and means "son of ''Suibhne''". The personal name ''Suibhne'' means "pleasant". Hanks; Coates; McClure (2016a) p. 1804; Hanks; Coates; McClure (2016b) p. 2604.
Anglicised forms o ...
)
*Commanders of Cavalry -
O'Gallagher (
Ó Gallchobhair
The Gallagher () family of County Donegal, formerly one of the leading clans of Cenél Conaill, and therefore of all Ulster, originated in the 10th century as a derivative of their progenitor Gallchobhar mac Rorcain, senior-most descendant of ...
)
*Custodians of the
Cathach of St. Columba
The Cathach of St. Columba, known as the Cathach (meaning "the Battler"),O'Neill (2014), p. 12 is a late 6th century Insular psalter. It is the oldest surviving manuscript in Ireland, and the second oldest Latin psalter in the world. Its cumdach ...
- Roarty (
Mac Robhartaigh
Mac or MAC may refer to:
Common meanings
* Mac (computer), a line of personal computers made by Apple Inc.
* Mackintosh, a raincoat made of rubberized cloth
* Mac, a prefix to surnames derived from Gaelic languages
* McIntosh (apple), a Canadian ...
)
*Historians and Scribes -
O'Clery
O'Clery is a surname, and may refer to:
* Conor O'Clery, Irish journalist and writer
* Helen O'Clery (1910–2006), Irish writer of children's books
* Keyes O'Clery (1849–1913) - The O'Clery - Irish barrister and Home Rule politician
See also ...
(
Ó Cléirigh
O'Cleary or O'Clery () is the surname of a Gaelic Irish family. It is one of the oldest recorded surnames in Europe It is related to Cleary (surname) and often Anglicized as Clark.
Naming conventions
The name has been Anglicised variously as ...
), formerly kings of
Uí Fiachrach Aidhne
Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne (also known as Hy Fiachrach) was a kingdom located in what is now the south of County Galway.
Legendary origins and geography
Originally known as Aidhne, it was said to have been settled by the mythical Fir Bolg. Dubhalta ...
*Brehons or Judges - Breslin (
Ó Breaslain
Breslin is a given and surname that originates from . The name means “gift to the earth”, but has also been said to be linked to powerful, intelligent, empathy, integrity, righteousness and hope, as well.
Notable people Surname
* Abigail Br ...
)
*Bards & Poets - Ward (
Mac an Bhaird
The Mac an Bháird family () was one of the learned families of late medieval Ireland. The name has evolved over many centuries, the anglicised forms coming down as ''MacAward'', ''McWard'', ''MacEward'', ''MacEvard'', ''Macanward'', ''M'Ward'', ...
)
*Physicians - Donleavy (Mac Duinnshléibhe), formerly
Kings of Ulster
The King of Ulster (Old Irish: ''Rí Ulad'', Modern Irish: ''Rí Uladh'') also known as the King of Ulaid and King of the Ulaid, was any of the kings of the Irish provincial over-kingdom of Ulaid. The title rí in Chóicid, which means "king of ...
(
Dál Fiatach
Dál Fiatach was a Gaelic Ireland, Gaelic dynastic-grouping and the name of their territory in the north-east of Ireland, which lasted throughout the Middle Ages until their demise in the 13th century at the hands of Normans in Ireland, Normans ...
of
Ulaid
(Old Irish, ) or (Irish language, Modern Irish, ) was a Gaelic Ireland, Gaelic Provinces of Ireland, over-kingdom in north-eastern Ireland during the Middle Ages made up of a confederation of dynastic groups. Alternative names include , which ...
)
*
Herenagh A Herenagh was the chief elect of a sept (family group) in medieval times in Ireland
Ireland (, ; ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divid ...
of church lands/Custodians of
Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle () is a castle situated in the centre of Donegal Town in County Donegal in Ulster, the northern province in Ireland. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaeli ...
&
Ballyshannon Castle
Ballyshannon Castle was a castle at Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. The castle was a stronghold of the O’Donnell's. No visual remains of the castle exist above ground.
History
Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill built Ballyshannon Castle in 1423 ...
-
McMenamin
McMenamin is an Irish surname. In Gaelic it is rendered, Mac Meanman, meaning 'son of Meanma' a name meaning courageous or high spirited. It originated in County Donegal in the 13th century. The first written mention of the name is in 1303 in the ...
(Mac Meanman)
*Stockmen/Cattle Drivers - Timoney (Ó Tiománaigh)
Later struggles and diaspora
The O'Donnells defeated the O'Neills in the 1522
Battle of Knockavoe
A battle is an occurrence of combat in warfare between opposing military units of any number or size. A war usually consists of multiple battles. In general, a battle is a military engagement that is well defined in duration, area, and force c ...
. In 1541
Manus O'Donnell
Manus O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Maghnas Ó Domhnaill'' or ''Manus Ó Domhnaill''; 1490 – 9 February 1563) was a Gaelic Irish lord and King of Tyrconnell. After his father Hugh Dubh's death in 1537, Manus succeeded as Tyrconnell's ruler.The Edi ...
took part in the "
Surrender and regrant
During the Tudor conquest of Ireland (c.1540–1603), "surrender and regrant" was the legal mechanism by which Irish clans were to be converted from a power structure rooted in clan and kin loyalties, to a late-Feudalism, feudal system under t ...
" process. In 1567 the O'Donnells won the
Battle of Farsetmore against the O'Neills, reconfirming their autonomy in Ulster.
During the
Nine Years' War
The Nine Years' War was a European great power conflict from 1688 to 1697 between Kingdom of France, France and the Grand Alliance (League of Augsburg), Grand Alliance. Although largely concentrated in Europe, fighting spread to colonial poss ...
of 1593-1603, the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell played a leading part, led by the famous Prince
Red Hugh O'Donnell
Hugh Roe O'Donnell II (; 20 October 1572 – 30 August 1602), also known as Red Hugh O'Donnell, was an Irish Chief of the Name, clan chief and senior leader of the Irish confederacy during the Nine Years' War (Ireland), Nine Years' War. He was ...
. Under his leadership, and that of his ally
Hugh O'Neill, they advanced to
Kinsale
Kinsale ( ; ) is a historic port and fishing town in County Cork, Ireland. Located approximately south of Cork (city), Cork City on the southeast coast near the Old Head of Kinsale, it sits at the mouth of the River Bandon, and has a populatio ...
and laid siege to the English forces in anticipation of a Spanish invasion. En route, they implanted some O'Donnell kinsmen in
Ardfert
Ardfert () is a village and Civil parishes in Ireland, civil parish in County Kerry, Ireland. Historically a religious centre, the economy of the locality is driven by agriculture and its position as a dormitory town, being only from Tralee. T ...
and Lixnaw to protect the territories of their ally, FitzMaurice,
Lord of Kerry
Baron Kerry is an ancient title in the Peerage of Ireland, named after County Kerry. It was created circa 1223 for Thomas FitzMaurice, Lord OConnello, son of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Llanstephan.
In 1325, Maurice FitzMaurice, 4th Baron Ke ...
. The
Battle of Kinsale
The siege of Kinsale (), also known as the battle of Kinsale, was the ultimate battle in England's conquest of Gaelic Ireland, commencing in October 1601, near the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and at the climax of the Nine Years' War� ...
was lost in 1601, heralding the end of the Gaelic order and
Brehon Laws
Early Irish law, also called Brehon law (from the old Irish word breithim meaning judge), comprised the statutes which governed everyday life in Early Medieval Ireland. They were partially eclipsed by the Norman invasion of 1169, but underwe ...
in Ireland, and the completion of the Elizabethan conquest. Following the
Treaty of Mellifont
The Treaty of Mellifont (), also known as the Articles of Mellifont, was signed in 1603, ending the Nine Years' War (Ireland), Nine Years' War which took place in Ireland from 1593 to 1603.
End of war
Following the English victory in the Battl ...
of 1603 the new
King James I James I may refer to:
People
*James I of Aragon (1208–1276)
* James I of Sicily or James II of Aragon (1267–1327)
* James I, Count of La Marche (1319–1362), Count of Ponthieu
* James I, Count of Urgell (1321–1347)
*James I of Cyprus (1334� ...
pardoned
Rory O'Donnell
Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell ( Irish: ''Rudhraighe'' ''Ó Domhnaill''; 1575 – 28 July 1608), was an Irish Gaelic lord and the last lord of Tyrconnell prior to the Plantation of Ulster. He succeeded his older brother Hugh Roe O'Donne ...
and created him
Earl of Tyrconnell
Earl of Tyrconnell is a title that has been created four times in the Peerage of Ireland.
It was first created in 1603, for Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, formerly king of Tyrconnell, along with the subsidiary title Baron Donegal. The 1 ...
in the
Irish peerage
The peerage of Ireland consists of those Peerage, titles of nobility created by the English monarchs in their capacity as Lordship of Ireland, Lord or Monarchy of Ireland, King of Ireland, or later by monarchs of the United Kingdom of Great B ...
.
Rory then joined in the
in 1607, which led to the title becoming attainted in 1614, and Tyrconnell and Ulster being colonised in the
Plantation of Ulster
The Plantation of Ulster (; Ulster Scots dialects, Ulster Scots: ) was the organised Settler colonialism, colonisation (''Plantation (settlement or colony), plantation'') of Ulstera Provinces of Ireland, province of Irelandby people from Great ...
. He died in exile in
Rome
Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...
on 28 July 1608.
Upon Rory O'Donnell's death in 1608, his son Hugh, who took the additional name Albert at his confirmation, under the patronage of Archduke Albert, succeeded to the title as 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell (which title was attainted in 1614 by the Crown but which attainder did not have any effect on his use of it in the Spanish realm) and thus the last titular earl of Tyrconnell was this Rory's son Hugh Albert, who died without heirs in 1642, and who by his will appointed Hugh Balldearg O'Donnell his heir. To a still elder branch belonged
Daniel O'Donnell
Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell, MBE (born 12 December 1961) is an Irish singer, television presenter and philanthropist. After rising to public attention in 1983, he has since become a household name in Ireland and Britain; he has also had co ...
(1666–1735), a general of the
Irish Brigade in the French service, whose father, Turlough, was a son of
Hugh Duff O'Donnell
Sir Hugh Dubh O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Sir Aodh Dubh Ó Domhnaill''; died 5 July 1537The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (29 March 2024)"Manus O'Donnell" ''Encyclopedia Britannica''. Archived frothe originalon 3 September 2024.) was a leading figu ...
, brother of
Manus
Manus may refer to:
Relating to locations around New Guinea
*Manus Island, a Papua New Guinean island in the Admiralty Archipelago
** Manus languages, languages spoken on Manus and islands close by
** Manus Regional Processing Centre, an offshore ...
, son of an earlier Hugh Duff. Daniel served in the French army in the wars of the period, fighting against
Duke of Marlborough
General John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, 1st Prince of Mindelheim, 1st Count of Nellenburg, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, (26 May 1650 – 16 June 1722 O.S.) was a British army officer and statesman. From a gentry family, he ...
at the battles of
Oudenarde and
Malplaquet at the head of an O'Donnell regiment.
Succession
The head of the clan was traditionally also called Ua Domhnaill ("The O'Donnell"), and inaugurated as Taoiseach (Chieftain) in an elaborate ceremony, under the Laws of
Tanistry
Tanistry is a Gaelic system for passing on titles and lands. In this system the Tanist (; ; ) is the office of heir-apparent, or second-in-command, among the (royal) Gaelic patrilineal dynasties of Ireland, Scotland and Mann, to succeed to ...
, part of the ancient Brehon Code of Law. Since the collapse of Gaelic Rule and the Brehon legal system, the putative succession of the "
Chiefs of the Name
The Chief of the Name, or in older English usage Captain of his Nation, is the recognised head of a family or clan ( Irish and Scottish Gaelic: ''fine'') in Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland
There are instances where Norman lords of the time like ...
" has followed the principle of male primogeniture.
On the basis of the information available at the time, the
Chief Herald of Ireland
The Genealogical Office is an office of the Government of Ireland containing genealogical records. It includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland (), the authority in Ireland for heraldry. The Chief Herald authorises the granting of arm ...
recognised John O'Donel of the Larkfield branch as Chief of the Name, and he was so gazetted on 11 September 1945 in ''
Iris Oifigiuil
Iris most often refers to:
*Iris (anatomy), part of the eye
* Iris (color), an ambiguous color term
*Iris (mythology), a Greek goddess
* ''Iris'' (plant), a genus of flowering plants
* Iris (given name), a feminine given name, and a list of peopl ...
'', bearing the courtesy title of "The O'Donnell", and who was later inaugurated as Chief of the Name, The O'Donnell (''Ua Domhnaill'') in County Donegal at the O'Donnell Clan rally at Easter 1954. His son was the last in the Larkfield line of
Chiefs of the Name
The Chief of the Name, or in older English usage Captain of his Nation, is the recognised head of a family or clan ( Irish and Scottish Gaelic: ''fine'') in Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland
There are instances where Norman lords of the time like ...
of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, namely Fr. Hugh Ambrose O'Donel, O.F.M., who adopted the modern version of the name 'O'Donnell', a Franciscan priest in
Killiney
Killiney () is an affluent coastal suburb on the southside of Dublin, Ireland. It lies south of Dalkey, east and northeast of Ballybrack and Sallynoggin and north of Shankill, in the local government area of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown within ...
, retired from missionary work in
Zimbabwe
file:Zimbabwe, relief map.jpg, upright=1.22, Zimbabwe, relief map
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Bots ...
, who died on 11 July 2023. Although Fr. Hugh was never inaugurated as Chief of the Name, his
Tánaiste
The Tánaiste ( , ) is the second-ranking member of the government of Ireland and the holder of its second-most senior office. It is the equivalent of the deputy prime minister in other parliamentary systems.
The Tánaiste is appointed by the P ...
(
heir apparent
An heir apparent is a person who is first in the order of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting by the birth of another person. A person who is first in the current order of succession but could be displaced by the birth of a more e ...
) as ''The O'Donnell of Tyrconnell'', Chief of the Name of O'Donnell, was commonly held to be S.E.
The 7th Duke of Tetuan, a
Grandee of Spain
Grandee (; , ) is an official royal and noble ranks, aristocratic title conferred on some Spanish nobility. Holders of this dignity enjoyed similar privileges to those of the peerage of France during the , though in neither country did they ha ...
. The duke is also known as ''S.E.
Don
Don, don or DON and variants may refer to:
Places
*Don (river), a river in European Russia
*Don River (disambiguation), several other rivers with the name
* Don, Benin, a town in Benin
* Don, Dang, a village and hill station in Dang district, Gu ...
Hugo O'Donnell y Duque de Estrada'' - the latter appendant ''Duque de Estrada'' is not a title but a maternal family name. The
Duke
Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of Royal family, royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and above sovereign princes. As royalty or nobi ...
of Tetuan is an active member of the Clan Association of the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell, and a member of the nobiliary Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, i.e. a
Knight of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, and commonly known as the Order of Malta or the Knights of Malta, is a Catholic lay religious ...
. However, following the advice of the
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general (: attorneys general) or attorney-general (AG or Atty.-Gen) is the main legal advisor to the government. In some jurisdictions, attorneys general also have executive responsibility for law enf ...
, in 2003 the Genealogical Office discontinued the practice of recognising Chiefs of the Name.
Following the
Irish War of Independence
The Irish War of Independence (), also known as the Anglo-Irish War, was a guerrilla war fought in Ireland from 1919 to 1921 between the Irish Republican Army (1919–1922), Irish Republican Army (IRA, the army of the Irish Republic) and Unite ...
, the ascendant
Fianna Fail
''Fianna'' ( , ; singular ''Fian''; ) were small warrior-hunter bands in Gaelic Ireland during the Iron Age and early Middle Ages. A ''fian'' was made up of freeborn young men, often from the Gaelic nobility of Ireland, "who had left fosterage ...
political party
A political party is an organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a particular area's elections. It is common for the members of a party to hold similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific political ideology, ...
began a policy of granted courtesy recognition as
Chief of the Name
The Chief of the Name, or in older English usage Captain of his Nation, is the recognised head of a family or clan ( Irish and Scottish Gaelic: ''fine'') in Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland
There are instances where Norman lords of the time like ...
to the senior male descendants of the
Gaelic nobility of Ireland
This article concerns the Gaelic nobility of Ireland from ancient to modern times. It only partly overlaps with Chiefs of the Name because it excludes Scotland and other discussion. It is one of three groups of Irish nobility, the others bei ...
. With regard to the
O'Donnell dynasty
The O'Donnell dynasty ( or ''Ó Domhnaill,'' ''Ó Doṁnaill'' ''or Ua Domaill;'' meaning "descendant of Dónal") were the dominant Irish clan of the kingdom of Tyrconnell in Ulster in the north of medieval and early modern Ireland.
Naming ...
, the succession came down to a contest between the O'Donnell family of
Newport House and the
Duke of Tetuan
Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and above sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ...
of the
Spanish nobility
The Spanish nobility are people who possess a title of nobility confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes, as well as those individuals appointed to one of Spain's three highest orders of knightho ...
. The Irish State ultimately ruled in favor of Fr. Hugh O'Donnell, OFM, a Roman Catholic missionary in
Zimbabwe
file:Zimbabwe, relief map.jpg, upright=1.22, Zimbabwe, relief map
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Bots ...
who could document his descent from Manus O'Donnell, the second son of Niall Garve and Nuala O'Donnell, who was
killed in action
Killed in action (KIA) is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their personnel at the hands of enemy or hostile forces at the moment of action. The United States Department of Defense, for example, ...
while fighting for the
Confederation of Kilkenny
Confederate Ireland, also referred to as the Irish Catholic Confederation, was a period of Irish Catholic self-government between 1642 and 1652, during the Eleven Years' War. Formed by Catholic aristocrats, landed gentry, clergy and military ...
under the command of
Owen Roe O'Neill
Owen Roe O'Neill ( Irish: ''Eoghan Ruadh Ó Néill;'' – 6 November 1649) was a Gaelic Irish soldier and one of the most famous of the O'Neill dynasty of Ulster. O'Neill left Ireland at a young age and spent most of his life as a mercenary ...
at the
Battle of Benburb
The Battle of Benburb took place on 5 June 1646 during the Irish Confederate Wars, the Irish theatre of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It was fought between the Irish Confederates under Owen Roe O'Neill, and an army of Scottish Covenanters ...
in 1646. The O'Donnell clan was revived in 1954.
Prominent O'Donnells
*
Maol Seachlainn Ó Domhnaill
Melaghlin O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Maol Seachlainn Ó Domhnaill'') was king of Tyrconnell and a member of the O'Donnell dynasty. He was a son of Donall Mor O'Donnell (''Domhnall Mór Ó Domhnaill''), king of Tyrconnell (died 1241), a man who was marr ...
(d. 1247), ''An Ó Domhnaill'' (The O'Donnell), ''
Rí
Rí, or commonly ríg (genitive), is an ancient Gaelic word meaning 'king'. It is used in historical texts referring to the Irish and Scottish kings, and those of similar rank. While the Modern Irish word is exactly the same, in modern Scottis ...
'' (King) of Tyrconnell, son of King Domhnall Mór Ó Domhnaill
*
Gofraidh Ó Domhnaill
Gofraid O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Gofraidh Ó Domhnaill'') was a king of Tyrconnell and the first chieftain of mark in the O'Donnell dynasty.
Biography
O'Donnell was a son of Donal Mor O'Donnell (died 1241).
O'Donnell rapidly came to power, initiall ...
(Godfrey O'Donnell; d. 1257), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', King of Tyrconnell, son of Domhnall Mór Ó Domhnaill
*
Domhnaill Óg Ó Domhnaill (c. 1242–1281), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', possibly 'enkinged' (inaugurated) as King of Tyrconnell in
Raphoe Cathedral
St Eunan's Cathedral ( , also known as Raphoe Cathedral, is one of two cathedral churches of the United Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe (united in 1834) in the Church of Ireland. It is located in Raphoe, County Donegal and is dedicated to Saint E ...
in 1258
*
Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill I (Red Hugh O'Donnell I), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', King of Tyrconnell, builder of
Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle () is a castle situated in the centre of Donegal Town in County Donegal in Ulster, the northern province in Ireland. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaeli ...
; reigned from ''c.'' 1460 until his death in 1505
*
Sir Aodh Dubh Ó Domhnaill (
Sir
''Sir'' is a formal honorific address in English for men, derived from Sire in the High Middle Ages. Both are derived from the old French "" (Lord), brought to England by the French-speaking Normans, and which now exist in French only as part ...
Hugh Doo O'Donnell), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', King of Tyrconnell (d. 1537)
*
Maghnas Ó Domhnaill (Manus O'Donnell; 1490–1564), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', King of Tyrconnell, biographer of Saint Colmcille or
Columba
Columba () or Colmcille (7 December 521 – 9 June 597 AD) was an Irish abbot and missionary evangelist credited with spreading Christianity in what is today Scotland at the start of the Hiberno-Scottish mission. He founded the important abbey ...
; mainly lived at
Lifford
Lifford (, historically anglicised as ''Liffer'') is the county town of County Donegal, Ireland, the administrative centre of the county and the seat of Donegal County Council, although the town of Letterkenny is often mistaken as holding this ...
*
Calbhach Ó Domhnaill (Calvagh O'Donnell; d. 1566), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', 22nd Chieftain and King of Tyrconnell; son of Maghnas Ó Domhnaill
*
Sir Aodh mac Maghnusa Ó Domhnaill (Sir Hugh McManus O'Donnell; ''c.'' 1540–1601), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', King of Tyrconnell; son of Maghnas Ó Domhnaill
*
Sir Domhnaill Ó Domhnaill (Sir Donnell O'Donnell; d. 1590),
Seneschal
The word ''seneschal'' () can have several different meanings, all of which reflect certain types of supervising or administering in a historic context. Most commonly, a seneschal was a senior position filled by a court appointment within a royal, ...
of Tyrconnell and
Sheriff
A sheriff is a government official, with varying duties, existing in some countries with historical ties to England where the office originated. There is an analogous, although independently developed, office in Iceland, the , which is common ...
of County Donegal, eldest son of Sir Aodh mac Maghnusa Ó Domhnaill; Sir Domhnaill was killed at the
Battle of Doire Leathan
A battle is an occurrence of combat in warfare between opposing military units of any number or size. A war usually consists of multiple battles. In general, a battle is a military engagement that is well defined in duration, area, and force c ...
in September 1590
*
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (; born 1952) is a modern Irish poet whose works have been described as having a "major influence in revitalizing the Irish language in modern poetry".
Biography
Born in Lancashire, England, of Irish parents, she moved t ...
(Nuala O'Donnell; c. 1575 – c. 1630), daughter of
Sir Aodh mac Maghnusa Ó Domhnaill (Sir Hugh McManus O'Donnell)
*
Conn O'Donnell
Conn McCalvagh O'Donnell (died 13 March 1583) was a member of the O'Donnell dynasty of Donegal. At various points in his turbulent career, Conn either opposed or allied himself with the English Crown, Shane O'Neill or Turlough Luineach O'Neill, ...
(d. 1583), of
Lifford
Lifford (, historically anglicised as ''Liffer'') is the county town of County Donegal, Ireland, the administrative centre of the county and the seat of Donegal County Council, although the town of Letterkenny is often mistaken as holding this ...
in the east of Tyrconnell; son of Calbhach and father of Sir Niall Garbh
*
Conn Oge O'Donnell
Conn Oge O'Donnell (died 1601) was a member of the O'Donnell dynasty of Donegal.
He was the youngest son of Conn O'Donnell, and grandson of Calvagh O'Donnell who had ruled the O'Donnell lands of Tyrconnell. During the 1580s he supported the uns ...
(d. 1601), of Lifford, youngest son of Conn, brother of Sir Niall Garbh
*
Sir Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill (Sir Neil Garve O'Donnell; 1569–1626), Lord of
Lifford
Lifford (, historically anglicised as ''Liffer'') is the county town of County Donegal, Ireland, the administrative centre of the county and the seat of Donegal County Council, although the town of Letterkenny is often mistaken as holding this ...
; dynastic rival to both Aodh Ruadh II and Ruaidrí, Lord Tyrconnell
*
Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill II (Red Hugh O'Donnell II; 1572–1602), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', 24th Chieftain, ''
Rí
Rí, or commonly ríg (genitive), is an ancient Gaelic word meaning 'king'. It is used in historical texts referring to the Irish and Scottish kings, and those of similar rank. While the Modern Irish word is exactly the same, in modern Scottis ...
'' (King) of Tyrconnell
*
Ruaidrí, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell (1575–1608), ''An Ó Domhnaill'', last reigning King of Tyrconnell; younger brother of Aodh Ruadh II
*
Cathbarr Ó Domhnaill (Cathbarr O'Donnell; d. 1608), younger full brother of both Aodh Ruadh II and Ruaidrí, Lord Tyrconnell; married
Rosa O'Doherty, sister of
Sir Cathaoir Ó Dochartaigh
*
Hugh, 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell (1606–1642), Prince and Lord of Tyrconnell; son and heir of Ruaidrí, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell
*
Lady
''Lady'' is a term for a woman who behaves in a polite way. Once used to describe only women of a high social class or status, the female counterpart of lord, now it may refer to any adult woman, as gentleman can be used for men.
"Lady" is al ...
Mary Stuart O'Donnell
Lady Mary Stuart O'Donnell ( Irish: ''Máire Stíobhartach/Stiúbhart Ní Dhomhnaill''; - in or after 1639) was an English-born Irish noblewoman. Her father, the 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, left her pregnant mother behind in Ireland during the Flig ...
(1607– ''c.'' 1639), Ulster
Gaelic
Gaelic (pronounced for Irish Gaelic and for Scots Gaelic) is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". It may refer to:
Languages
* Gaelic languages or Goidelic languages, a linguistic group that is one of the two branches of the Insul ...
noblewoman; Lady Mary was the daughter of Ruaidrí, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell
*''
Général de Brigade''
Daniel O'Donnell
Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell, MBE (born 12 December 1961) is an Irish singer, television presenter and philanthropist. After rising to public attention in 1983, he has since become a household name in Ireland and Britain; he has also had co ...
(1666–1735), senior-ranking officer in the
Irish Brigade in the French Royal service
*
Karl O'Donnell
Karl O'Donnell, Count of Tyrconnel (1715–1771) held important commands in the Austrian army during the Seven Years' War. Between 1768 and 1770, he was governor of Transylvania.
Biography
O'Donnell held important commands during the Third Silesi ...
(1715–1771), ''
Graf
(; feminine: ) is a historical title of the German nobility and later also of the Russian nobility, usually translated as "count". Considered to be intermediate among noble ranks, the title is often treated as equivalent to the British title ...
'' von Tyrconnell (
Count
Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...
of Tyrconnell)
*
Enrique, Conde de La Bisbal (Henry,
Count
Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...
of La Bisbal; 1769–1834), Irish-Spanish nobleman and
peer (
:de:Joseph Heinrich O’Donnell)
*''
Comte''
Maurice O'Donnell
Comte Maurice O'Donnell de Tyrconnell (; 1780–1843) was an Austro-Irish count, born in Vienna.
Family
He was a descendant of the Irish noble dynasty of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, some of whom fled to the Continent and became nobles of Spain, Fra ...
de Tyrconnell (1780–1843), of
Pressburg
Bratislava (German: ''Pressburg'', Hungarian: ''Pozsony'') is the Capital city, capital and largest city of the Slovakia, Slovak Republic and the fourth largest of all List of cities and towns on the river Danube, cities on the river Danube. ...
, also known as Moritz ''
Graf
(; feminine: ) is a historical title of the German nobility and later also of the Russian nobility, usually translated as "count". Considered to be intermediate among noble ranks, the title is often treated as equivalent to the British title ...
'' O'Donnell von Tyrconnell, an Irish-Austrian count
*
Maximilian Karl Lamoral ''Graf'' O'Donell von Tyrconnell (1812–1895), Irish-Austrian count, son of Maurice/Moritz
*''
Comte''
Jean Louis Barthélemy O'Donnell
Comte Jean Louis Barthelemy O'Donnell (1783–1836), was born in Maine-et-Loire, France, and was a Hiberno-French count who survived the French Revolution, campaigned in Italy and Spain under Napoleon Bonaparte, and played a prominent role in loca ...
(1783–1836), Irish-French count, member of
Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte (born Napoleone di Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French general and statesman who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led Military career ...
's ''
Conseil d’État'' and ''
Légion d'honneur
The National Order of the Legion of Honour ( ), formerly the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour (), is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit, both military and Civil society, civil. Currently consisting of five cl ...
''
*
General
A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry.
In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
The 1st Duke of Tetuán (1809–1867), former
Prime Minister of Spain
The prime minister of Spain, officially president of the Government (), is the head of government of Spain. The prime minister nominates the Spanish government departments, ministers and chairs the Council of Ministers (Spain), Council of Mini ...
*
The 2nd Duke of Tetuán (1834–1903), Spanish foreign minister and Mayordomo mayor to
King Amadeo I.
*
The 3rd Duke of Tetuán (1864–1928), conducted
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) was a British statesman, military officer, and writer who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 (Winston Churchill in the Second World War, ...
on visit to
Cuba
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country, comprising the island of Cuba (largest island), Isla de la Juventud, and List of islands of Cuba, 4,195 islands, islets and cays surrounding the main island. It is located where the ...
*
Peadar O'Donnell
Peadar O'Donnell (; 22 February 1893 – 13 May 1986) was one of the foremost radicals of 20th-century Ireland. O'Donnell became prominent as an Irish republican, socialist politician and writer.
Early life
Peadar O'Donnell was born into an I ...
(1893–1986), radical Irish republican, socialist, activist, and politician
*
Patrick Cardinal O'Donnell
Patrick Joseph O'Donnell (28 NovembeIrish6 – 22 November 1927) was an Irish Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Armagh from 1924 until his death in 1927. He was made a cardinal in 1925.
Early life
Patrick Joseph O'Donnell was b ...
(1856–1927),
Lord Primate of All Ireland and
Lord Archbishop of Armagh; senior
prelate
A prelate () is a high-ranking member of the Minister (Christianity), Christian clergy who is an Ordinary (church officer), ordinary or who ranks in precedence with ordinaries. The word derives from the Latin , the past participle of , which me ...
from near
Glenties
Glenties () is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is situated where two glens meet, north-west of the Bluestack Mountains, near the confluence of two rivers. Glenties is the largest centre of population in the parish of Iniskeel. Glenties ha ...
*
Denis O'Donnell
Denis O'Donnell (28 May 1875 – 16 June 1933) was an entrepreneur in County Kerry, Ireland, in the early 1900s. He was the organiser, co-founder and first manager of the Lee Strand Cooperative Creamery.
Background
He was born in Tubrid, Ardfe ...
(1875–1933), entrepreneur, founder of Lee Strand Cooperative Creamery
*
Patrick Denis O'Donnell (1922–2005), Commandant/Irish Defence Forces, UN peacekeeper, military historian and author
*
Francis Martin O'Donnell
Francis Martin O'Donnell GCMM, GCEG, KC*SG, KM, KCHS, KCMCO (born in 1954) is an Irish citizen who has served abroad as an international diplomat in senior representative positions with the United Nations until retirement, and later with ...
(b. 1954), Ambassador,
Knight of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, and commonly known as the Order of Malta or the Knights of Malta, is a Catholic lay religious ...
, President of Clan O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, President of Genealogical Society of Ireland; former UN senior representative, author
*
Guillermo O'Donnell
Guillermo Alberto O'Donnell Ure (February 24, 1936 – November 29, 2011) was a prominent Argentine political scientist who specialized in comparative politics and Latin American politics. He spent most of his career working in Argentina and ...
, (1936–2011), Argentine political scientist, professor, author, and international activist for democracy
*
The 7th Duke of Tetuán (b. 1948), Spanish naval historian and
Knight of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, and commonly known as the Order of Malta or the Knights of Malta, is a Catholic lay religious ...
*
O'Donnell baronets
The O'Donnell Baronetcy, of Newport House in the County of Mayo, was a title in the Baronetage of Ireland. It was created on 22 December 1780 for Neale O'Donnell. Initially a Catholic, he renounced this faith and became a Protestant before bei ...
, of Newport House, recovered & entrusted
Cathach of St. Columba
The Cathach of St. Columba, known as the Cathach (meaning "the Battler"),O'Neill (2014), p. 12 is a late 6th century Insular psalter. It is the oldest surviving manuscript in Ireland, and the second oldest Latin psalter in the world. Its cumdach ...
to the
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy (RIA; ), based in Dublin, is an academic body that promotes study in the natural sciences, arts, literature, and social sciences. It is Ireland's premier List of Irish learned societies, learned society and one of its le ...
File:Irish potato famine Bridget O'Donnel.jpg, An 1849 depiction of Bridget O'Donnell and her two children during the famine.
File:Leopoldo O'Donnell y Jorris.jpg, General
A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry.
In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
The 1st Duke of Tetuán
File:O'Donnell, Maximilian Graf.jpg, Maximilian Karl Lamoral ''Graf'' O'Donell von Tyrconnell,1860
File:Wappen der Grafen O’Donell von Tyrconell.png, Maximilian ''Graf
(; feminine: ) is a historical title of the German nobility and later also of the Russian nobility, usually translated as "count". Considered to be intermediate among noble ranks, the title is often treated as equivalent to the British title ...
'' O'Donell von Tyrconnell's coat of arms
Recent times
Patrick Cardinal O'Donnell
Patrick Joseph O'Donnell (28 NovembeIrish6 – 22 November 1927) was an Irish Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Armagh from 1924 until his death in 1927. He was made a cardinal in 1925.
Early life
Patrick Joseph O'Donnell was b ...
(1856–1927) was probably the next most prominent O'Donnell to emerge in
Ulster
Ulster (; or ; or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional or historic provinces of Ireland, Irish provinces. It is made up of nine Counties of Ireland, counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom); t ...
, perhaps in all of Ireland, after the exile in 1607 of
the 1st Earl of Tyrconnell.
Thomas O'Donnell (1871–1943), MP for West Kerry from 1900 until 1918, was a leading agrarian reformer, and the first
Member of Parliament to address the
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the name for the elected lower house of the Bicameralism, bicameral parliaments of the United Kingdom and Canada. In both of these countries, the Commons holds much more legislative power than the nominally upper house of ...
in
Westminster
Westminster is the main settlement of the City of Westminster in Central London, Central London, England. It extends from the River Thames to Oxford Street and has many famous landmarks, including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, ...
in the
Irish language
Irish (Standard Irish: ), also known as Irish Gaelic or simply Gaelic ( ), is a Celtic language of the Indo-European language family. It is a member of the Goidelic languages of the Insular Celtic sub branch of the family and is indigenous ...
(Gaelic), but was called to order by the
Speaker
Speaker most commonly refers to:
* Speaker, a person who produces speech
* Loudspeaker, a device that produces sound
** Computer speakers
Speaker, Speakers, or The Speaker may also refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* "Speaker" (song), by David ...
, but not without having made his mark with
John Redmond
John Edward Redmond (1 September 1856 – 6 March 1918) was an Irish nationalism, Irish nationalist politician, barrister, and Member of Parliament (United Kingdom), MP in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. He was best known as leader ...
's support. There was formerly an Irish senator from County Donegal named Brian Ó Domhnaill (O'Donnell).
Family Tree
See also
*
Irish nobility
The Irish nobility could be described as including persons who do, or historically did, fall into one or more of the following categories of nobility:
* Gaelic nobility of Ireland: descendants in the male line of at least one historical grade ...
*
Gaelic nobility of Ireland
This article concerns the Gaelic nobility of Ireland from ancient to modern times. It only partly overlaps with Chiefs of the Name because it excludes Scotland and other discussion. It is one of three groups of Irish nobility, the others bei ...
*
O'Donnell Abu
The O'Donnell dynasty ( or ''Ó Domhnaill,'' ''Ó Doṁnaill'' ''or Ua Domaill;'' meaning "descendant of Dónal") were the dominant Irish clan of the kingdom of Tyrconnell in Ulster in the north of medieval and early modern Ireland.
Naming co ...
References
*
Sources
*
Further reading
*
*
*''The Life of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, Prince of Tyrconnell (Beatha Aodh Ruadh O Domhnaill)'' by
Lughaidh O'Cleirigh
Lughaidh ( or ; ) is an Irish-language name, from Old Irish which is thought to be derived from the name of the god Lug, generally anglicised as Louis or Lewis. The name is prevalent among figures in Irish history and mythology, including:
...
. Edited by Paul Walsh and Colm Ó Lochlainn. Irish Texts Society, vol. 42. Dublin: Educational Company of Ireland, 1948 (original Gaelic manuscript in the
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy (RIA; ), based in Dublin, is an academic body that promotes study in the natural sciences, arts, literature, and social sciences. It is Ireland's premier List of Irish learned societies, learned society and one of its le ...
in Dublin).
*''Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland (Annála Ríoghachta Éireann)'' by the Four Masters, from the earliest period to the year 1616, compiled during the period 1632-1636 by Brother
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh (), sometimes known as Michael O'Clery, was an Irish chronicler, scribe and antiquary and chief author of the ''Annals of the Four Masters'', assisted by Cú Choigcríche ÓCléirigh, Fearfeasa ÓMaol Chonaire, and Pe ...
, translated and edited by John O'Donovan in 1856, and re-published in 1998 by De Burca, Dublin.
*
*''Vicissitudes of Families'', by Sir
Bernard Burke
Sir John Bernard Burke, (5 January 1814 – 12 December 1892) was a British genealogist and Ulster King of Arms, who helped publish ''Burke's Peerage''.
Personal life
Burke, of Irish descent, was born at London and was educated in London an ...
, Ulster King of Arms, published by Longman, Green, Longman and Roberts, Paternoster Row, London, 1861. (Chapter on O’Donnells, pages 125-148).
*''A View of the Legal Institutions, Honorary Hereditary Offices, and Feudal Baronies established in Ireland'', by William Lynch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, published by Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, Paternoster Row, London, 1830
O’Donnell: page 190 remainder to Earl’s patent).
*''The Fate and Fortunes of the Earls of Tyrone (Hugh O’Neill) and Tyrconnel (Rory O’Donel), their flight from Ireland and death in exile'', by the Rev.
C. P. Meehan
Charles Patrick Meehan (12 July 1812 – 14 March 1890) was an Irish Catholic priest, historian and editor.
Life
Meehan was born at 141 Great Britain Street, Dublin, on 12 July 1812.
He received his early education at Ballymahon, County Lon ...
, M.R.I.A., 2nd edition, James Duffy, London, 1870.
*''The Fighting Prince of Donegal'', A
Walt Disney
Walter Elias Disney ( ; December 5, 1901December 15, 1966) was an American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. A pioneer of the Golden age of American animation, American animation industry, he introduced several develop ...
Film, made in 1966 about the life of Prince Red Hugh O’Donnell (i.e. Hugh Roe), starring Peter McEnery, Susan Hampshire, Gordon Jackson, and Andrew Keir.
*''Erin’s Blood Royal – The Gaelic Noble Dynasties of Ireland'', by Peter Berresford Ellis, Constable, London, 1999, (pages 251-258 on the O’Donel, Prince of Tyrconnell).
*''Blood Royal - From the time of Alexander the Great to Queen Elizabeth II'', by
Charles Mosley (genealogist)
Charles Gordon Mosley (14 September 1948 – 5 November 2013) was a British genealogist who specialised in British nobility. He was an author, broadcaster, editor, and publisher, best known for having been Editor-in-Chief of ''Burke's Peerage ...
, published for Ruvigny Ltd., London, 2002 (O'Donnell listed as Baron, page v)
*''History of Killeen Castle'', by Mary Rose Carty, published by Carty/Lynch, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland, April 1991 () - page 18 refers to
Elizabeth O'Donnell
Elizabeth FitzGerald (before 1597–1611) was the first wife of Lucas Plunket, who succeeded as Baron Killeen in 1613, and who in due course became the 1st Earl of Fingall in 1628. They lived at Killeen Castle, County Meath in Ireland. She was ...
as 1st Countess of
Fingal
Fingal ( ; ) is a Counties of Ireland, county in Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster and is part of the Eastern and Midland Region. It is one of three successor counties to County Dublin, which ...
, by marriage to Lucas Plunkett, 1st
Earl of Fingall
Earl of Fingall and Baron of Killeen were titles in the Peerage of Ireland, the latter one of the earliest surviving, while Baron Fingall was a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The seat of the title-holders was, from the 1400s until 195 ...
.
*''Vanishing Kingdoms - The Irish Chiefs and Their Families'', by Walter J. P. Curley (former US Ambassador to Ireland), with foreword by
Charles Lysaght
Charles Lysaght (born 23 September 1941) is an Irish lawyer, biographer, obituarist and occasional columnist.
Legal career
Lysaght was born in Dublin on 23 September 1941. He was educated at St Michael's College, Dublin and Gonzaga College. He r ...
, published by The Lilliput Press, Dublin, 2004
& (Chapter on O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, page 59).
*''A Political Odyssey - Thomas O'Donnell'', by J. Anthony Gaughan, Kingdom Books, Dublin, 1983.
*''The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O'Donnell'', by Gavin O'Donnell, Perfugulator Publishing 2023. ISBN 978-1399951326
*
*
External links
Official Websiteof the O’Donnell Clan Association
Ó Domhnailby Francis Martin O'Donnell
{{Royal houses of Britain and Ireland
Irish royal families
Irish clans
Irish families
Gaelic nobility of Ireland
Ancient Irish dynasties
Families of Irish ancestry
History of County Donegal