The ancient genealogy of the
Geoghegans acording to O'Hart's Irish Pedigrees.
"Irish
Pedigrees or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation", by John
O'Hart is one of the best known Irish genealogical publications in
the world. The first edition appeared in 1876, but was followed by
several subsequent editions that added greatly to the overall size of
the work. The most quoted edition was published in New York in 1923,
twenty years after the author's death. It is worth mentioning here
that the original work did not include and heraldic (coat of arms)
information and that this was added to posthumous publications by
unscrupulous publishers, presumably to increase sales. In general,
O'Hart is a dubious source, at best, for such information.
John
O'Hart was born in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, in 1824. He received an
excellent education with the intention of joining the priesthood.
However, he instead spent two years in the constabulary (the police),
after which he was employed by the Commissioners of National
Education in Ireland from 1845, the first year of the Famine. He
became an Associate in Arts at the Queen's University, and thereafter
he was an active member of several scholarly societies. He was an
avid genealogist and took a keen interest in Irish history, despite
never receiving formal training as an historian. Politically he was
an Irish nationalist, and in religious matters, a committed Catholic.
Both of these factors permeated his work. He died in 1902 in
Clontarf, Co. Dublin, at the age of 78.
O'Hart
used many sources to compile the information that appears in his
major work. His principal sources were Gaelic genealogies, like those
of O'Clery, MacFirbis and O'Farrell. Along with the Gaelic annals,
especially the Annals of the Four Masters, O'Hart was able to
'reconstruct' the medieval and ancient pedigree that appears
here. He also used later sources, like the works of Burke, Collins,
Harris, Lodge and Ware to extend these lineages into the eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries. But arguably the most important information
contained in these genealogies came where O'Hart gathered the details
directly from the families concerned, often from private papers or
family tradition.
Irish
mythology records that every family was descended from a certain
Milesius of Spain who in about 500
BC led his followers to invade and conquer Ireland. The Christian
monks who wrote these genealogies down in the 9th century, 2,500
years after Milesius, also added their own beliefs. So they recorded
that Milesius was the 36th in descent from Adam! O'Hart, being both
an ardent believer in the Gaelic myths and Christianity, followed
their example. In his Gaelic genealogies a number representing the
generation of descent from Adam precedes every generation. O'Hart
showed, probably incorrectly, that every Gaelic family was descended
from four of Milesius's family. These were his three sons, Heber, Ir
and Heremon, and his uncle Ithe. These four were considered the
'stem' lines of the genealogies that followed. The latest scientiific
evidence suggests that while the Celts had an overwhelming cultural
influence on Ireland, the numbers of them that invaded Ireland were
not all that huge and from the genetic point of view they are just a
part of the mix that made up the Irish population.
While
he undertook a great deal of research, using the majority of
available published sources, many Gaelic scholars have superseded his
work over the last 100 years. He was not familiar with the abundant
unpublished Gaelic manuscript sources available. These have shown
that many of his genealogies are incorrect for the years prior to
1600 AD. Furthermore, O'Hart was not a professional historian or
genealogist, and had little training in using the esoteric sources he
consulted. As a consequence he misunderstood a great deal about
Gaelic society and culture, a world which had largely disappeared
from Ireland long before he put pen to paper. He was also credulous
in using the sources he did consult, believing that the myths were fact.
In
short, while the pedigree below is interesting, it should
be be read with a sceptical eye, and the further back you go, the
more sceptical your eye should become.
1. Adam
2. Seth
3. Enos
4. Cainan
5. Mahalaleel
6. Jared
7. Enoch
8. Methuselah
9. Lamech
10. Noah
divided the world amongst his three sons, begotten of his wife Titea:
viz., to Shem he gave Asia, within the Euphrates, to the Indian
Ocean; to Ham he gave Syria, Arabia, and Africa; and to Japhet, the
rest of Asia beyond the Euphrates, together with Europe to Gadea (or Cadiz).
11. Japhet was
the eldest son of Noah. He had fifteen sons, amongst whom he divided
Europe and the part of Asia which his father had allotted to him.
12. Magog: From
whom descended the Parthians, Bactrians, Amazons, etc.; Parthalon,
the first planter of Ireland, about three hundred years after the
Flood; and also the rest of the colonies that planted there, viz.,
the Nemedians, who planted Ireland, Anno Mundi three thousand and
forty-six, or three hundred and eighteen years after the birth of
Abraham, and two thousand one hundred and fifty-three years before
Christ. The Nemedians continued in Ireland for two hundred and
seventeen years; within which time a colony of theirs went into the
northern parts of Scotland, under the conduct of their leader
Briottan Maol, from whom Britain takes its name, and not from
"Brutus," as some persons believed. From Magog were also
descended the Belgarian, Belgian, Firbolgian or Firvolgian colony
that succeeded the Nemedians, Anno Mundi, three thousand two hundred
and sixty-six, and who first erected Ireland into a Monarchy.
[According to some writers, the Fomorians invaded Ireland next after
the Nemedians.] This Belgarian of Firvolgian colony continued in
Ireland for thirty-six years, under nine of their Kings; when they
were supplanted by the Tuatha-de-Danann (which means, according to
some authorities, "the people of the god Dan," whom they
adored), who possessed Ireland for one hundred and ninety-seven
years, during the reigns of nine of their kings; and who were then
conquered by the Gaelic, Milesian, or Scotic Nation (the three names
by which the Irish people were known), Anno Mundi three thousand five
hundred. This Milesian or Scotic Irish Nation possessed and enjoyed
the Kingdom of Ireland for two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five
years, under one hundred and eighty-three Monarchs; until their
submission to King Henry the Second of England, Anno Domini one
thousand one hundred and eighty-six.
13. Boath, one
of the sons of Magog; to whom Scythia came as his lot, upon the
division of the Earth by Noah amongst his sons, and by Japhet of his
part thereof amongst his sons.
14.
Phœniusa Farsaidh (or Fenius Farsa) was King of Scythia, at the
time when Ninus ruled the Assyrian Empire; and, being a wise man and
desirous to learn the languages that not long before confounded the
builders of the Tower of Babel, employed able and learned men to go
among the dispersed multitude to learn their several languages; who
sometime after returning well skilled in what they went for,
Phœniusa Farsaidh erected a school in the valley of Senaar, near
the city of Æothena, in the forty-second year of the reign of
Ninus; whereupon, having continued there with his younger son Niul
for twenty years, he returned home to his kingdom, which, at his
death, he left to the oldest son Nenuall; leaving to Niul no other
patrimony than his learning and the benefit of the said school.
15. Niul, after
his father returned to Scythia, continued some time at œothena,
teaching the languages and other laudable sciences, until upon report
of his great learning he was invited into Egypt by Pharaoh, the King;
who gave him the land of Campus Cyrunt, near the Red Sea to inhabit,
and his daughter Scota in marriage; from whom their posterity are
ever since called Scots; but, according to some annalists, the name
"Scots" is derived from the word Scythia. It was this Niul
that employed Gaodhal [Gael], son of Ethor, a learned and skilful
man, to compose or rather refine and adorn the language, called
Bearla Tobbai, which was common to all Niul's posterity, and
afterwards called Gaodhilg (or Gaelic), from the said Gaodhal who
composed or refined it; and for his sake also Niul called his own
eldest son "Gaodhal."
16. Gaodhal (or
Gathelus), the son of Niul, and ancestor of Clan-na-Gael, that is,
"the children or descendants of Gaodhal". In his youth this
Gaodhal was stung in the neck by a serpent, and was immediately
brought to Moses, who, laying his rod upon the wounded place,
instantly cured him; whence followed the word "Glas" to be
added to his named, as Gaodhal Glas (glas: Irish, green; Lat.
glaucus; Gr. glaukos), on account of the green scar which the word
signifies, and which, during his life, remained on his neck after the
wound was healed. And Gaodhal obtained a further blessing,
namely-that no venomous beast can live any time where his posterity
should inhabit; which is verified in Creta or Candia, Gothia or
Getulia, Ireland, etc. The Irish chroniclers affirm that from this
time Gaodhal and his posterity did paint the figures of Beasts,
Birds, etc., on their banners and shields, to distinguish their
tribes and septs, in imitation of the Israelites; and that a
"Thunderbolt" was the cognisance in their chief standard
for many generations after this Gaodhal.
17. Asruth,
after his father's death, continued in Egypt and governed his colony
in peace during his life.
18. Sruth, soon
after his father's death, was set upon by the Egyptians, on account
of their former animosities towards their predecessors for having
taken part with the Israelites against them; which animosities until
then lay raked up in the embers, and now broke out in a flame to that
degree, that after many battles and conflicts wherein most of his
colony lost their live, Sruth was forced with the few remaining to
depart the country; and, after many traverses at sea, arrived at the
Island of Creta (now called Candia), where he paid his last tribute
to nature.
19. Heber Scut
(scut: Irish, a Scot), after his father's death and a year's stay in
Creta, departed thence, leaving some of his people to inhabit the
Island, where some of their posterity likely still remain;
"because the Island breeds no venomous serpent ever since."
He and his people soon after arrived in Scythia; where his cousins,
the posterity of Nenuall (eldest son of Fenius Farsa, above
mentioned), refusing to allot a place of habitation form him and his
colony, they fought many battles wherein Heber (with the assistance
of some of the natives who were ill-affected towards their king),
being always victor, he at length forced the sovereignty from the
other, and settled himself and his colony in Scythia, who continued
there for four generations. (Hence the epithet Scut, "a
Scot" or "a Scythian," was applied to this Heber, who
was accordingly called Heber Scot.) Heber Scot was afterwards slain
in battle by Noemus the former king's son.
20. Baouman;
21 Ogaman; and
22. Tait, were
each kings of Scythia, but in constant war with the natives; so that
after Tait's death his son,
23. Agnon and
his followers betook themselves to sea, wandering and coasting upon
the Caspian Sean for several (some say seven) years in which time he died.
24. Lamhfionn
and his fleet remained at sea for some time, after his father's
death, resting and refreshing themselves upon such islands as they
met with. It was then the Cachear, their magician or Druid, foretold
that there would be no end of their peregrinations and travel until
they should arrive at the Western Island of Europe, now called
Ireland, which was the place destined for their future and lasting
abode and settlement; and that not they but their posterity after
three hundred years should arrive there. After many traverses of
fortune at sea, this little fleet with their leader arrived at last
and landed at Gothia or Geulia-more recently called Lybia, where
Carthage was afterwards built; and, soon after, Lamhfionn died there.
25. Heber
Glunfionn was born in Gothia, where he died. His posterity continued
there to the eighth generation; and were kings or chief rulers there
for one hundred and fifty years-some say three hundred years.
26 Agnan Fionn;
27. Febric Glas;
28. Nenuall;
29. Nuadhad;
30. Alladh;
31. Arcadh; and
32. Deag: of
these nothing remarkable is mentioned, but that they lived and died
kings in Gothia or Getulia.
33. Brath was
born in Gothia. Remembering the Druid's prediction, and his people
having considerably multiplied during their abode in Geulia, he
departed thence with a numerous fleet to seek out the country
destined for their final settlement, by the prophecy of Cachear, the
Druid above mentioned; and, after some time, he landed upon the coast
of Spain, and by strong hand settled himself and his colony in
Galicia, in the north of that country.
34. Breoghan
(or Brigus) was king of Galicia, Andalusia, Murcia, Castile, and
Portugal-all of which he conquered. He built Breoghan's Tower or
Brigantia in Galicia, and the city of Brigantia or Braganza in
Portugal-called after him; and the kingdom of Castile was then also
called after him Brigia. It is considered that "Castile"
itself was so called from the figure of a castle which Brigus bore
for his Arms on his banner. Brigus sent a colony into Britain, who
settled in that territory now known as the counties of York,
Lancaster, Durham, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, and, after him were
called Brigantes; whose posterity gave formidable opposition to the
Romans, at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain.
35. Bilé;
was king of those countries after his father's death; and his son
Galamh [galav] or Milesius succeeded him. This Bilé had a
brother named Ithe.
36. Milesius,
in his youth and in his father's life-time, went into Scythia, where
he was kindly received by the king of that country, who gave him his
daughter in marriage, and appointed him General of his forces. In
this capacity Milesius defeated the king's enemies, gained much fame,
and the love of all the king's subjects. His growing greatness and
popularity excited against him the jealousy of the king; who, fearing
the worst, resolved on privately dispatching Milesius our of the way,
for, openly, he dare not attempt it. Admonished of the king's
intentions in his regard, Milesius slew him; and thereupon quitted
Scythia and retired into Egypt with a fleet of sixty sail. Pharaoh
Nectonibus, then king of Egypt, being informed of his arrival and of
his great valour, wisdom, and conduct in arms, made him General of
all his forces against the king of Ethiopia then invading his
country. Here, as in Scythia, Milesius was victorious; he forced the
enemy to submit to the conqueror's own terms of peace. By these
exploits Milesius found great favour with Pharaoh, who gave him,
being then a widower, his daughter Scota in marriage; and kept him
eight years afterwards in Egypt. During the sojourn of Milesius in
Egypt, he employed the most ingenious and able persons among his
people to be instructed in the several trades, arts, and sciences
used in Egypt; in order to have them taught to the rest of his people
on his return to Spain. [The original name of Milesius of Spain was
"Galamh" (gall: Irish, a stranger; amh, a negative affix),
which means, no stranger: meaning that he was no stranger in Egypt,
where he was called "Milethea Spaine," which was afterwards
contracted to "Miló Spaine" (meaning the Spanish
Hero), and finally to "Milesiius" (mileadh: Irish, a hero;
Lat. miles, a soldier).] At length Milesius took leave of his
father-in-law, and steered towards Spain; where he arrived to the
great joy and comfort of his people; who were much harassed by the
rebellion of the natives and by the intrusion of other foreign
nations that forced in after his father's death, and during his own
long absence from Spain. With these and those he often met; and, in
fifty-four battles, victoriously fought, he routed, destroyed, and
totally extirpated them out of the country, which he settled in peace
and quietness. In his reign a great dearth and famine occurred in
Spain, of twenty-six years' continuance, occasioned, as well by
reason of the former troubles which hindered the people from
cultivating, and manuring the ground, as for want of rain to moisten
the earth - but Milesius superstitiously believed the famine to have
fallen upon him and his people as a judgment and punishment from
their gods, for their negligence in seeking out the country destined
for their final abode, so long before foretold by Cachear their Druid
or magician, as already mentioned - the time limited by the prophecy
for the accomplishment thereof being now nearly, if not fully,
expired. To expiate his fault and to comply with the will of his
gods, Milesius, with the general approbation of his people, sent his
uncle Ithe, with his son Lughaidh [Luy], and one hundred and fifty
stout men to bring them an account of those western islands; who,
accordingly, arriving at the island since then called Ireland, and
landing in that part of it now called Munster, left his son with
fifty of his men to guard the ship, and with the rest travelled about
the island. Informed, among other things, that the three sons of
Cearmad, called Mac-Cuill, MacCeacht, and MacGreine, did then and for
thirty years before rule and govern the island, each for one year, in
his turn; and that the country was called after the names of their
three queens - Eire, Fodhla, and Banbha, respectively: one year
called "Eire," the next "Fodhla," and the next
"Banbha," as their husbands reigned in their regular turns;
by which names the island is ever since indifferently called, but
most commonly "Eire," because that MacCuill, the husband of
Eire, ruled and governed the country in his turn the year that the
Clan-na-Milé (or the sons of Milesius) arrived in and
conquered Ireland. And being further informed that the three brothers
were then at their palace at Aileach Neid, in the north part of the
country, engaged in the settlement of some disputes concerning their
family jewels, Ithe directed his course thither; sending orders to
his son to sail about with his ship and the rest of his men, and meet
him there. When Ithe arrived where the (Danann) brothers were, be was
honourably received and entertained by them; and, finding him to be a
mail of great wisdom. and knowledge, they referred their disputes to
him for decision. That decision having met their entire satisfaction,
Ithe exhorted them to mutual love, peace, and forbearance; adding
much in praise of their delightful, pleasant, and fruitful country;
and then took his leave, to return to his ship, and go back to Spain.
No sooner was he gone than the brothers; began to reflect on the high
commendations which Ithe gave of the Island; and, suspecting his
design of bringing others to invade it, resolved to prevent them, and
therefore pursued him with a strong party, overtook him, fought and
routed his men and wounded himself to death (before his son or the
rest of his men left on ship-board could come to his rescue) at a
place called, from that fight and his name, Magh Ithe or "The
plain of Ithe" (an extensive plain in the barony of Raphoe,
county Donegal); whence his son, having found him in that condition,
brought his dead and mangled body back into Spain, and there exposed
it to public view, thereby to excite his friends and relations to
avenge his murder. [Note: that all the invaders and planters of
Ireland, namely, Parthalonians, Neimhedh, the Firbolgs,
Tuatha-de-Danann, and Clan-na-Milé, where originally
Scythians, of the line of Japbet, who had the language called
Bearla-Tobbai or Gaoidhilg [Gaelic] common amongst them all; and
consequently not to be wondered at, that Ithe and the
Tuatha-de-Danann understood one another without an Interpreter - both
speaking the same language, though perhaps with some difference in
the accent]. The exposing of the dead body of Ithe had the desired
effect; for, thereupon, Milesius made great preparations in order to
invade Ireland - as well to avenge his uncle's death, as also in
obedience to the will of his gods, signified by the prophecy of
Cachear, aforesaid. But, before he could effect that object, he died,
leaving the care, and charge of that expedition upon his eight
legitimate sons by his two wives before mentioned. Milesius was a
very valiant champion, a great warrior, and fortunate and prosperous
in all his undertakings: witness his name of "Milesius,"
given him from the many battles (some say a thousand, which the word
"Milé" signifies in Irish as well as in Latin) which
he victoriously fought and won, as well in Spain, as in all the other
countries and kingdoms be traversed in his younger days. The eight
brothers were neither forgetful nor negligent in the execution of
their father's command; but, soon after his death, with a numerous
fleet well manned and equipped, set forth from Breoghan's Tower or
Brigantia (now Corunna) in Galicia, in Spain, and sailed prosperously
to the coasts of Ireland or lnis-Fail, where they met many
difficulties and various chances before they could land: occasioned
by the diabolical arts, sorceries, and enchantments used by the
Tuatha-de-Danann, to obstruct their landing; for, by their magic art,
they enchanted the island so as to appear to the Milesians or
Clan-na-Milé in the form of a Hog, and no way to come at it
(whence the island, among the many other names it had before, was
called "Muc-Inis or "The Hog Island"); and withal
raised so great a storm, that the Milesian fleet was thereby totally
dispersed and many of them cast away, wherein five of the eight
brothers, sons of Milesius, lost their lives. That part of the fleet
commanded by Heber, Heremon, and Amergin (the three surviving,
brothers), and Heber Donn, son of Ir (one of the brothers lost in the
storm), overcame all opposition, landed safe, fought and routed the
three Tuatha-de Danann Kings at Slieve-Mis, and thence pursued and
overtook them at Tailten, where another bloody battle was fought;
wherein the three (Tuatha-de-Danann) Kings and their Queens were
slain, and their army utterly routed and destroyed: so that they
could never after give any opposition to the Clan-na-Milé in
their new conquest; who, having thus sufficiently avenged the death
of their great uncle Ithe, gained the possession of the country
foretold them by Cachear, some ages past, as already mentioned. Heber
and Heremon, the chief leading men remaining of the eight brothers,
sons of Milesius aforesaid, divided the kingdom between them
(allotting a proportion of land to their brother Amergin, who was
their Arch-priest, Druid, or magician; and to their nephew Heber
Donn, and to the rest of their chief commanders), and became jointly
the first of one hundred and eighty-three Kings or sole Monarchs of
the Gaelic, Milesian, or Scottish Race, that ruled and governed
Ireland, successively, for two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five
years from the first year of their reign), Anno Mundi three thousand
five hundred, to their submission to the Crown of England in the
person of King Henry the Second; who, being also of the Milesian Race
by Maude, his mother, was lineally descended from Fergus Mór
MacEarca, first King of Scotland, who was descended from the said
Heremon - so that the succession may be truly said to continue in the
Milesian Blood from before Christ one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine
years down to the present time. Heber and Heremon reigned jointly
one year only, when, upon a difference between their ambitious wives,
they quarrelled and fought a battle at Ardeath or Geshill (Geashill,
near Tullamore in the King's County), where Heber was slain by
Heremon; and, soon after, Amergin, who claimed an equal share in the
government, was, in another battle fought between them, likewise
slain by Heremon. Thus, Heremon became sole Monarch, and made a new
division of the land amongst his comrades and friends, viz.: the
south part, now called Munster, he gave to his brother Heber's four
sons, Er, Orba, Feron, and Fergna; the north part, now Ulster, he
gave to Ir's only son Heber Donn; the east part or Coigeadh, Galian,
now called Leinster, be gave to Criomthann-sciath-bheil, one of his
commanders; and the west part, now called Connaught, Heremon gave to
Un-Mac-Oigge, another of his commanders; allotting a part of Munster
to Lughaidh (the son of Ithe, the first Milesian discoverer of
Ireland), amongst his brother Heber's sons. From these three
brothers, Heber, Ir, and Heremon (Amergin dying without issue), are
descended all the Milesian Irish of Ireland and Scotland, viz.: from
Heber, the eldest brother, the provincial Kings of Munster (of whom
thirty-eight were sole Monarchs of Ireland), and most of the nobility
and gentry of Munster, and many noble families in Scotland, are
descended. From Ir, the second brother, all the provincial Kings of
Ulster (of whom twenty-six were sole Monarchs of Ireland), and all
the ancient nobility and gentry of Ulster, and many noble families in
Leinster, Munster, and Connaught, derive their pedigrees; and, in
Scotland, the Clan-na-Rory - the descendants of an eminent man, named
Ruadhri or Roderick, who was Monarch of Ireland for seventy years
(viz., from Before Christ 288 to 218). From Heremon, the youngest of
the three brothers, were descended one hundred and fourteen sole
Monarchs of Ireland: the provincial Kings and Hermonian nobility and
gentry of Leinster, Connaught, Meath, Orgiall, Tirowen, Tirconnell,
and Clan-na-boy; the Kings of Dalriada; all the Kings of Scotland
from Fergus Mór MacEarea, down to the Stuarts; and the Kings
and Queens of England from Henry the Second down to tile present
time. The issue of Ithe is not accounted among the Milesian Irish or
Clan-na-Milé, as not being descended from Milesius, but from
his uncle Ithe; of whose posterity there were also some Monarchs of
Ireland (see Roll of the Irish Monarchs, infra), and many provincial
or half provincial Kings of Munster: that country upon its first
division being allocated to the sons of Heber and to Lughaidh, son of
Ithe, whose posterity continued there accordingly. This invasion,
conquest, or plantation of Ireland by the Milesian or Scottish Nation
took place in the Year of the World three thousand Ova hundred, or
the next year after Solomon began the foundation of the Temple of
Jerusalem, and one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine years before
the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ; which, according to the
Irish computation of Time, occurred Anno Mundi five thousand one
hundred and ninety-nine: therein agreeing with the Septuagint, Roman
Martyrologies, Eusebius, Orosius, and other ancient authors; which
computation the ancient Irish chroniclers exactly observed in their
Books of the Reigns of the Monarchs of Ireland, and other Antiquities
of that Kingdom ; out of which the Roll of the Monarchs of Ireland,
from the beginning of the Milesian Monarchy to their submission to
King Henry the Second of England, a Prince of their own Blood, is
exactly collected. [As the Milesian invasion of Ireland took place
the next year after the laying of the foundation of the Temple of
Jerusalem by Solomon, King of Israel, we may infer that Solomon was
contemporary with Milesius of Spain; and that the Pharaoh King of
Egypt, who (1 Kings iii. 1,) gave his daughter in marriage to
Solomon, was the Pharaoh who conferred on Milesius of Spain the hand
of another daughter Scota.] Milesius of Spain bore three Lions in his
shield and standard, for the following reasons; namely, that, in his
travels in his younger days into foreign countries, passing through
Africa, he, by his cunning and valour, killed in one morning three
Lions; and that, in memory of so noble and valiant an exploit, he
always after bore three Lions on his shield, which his two surviving
sons Heber and Heremon, and his grandson Heber Donn, son of Ir, after
their conquest of Ireland, divided amongst them, as well as they did
the country: each of them. bearing a Lion in his shield and banner,
but of different colours; which the Chiefs of their posterity
continue to this day: some with additions and differences; others
plain and entire as they had it from their ancestors.
37. Heremon:
his son. He and his eldest brother Heber were, jointly, the first
Milesian Monarchs of Ireland; they began to reign, A.M. 3,500, or,
Before Christ, 1699. After Heber was slain, B.C. 1698, Heremon
reigned singly for fourteen years; during which time a certain colony
called by the Irish Cruithneaigh, in English "Cruthneans"
or Picts, arrived in Ireland and requested Heremon to assign them a
part of the country to settle in, which he refused; but, giving them
as wives the widows of the Tuatha-de-Danans, slain in battle, he sent
them with a strong party of his own forces to conquer the country
then called "Alba," but now Scotland; conditionally, that
they and their posterity should be tributary to the Monarchs of
Ireland. Heremon died, B.C. 1683, and was succeeded by three of his
four sons, named Muimne, Luigne, and Laighean, who reigned jointly
for three years, and were slain by their Heberian successors.
38. Irial Faidh
("faidh": Irish, a prophet): his son; was the 10th Monarch
of Ireland; d. B.C. 1670. This was a very learned King; could
foretell things to come; and caused much of the country to be cleared
of the ancient forests. He likewise built seven royal palaces, viz.,
Rath Ciombaoith, Rath Coincheada, Rath Mothuig, Rath Buirioch, Rath
Luachat, Rath Croicne, and Rath Boachoill. He won four remarkable
battles over his enemies: - Ard Inmath, at Teabtha, where Stirne, the
son of Dubh, son of Fomhar, was slain; the second battle was at
Teanmhuighe, against the Fomhoraice, where Eichtghe, their leader,
was slain; the third was the battle of Loch Muighe, where Lugrot, the
son of Moghfeibhis, was slain; and the fourth was the battle of Cuill
Martho, where the four sons of Heber were defeated. Irial died in the
second year after this battle, having reigned 10 years, and was
buried at Magh Muagh.
39. Eithrial:
his son; was the 11th Monarch; reigned 20 years; and was slain by
Conmaol, the son of Heber Fionn, at the battle of Soirrean, in
Leinster, B.C. 1650.
This also was a
learned King, he wrote with his own hand the History of the Gaels (or
Gadelians); in his reign seven large woods were cleared and much
advance made in the practice of agriculture.
40. Foll-Aich:
his son; was kept out of the Monarchy by Conmaol, the slayer of his
father, who usurped his place.
41. Tigernmas:
his son; was the 13th Monarch, and reigned 77 years; according to
Keating, he reigned but 50 years; he fought twenty-seven battles with
the followers of the family of Heber Fionn, all which he gained. In
his reign gold was mined near the Liffey, and skilfully worked by
Inchadhan. This King also made a law that each grade of society
should be known by the number of colours in its wearing apparel: -
the clothes of a slave should be of one colour; those of a soldier of
two; the dress of a commanding officer to be of three colours; a
gentleman's dress, who kept a table for the free entertainment of
strangers, to be of four colours; five colours to be allowed to the
nobility (the chiefs); and the King, Queen, and Royal Family, as well
as the Druids, historians, and other learned men to wear six colours.
This King died,
B.C. 1543, on the Eve of 1st of November, with two-thirds of the
people of Ireland, at Magh Sleaght (or Field of Adoration), in the
county of Leitrim, as he was adoring the Sun-God, Crom Cruach (a quo Macroom).
Historians say
this Monarch was the first who introduced image worship in Ireland.
42. Enboath:
his son. It was in this prince's lifetime that the Kingdom was
divided in two parts by a line drawn from Drogheda to Limerick.
43. Smiomghall:
his son; in his lifetime the Picts in Scotland were forced to abide
by their oath, and pay homage to the Irish Monarch; seven large woods
were also cut down.
44. Fiacha
Labhrainn: his son; was the 18th Monarch; reigned 24 years; slew
Eochaidh Faobharglas, of the line of Heber, at the battle of Carman.
During his reign all the inhabitants of Scotland were brought in
subjection to the Irish Monarchy, and the conquest was secured by his
son the 20th Monarch. Fiacha at length (B.C. 1448) fell in the battle
of Bealgadain, by the hands of Eochaidh Mumho, the son of Moefeibhis,
of the race of Heber Fionn.
45. Aongus
Olmucach: his son; was the 20th Monarch; in his reign the Picts again
refused to pay the tribute imposed on them 250 years before, by
Heremon, but this Monarch went with a strong army into Alba and in
thirty pitched battles overcame them and forced them to pay the
required tribute.
Aongus was at
length slain by Eana, in the battle of Carman, B.C. 1409.
46. Main: his
son; was kept out of the Monarchy by Eadna, of the line of Heber
Fionn. In his time silver shields were given as rewards for bravery
to the Irish militia.
47.
Rotheachtach: his son; was the 22nd Monarch; slain, B.C. 1357, by
Sedne (or Seadhna), of the Line of Ir.
48. Dein: his
son; was kept out of the Monarchy by his father's slayer, and his
son. In his time gentlemen and noblemen first wore gold chains round
their necks, as a sign of their birth; and golden helmets were given
to brave soldiers,
49. Siorna
"Saoghalach" (long-oevus): his son; was the 34th Monarch;
he obtained the name "Saoghalach" on account of his
extraordinary long life; slain, B.C 1030, at Aillin, by Rotheachta,
of the line of Heber Fionn, who usurped the Monarchy, thereby
excluding from the throne -
50. Olioll
Aolcheoin: son of Siorna Saoghalach.
51. Gialchadh:
his son; was the 37th Monarch; killed by Art Imleach, of the Line of
Heber Fionn, at Moighe Muadh, B.C. 1013.
52. Nuadhas
Fionnfail: his son; was the 39th Monarch; slain by Breasrioghacta,
his successor, B.C. 961.
53. Aedan Glas:
his son. In his time the coast was infested with pirates; and there
occurred a dreadful plague (Apthach) which swept away most of the inhabitants.
54. Simeon
Breac: his son; was the 44th Monarch; he inhumanly caused his
predecessor to be torn asunder; but, after a reign of six years, he
met with a like death, by order of Duach Fionn, son to the murdered
King, B.C. 903.
55. Muredach
Bolgach: his son; was the 46th Monarch; killed by Eadhna Dearg, B.C.
892; he had two sons - Duach Teamhrach, and Fiacha.
56. Fiacha
Tolgrach: son of Muredach; was the 55th Monarch. His brother Duach
had two sons, Eochaidh Framhuine and Conang Beag-eaglach, who were
the 51st and 53rd Monarchs of Ireland.
Fiacha's life
was ended by the sword of Oilioll Fionn, of the Line of Heber Fionn,
B.C. 795.
57. Duach
Ladhrach: his son; was the 59th Monarch; killed by Lughaidh Laighe,
son of Oilioll Fionn, B.C. 737.
58. Eochaidh
Buadhach: his son; was kept out of the Monarchy by his father's
slayer. In his time the kingdom was twice visited with a plague.
59. Ugaine
Mór: his son. This Ugaine (or Hugony) the Great was the 66th
Monarch of Ireland. Was called Mór on account of his extensive
dominions, - being sovereign of all the Islands of Western Europe.
Was married to Cæsair, daughter to the King of France, and by
her had issue - twenty-two sons and three daughters. In order to
prevent these children encroaching on each other he divided the
Kingdom into twenty-five portions, allotting to each his (or her)
distinct inheritance. By means of this division the taxes of the
country were collected during the succeeding 300 years. All the sons
died without issue except two, viz: - Laeghaire Lorc, ancestor of all
the Leinster Heremonians; and Cobthach Caolbhreagh, from whom the
Heremonians of Leath Cuinn, viz., Meath, Ulster, and Conacht derive
their pedigree.
Ugaine was at
length, B.C. 593, slain by Badhbhchadh, who failed to secure the
fruits of his murder - the Irish Throne, as he was executed by order
of Laeghaire Lorc, the murdered Monarch's son, who became the 68th Monarch.
60. Colethach
Caol-bhreagh: son of Ugaine Mór; was the 69th Monarch; it is
said, that, to secure the Throne, he assassinated his brother
Laeghaire; after a long reign he was at length slain by Maion, his
nephew, B.C. 541.
61. Melg
Molbhthach: his son; was the 71st Monarch; was slain by Modhchorb,
son of Cobhthach Caomh, of the Line of Heber Fionn, B.C. 541.
62. Iaran
Gleofathach: his son; was the 74th Monarch; was a King of great
justice and wisdom very well learned and possessed of many
accomplishments; slain by Fear-Chorb, son of Modh-Chorb, B.C. 473.
63. Conla
Caomh: his son; was the 74th Monarch of Ireland; died a natural
death, B.C. 442.
64. Olioll
Cas-fiachlach: his son; was the 77th Monarch; slain by his successor,
Adhamhar Foltchaion, B.C. 417.
65. Eochaidh
Alt-Leathan: his son; was the 79th Monarch; slain by Feargus
Fortamhail, his successor, B.C. 395.
66. Aongus (or
Æneas) Tuirmeach-Teamrach: his son; was the 81st Monarch; his
son, Fiacha Firmara (so called from being exposed in a small boat on
the sea) was ancestor of the Kings of Dalriada and Argyle in
Scotland. This Aongus was slain at Tara (Teamhrach), B.C. 324.
67. Enna
Aigneach: the legitimate son of Aongus; was the 84th Monarch; was of
a very bountiful disposition, and exceedingly munificent in his
donations. This King lost his life by the hands of Criomthan
Cosgrach, B.C. 292.
68. Assaman
Eamhna: his son; was excluded from the Throne by his father's murderer.
69. Roighen
Ruadh: his son; in his time most of the cattle in Ireland died of murrain.
70. Fionnlogh:
his son.
71. Fionn: his
son; m. Benia, daughter of Criomthan; had two sons.
72. Eochaidh
Feidlioch: his son; was the 93rd Monarch; m Clothfionn, daughter of
Eochaidh Uchtleathan, who was a very virtuous lady. By him she had
three children at a birth - Breas, Nar, and Lothar (the Fineamhas),
who were slain at the battle of Dromchriadh; after their death, a
melancholy settled on the Monarch, hence his name "Feidhlioch."
This Monarch
caused the division of the Kingdom by Ugaine Mór into
twenty-five parts, to cease; and ordered that the ancient Firvolgian
division into Provinces should be resumed, viz., Two Munsters,
Leinster, Conacht, and Ulster.
He also divided
the government of these Provinces amongst his favourite courtiers: -
Conacht he divided into three parts between Fiodhach, Eochaidh Allat,
and Tinne, son of Conragh, son of Ruadhri Mór, No 62 on the
"Line of Ir;" Ulster (Uladh) he gave to Feargus, the son of
Leighe; Leinster he gave to Ros, the son of Feargus Fairge; and the
two Munsters he gave to Tighernach Teadhbheamach and Deagbadah.
After this
division of the Kingdom, Eochaidh proceeded to erect a Royal Palace
in Conacht; this he built on Tinne's government in a place called
Druin-na-n Druagh, now Craughan (from Craughan Crodhearg, Maedhbh's
mother, to whom she gave the palace), but previously, Rath Eochaidh.
About the same time he bestowed his daughter the Princess Maedhbh on
Tinne, whom he constituted King of Conacht; Maedhbh being hereditary
Queen of that Province.
After many
years reign Tinne was slain by Maceacht (or Monaire) at Tara. After
ten years' undivided reign, Queen Maedhbh married Oilioll Mór,
son of Ros Ruadh, of Leinster, to whom she bore the seven Maine;
Oilioll Mór was at length slain by Conall Cearnach, who was
soon after killed by the people of Conacht. Maedhbh was at length
slain by Ferbhuidhe, the son of Conor MacNeasa (Neasa was his
mother); but in reality this Conor was the son of Fachtna Fathach,
son of Cas, son of Ruadhri Mór, of the Line of Ir.
This Monarch,
Eochaidh, died at Tara, B.C. 130.
73.
Bress-Nar-Lothar: his son. In his time the Irish first dug graves
beneath the surface to bury their dead; previously they laid the body
on the surface and heaped stones over it. He had also been named Fineamhnas.
74. Lughaidh
Sriabh-n Dearg: his son; was the 98th Monarch; he entered into an
alliance with the King of Denmark, whose daughter, Dearborguill, he
obtained as his wife; he killed himself by falling on his sword in
the eighth year Before CHRIST.
75.
Crimthann-Niadh-Nar: his son; who was the 100th Monarch of Ireland,
and styled "The Heroic." It was in this Monarch's reign
that our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST was born.
Crimthann's
death was occasioned by a fall from his horse, B.C. 9. Was married to
Nar-Tath-Chaoch, daughter of Laoch, son of Daire, who lived in the
land of the Picts (Scotland).
76. Feredach
Fionn-Feachtnach: his son; was the 102nd Monarch. The epithet
"feachtnach" was applied to this Monarch because of his
truth and sincerity. In his reign lived Moran, the son of Maom, a
celebrated Brehon, or Chief Justice of the Kingdom; it is said that
he was the first who wore the wonderful collar called Iodhain Morain;
this collar possessed a wonderful property: - if the judge who wore
it attempted to pass a false judgment it would immediately contract,
so as nearly to stop his breathing; but if he reversed such false
sentence the collar would at once enlarge itself, and hang loose
around his neck. This collar was also caused to be worn by those who
acted as witnesses, so as to test the accuracy of their evidence.
This Monarch, Feredach, died a natural death at the regal city at
Tara, A.D. 36.
77. Fiacha
Fionn Ola: his son; was the 104th Monarch; reigned 17 years, and was
(A.D. 56) slain by Eiliomh MacConrach, of the Race of Ir, who
succeeded him on the throne. This Fiacha was married to Eithne,
daughter of the King of Alba; whither, being near her confinement at
the death of her husband, she went, and was there delivered of a son,
who was named Tuathal.
78. Tuathal
Teachtmar: that son; was the 106th Monarch of Ireland. When Tuathal
came of age, he got together his friends, and, with what aid his
grandfather the king of Alba gave him, came into Ireland and fought
and overcame his enemies in twenty-five battles in Ulster,
twenty-five in Leinster, as many in Connaught, and thirty-five in
Munster. And having thus restored the true royal blood and heirs to
their respective provincial kingdoms, he thought fit to take, as he
accordingly did with their consent, fron each of the four divisions
or provinces Munster, Leinster, Connaught, and Ulster, a considerable
tract of ground which was the next adjoining to Uisneach (where
Tuathal had a palace): one east, another west, a third south, and a
fourth on the north of it; and appointed all four (tracts of ground
so taken from the four provinces) under the name of Midhe or
"Meath" to belong for ever after to the Monarch's own
peculiar demesne for the maintenance of his table; on each of which
several portions he built a royal palace for himself and his heirs
and successors; for every of which portions the Monarch ordained a
certain chiefry or tribute to be yearly paid to the provincial Kings
from whose provinces the said portions were taken, which may be seen
at large in the Chronicles. It was this Monarch that imposed the
great and insupportable fine (or "Eric") of 6,000 cows or
beeves, as many fat muttons, (as many) hogs, 6,000 mantles, 6,000
ounces (or "Uinge") of silver, and 12,000 (others have it
6,000) cauldrons or pots of brass, to be paid every second year by
the province of Leinster to the Monarchs of Ireland for ever, for the
death of his only two daughters Fithir and Darina. (See Paper
"Ancient Leinster Tributes," in the Appendix). This tribute
was punctually taken and exacted, sometimes by fire and sword, during
the reigns of forty Monarchs of Ireland upwards of six hundred years,
until at last remitted by Finachta Fleadhach, the 153rd Monarch of
Ireland, and the 26th Christian Monarch, at the request and earnest
solicitation of St. Moling. At the end of thirty years' reign, the
Monarch Tuathal was slain by his successor Mal, A.D. 106.
This Monarch
erected Royal Palace at Tailtean; around the grave of Queen Tailte he
caused the Fairs to be resumed on La Lughnasa (Lewy's Day), to which
were brought all of the youth of both sexes of a suitable age to be
married, at which Fair the marriage articles were agreed upon, and
the ceremony performed.
Tuathal married
Baine, the daughter of Sgaile Balbh, King of England.
79. Fedhlimidh
(Felim) Rachtmar: his son; was so called as being a maker of
excellent wholesome laws, among which he established with all
firmness that of "Retaliation;" kept to it inviolably; and
by that means preserved the people in peace, quiet, plenty, and
security during his time. This Felim was the 108th Monarch; reigned
nine years; and, after all his pomp and greatness, died of thirst,
A.D. 119. He married Ughna, daughter of the King of Denmark.
80. Conn
Ceadcathach (or Conn of the Hundred Battles); his son; This Conn was
so called from hundreds of battles by him fought and won: viz., sixty
battles against Cahir Mór, King of Leinster and the 109th
Monarch of Ireland, whom he slew and succeeded in the Monarchy; one
hundred battles against the Ulsterians; and one hundred more in
Munster against Owen Mór (or Mogha Nua-Dhad), their King, who,
notwithstanding, forced the said Conn to an equal division of the
Kingdom with him. He had two brothers - 1. Eochaidh Fionn-Fohart, 2.
Fiacha Suidhe, who, to make way for themselves, murdered two of their
brother's sons named Conla Ruadh and Crionna; but they were by the
third son Art Eanfhear banished, first into Leinster, and then into
Munster, where they lived near Cashel. They were seated at Deici
Teamhrach (now the barony of Desee in Meath), whence they were
expelled by the Monarch Cormac Ulfhada, son of Art; and, after
various wanderings, they went to Munster where Oilioll Olum, who was
married to Sadhbh, daughter of Conn of the Hundred Battles, gave them
a large district of the present county of Waterford, a part of which
is still called Na-Deiseacha, or the baronies of Desies. They were
also given the country comprised in the present baronies of Clonmel,
Upper-Third, and Middle-Third, in the co. Tipperary, which they held
till the Anglo-Norman Invasion. From Eochaidh Fionn-Fohart decended
O'Nowlan or Nolan of Fowerty (or Foharta), in Lease (or Leix), and
Saint Bridget; and from Fiacha Suidhe are O'Dolan, O'Brick of
Dunbrick, and O'Faelan of Dun Faelan, near Cashel. Conn of the
Hundred Battles had also three daughters: 1. Sadhbh, who m. first,
MacNiadh, after whose death she m. Oilioll Olum, King of Munster.
(See No. 84 on the "Line of Heber"); 2. Maoin; and 3. Sarah
(or Sarad), m. to Conan MacMogha Laine. - (See No. 81. infra).
Conn reigned 35
years; but was at length barbarously slain by Tiobraidhe Tireach, son
of Mal, son of Rochruidhe, King of Ulster. This murder was committed
in Tara, A.D. 157, when Conn chanced to be alone and unattended by
his guards; the assassins were fifty ruffians, disguised as women,
whom the King of Ulster employed for the purpose.
81. Art
Eanfhear ("art:" Irish, a bear, a stone; noble, great,
generous; hardness, cruelty. "Ean:" Irish, one;
"fhear," "ar," the man; Gr. "Ar," The
Man, or God of War): son of Conn of the Hundred Fights; a quo
O'h-Airt, anglicised O'Hart. This Art, who was the 112th Monarch of
Ireland, had three sisters - one of whom Sarad was the wife of
Conaire Mac Mogha Laine, the 111th Monarch, by whom she had three
sons called the "Three Cairbres," viz. - 1. Cairbre (alias
Eochaidh) Riada - a quo "Dalriada," in Ireland, and in
Scotland; 2. Cairbre Bascaon; 3. Cairbre Musc, who was the ancestor
of O'Falvey, lords of Corcaguiney, etc. Sabina (or Sadhbh), another
sister, was the wife of MacNiadh [nia], half King of Munster (of the
Sept of Lughaidh, son of Ithe), by whom she had a son named Maccon;
and by her second husband Olioll Olum she had nine sons, seven
whereof were slain by their half brother Maccon, in the famous battle
of Magh Mucroimhe [muccrove], in the county of Galway, where also the
Monarch Art himself fell, siding with his brother-in-law Olioll Olum
against the said Maccon, after a reign of thirty years, A.D. 195.
This Art was married to Maedhbh, Leathdearg, the daughter of Conann
Cualann; from this Queen, Rath Maedhbhe, near Tara, obtained its name.
82. Cormac
Ulfhada: son of Art Eanfhear; m. Eithne, daughter of Dunlang, King of
Leinster; had three elder brothers - 1. Artghen, 2. Boindia, 3.
Bonnrigh. He had also six sons - 1. Cairbre Lifeachar, 2. Muireadach,
3. Moghruith, 4. Ceallach, 5. Daire, 6. Aongus Fionn: Nos. 4 and 5
left no issue. King Cormac Mac Art was the 115th Monarch of Ireland;
and was called "Ulfhada," because of his long beard. He was
the wisest, most learned, and best of any of the Milesian race before
him, that ruled the Kingdom. He ordained several good laws; wrote
several learned treatises, among which his treatise on "Kingly
Government," directed to his son Carbry Liffechar, is extant and
extraordinary. He was very magnificent in his housekeeping and
attendants, having always one thousand one hundred and fifty persons
in his daily retinue constantly attending at his Great Hall at Tara;
which was three hundred feet long, thirty cubits high, and fifty
cubits broad, with fourteen doors to it. His daily service of plate,
flagons, drinking cups of gold, silver., and precious stone, at his
table, ordinarily consisted of one hundred and fifty pieces, besides
dishes, etc., which were all pure silver or gold. He ordained that
ten choice persons should constantly attend him and his successors -
Monarchs of Ireland, and never to be absent from him, viz. - 1. A
nobleman to be his companion; 2. A judge to deliver and explain the
laws of the country in the King's presence upon all occasions; 3. An
antiquary or historiographer to declare and preserve the genealogies,
acts, and occurrences of the nobility and gentry from time to time as
occasion required; 4. A Druid or Magician to offer sacrifice, and
presage good or bad omens, as his learning, skill, or knowledge would
enable him; 5. A poet to praise or dispraise every one according to
his good or bad actions; 6. A physician to administer physic to the
king and queen, and to the rest of the (royal) family; 7. A musician
to compose music, and sing pleasant sonnets in the King's presence
when there-unto disposed; and 8, 9, and 10, three Stewards to govern
the King's House in all things appertaining thereunto. This custom
was observed by all the succeeding Monarchs down to Brian Boromha
[Boru], the 175th Monarch of Ireland, and the 60th down from Cormac,
without any alteration only that since they received the Christian
Faith they changed the Druid or Magician for a Prelate of the Church.
What is besides
delivered from antiquity of this great Monarch is, that (which among
the truly wise is more valuable than any worldly magnificence or
secular glory whatsoever) he was to all mankind very just, and so
upright in his actions, judgments, and laws, that God revealed unto
him the light of His Faith seven years before his death; and from
thenceforward he refused his Druids to worship their idol-gods, and
openly professed he would no more worship any but the true God of the
Universe, the Immortal and Invisible King of Ages. Whereupon the
Druids sought his destruction, which they soon after effected (God
permitting it) by their adjurations and ministry of damned spirits
choking him as he sat at dinner eating of salmon, some say by a bone
of the fish sticking in his throat, A.D. 266, after he had reigned
forty years. Of the six sons of Cormac Mac Art, no issue is recorded
from any [of them], but from Cairbre-Lifeachar; he had also ten
daughters, but there is no account of any of them only two - namely,
Grace (or Grania), and Ailbh [alve], who were both successively the
wives of the great champion and general of the Irish Militia, Fionn,
the son of Cubhall [Coole]. The mother of Cormac MacArt was Eachtach,
the daughter of Ulcheatagh.
Cormac was
married to Eithne Ollamhdha, daughter of Dunlang, son of Eana Niadh;
she was fostered by Buiciodh Brughach, in Leinster.
83.
Cairbre-Lifeachar, the 117th Monarch of Ireland: son of King Cormac
Mac Art; was so called from his having been nursed by the side of the
Liffey, the river on which Dublin is built. His mother was Eithne,
daughter of Dunlong, King of Leinster. He had three sons - 1.
Eochaidh Dubhlen; 2. Eocho; and 3. Fiacha Srabhteine, who was the
120th Monarch of Ireland, and the ancestor of O'Neill, Princes of
Tyrone. Fiacha Srabhteine was so called, from his having been
fostered at Dunsrabhteine, in Connaught; of which province he was
King, before his elevation to the Monarchy. After seventeen years'
reign, the Monarch Cairbre Lifeachar was slain at the battle of
Gabhra [Gaura], A.D. 284, by Simeon, the son of Ceirb, who came from
the south of Leinster to this battle, fought by the Militia of
Ireland, who were called the Fiana Erionn (or Fenians), and arising
from a quarrel which happened between the; in which the Monarch,
taking part with one side against the other, lost his life.
84. Fiacha
Srabhteine, King of Conacht, and the 120th Monarch of Ireland: son of
Cairbre-Liffechar; married Aoife, daughter of the King of Gall
Gaodhal. This Fiacha, after 37 years' reign, was, in the battleof
Dubhcomar, A.D. 322, slain by his nephews, the Three Collas, to make
room for Colla Uais, who seized on, and kept, the Monarchy for four
years. From those three Collas the "Clan Colla" were so called.
85. Muireadach
Tireach: son of Fiacha Srabhteine; m. Muirion, daughter of Fiachadh,
King of Ulster; and having, in A.D. 326, fought and defeated Colla
Uais, and banished him and his two brothers into Scotland, regained
his father's Throne, which he kept as the 122nd Monarch for 30 years.
86. Eochaidh
Muigh-Meadhoin [Moyvone]: his son; was the 124th Monarch; and in the
8th year of his reign died a natural death at Tara, A.D. 365; leaving
issue four sons, viz., by his first wife Mong Fionn: - I. Brian; II.
Fiachra; III. Olioll; IV. Fergus. And, by his second wife, Carthan
Cais Dubh (or Carinna), daughter of the Celtic King of Britain, - V.
Niall Mór, commonly called "Niall of the Nine
Hostages." Mong Fionn was daughter of Fiodhach, and sister of
Crimthann, King of Munster, of the Heberian Sept, and successor of
Eochaidh in the Monarchy. This Crimthann was poisoned by his sister
Mong-Fionn, in hopes that Brian, her eldest son by Eochaidh, would
succeed in the Monarchy. To avoid suspicion she herself drank of the
same poisoned cup which she presented to her brother; but,
notwithstanding that she lost her life by so doing, yet her
expectations were not realised, for the said Brian and her other
three sons by the said Eochaidh were laid aside (whether out of
horror of the mother's inhumanity in poisoning her brother, or
otherwise, is not known), and the youngest son of Eochaidh, by
Carthan Cais Dubh, was preferred to the Monarchy. I. Brian, from him
were descended the Kings, nobility and gentry of Conacht - Tirloch
Mór O'Connor, the 121st, and Roderic O'Connor, the 183rd
Monarch of Ireland. II. Fiachra's descendants gave their name to
Tir-Fiachra ("Tireragh"), co. Sligo, and possessed also
parts of co. Mayo. III. Olioll's descendants settled in Sligo - in
Tir Oliolla (or Tirerill). This Fiachra had five sons: - 1. Earc
Cuilbhuide; 2. Breasal; 3. Conaire; 4. Feredach (or Dathi); and 5. Amhalgaidh.
87.
Niall Mór: son of Eochaidh Muigh-Meadhoin; a quo the
"Uí Néill" of Ulster, Meath, and Conacht.
In Niall's rise
to Kingship he had to overcome his wicked stepmother, Mongfhinn, who
abandoned him as a baby, naked on a hill. He is raised by a wandering
bard, Torna Eices. Sithchenn the Smith fortells he will be High King.
Then he comes across an old hag who demands that he and his
companions give her a kiss. Only Niall has the courage to do so, and
she turns into a beautiful woman named Flaithius ( Royalty), the
personification of sovranty. She fortells that he will be the
greatest of Ireland's High Kings. Niall is a very interesting
historical figure, curiously enough part of his story starts in
England in 1919. In that year archeologists discovered a hoard of
Roman silver plate, dating from Valens (365-378) to the early reign
of Honorous (395-423 AD.). This find was compared to 1,506 Roman
silver coins from a 1854 excavation in County Londonderry which dated
from Constantius II to Honorius. It created great debate among
English historians as to how these coins were brought to England from
the continent and buried. These and other finds had coins from
earlier times up to Honorus, but none beyond. Including the North
Mendip hoard; 2,042 coins from Constans to Honorous, there were
approximately 13 finds altogether. Who brought these coins to England
and Northern Ireland? After the Roman Emperor Theodosius I died
(January 17, 385) it gave the green light to the Franks, Saxons,
Picts, Scots and Irish to sack the European Continent, and they did.
Honorius succeeded his father Theodosius and sent The Roman Army
under the Vandal Stilcho north to take care of the raiders. Stilcho
was successful in putting down the raiders on the continent, but he
could not stop the raiders from Ireland. The Roman historian Claudian
makes it clear that" the most formidable onslaught had come from
Ireland under one powerful leader acting in co-operation with the
Picts and Saxons." Here is where we get back to Niall, the Irish
Annals of the Four Masters states that "Niall began to reign in
379. He was not only the paramount king of Ireland, but one of the
most powerful to ever hold that office, and was therefore one of the
few Irish kings able to mobilize great forces for foreign
expeditions." Niall went to Scotland in order to strengthen his
power and gained alliances with the Scots and Picts, he then marched
to Laegria and sent a fleet to Armorica (France) in order to plunder.
He established the Dal Riada which was the name for this
conglomeration of Irish, Scots and Picts. These raids led to amazing
results. Keating in his History of Ireland states that "St.
Patrick was brought as a captive to Ireland in the ninth year in the
reign of Niall," it was this time when Niall was on his
expedition to Scotland and France. An Irish fleet went to the place
where Patrick dwelt, then aged 16 years, and as was the custom of the
Irish, they brought a large number of hostages with them along with
Patrick's two sisters Lupida and Daererca. Niall had pillaged Wales,
Scotland, England and France. Keating also states that "Niall
having taken many captives returned to Ireland and proceeded to
assemble additional forces and sent word to the chief of the Dal
Riada, requesting him to follow with all his host to France."
Niall set out for the new adventure with Gabhran, the chief of the
Del Raida, to plunder France at the river Loire. With this group was
Eochaida who had been banished as the King of Leinster and had plans
to be the High King of Ireland. While crossing The English Channel
Niall was killed by an arrow from Eochaida. Niall had been High King
of Ireland for twenty-seven years. Niall played a great part in
breaking down Roman power in Britain and France between the years of
379 and 406. Keating states that "Wales ceased to be controlled
by the central government from 380-400 due to Niall". Prof. Sir
William Ridgeway states that the coins found in the excavations
mentioned earlier were brought back by Niall's companions after his
death and buried. And the interest created by the coins helped to
make Niall a historical reality. A lot of what is now known about
Niall was found while digging around to answer the questions about
the coins. Niall of the Nine Hostages died a pagan, but after the
dawn of Christianity in Ireland, his descendants were foremost in
promoting and endowing the Christian Church in Ireland, and nearly
300 of them were canonized as Saints.
He was twice
married: - his first Queen was Inne, the daughter of Luighdheach, who
was the relict of Fiachadh; his second Queen was Roigneach, by whom
he had Nos. I., II., III., IV., V., VI., and VII., as given below.
This Niall Mór succeeded his Uncle Crimthann; and was the
126th Monarch of Ireland. He was a stout, wise, and warlike prince,
and fortunate in all his conquests and achievements, and therefore
called "Great." He was also called Niall Naoi-Ghiallach or
"Niall of the Nine Hostages," from the royal hostages taken
from nine several countries by him subdued and made tributary: viz.,
- 1. Munster, 2. Leinster, 3. Connacht, 4. Ulster, 5. Britain, 6. the
Picts, 7. the Dalriads, 8. the Saxons, and 9. the Morini - a people
of France, towards Calais and Piccardy; whence he marched with his
victorious army of Irish, Scots, Picts, and Britons, further into
France, in order to aid the Celtic natives in expelling the Roman
Eagles, and thus to conquer that portion of the Roman Empire; and,
encamping on the river Leor (now called Lianne), was, as he sat by
the river side, treacherously assassinated by Eocha, son of Enna
Cinsalach, king of Leinster, in revenge of a former "wrong"
by him received from the said Niall. The spot on the Leor (not
"Loire") where this Monarch was murdered is still called
the "Ford of Niall," near Boulogne-sur-mer. It was in the
ninth year of his reign that St. Patrick was first brought into
Ireland, at the age of 16 years, among two hundred children brought
by the Irish Army out of Little Brittany (called also Armorica), in
France. Niall Mór was the first that gave the name of Scotia
Minor to "Scotland," and ordained it to be ever after so
called; until then it went by the name of "Alba."
Niall had
twelve sons: - I. Eoghan (who gave his name to Tir Eoghain or
Tyrone); II. Laeghaire (or Leary), the 128th Monarch, in the 4th year
of whose reign St. Patrick, the second time, came into Ireland to
plant the Christian Faith, A.D. 432; III. Conall Crimthann, ancestor
of O'Melaghlin, Kings of Meath; IV. Conall Gulban, ancestor of
O'Donnell (princes, lords, and earls of the territory of Tirconnell -
Donegal), and of O'Boyle, O'Dogherty, O'Gallagher, etc.; V. Fiacha,
from whom the territory from Birr to the Hill of Uisneach in Media Hiberniae
(or Meath) is called "Cineal Fiacha," and from him
MacGeoghagan, lords of that territory, O'Molloy, O'Donechar, Donaher
(or Dooner), etc., derive their pedigree; VI. Main, whose patrimony
was all the tract of land from Lochree to Loch Annin, near Mullingar,
and from whom are descended Fox (lords of the Muintir Tagan
territory), MacGawley, O'Dugan, O'Mulchonry (the princes antiquaries
of Ireland), O'Henergy, etc.; VII. Cairbre, ancestor of OFlanagan, of
Tua Ratha, "Muintir Cathalan" (or Cahill) etc.; VIII.
Fergus (a quo "Cineal Fergusa" or Ferguson), ancestor of
O'Hagan, etc.; IX. Enna; X. Aongus or Æneas; XI. Ualdhearg; and
XII. Fergus Altleathan. Of these last four sons we find no issue.
88. Fiach: son
of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
89. Tuathal:
his son; whose brother Eochaidh was ancestor of Molloy, and other
brother Uigin, the ancestor of Higgins.
90. Amhailgadh
[Awly]: son of Tuathal.
91. Coscrach:
his son.
92.
Eochagán ("each:" Irish, a horse; Lat. "eq -
uus;" Gr. "ikk - os"), meaning a little horse:"
his son; a quo MacEochagáin (Geoghegan).
93. Rory: his son.
94. Awly (2):
his son.
95.
Giollacolum: his son.
96. Creamthann:
his son.
97. Eochaidh:
his son.
98. Florence:
his son.
99. Awly (3):
his son.
100. Donoch:
his son.
101. Congal:
his son.
102. Anluan:
his son.
103. Coscrach
(2): his son; a quo Cnoc Ui Coscraigh.
104. Malachi:
his son.
105. Murtach:
his son.
106. Congal
(2): his son.
107. Cucogar:
his son.
108. Cucalma
("calma:" Irish, brave; Heb. "chalam," he
prevailed): his son; a quo MacCalma, anglicised MacCalmont, and Culm.
109. Murtach
(2): his son.
110. Congal
(3): his son.
111. Congal
(4): his son.
112. Donoch
(2): his son.
113. Congal
(5): his son.
114. Murtach
Mór: his son.
115. Donoch
(3): his son.
116. Dermod:
his son.
117. Aodh
Buidhe (Hugh Boy): his son.
118. Conla: his
son; had one brother.
119. Leineach
Cairach: his son.
120. Conchobhar
[connor]: his son.
121. Conla (2):
his son.
122. Ros: his son.
123. Neal: his
son; had three brothers.
124. Conall:
his son; had an elder brother named Ros, whose only son named Richard
died without issue.
125. Conla (2):
son of Conall.
126. Charles:
his son; had two brothers.
127. Connor
MacGeoghagan of Moycashel: his son; living in 1690.