108-632: Clan Sweeney is an Irish clan of Scottish origin. The Mac Suibhne family did not permanently settle in Ireland before the beginning of the 14th century, when they became Gallowglass soldiers for the Ua Domnaill dynasty of Tír Chonaill . The clan also claims an Irish descent from a prince of the Uí Néill dynasty , Ánrothán Ua Néill , son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill , King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain , died 1036. Through this descent
216-498: A taoiseach or chief who had the status of royalty and the smaller and more dependent clans were led by chieftains. Under brehon law , the leaders of Irish clans were appointed by their kinsmen as custodians of the clan and were responsible for maintaining and protecting their clan and its property. The clan system formed the basis of society up to the 17th century. According to T. F. O'Rahilly , in his works Goides and Their Predecessors and later Early Irish History , there were
324-428: A captain of Gallowglass captured in the battle. Ruaidhrí succeeded his deceased father and built Rathmullan castle. Ruaidhrí's wife, Máire, was a daughter of Ó Máille, and was known for her piety. Ruaidhrí and Máire built Carmelite priory at Rathmullan which was completed in 1516. Ruaidhrí had many successful campaigns with Ó Domhnaill, though in 1497 Conn Ó Domhnaill was defeated in battle by Tadhg Diarmada and Ruaidhrí
432-703: A centralised royal administration in which the county and the sheriff replaced the "country" and the clan chief. When the Kingdom of Ireland was created in 1541, the Dublin administration wanted to involve the Gaelic chiefs into the new entity, creating new titles for them such as the Baron Upper Ossory , Earl of Tyrone , and Baron Inchiquin . In the process, they were granted new coats of arms from 1552. The associated policy of surrender and regrant involved
540-674: A change to succession to a title by the European system of primogeniture , and not by the Irish tanistry , where a group of male cousins of a chief were eligible to succeed by election. The early 17th century was a watershed in Ireland. It marked the destruction of Ireland's ancient Gaelic aristocracy following the Tudor re-conquest and cleared the way for the Plantation of Ulster . In 1607
648-524: A diplomatic mission, Comyn (who may have resigned the guardianship during Soules's tenure in 1301–2) became sole Guardian, occupying the position for the next two years. Comyn became Lord of Badenoch following his father's death that same year. There was a certain inevitability to the Comyn domination of Scottish government in the years before 1304: they were the most powerful of the noble families, having more military resources and more control, particularly in
756-461: A four generation group in early medieval Ireland but in late medieval Ireland it was almost always the son, brother or nephew of the king. As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Cruthin were the first Celts to settle in Ireland between about 800 and 500 BC. In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes. Although it is not possible to prove O'Rahilly's history of
864-553: A good bawne , and a house, all of lime and stone, in which with his family, he dwelleth." Domhnall's son, Dormhnall Gorm, married a daughter of Eoghan Óg Mac Suibhne na dTuath and had ten children, before dying in 1637. Dormhnall Gorm's sons, Domhnall Óg and Aodh Buidhe are recorded having lands in Clondavaddog in north Fanad, held forfeit after the Irish Rebellion of 1641 . Na Trí Tuatha or Tuatha Toraighe, which
972-772: A group known as the Feni who came to Ireland directly from the Continent and according to tradition landed in south Kerry and the Boyne estuary. The earlier inhabitants of the country fiercely resisted the newcomers who were referred to as the Gaeil because they spoke the Gaelic language . The power and influence of the Gaeils gradually spread over the next three centuries, northwards, from Kerry into Tipperary and Limerick , as well as to
1080-598: A historic manuscript written in the 11th century, also known as the Book of the Invasions of Ireland , and not historic facts based on contemporary evidence. J. P. Mallory stated that O'Rahilly has argued that this manuscript showed that the medieval people of Ireland had seen a series of invasions from whom various dynasties and families might have traced their origins to. According to Mallory, Ireland may have been inhabited by Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) hunters, but that
1188-560: A meeting. After Sir Richard Edgar encouraged Robert to slay the Red Comyn, Robert stabbed him and rushed out to tell Roger de Kirkpatrick . Kirkpatrick went in to finish the job uttering: "You doubt! I mak siccar!" ("I make sure!") while Sir Robert Fleming decapitated Comyn, presenting the head to Robert, stating: "Let the deed shaw" ("Let the deed show"). Apart from these bare facts, nothing certain can be gathered from contemporary accounts. While later Scottish sources all try to justify
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#17327727778251296-472: A nephew (son of Murchadh Mall). The last lord of Na Tuatha was Maol Mhuire. In early 1598 Maol Mhuire took the side of the English against Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill but was defeated and was consequently banished from his lands by Ó Domhnaill. In May 1600 Maol Mhuire was knighted for his support of the English, though later in the same year he had switched sides, sided with Ó Domhnaill, and was then captured by
1404-580: A patrilineal grandfather or great-grandfather. However, according to Eoin MacNeill , the system known as Tanistry which also took place before the position of king or chief had become vacant is not found in records until the time of feudalism in Ireland which was not until the time of the Normans, and it was preceded by the similar system known as Rigdomna but which took place only after the position of king or chief had become vacant. This theory however,
1512-756: A period of time and the leaders of some were accorded the status of royalty in Gaelic Ireland. Some of the more important septs to achieve this power were O'Connor in Connacht, MacCarthy of Desmond and O'Brien of Thomond in Munster, Ó Neill of Clandeboy in Ulster, and MacMorrough Kavanagh in Leinster. The largely symbolic role of High king of Ireland tended to rotate among the leaders of these royal clans. The larger or more important clans were led by
1620-616: A total of four waves of Celtic invasions of the British Isles and that the first three of these were pre-Gaelic. According to O'Rahilly, these were people who had largely remained unconquered by the Romans whose territory was mostly restricted to the broad plains of England . A larger part of England remained out of the control of the West Germanic people who invaded after the imperial collapse of Roman Britain and who founded
1728-468: A victory over Seán an Díomais Ó Néill. Domhnall Gorm was killed in 1568 by his kin and was succeeded by Toirdhealbhach Óg who was a son of Toirdhealbhach who was killed in 1544. Toirdhealbhach Óg was killed in battle in 1570 at Dún na Long on the Foyle , by Toirdhealbhach Luineach Ó Néill. Toirdhealbhach Óg's brother, Domhnall, succeeded him and was the last chief inaugurated lord of Fanad. Domhnall lived into
1836-566: Is also possible to identify from Ptolemy's map the Dál Riata of Antrim who later founded a powerful kingdom in Argyll , Scotland. The 11th century Lebor Gabála Érenn or Book of the Invasions of Ireland , describes a series of failed invasions of Ireland before settlement in the 8th century. However, by the 8th century battles in Ireland were not between the natives and invaders but between tribes and dynasties for control of different parts of
1944-753: Is known of Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath until the middle of the 16th century. In 1543 MacSuibhne na d'Tuath and his brother, Brian, were held as prisoners at Inis Mhic an Doirn (Ruthland Island, parish of Templecrone). By 1545 MacSuibhne na d'Tuath had died the lordship was taken over by his son, Eoghan Óg, who was killed fighting in 1554 at Ceann Salach (in Cloghaneely). The lordship then passed to his son, Murchadh Mall, who in 1567 aided Sir Aodh Ó Domhnaill defeat Séan an Díomuis Ó Néill, in battle, near Letterkenny . Murchadh Mall and Mac Suibhne Fánad (Toirdealbhach Óg) were killed in 1570 by Clann Domhnaill Gallóglaigh, at Dun na Long near Strabane . After his death, Murchadh,
2052-575: The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 Murchad Mear, great-grandson of Máel Muire an Sparáin and grandson of the Murchadh who died while a prisoner of the Earl of Ulster, arrived at Lough Swilly with his followers. Murchad Mear was succeeded by his son, Murchad Óc, as lord of the lands east of Bearnas Mór . One of Murchad Óc's sons, Máel Muire, became lord of Fanad , and another son, Donnchad Mór, became lord of
2160-527: The Book of Ballymote , the Great Book of Lecan and Ó Cléirigh Book of Genealogies (the O Clery Book of Genealogies). The Irish word clann is a borrowing from the Latin planta , meaning 'a plant, an offshoot, offspring, a single child or children, by extension race or descendants'. For instance, the O'Daly family were poetically known as Clann Dalaigh , from a remote ancestor called Dalach. Clann
2268-742: The Clan Fearghaill whose chiefs were the O'Hallorans , the MacCotters , and the O'Doyles . The following surnames found in Ireland are believed to be of Norman origin and to have arrived following the Norman invasion of Ireland: Barry , Branne, Burke , Butler , Condon , Cusak , Dalton , Darcy , de Covcy, Dillon , Fagun, Fitzgerald , MacGibbon, French , Hackett , Jordan , Keating , Lacy , Lynch , MacCostello , Martin, Nugent, Power, Purcell , Rothes, Sarsfield , Wall. The following surnames are believed to have come to Ireland with
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#17327727778252376-574: The First War of Scottish Independence . He served as Guardian of Scotland after the forced abdication of his uncle, King John Balliol ( r. 1292–1296), in 1296, and for a time commanded the defence of Scotland against English attacks. Comyn was stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce before the altar at the church of the Greyfriars at Dumfries . His father, John Comyn II , known as
2484-582: The Gaels or Gaeils were the fourth and final wave of Celtic settlement in Ireland which took place during the first century BC. In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes. Although it is not possible to prove O'Rahilly's history of the four Celtic invasions of Ireland or that the Gaels or Gaeils were the fourth of these invasions, or that the following Irish tribes descended from them, according to historian Sean Duffy, with
2592-674: The Iron Age . During this time, the Irish people came into contact with Roman traders. According to the writers of Ulster: An Illustrated History , there is evidence for the Ulaid who are referred to as the Erainn by some genealogists which is also the name given on Ptolemy's map of Ireland which dates from the second century AD for the Iverni who lived in County Cork , as well as being
2700-586: The Isle of Arran , Skipness Castle and Castle Sween at Knapdale , which may be Scotland's oldest surviving stone-built castle. The MacSweens held this lordship of Knapdale and lands in Kintyre until 1262. That year Dugall MacSween granted to Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith the lands of Skipnish (Skipness), Killislate (South Knapdale) and other lands in the parish of Kilcalmonell in Kintyre. Following this
2808-562: The Oirialla in the north-east where they controlled what is now the counties of Tyrone , Armagh , Fermanagh and Monaghan . There was also the Ulaidh who inhabited what is now the counties of Down and Antrim . Within these large areas there were up to 150 small divisions known as Túath and the names of many of these are reflected today in the names of the Irish baronies that make up
2916-538: The Western Isles and Argyll was re-established, and the Norwegian king's force was strengthened by Islesmen. Among those pressed into his service were the deposed MacSweens of Knapdale, under Murchadh MacSween. The MacSweens seemed to have been of doubtful loyalty as they were forced to also surrender hostages to guarantee their support. Haakon had "given" Arran to Murchadh, but ultimately, the Norwegian invasion
3024-588: The battle-axe they bore in their Arms . Fánad , is the peninsula between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay , on the north coast of County Donegal . The first Mac Suibhne to settle in Tír Conaill was Eoin, grandson of Máel Muire. It was Eoin who expelled the ruling Ó Breisléins from Fánad after 1263, and whose daughter married the Ó Domnaill, king of Tír Conaill . The male line of the ruling Mac Suibhnes soon failed after Eoin, when both his son, Suibne, and his brother, Toirdelbach, died without heirs. Following
3132-535: The 17th century and witnessed the end of the Gaelic order in Tír Conaill. In 1599 Domhnall was recorded as taking part in a raid into Thomond . In March 1601 an English garrison was stationed in Rathmullan and Domhnall submitted to the English. In September he rose against the English but by January 1602 he had again submitted. In 1607 when Ó Néill and Ruaidhrí Ó Domhnaill sailed out of Rathmullan, some of
3240-672: The Black Comyn, had been one of the competitors for the Crown of Scotland , claiming his descent from King Donald III . His mother was Eleanor Balliol, sister of King John Balliol . He had, moreover, links with the royal house of England : in the early 1290s, he married Joan de Valence, cousin of King Edward I . On the eve of the Wars of Independence , the Comyns were one of the dominant families of Scotland, with extensive landholdings in both
3348-441: The Comyns had been expelled from Scotland, and had a specific agenda, namely to magnify the later King, Robert the Bruce , and diminish John Comyn. According to Fordun, John and his kin hated Wallace and appeared on the battlefield only with premeditated treachery in mind – "For, on account of the ill-will, begotten of the sprig of envy, which the Comyns had conceived towards the aforesaid William, they, with their accomplices, forsook
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3456-454: The Cruthin as invaders, including by Ian Adamson . O'Rahilly's history has been entirely unaccepted by some historians including Francis John Byrne . According to Myles Dillon and Nora K. Chadwick , while O'Rahilly's version of history has been accepted by some scholars and dismissed by others, it is an entirely traditional history that he had sourced from Lebor Gabála Érenn which was
3564-600: The Dumnonii or Laigin were the third of these invasions, or that the following Irish tribes descended from them, according to historian Sean Duffy, with the exception of the Ciarraighe Loch na nAirne and the Feara Cualann, the existence of all of the following Irish tribes in around the 7th century is supported by the literature of the time that came to Ireland with Christianity. As per O'Rahilly's doctrine,
3672-478: The Earl granted several churches in Knapdale to the monastery of Kilwinning , showing that he now had control of both North and South Knapdale. Also in the same year Alexander III of Scotland granted Lochranza Castle to Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith. In 1263 Haakon IV of Norway sailed down the western coast of Scotland with an invasion fleet from Norway . With the arrival of the royal fleet Norse control in
3780-596: The English Lord Deputy at Meath in 1423. Though there are contradicting sources that record Mac Suibhne of Connacht present at this battle. In 1434 Niall Ó Domhnaill was captured by the English forces in a skirmish, though Toirdhealbhach Ruadh rescued Ó Domhnaill following the defeat at the English's hands. In around 1438 Toirdhealbhach Ruadh is thought to have died, having ruled for thirty nine years. Afterwards his son, Ruaidhrí, succeeded him, though not without dispute. Ruaidhrí's uncle, Donnchadh Garbh, claimed
3888-527: The English in opposition to the Macdonalds and the Bruce, crowned Robert I of Scotland on 25 March 1306. This was an era of constantly shifting alliances, and in 1301 John MacSween was in alliance with Aonghus Óg Mac Domhnaill, Lord of Islay (died 1314×1318/c.1330) against the MacDougalls of Lorne. In 1307 the MacDougalls were the bitterest of Robert the Bruce 's enemies, and the man in command of
3996-518: The English nation. O'Rahilly's version of the origins of the Irish, as supported by C. Thomas Cairney and John Grenham is as follows: The first of the Celtic invaders of Ireland were known as the Cruthin who arrived between 800 and 500 BC . The second wave of Celts to come to Ireland were known as the Erainn and this is supposedly where the Gaelic name for Ireland, Erin , originated from. These people arrived between 500 and 100 BC. They came from
4104-642: The English. Maol Mhuire was then held prisoner on a ship on the River Foyle , near Derry , but managed to escape with the aid of a prostitute . Maol Mhuire's grandson, Colonel Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne, was a leading rebel in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, who had his lands in Dunlewy (in the parish of Gweedore) held forfeit for his actions. Mac Sweeney Banagh, according to Leabhar Clainne Suibhne , were descended from Dubhghall Mac Suibhne, who received
4212-513: The Isles, in a campaign against Alexander MacDougall, Lord of Argyll and Lorne, for his murder of Angus Og's elder brother, Alexander Og Macdonald in Ireland in 1299. After the murder of John Comyn , the nephew of Balliol, by Bruce and his companions in 1306, the First War of Scottish Independence became at one and the same time a civil war. The Balliols, Comyns and MacDougalls taking the side of
4320-560: The Mac Swineys were notable for their hospitality. At a seat of theirs, Clodach Castle , there was a stone set near the highway which was inscribed with an open invitation to travellers to make for Clodach for refreshment. At some point, one of the family overturned the stone and subsequently were said to have never prospered. Logan also noted that the war-cry of the Mac Sweins was "Battalia-abu" ( The noble staff, victorious ), from
4428-537: The MacSweens, including John and his brothers Toirdelbach and Murdoch. It was around this time in 1310, that Edward II of England granted John and his brothers their family's ancestral lands of Knapdale, provided they could recover it from Sir John Menteith. It is possible, therefore, that this event could have been the " tryst of a fleet against Castle Sween ", recorded in the Book of the Dean of Lismore , which tells of
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4536-407: The Norman invasion but are believed to have been of Flemish origin: Tobin , Flemming , Prendergast . The following surnames are believed to have come to Ireland with the Norman invasion but are believed to have been of Welsh origin: Roche , Blake , Joyce , MacQuillan , Rice , Taffe, Walsh , Savage. In the 16th century, English common law was introduced throughout Ireland, along with
4644-461: The Tri Tuatha in north west County Donegal , which had been conquered from the Ó Báegills . Máel Muire defeated Niall Ó Domhnaill in the battle of Achadh Móna but later became an ally of Ó Domhnaill, when Niall killed his brother, Conchobhar Ó Domhnaill, King of Tír Chonaill in 1342. Because of his aid, Máel Muire was granted the lands of Moross in the north of Fanad. Máel Muire's successor
4752-678: The area which is today known as Belgium and had superior iron weaponry, and thus eventually reduced the Irish Cruthin to tributary status. The third wave of Celtic settlement in Ireland came from Continental Europe during the first century BC and this was probably because of pressure from the Romans on the south of Gaul . These people were known as the Dumnonii and gave their name to Devon in England. Their most powerful branch in Ireland
4860-616: The battle and the following month decided to burn Ayr Castle to prevent it being garrisoned by the English. The contemporary English record of the Lanercost Chronicle simply blames the inadequacy of the Scottish cavalry in general. Soon after the defeat, John Comyn and Robert the Bruce were named as joint Guardians of the Realm in place of Wallace. With no independent power base, Wallace, whose prestige had always been based on
4968-576: The chief and his patrilineal relatives; however, Irish clans also included unrelated clients of the chief. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland which took place during the late 12th century, the Irish people were Celts who lived in kinship groups as found recorded in historic manuscripts such as the Irish annals , the Leabhar na nGenealach (the Great Book of Irish Genealogies),
5076-407: The clan can claim a descent from Niall Noigíallach ( Niall of the Nine Hostages ). Leabhar Clainne Suibhne states that after Áed's death, although his older brother Domnall was the rightful heir, Ánrothán was chosen instead to be king. Ánrothán then gave up the kingship to his brother and made for Argyll , Scotland where he married a daughter of the King of Scotland . Ánrothán's great-grandson
5184-416: The crew had gone ashore to collect water and Domhnall's son attacked the crew but were routed. In 1608 Domhnall was recorded as being on a list of jurors who indicted the earls of Tyrconnell and Tyrone for treason. For this Domhnall received a grant in the Plantation of Ulster. By 1619 he is recorded as having 2,000 acres (8.1 km) allotted to him, called Roindoberg and Caroocomony , on which he "built
5292-401: The crime by amplifying earlier accusations of malevolence and treachery against Comyn, the English sources portray Robert as a villain who lured Comyn inside a church – taken as a guarantee of safety – to commit a premeditated and sacrilegious murder before the Real Presence . Some sources state that Bruce and Comyn had previously signed a pact, whereby one would take the crown in return for
5400-495: The event, a garbled version of the facts reached the court of Edward I at Winchester , where the murder was reported as "the work of some people who are doing their utmost to trouble the peace and quiet of the realm of Scotland." Once the picture became clear, Edward reacted in fury, authorising Aymer de Valence , Comyn's brother-in-law, to take extraordinary action against Bruce and his adherents by granting no quarter to them. King Edward also emphasised his blood relationship with
5508-467: The evidence for this is only a few pieces of flint . The first actual evidence of human residence in Ireland dates to around 8000 BC. Evidence of the first Neolithic farmers in Ireland dates to around 4000 BC. There is little evidence of a warrior elite in Ireland before 1500 BC and evidence for this appears during the Bronze Age where everyone of a wealthy class had weaponry. The Irish language first appeared from between 700/600 BC and 400 AD during
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#17327727778255616-455: The exception of the Clann Cholmáin , Cineal Laoghaire and the Muintear Tadhagain, the existence of all of the following Irish tribes in around the 7th century is supported by the literature of the time that came to Ireland with Christianity. Vikings and Normans are Ethnically linked in ancestry from the 9th to 11th centuries and who raided and settled in Britain and Ireland. In Ireland the Vikings became completely Gaelicized and established
5724-426: The failed attempt by John MacSween to recapture Castle Sween. With the failure to recapture their lands in Scotland, the MacSweens permanently left for Ireland. A contingent of the MacSweens eventually re-established themselves at Donegal as Gallowglass mercenary soldiers and became the progenitors of Clan Sweeney. Some of those who stayed on in Scotland formed into the Clan MacQueen , a branch of whom later joined
5832-421: The feelings and motives of these men. At a meeting of a council of the magnates at Peebles in August 1299, an argument broke out relative to the property of Wallace, who was then in France. Comyn is said to have seized Bruce by the throat. William Lamberton , Bishop of St. Andrews, was appointed as a third Guardian. Lamberton was a personal friend of both Wallace and Bruce. Bruce resigned before May 1300, when
5940-489: The field, and escaped unhurt." This is set alongside a commendation of Robert the Bruce, who, in Fordun's account, fought on the side of the English and "was the means of bringing about the victory." This is contested as no Bruce appears on the Falkirk roll of nobles present in the English army, and ignoring Blind Harry's 15th claim that Wallace burned Ayr Castle in 1297, two 19th-century antiquarians, Alexander Murison and George Chalmers, stated that Bruce did not participate in
6048-429: The first towns. The Normans invaded and conquered England in 1066 and later had similar success invading Ireland in the late 12th century. The Normans were the first people to introduce the mounted knight . In Ireland they were influenced just as much as they themselves influenced and have been described as having become "more Irish than the Irish". The following three Irish families are believed to be of Viking descent:
6156-409: The following Irish tribes. Although it is not possible to prove O'Rahilly's history of the four Celtic invasions of Ireland or that the Erainn were the second of these invasions, or that the following Irish tribes descended from them, according to historian Sean Duffy, with the exception of the Clann Choinleagain, the existence of all of the following Irish tribes in around the 7th century is supported by
6264-424: The following year they both defeated Toirdhealbhach Cairbreach near Mulroy Bay. On the victory, Aodh Ruadh was inaugurated and made Maol Mhuire lord of Fanad. Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne ruled for eleven years before being killed on Easter Tuesday, 1472 while fighting alongside Aodh Ruadh against Énrí Ó Néill. After the battle, Maol Mhuire's body was taken to Derry for burial, covered in the flag of Mac Domhnaill of Antrim,
6372-536: The four Celtic invasions of Ireland or that the Cruthin were the first of these invasions, or that the following Irish tribes descended from them, according to historian Sean Duffy, the existence of all three of the following Irish tribes in around the 7th century is supported by the literature of the time that came to Ireland with Christianity. As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Erainn were the second wave of Celts to settle in Ireland between about 500 and 100 BC. In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended
6480-479: The grandsons, Toirdhealbhach was also listed as the High Constable of Connacht and was killed with two of his brothers, Donn Sléibhe and Donnchadh in 1397. By the 16th century the Mac Suibhne Boghaineach was seated at Rahan Castle , (near Dunkineely in County Donegal). In 1524 Niall Mór mac Eoghain (Mac Suibhne Thíre Boghaine) died here, and who was described as "a constable of hardest hand." Also at Rahan, Niall Mór mac Eoghain's son Maol Mhuire Mór, lord of Banagh,
6588-433: The inauguration of the MacSuibhne Clan chiefs had taken place at Iona , where they were also buried. In Ireland they were inaugurated in Kilmacrennan , County Donegal, where MacSuibhne Fanad became influential allies of the O'Donnell of Tyrconnell . The remains of the Sweeneys who went to Ireland are interred outside the walls of Castle Doe , County Donegal. The historian James Logan, in The Scottish Gaël , remarked how
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#17327727778256696-433: The island. Donnchadh Ó Corráin put the evidence for the Irish naitional identity back to the 7th century emphasising the impact that Christianity had on the people there. In 1002, the Uí Néill lost the high kingship of Ireland to the leader of the Dal gCais or Dalcassians , Brian Boru. It was during the century of declining Uí Néill dominance that surnames first started being used in Ireland. This meant that Ireland
6804-423: The king, who will watch to see how each of them conducts himself so that he can do most favour to whoever shall capture Wallace..." There is no evidence to suggest Comyn made any effort to fulfil this condition. On 10 February 1306 Robert the Bruce participated in the killing of John Comyn before the high altar of the Greyfriars Church in Dumfries . Legend, possibly apocryphal, says Robert the Bruce called Comyn to
6912-401: The lands of Tír Boghaine from his grandfather Murchadh Mear who died in ca.1320. Boghaine consisted of the modern barony of Banagh in south-west County Donegal and part of Boylagh . There are contradictory sources for early history of Mac Suibhne Boghaineach. In the Book of Ballymote (c. 1400), six of Dubhghall's grandsons are said to belong to the Mac Suibhne of Connacht . The eldest of
7020-419: The lands of the other. As they stood before the high altar , Bruce accused Comyn of having betrayed by planning to hand him over to the English and struck Comyn with a dagger. It is unknown if this account is true. Bruce's companions struck him with their swords. Sir Robert Comyn , rushing to aid his nephew, was killed by a blow to the head by Bruce's brother-in-law, Christopher Seton . Thirteen days after
7128-399: The literature of the time that came to Ireland with Christianity. As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Dumnonii or Laigin were the third wave of Celts to settle in Ireland during the first century BC. In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes. Although it is not possible to prove O'Rahilly's history of the four Celtic invasions of Ireland or that
7236-448: The lordship and the two resolved their differences in a wrestling match in which Ruaidhrí was victorious. Ruaidhrí ruled for thirteen years when he died and was succeeded by his brother, Domhnall. In 1456 Énrí Ó Néill, king of Tír Eoghain , with the sons of Neachtain Ó Domhnaill, invaded Inishowen . The invaders were opposed by the ruling Ó Domhnaill who was aided in part by Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne, son of Toirdhealbhach Ruadh. Ó Domhnaill
7344-428: The main Scottish host at Haddington , which had been assembled to meet the advance of the English army along the east coast. On 27 April, the Scots were overwhelmed at the Battle of Dunbar , with John being among the many prisoners taken. While his father and cousin retreated north in the company of King John, he was sent south, to be imprisoned in the Tower of London . John remained in prison for some months; but with
7452-445: The modern counties. Each Túath had a ruler or petty king who owed allegiance to a more powerful king who was over-king of three or more Túath. This over-king would in turn be subordinate to the king of a province, usually either the Eoghanacht or Uí Néill. The succession of kings or chiefs was governed by a system known as Tanistry whereby after a chief had died, the new chief would be elected from all paternal cousins descended from
7560-447: The modern province of Connacht . The most important of the Connacta tribes was the Uí Néill who claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. Niall's brothers included Ailill , Brion and Fiachra who were founders of the important Connachta tribes of Ui Ailella, Uí Briúin and Uí Fiachrach . Although the Eoghanacht and Uí Néill were the most powerful tribal groups in Ireland, there were others who were locally powerful including
7668-434: The native clans and their lordships. A number of modern Irish clan societies were former or reformed in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, such groups are organised in Ireland and in many other parts of the world. Several independent Irish clans have sprung up with international affiliation and membership from across the global Irish diaspora for the purposes of helping others with preserving history, culture, and
7776-526: The north and south of the country, and political influence and family connections with the crown. This Anglo-Norman family first made an appearance in Scotland during the reign of David I . In the thirteenth century they acquired the lordship of Badenoch , with extensive landholdings also in Lochaber , as well as the earldom of Buchan . On the death of Alexander III , John Comyn's father was appointed to
7884-456: The north, than any other family. English invasions in 1298, 1300, and 1301 had been confined to the south of the country, leaving the north as the chief recruiting ground, and supply base, of the Scottish army. The Guardian's prestige increased still further when he and Sir Simon Fraser defeated an English reconnaissance force at the Battle of Roslin in February 1303. Politically, however,
7992-667: The origin of the name for Ireland. The centre of the Ulaid's land was in the Diocese of Down . The main population group of the Ulaid was the Cruthin whose territory was in the Diocese of Connor and Dromore . There is also evidence for the Loígis in Leinster and the Cíarraige in Munster who also belong to this group and it is possible that their ancestors in Ireland were pre-Celtic. It
8100-408: The other noble families. On 22 July Wallace's army was destroyed at the Battle of Falkirk , the light horse being driven off at an early stage by the heavy English cavalry. It is possible that John Comyn was present at the battle, though the evidence is far from conclusive. The main Scottish sources, the chronicles of John Fordun and John Barbour , were composed decades after the event, long after
8208-447: The other, making his peace with Edward by February 1302 in a document in which he expressed the fear that "the realm of Scotland might be removed from the hands of the king, which God forbid, and delivered to John Balliol, or to his son." The new triumvirate lasted to May 1301, when John de Soules emerged as senior Guardian, seemingly appointed by Balliol himself pending his return. The following year, with Soules leaving for France on
8316-575: The outlook was bleak. Philip of France entered into a final peace with Edward, from which Scotland was excluded. John Balliol, whose star had risen briefly above the horizon, now sank into the twilight of history. In a mood of desperation the Scottish diplomats in Paris, who included Comyn's cousin Buchan, wrote words of encouragement; "For God's sake do not despair...it would gladden your hearts if you would know how much your honour has increased in every part of
8424-432: The panel of Guardians to await the arrival of the infant Margaret, Maid of Norway , granddaughter of Alexander III. Her death in 1290 immersed the nation in crisis, finally solved in 1292 when John Balliol emerged as king, with the support of his Comyn kinsmen, a solution that was never accepted by the other main claimant, Robert Bruce of Annandale , grandfather of the future king. The Comyns were supporters of King John as
8532-526: The powerful Chattan Confederation . According to Niall Campbell, 10th Duke of Argyll , other MacSweens who remained in Scotland became known as the MacEwens of Otter , whose chiefly line may have become extinct in the 17th century. The earliest record of a Mac Suibhne, in relation to the clan, is of Murchadh Mac Suibne in 1267. Murchadh's father was Máel Muire an Sparáin of Castle Sween in Knapdale , who
8640-496: The pursuit of genealogy . In 1989, the private organisation Clans of Ireland was formed under the leadership of Rory O'Connor, "Chieftain" of the "O'Connor Kerry Clan", with the purpose of creating and maintaining a register of clans. John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch John Comyn III of Badenoch , nicknamed the Red ( c. 1274 – 10 February 1306), was a leading Scottish baron and magnate who played an important role in
8748-467: The rebellion against Bruce was Sir John Menteith, who had previously removed the MacSweens from their castle in Knapdale. By 1310, when Bruce had most of Argyll and the North Channel in his favour, the English encouraged John MacDougall, the son of Alexander MacDougall and now the ousted Lord of Lorne, to raise a fleet in 1311, based on the eastern coast of Ireland. MacDougall was aided in part by
8856-494: The restoration of King John was looking increasingly likely, leaving only Comyn and Lamberton. When parliament assembled at Rutherglen it elected Sir Ingram d'Umphraville to be one of the guardians of the realm in place of Bruce. This was obviously an arrangement that suited Comyn, because Umphraville was a close political associate and a kinsman of King John. With the Guardianship taking Scotland one way Robert Bruce went
8964-431: The right to inaugurate a sub chief of his. However in 1544 Toirdhealbhach was killed by the sons Domhnall Óg Mac Suibhne, in revenge. It was during this era that Leabhar Clainne Suibhne was written. Domhnall Óg's son, Ruaidhrí Carrach, ruled for ten years until 1552 when he and his kin were killed. In 1557 a Domhnall Gorm Mac Suibhne was leader of "Slíocht Domhnaill" and was recorded as being with Calbhach Ó Domhnaill in
9072-562: The senior Gaelic chiefs of Ulster left Ireland to recruit support in Spain but failed, and instead eventually arrived in Rome where they remained for the rest of their lives (see Flight of the Earls ) . After this point, the English authorities in Dublin established real control over all of Ireland for the first time, bringing a centralised government to the entire island, and successfully disarmed
9180-422: The success of his army, resigned or was removed as Guardian after Falkirk. In his place an unusual and difficult balancing act: John Comyn and Robert the Bruce, who had now joined the patriot party. The Scots were still fighting on behalf of the absent King John, so Bruce must have paid lip service to the cause, though his royal ambitions were openly known. The records give little or nothing in the way of insight into
9288-618: The war in Scotland seemingly over he was finally released on condition that he take up service with Edward in Flanders , the main theatre of operations in his war against the French. While there he learned of the rising of William Wallace and Andrew Moray and their victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge . In March 1298, John was among Scots who deserted the English, finally ending up in Paris, where they appealed for aid to Philip IV of France . The only help they managed to get
9396-459: The west into Galway and Roscommon . By the 5th century they were dominant in most of Ireland and had established dynasties and tribal groups. These groups determined the Irish politics and culture until the Norman invasion of Ireland which took place during the late 12th century. O'Rahilly's version of history has been questioned by archaeologists and historians who have played down the role of
9504-594: The west. The tribes in the south called themselves the Eoghanacht and in about the year 400 AD they established at Cashel a dynasty which held power throughout most of southern Ireland from the 5th to 12th centuries. The Munster families of O'Sullivan , MacCarthy and O'Connell claim descent from the Eoghanacht. In the midlands of Ireland, the Gaeil tribes were known as Connachta and their name continues in
9612-475: The world as a result of your recent battle with the English." However, for the first time since 1296 Edward was preparing an offensive that would take him deep into the north of Scotland. Unable to mount an effective resistance, and with his main base threatened with destruction, Comyn entered into peace negotiations, which concluded at Strathord near Perth on 9 February 1304. Echoing the Treaty of Birgham , it
9720-538: Was Suibhne , from whom the clan derived its name. The history from Leabhar Clainne Suibhne may be a fabrication that provides the clan with a pedigree connecting them to the Milesian kings of Ireland, although historian W. D. H. Sellar believes this history may be genuine. In the 13th century the MacSweens controlled lands across central Argyll, extending as far north as Loch Awe and as far south as Loch Fyne . Their principal seats included Lochranza Castle on
9828-817: Was Aodh Buidhe who died in 1298. Such a "clan", if sufficiently closely related, could have common interests in landownership, but any political power wielded by their chief was territorially based. From ancient times, Irish society was organised around traditional kinship groups or clans. These clans traced their origins to larger pre-surname population groupings or clans such as Uí Briúin in Connacht , Eóganachta and Dál gCais in Munster , Uí Néill in Ulster , and Fir Domnann in Leinster . Within these larger groupings there tended to be one sept (division) who through war and politics became more powerful than others for
9936-493: Was William Wallace. With the outbreak of war between England and Scotland, Comyn, his father, and his cousin, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan , crossed the border and attacked Carlisle , defended for King Edward by Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick , the father of the future king. The Wars of Scottish Independence thus began in a clash between the Bruces and Comyns. Having no siege equipment, the Comyns drew off and subsequently joined
10044-459: Was a ship back to Scotland, arriving before the summer. Earlier that year William Wallace emerged as Guardian after Moray died at Stirling or shortly after. The main task facing the Guardian was to gather a national army to meet an invasion by Edward, anxious to reverse the victory of Stirling Bridge. For cavalry, by far the weakest element of the Scottish host, Wallace depended on the Comyns and
10152-498: Was an area west of Fanad (modern day parishes of Gweedore and Tory Island ), was controlled by the Ó Baegill until just after 1360, when it was conquered by Clann tSuibhne ( Clan Sweeney ). Donnchadh Mór, who was son of Murchad Óc, and grandson of Murchad Mear, was the first Suibhne na d'Tuath. Donnchadh's father and grandfather had conquered large tracts of land in Tír Conaill in about 1314. In 1359 when Ó Conchobhair defeated Séan Ó Domhnaill, Donnchadh Mór's son, Eoghan Connachtach,
10260-418: Was defeated at what is known today as the Battle of Largs . The Earl of Menteith still controlled Knapdale in 1293, and in 1301 Knapdale was being held by his successor, Sir John Stewart (Sir John Menteith) . It was then that John MacSween approached Edward I of England , asserting that one of the king's enemies, Sir John Menteith, had deprived MacSween of his inheritance. Between 1301 and 1310, John MacSween
10368-409: Was disputed by Gearóid Mac Niocaill who stated that there is no good evidence to support that the usage of the term Rigdomna in early medieval Ireland was any different to that of tanaise (Tanistry) in late medieval Ireland and that the two terms were synonymous with each other. Although Mac Niocaill did state that MacNeill was correct in identifying a number of cases where Rigdomna was limited to
10476-423: Was held captive by the son of Ó Conchobhair Shligigh. Later Eoghan was able to help Séan Ó Domhnaill defeat Toirdhealbhach an Fhíona Ó Domhnaill in battle, at Sliabh Malair. Eoghan died as they plundered Glencolumkille "as a result of his violating the monastery there". According to the Book of Ballymote , Eoghan's son, Toirdealbhach Óg was lord of Na Tuatha. Another of Eoghan's sons drowned in 1413. Little more
10584-652: Was himself the son of Suibne. Murchadh became a prisoner of Domnall Ó Conchobair and was handed over to the Earl of Ulster , in whose prison Murchadh is said to have died. Once established in Ireland the Clan Sween controlled large territories, and was divided into three branches: Rathmullan was the seat of MacSuibhne Fanad for the next 400 years, during which time their influence extended from Donegal into Connacht and Munster . In Donegal their principal seats were Doe Castle and Rahan Castle near Killybegs . In Scotland
10692-574: Was his son, Toirdhealbhach Caoch, who pledged to Ó Domhnaill, that he and his successors would provide two Gallowglass soldiers for every quarter of land in his territory when the Ó Domhnaills went to war. Toirdhealbhach Caoch's son, Toirdhealbhach Ruadh, succeeded his father in 1399 but only after defeating two uncles who tried to wrest the lordship away from him. Toirdhealbhach Ruadh was aided against his uncles by Toirdhealbhach an Fhíona Ó Domhnaill, king of Tír Conaill. Toirdhealbhach Ruadh accompanied Niall Ó Domhnaill and Domhnall Ó Néill, when they defeated
10800-551: Was in the service of the English in the hope of keeping alive his family's claim against the Menteiths. During the Great Cause , which led to the First War of Scottish Independence , the MacSweens were supporters of the powerful MacDougall Lords of Lorne who supported John Balliol as patriots, as long as John was king of Scotland. However, in 1301, John Macsween, Lord of Knapdale, joined Angus Og Macdonald, by then Lord of
10908-422: Was killed by another son, Niall Óg, in 1535. Killybegs ( Irish Gaelic : Na Cealla Beaga , meaning 'the small churches'), was also controlled by Mac Suibhne Boghaineach. 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 fine in Irish, plural finte ) included
11016-441: Was later killed and Maol Mhuire and Ó Domhnaill's brother, Aodh Ruadh, were taken prisoner. Neachtain's son, Toirdhealbhach Cairbreach Ó Domhnaill, assumed the vacant kingship of Tír Conaill. Domhnall Mac Suibhne was then killed by his nephews (the sons of Ruaidhrí), who proclaimed Domhnall's cousin, Toirdhealbhach Bacach, as lord of Fanad. In 1460 Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill and Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne were released from captivity, and in
11124-650: Was one of the first countries in Europe to start using surnames. Descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages , who was the ancestor of the Uí Néill dynasty, include people with the surnames O'Boyle , O'Connor and O'Donnell . From the Dal gCais or Dalcassians came the surnames O'Brien and Kennedy . Within the Gaeil there was distinction between the tribes of the south from those of the north, and also from those of
11232-433: Was stipulated that laws, usages, and customs in place in the time of Alexander III should be retained. Comyn insisted that there should be no reprisals or disinheritance, which Edward accepted, with notable exceptions. Edward maintained his particular hatred for one former Guardian. Comyn was thus obliged to adhere to a condition in which he and other named individuals were to "capture Sir William Wallace and hand him over to
11340-459: Was succeeded by his brother, Eoghan Óg. In 1588 the English were concerned that Eoghan Óg was aiding stranded Spaniards from the Armada. In 1590 Eoghan Óg gave protection to Brian Ó Ruairc of Breifne, after Ó Ruairc's defeat at the hands of the English. In 1592 Eoghan Óg attended the inauguration of Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill as lord of Tír Conaill. Eoghan Óg died in 1596 and was succeeded by, Maol Mhuire,
11448-519: Was taken prisoner, also in the same year Ó Domhnaill was again defeated and Ruaidhrí's son was captured. When Ruaidhrí died in 1518 the lordship was again contested by members of the leading family. Domhnall Óg, a cousin of Ruaidhrí, was proclaimed lord by the chiefs of Cenél Conaill at Kilmacrenan, but Ruaidhrí's son, Toirdhealbhach, defied Domhnall Óg. When Domhnall Óg died in 1529 Toirdhealbhach had himself inaugurated at Kilmacrenan. This angered Aodh Dubh Ó Domhnaill, because he believed, only he alone had
11556-635: Was the Laigin who gave their name to Leinster . A branch of the Irish group of the Dumnonii settled just to the south of Dumbarton in Scotland and were the ancestors of the Strathclyde-Britons . The fourth and last major Celtic settlements in Ireland took place around 50 BC. This was directly because of Roman attempts to dominate the Gauls of Continental Europe. This included, among others,
11664-613: Was used in the later Middle Ages to provide a plural for surnames beginning with Mac meaning 'son of'. For example, "Clann Cárthaigh" meant the men of the MacCarthy family and " Clann Suibhne " meant the men of the MacSweeny family. Clann was also used to denote a subgroup within a wider surname, the descendants of a recent common ancestor, such as the Clann Aodha Buidhe or the O'Neills of Clandeboy, whose ancestor
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