The Branches Of Clan Donald

Book Of Ballymote MacDonald Page
Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, MS. 23 P12, f. 67 v
Picture courtesy of John McLaughlin

The pedigree of this (The Tighearna Coille) branch of the MacDonnells is given by ÓFarrell in his “Linnea Antiquea,” and by Duald MacFirbus in his “The Clan Donald of Leinster, The Posterity of Turlough Oge.” They descend from . . . the Lords of the Isles, and through Marcus . . ., a younger son of Aengus Oge (Oengus Ogh), who married a daughter of ÓKane (ÓCahan). The oldest brother of this Marcus was John (7th of The Isles, d.1387), who, by a first alliance, is ancestor of the Chieftan of Clan Raghnaill (or Clanranald) and Glengarry, and by his subsequent marriage with Princess Margaret Stewart of Scotland, daughter of King Robert II, and had: Donald, (8th) Lord of the Isles; John Mor (Ian Mhór, 1st Lord of Dun Naibhig & The Glens) who married Margery Bissett, heiress to the Glinns of Antrim; and, Alexander, the ancestor of Keppoch.
 

        Both ÓDonovan as editor, and ÓCléirigh as author, were quite clear and would have to be completely discredited in order for Lyon Court to be correct. The key would seem to be found in the various dates cited. There is a consensus that Marcach was first recorded as being in Ireland in 1388, by which time the MacDonnells of Ulster had been decimated in battle or by disease and had fallen into obscurity. 1388 was however, shortly after the death of John of Islay and the ascension of Donald, 8th of the Isles as high chief. Under the feudal rules of succession, Marcach would seem to have lost his status as brother of the high chief, had fallen under the authority of his nephew, had found this unacceptable, perhaps because he favored another heir to succeed as high chief (either himself, Alan of Moidart or Ian Mhór), and had gone to Ireland to seek his fortune among his mother’s family, the ÓCahans. Whatever his motivation, in Connacht, he eventually became constable of ÓConnor Roe’s gallóglaigh (Literally foreigners in green - mercenary warriors whose name was corrupted to gallowglasses by the English). He was followed in that office by all four of his sons of whom we have a record, and all five of these MacDonnells died in battle, including Marcach.

        If Somhairle MacAlasdair Ogh were Marcach’s father, as alleged by feudal apologists, he would have been, under the feudal rules of succession, 3rd of Ulster and Marcach would have been 4th of Ulster, rather than progenitor of Knocknacloy, unless Somhairle pre-deceased his nephew (Eoin Dubh’s son, 2nd of Ulster), in which case Marcach would have been 3rd of Ulster. That Calvach MacAlasdair Ogh inherited the Ulster title, is clear evidence that Marcach was not of that line. Furthermore, the “ÓConchobhair” (ÓConnor) chiefs of Connacht were the hereditary enemies of the ÓNeills of Tyrone. It is unlikely that Marcach would have either inclination or opportunity to enter Connacht’s service if his father was of the MacDonalds of Ulster and had been in the service of the ÓNeills. It was more likely, and further evidence that Oengus Ogh was his father, that Marcach sought employment in Connacht because of the remaining alliances of the ÓCahans in the West of Ireland.

        Like Oengus Ogh before him, Marcach is said to have married a daughter of ÓCahan of Limavady. ÓCléirigh also said he was the ancestor of the MacDonnells of Knocknacloy, a contention that is not disputed and a logical scenario for a younger son, who might seek his fortune among his mother’s relatives. According to some authorities, Marcach was the hero of Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem “Lord of the Isles,” but others claim Oengus Ogh had that honor as well. These contradictory claims are further evidence of confusion by the seannachaidh, but they do show a consensus recognizing Marcach’s strong link to Oengus Ogh and his historical significance. He was called a “saiu gallóglaigh” (a gallowglass artist or an excellent gallowglass), although the Annals of Ulster give this honor to his son, Calvach Mhór. Probably due to influence from the ÓCahans, Marcach later became Captain (commander), under the “ÓCeallaigh Ui Maine” (ÓKelly of HyMainy), provincial kings of a region in Roscommon and East Galway near the border of Leitrim and Cavan.

        All of the genealogical authorities cited contain obvious errors and bias.  So much inquiry has been made that it is unlikely that further resolving authorities will be found, unless DNA analysis can help. Another source asserts that Marcach was a brother of Domnall Ballach and therefore of the line of the MacDonnells of Dun Naibhig and the Glens. This is incorrect since Ian Mhór was probably Marcach’s nephew and Domnall Ballach died in 1476, 79 years after his great-uncle.

        Their father's, (Oengus Ogh's) tombstone bears the images of four lions. Could they represent his four sons - John, Domhnall, Marcach and Iain Fraoch? The genealogical implications of this historical controversy remain relevant, primarily to members of the Clan who seek preferment over their kinsmen. But whichever scenario is correct, the MacDonnells of Knocknacloy and of Leinster are certainly among the most direct uncompromised lineal descendants of the lords of The Isles and the direct Clan succession from the derbfhine of Somhairle MacGillebruide, if not the feudal succession, continues in them.

Cnoc Na Cloiche (Hill Of Stones - Knocknacloy)
Located about one and a half miles west of Boyle in Co. Roscommon
and strategically sited to defend two major invasion routes,
this was the “Caput” of The MacDonnells Of Knocknacloy.

 

       

Boyle Abbey Cloister

        Marcach held the command for nine years until, in 1397, hostilities broke out between “ÓConchobhair Ruadh” (ÓConnor Roe - the red haired ) and “ÓConchobhair Duine” (ÓConnor Don - the brown haired), whose territories were both in Roscommon. MacDonough of Sligo commanded the gallóglaigh of ÓConnor Don and they were badly beaten in their first meeting with Marcach. But ÓConnor Don and MacDonough raised another army. ÓConnor Roe, hearing of the new threat, sent Marcach’s son Dugal, along with Felim ÓConnor, a son of Cathal Ogh ÓConnor, to Donegal to ask for aid from The ÓDonnell and other chieftains of the area. With their assistance, the forces of ÓConnor Don were again defeated and the victors broke up their army into raiding parties and began to pillage ÓConnor Don’s and MacDonough’s territories with fire and sword, taking hostages as security for the losers’ good behavior in the future. Marcach’s force, consisting of his gallóglaigh, the sons of Cathal Ogh and the people of Durnin, marched to Carberry and Lissadill in MacDonough country, looting as they went. At Lissadill, they fell into an argument with the defeated populace over the spoils. The ÓDonnell arrived with a small force of cavalry and, joined by a number of other Irish clans, took up the cause of the defeated ÓConnor Don, advancing down the road from Sligo. An arm of the sea was on their right and a stream named “Bun Brenoige” (Mouth of a Sulky Woman) on their left. The sons of Cathal Ogh rashly charged ÓDonnell with their cavalry on this narrow front where there was no room to maneuver. It was a disaster for the men of Cathal Ogh and, when Marcach and his gallóglaigh came to their aid, both he and his son Dugal were left dead on the field, along with many of their men.

        Marcach had several sons of his own, including Calvach Mhór (Big Charles, Irish - Toirdhealbhach, pronounced Tearlach, d. 1435) and Dugal, who was slain in the same battle where his father fell. Marcach’s oldest surviving son, Somhairle Buidhe, was clan chief for about a year in Connacht, until he also was killed when, with only a few men, he was ambushed by a superior force at Cnoc-n’-Crona. Neither Dugal nor Somhairle Buidhe left any known progeny, but Marcach’s youngest son, Calvach, succeeded him as chief of the MacDonnells of Knocknacloy and, in 1419, fought as Captain of ÓCeallaigh Ui Maine’s gallóglaigh in South Galway as his father had before him. They were apparently allied with Gerald FitzGerald, 5th Earl of Kildare, on this occasion and were defeated with many casualties on July 28 at Ath Lighen by William Burke of Clanrickard, even though FitzGerald claimed a victory and was made a Knight of the Garter a year later.

        Calvach and his son escaped, thus ending the MacDonnell association with the ÓKellys. Shortly thereafter they migrated, with Somhairle Buidhe and some followers, to Leix, or Queens County, (now Co. Laois) in Leinster where they became Constables of the Pale and founded Sliocht Toirdhealbhach (The Tribe of Charles), later to become known, after building their tower house which they named “Tighearna Coille” (Forest Manor - Tinnakill), as the MacDonnells of Tinnakill. From FitzGerald, they acquired a considerable tract at the base of the Leix and Wicklow mountains along the boundary of the Pale that became known as Clan Donnell country.

        Maurice’ third son, Thomas, was granted lands in Co. Limerick in 1197 and founded the FitzGeralds of Desmond. By 1262, the third Maurice FitzGerald was numbered among the chief magnates of Ireland and became embroiled in a feud with Walter de Burgho, the new Earl of Ulster. Maurice’ second marriage to Agnes de Valence, the king’s cousin, in 1266, brought huge tracts of additional lands in Limerick and Desmond to the FitzGeralds as dowery, including de Burgho’s huge castle of Askeaton. These two great branches of “The Geraldines” became very powerful by the early 14th Century. Maynooth was known as “one of the largest and richest earl’s houses in Ireland,” built largely of stone, with numerous offices partly of stone and two huge gate houses flanking the main entrance.

        During the "Wars Of The Roses," the FitzGeralds supported the Yorkist cause.  The MacDonnells adopted the causes of the FitzGeralds and were rewarded with extensive grants, as well as the titles of Constable and Warden, all of which they held for over two hundred years.  Calvach died in 1435 and was succeeded by his son, "Eoin Carragh" (John the Scabbed) MacDonnell.  John was described by the analyists as  "the best captayne of the English" and was killed in Offaly in 1466.  He was followed by his son "Turlough Ogh" (Young Calvach or Charles) MacDonnell, 1st of Leinster.

        The title "Captayne of the English," according to HHG MacDonnell, originated in the 14th and 15th centuries when the government no longer had the power to protect English settlers and landowners.  The Gaelic Irish were attacking everywhere and recovering their lost possessions.  Without government troops to protect them, the settlers formed associations for defense which they jointly maintained.  They selected leaders whom they called their "Captayne."  As their object was, ostensibly, to protect "The English Pale," the title was not unnatural, though not quite accurate.  One such association was founded c.1480 called "The Brotherhood of St. George."  Thirteen gentlemen were selected from four counties of The Pale.  They met annually and selected a captain, who commanded their defense force of 120 mounted archers, 40 horsemen and 40 pages.  The term came into common usage so that in Queen Elizabeth's 1562 grant to Maolmuire MacEdmund MacDonnell, he is styled "one of the three Cheefe Captaynes" of The MacDonnells Of Leinster.  In the same era, in Scotland, Domnall Ballach mac Ian Mhór, 2nd of Dun Naibhig, became "Captain" of Clan Donald

        After James I of Scots defeated Alasdair, 9th of The Isles, in Lochaber in 1429, there was new interest in Ireland by the MacDonalds.  The (Anglo) Irish Council reported in 1430 that a great multitude of Scots had come from Scotland to assist the Irish in their attacks on the English colony.  Three years later, a large fleet came from The Isles to help Eoghan ÓNeill, Lord of Tyrone, together with MacUidhilin (MacQuillin), lord of the district in northeast Antrim known as "The Route" in their war against Niall ÓDomhnaill (ÓDonnell).  After they had burned the town of Ardglass, the Scottish fleet sailed to Innishowen and joined the ÓNeill army to enforce a peace on Niall.

        The superior resources of the great Gaelo-Norman lords were strong incentives for ambitious gallóglaigh to seek employment by them.  There was little profit in altruism.  As early as 1339, England had appointed an admiral whose duty was to stop trade between Ireland and Europe.

        In 1494 an English law, called Poyning's Law, prohibited the Irish from exporting any industrial product, except with English permit, through an English port, after paying English fees.  They had long since been barred from exporting cattle and, when the Irish turned to raising sheep, the English forbade their export as well.  Irish money was debased in 1477, resulting in English merchants being able to buy cheaply in Ireland and sell abroad more profitably.  Also, England was able to pay her army in Ireland with cheap Irish coin.  When Irish merchants refused to honor the debased coinage offered by the soldiers at its face value, an Act was passed in 1547 making such refusal treason.  Then, after the Irish developed a thriving wool trade, Queen Elizabeth, in 1571, ordered that no cloth or stuff made in Ireland should be exported, even to England, except by Englishmen in Ireland, or by merchants approved by the government.  Nevertheless, very few gallóglaigh fought for the English themselves, and almost none against the Ulster chiefs, except when they and their gallóglaigh fought each other.  Most of them were recruited in Scotland by James MacDonnell of Dun Naibhig, or by "Gillesbuig Gruamach" (Grim Archibald) Campbell, 8th Earl of Argyll, who each had considerable control of their distribution and allegiances.  They were generally Gaelic warriors committed to Gaelic causes.

        The surrender of the lordship of The Isles in 1493 resulted in the hasty departure of many more MacDonnells to the Glens of Antrim.  From Domhnall Ballach to Eoin Cahanagh MacDonnell, an incurable hatred and distrust had developed among the kings of Scots because of Clan Donald's "persistent opposition to Royal policy."  Many of the MacDonalds acquired lands and titles in Ireland and, throughout the 14th through the 17th centuries, major historical references are found to them in the records of Scottish gallóglaigh throughout the country.  By the 15th Century they had spread as far as Leinster, Munster, Clare and Connacht. 

        “The Tinnakill Duanaire” (The Tighearna Coille Miscellaney), a collection of eighty five praise poems compiled at Tighearna Coille under the sponsorship of Calvagh, 4th of Leinster, and his son, Hugh Buidhe MacDonnell, 5th of Leinster, in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, provides some evidence, according to Anne ÓSullivan in her analysis of that document published in “Celtica, Volume II,” in 1974, that others of the MacDonnells of Knocknacloy, perhaps the sons of Dugal, took service as gallóglaigh with the MacWilliam Burkes of Mayo and founded the MacDonnell Gallóglaigh of Mayo at about the same time.

        The descendants of Marcach were finally settled as gallóglaigh in the employ of the earls of Kildare at Tighearna Coille, even though English influence reached its lowest point then, primarily due to wars with France, and the 30 year "Wars of the Roses."  By 1537, after the fall of the Geraldines, the Pale was "Cramperned and crouched into an odd corner of the country named Fingal, with a parcel of the King's land of Meath and the counties of Kildare and Louth."  Just to the west of Kildare, on the other side of the River Barrow, the powerful clans ÓMore and ÓDempsey controlled most of Co. Laois, with their center of power the Rock of Dunamase.

"Dun A Masq" (Fort of Masher - Dunamase), Barony of Stradbally, Co. Laois
First fortified as an early Christian dun, it was plundered by Vikings c.844.
Refortified by the Normans in the 12th Century, it was abandoned in the 14th Century.
Occupied by various Gaelic clans in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was finally
destroyed in a 17th Century siege by Cromwell’s cannon.

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One of a pair of huge gatehouses guarding the entrance to Caislen Mhagh Nuadhat (Castle Of The New Swollen Plain), Seat of the FitzGerald earls of Kildare

        By the beginning of the 15th Century, the Irish resurgence had driven the English into the walled towns and into “The Pale” (land of peace, or “maghery” from the Gaelic “machaire,” meaning a ‘plain’ or extensive beach) surrounding Dublin. The Pale, a name first recorded in a statute of Poyning’s Parliament in 1495, was securely in English control and generally consisted of the counties within about 40 miles of Dublin, including Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly (formerly Kings), Laois (formerly Queens), Wicklow and Kildare. The rest of Ireland was referred to by the English as the “marches” (land of war). But the Gaelo-Norman lords, indispensable to the crown’s continued presence in Ireland, prospered. The creation of the three great earldoms, Desmond (FitzGerald), Ormonde (Butler) and Kildare (FitzGerald), in the 1450s, acknowledged the fact. But the new agents of England’s power soon became hibernicized, intermarrying with the Irish and adopting their culture and customs such as fosterage. “Hibernicis ipsis hiberniores” (more Irish than the Irish themselves), was no empty boast. By the time Henry VIII was proclaimed king in The Irish Parliament 200 years later, the document had to be read in the Irish language as, it was claimed, only Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormonde, leader of the English party, could understand it in English.

        Maurice FitzGerald de Windsor (1100-1176) accompanied Strongbow in his invasion of Ireland and was granted the barony of “Magh Nuadhat” (New Swollen Plain - Maynooth) in Kildare. His second son, Gerald, progenitor of the FitzGeralds of Kildare, became 1st Baron Offaly and built Maynooth Castle by 1203.

Mhainistir Búille (Monastery of the Blows - Boyle Abbey), Co. Roscommon
Probably founded by Colm Cille between 544 and 561, it would have been
the place of worship and burial site of The MacDonnells Of Knocknacloy

        The MacDonnell gallóglaigh built their dun on a strong hilltop position just about one and a half miles west of the 11th Century monastery situated on the Búille Abhainn (River of the Blows), with their flanks protected from the east, north and west by Lough Key, Lough Arrow and Lough Gara.. The Curlew Mountains further limited the routes available to an approaching enemy from the north or west to only two narrow corridors. Knocknacloy was about two days’ march south of Sligo, guarding a major road .

        As was common practice at that time, a motte and bailey was built on the site, a design that was quicker and cheaper to construct than a Norman style stone castle, and which utilized materials easily available at a time when the land was still heavily forested. A large mound of earth, in this case some ten feet high, oval shaped and measuring some fifty feet by forty feet, surrounded by a deep dry ditch and topped by a perimeter palisade of logs, was located at the peak of the hill. Inside the palisade would have been the quarters of the gallóglaigh, also probably constructed of logs, wattle and daub, or other commonly available materials. The remains of this remarkably level excavation is what can be seen today. Ironically, the place may take its name, not from the fortification built, but rather from the difficulty of digging the ditch and erecting the mound. The site would have been surrounded by a "bawn," a second wall, probably of stone, enclosing some two acres of ground and protecting the common and commercial buildings of the community, such as blacksmithy, farrier, leather worker, armorer, etc., as well as providing a livestock enclosure. There is still some evidence of the bawn around the edges of the hilltop and reaching almost to the edge of the road, although both bailey and common area are now hay fields. That the hay had just been cut, together with the assistance of the Co. Roscommon Engineering Office in Boyle, are undoubtedly what allowed us to find the site.

Cnoc na Cloiche as it may have appeared c. 1400

The level ground of the inner bailey of Cnoc Na Cloiche
Looking east across it toward Búille Abbey and the valley of Búille Abhainn

West side of the ditch around the inner bailey of Cnoc Na Cloiche
Common area is below between the bailey and
the road which runs left to right in the far trees

The ancient road from Sligo to Búille Abbey
Where it passes Cnoc Na Cloiche (to the right in this picture)

       

An Crois Mhór nan Cille Dál Tain
(The High Cross of the Church of the Foster Child - Kildalton High Cross) Carved at Iona in the 8th Century, it is said to have been brought to Islay c.1388 by Donald, 8th Of The Isles, as a memorial to his father. Due to the depredations of the Campbells during the Reformation, it is the only remaining complete High Cross in Scotland.