The Cenél nEógain ('Kindred of Owen') are a branch of the Northern Uí Néill, who claim descent from Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Originally their power base was in Inishowen, with their capital at Ailech, in modern-day County Donegal in what is now the west of Ulster. Under pressure from the Cenél Conaill, they gradually spread their influence eastwards into modern counties Tyrone and Londonderry, pushing aside the Cruithin east of the River Bann, and encroaching on the Airgiallan tribes west of Lough Neagh. By the 11th century, their power base had moved from Ailech to Tullyhogue outside Cookstown, County Tyrone. By the 12th century, the Cenél Conaill conquered Inishowen; however, it mattered little to the Cenél nEóghain as they had established a powerful over-kingdom in the east that had become known as Tír Eoghain, or the "Land of Owen", preserved in the modern-day name of County Tyrone.
At their greatest, they held land spanning much of County Tyrone, as well as parts of counties Donegal, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan, Armagh and Antrim.
Below is a list of their principal clans and septs.
Clann Néill
The name O'Neill may come from Niall Glúndub, however the Clann Néill (more commonly known as Clan Neill) takes its name from his grandfather Néill Caille. The O'Neills and MacLoughlins who descend from this branch, were the two principal and most powerful septs of the Cenél nEógain, however, the MacLoughlins defeat at the hands of the O'Neills in 1241 led to the O'Neills dominance over the Cenél nEógain.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Néill (Ruadh) (O'Neill, Neill) |
Progenitor: Ruadh Ó Néill | Territory: Kingdom of Tyrone Extra: The principal branch of the Cenél nEógain; named after Niall Ruadh (Red Niall), Prince of Tyrone, brother of Aodh Dubh (Black Hugh), King of Ulster. |
| Mac Lochlainn (MacLoughlin, Loughlin MacLaughlin, Laughlin) |
Progenitor: Lochlann | Territory: Barony of Inishowen, Kingdom of Tyrone Extra: A powerful family of the Northern Uí Néill that dominated Ulster in the early medieval period; some MacLaughlins will originally be O'Melaghlins, descended from Máel Sechnaill II. |
| Mac Suibhne (Sweeney, MacSweeney) |
Progenitor: Suibhne Ó Néill | Territory: Fanad, Banagh and the Territories in Tirconnell Extra: Descended from Suibhne O'Neill, a Scottish chieftain from Argyll. A mixture of Dalriadic Gaels and Norsemen, they came to Ulster as gallowglass. |
| Mac Seáin (MacShane, MacSean) |
Progenitor: Séan Ó Néill | Territory: North-east Tyrone, later Donegal and Louth Extra: Hereditary title of Chief of Moy Ith or Mag Itha (eastern Donegal, southern Londonderry, northern Tyrone); the small sept of O'hAmhsaigh from northeastern Londonderry allied themselves to the MacShanes. |
| Mac Néill (MacNeill, MacNeil) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Counties Antrim and Londonderry (Scottish Highlands and isles) Extra: Originate from the Scottish Clan MacNeil, who claim to descend from Niall, and are 21st in descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. They came to Ireland as gallowglass, and later as pirates. |
| Mac Conmidhe (MacNamee, MacConamy, Conamy) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Counties Tyrone and Derry Extra: Hereditary poets and ollavs to the O'Neills. |
| Mac Laomuinn (Lamont, MacLamont, MacLamond, MacErchar) |
Progenitor: Ladhman mac Giolla Colum | Territory: County Tyrone Extra: The Mac Laomuinn ancestry allegedly traces them to Flaithbertach Ua Néill. |
| Mac Eoghain (MacEwen, MacKeown, Keon, MacCune) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Extra: Many are originally Ó hEoghain (O'Keown) rather than Mac Eoghain |
Clann Aodha Buidhe
The Clann Aodha Buidhe, or the Clandeboye O'Neill ("clan of Hugh the Blonde"), is a branch of Clann Néill, descended from Aodh Buidhe O'Neill (1260–83), King of Ulster and last King to be called King of Ailech. The Clandeboye O'Neills would later take control over most of eastern Ulster with the collapse of the Earldom of Ulster due to the invasion of Edward Bruce, whom they had opposed. Henry O'Neill of this line was King of Ulster from 1325 to 1344; Art O'Neill from 1509 to 1514.[1]
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Néill (O'Neill, Neill) |
Progenitor: Aodh Buidhe Ó Néill | Territory: Antrim, Down and the barony of Loughinsholin Extra: This branch of the O'Neills is more commonly known as the Clandeboy O'Neill's, with Clandeboy being the Anglicisation of Clann Aodha Bhuidhe. |
| Ó Gnímh (Agnew, O'Gnyw, O'Gnew, O'Gnive) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Extra: Hereditary poets of the O'Neill of Clandeboye; later served the MacDonnell Earls of Antrim. |
Clann Cathaín
The O'Cahan's of the Route are a branch of the Ó Cathaín that moved into the area of north-eastern County Londonderry and north-western County Antrim known historically as "the Route". The Route was held by the Hiberno-Norman MacQuillans, and a fierce rivalry would erupt between the O'Cahans and MacQuillans. The end of this rivalry would see the destruction of the MacQuillans' power and the weakening of the O'Cahans corresponding to the rise of MacDonnells.
The Scottish clans Munro and Buchanan are traditionally said to descend from the O'Cahans.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Cathaín (O'Cahan, O'Kane, Kane, Keane) |
Progenitor: Cathan Ó Néill | Territory: O'Cahan Country, equivalent to the barony of Keenaght, County Londonderry Extra: A powerful branch of the Northern Uí Néill that had the privilege of inaugurating the O'Neill. |
| Mac Bhloscaidh (MacCloskey, MacCluskey) |
Progenitor: Bloscaidh Ó Cathaín | Territory: Barony of Keenaght, Derry Extra: |
| Ó Maoláin (O'Mullan, Mullan, Mullin, Mullane) |
Progenitor: Maolán Ó Cathaín | Territory: Barony of Keenaght, Derry Extra: |
Clann Domhnaill
The Clann Domnaill (Clan Donnell) originated in County Donegal however moved eastwards into what is now County Tyrone. The clan is descended from Domnaill mac Áed, son of Áed Findliath and Gormlaith Rapach, daughter of Muiredach mac Echdach, King of Ulster.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Donnghaile (O'Donnelly, Donnelly, Donelly) |
Progenitor: Donnghal Ó Néill | Territory: Fear Droma Lighen, (Drumleen), Donegal then Baile-Ua-nDonnghail (Ballydonnelly), Tyrone
Extra: Hereditary chief was marshal of the O'Neill's forces, chief of Clann Domhnaill. |
Cenél Moain
The Cenél Moain or Cenél Moen (old Irish: Cineal Moain "kindred of Moan") descended from Moan, son of Muiredach, son of Eógan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. In the 14th century, the clan was forced across the River Foyle by the O'Donnells to northeast and east Strabane, County Tyrone.
| Sept(Common Forms) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Gormghaile
(O'Gormley, Gormley) |
Progenitor: Gormghal mac Moain | Territory: Rahpoe, Donegal, then Strabane, Tyrone
Extra: There is some confusion surrounding the name which is also recorded as Ó Goirmleaghaigh. The clan were hereditary chiefs of Cenél Moain and produced a King of Ailech in the 1140s. |
| Ó Lúinigh
(O'Lunney, Lunney) |
Progenitor: Lúineach mac Gormghaile | Territory: Muintir Lúinigh (Munter Luny), Strabane, Tyrone
Extra: Also, at various times, the chiefs of Cenél Moain. The Uí Lúinigh ruled a large territory in the Sperrin Mountains known as Muintir Lúinigh, and fostered Turlough Luineach O'Neill, whose sobriquet is derived from the clan. |
| Mac Conallaidh | Progenitor: Cú Allaidh | Territory: Lios Chon Allaidh (Lisanally), Strabane, Tyrone
Extra: Cenél Moain sept Uachtarach. |
| Ó Peatáin
(Petane, Patten, etc.) |
Progenitor: Peatán | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal
Extra: |
Other names and septs associated with Cenél Moain include: MacAleer, MacGarvey, O'Crean, O'Tierney, O'Kelly and O'Cernaghan.
Cenél Birnn
The Clann Birnn is descended from Bern mac Ruadrí mac Murchad mac Máel Dúin mac Áeda Alláin. This clan resided in Muintir Birnn (in the barony of Dungannon) and Tellach Ainbhith (in the barony of Strabane) both in modern-day County Tyrone.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Mac Ruaidhrí (MacRory, MacCrory, MacReary) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Teallach Ainbhith and Muintir-Birn, and Ballynascreen in County Londonderry Extra: |
Cenél Feargusa
The Cenél Feargusa (kindred of Fergus) are descended from Fergus, son of Eogan, son Niall of the Nine Hostages. It is sometimes also known as the Cenél Coelbad as the descended septs are through his son Coelbad. The clan originally resided in Inishowen, County Donegal before battling their way towards Tullyhogue, County Tyrone where they became masters of Tyrone and the vanguard of the O'Neills. They advanced into Tyrone after the Cenél mBinnigh had already led the way.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ó hÁgáin (O'Hagan, Hagan) |
Progenitor: Ágán mac Coelbad | Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tullyhogue in Tyrone Extra: Originally spelt Ó hÓgáin. Held the hereditary right of inaugurating the O'Neill as King of Ulster, as well as hereditary brehons of the O'Neill. |
| Ó Coinne (O'Quinn, Quinn, Conney, Quinney) |
Progenitor: Coínne mac Coelbad | Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tyrone Extra: Acted as quartermasters to the O'Neill. |
| Ó Maelfabhail (Mulfall, Lavelle) |
Progenitor: Mael Fabaill mac Coelbad | Territory: Carrickbraghy in north-west Inishowen, and later Derry and Tyrone Extra: Last of the Cenél nEóghain clans in its ancestral homeland of Inishowen, conquered by the O'Dohertys of the Cenél Conaill. |
| Ó Mealláin (O'Mallon, O'Mellan, Mallon, Mellan) |
Progenitor: Aedh mac Fergus | Territory: Meallanacht (O'Mellan's Country), Slieve Gallion Extra: Joint keepers of St. Patrick's bell, the Bell of Testament. |
| Ó Robhartaigh (O'Roarty, Roarty) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: An ecclesiastical sept who were co-arbs to St Columcille on Tory Island. |
Cenél mBinnigh
The Cenél mBinnigh are descended from Eochu Binneach, son of Eógan. The Cenél mBinnigh were the first clan of the Cenél nEóghain to advance from Inishowen, bypassing the fierce resistance of the Ciannachta (northern Londonderry) and into western Airgialla (modern-day County Tyrone), and in doing so ousted several Airgiallan clans to the east of the River Bann.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
Ó hÁdhmaill (O'Hamill, Hamill) |
Progenitor: | Territory: South Tyrone and Armagh Extra: |
Cenél Fearadhaigh
The Cenél Fearadhaigh, or 'kindred of Ferry', descend from Feradach mac Muiredach (Ferry MacMurdoch), a grandson of Eógan, and by the 12th century controlled a large portion of County Tyrone and had penetrated deep into County Fermanagh. By the mid-14th century, the Maguires would break the power of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in Fermanagh.
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Mac Cathmhaoil (MacCaul, MacCawell, MacCall) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: Leading sept of the Cenél Fearadhaigh. |
| Mag Uidhrín (MacGivern, MacGiveran) |
Progenitor: Uidhrín Ua Maoil-Muire | Territory: Barony of Clogher, Co. Tyrone Extra: |
| Mac Giolla Mhártain (MacGilmartin, Gilmartin, Martin, Kilmartin) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: |
| Maolgeimridh />(Mulgomery, Montgomery) | Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: |
| Maolpadraig />(Mulpatrick, Kilpatrick) | Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: |
| Ó Brolacháin (O'Brollaghan, Brollaghan) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Parts of Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone Extra: |
| Ó Fearadhaigh (O'Ferry, Ferry) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Mac Fhiachra (MacKeighry, MacKeefry, MacKeaghery) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Tyrone Extra: |
Cenél Tigernaich
| Sept(Common Forms) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ó Maoilfothartaigh
(O'Mulfoharty) |
Progenitor: | Territory: County Tyrone
Extra: |
| Ó hEodhusa
(O'Hosey, Hosea) |
Progenitor: | Territory: County Tyrone
Extra: |
| Ó Corragáin | Progenitor: | Territory:
Extra: |
Cenél Aenghusa
| Sept (Common Forms) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Mac Cana (MacCann) |
Progenitor: | Territory: Ailech, Donegal then Clanbressil, County Armagh Extra: The Cenél Aenghusa, or 'kindred of Angus', are only mentioned as being of the Cenél nEóghain by a citation in the Annals, with a similar reference in the Book of Lecan. |
Cenél Earca
The Cenél Earca ('kindred of Earca') descend from Muircherdaich, a grandson of Eógan, who was also called Mac Earca after his mother, a princess of Dalriada. A Máel Fithrich, son of Áeda Uaridnaich, was styled as being the chief of this branch, and his death at the hands of the Cenél Fearadhaigh saw this branch end up in the barony of Clogher, County Tyrone.
Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe
The Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe, or Clan Connor, originally hailed from Magh Ithe in County Donegal before moving into County Londonderry, ruling a region that became known as O'Cahan Country. This clan descended from Connor Mac Fergal, who in turn is descended from Muirceartach Mac Earca founder of the Cenél Mic Earca.
See also
Sources
- Bell, Robert (1988). The Book of Ulster Surnames. The Black Staff Press.
- Connolly, S.J. (2007). The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199234837.
- Duffy, Seán (2005). Medieval Ireland. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781135948245.
- Ellis, Peter Beresford (1999). Erin's Royal Blood. London.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Ó Ceallaigh, Séamus (1951). A Preliminary Note on Some of the Nomenclature on the Map of S.E. Ulster... Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
- Ó Ceallaigh, Séamus (1994). Gleanings from Ulster History (Punann ó Chois Bhanna). Cork University Press.
- Woulfe, Patrick (1921). Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. M. H. Gill & son.
References
- ↑ Ellis 1999, p. 230-231.
