O'Morgan origin - Ulster
Bernard
surname Morgan and would like to share what I found with you and the
archive. I hope this will provide usefully for those who study the
origin of the name O'Morgan (O'Merrigan, O'Murrigan, O'Morrin,
O'Moraghan and O'Moran).
The two Irish names that are typically the source for O'Morgan are: Ua
Murchadhain and Ua Muireagain. Variations of Murchadhain are Murcain
and Murain (Mura being the pet name of Murcad. While variations of
Muireagain are: Muirean and Muirin.
O Murchadhain is the diminutive of Murchadh. First element of Murchadh
(Mur) stems from Muir (for sea), hence it has sometimes (rarely)
written as Muirchadh.
Murchadha gives rise to the surnames: Murdoch, Murphy, Morrow,
Morrough and Morochoe.
O Muireagain (Muirecain) is often replaced in the Annals and
Genealogies with O Muireadhaigh. The frequency of this substitution
makes me firmly believe that Muirecan is derived from Muireadhach.
Muireadhach (Muireadhaigh) gives rise to the surnames: Murdoch, Murray
and Maurice.
[I have found a couple of substitution of Murchadh for Muirecan and
Muiredhach...]
The Morgan Families:
Ulster
Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre of Sil Colla hUais of Airgialla
Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil of Cenél Echach Bindigh of Locha
Droichid of Ui Neill
Ui Muireagain of Muinter Duibh Rois of Ui Chremtainn of the Airgialla
Ua Muireacain (Muirneachain) of Cenel Coelbad of Cenel Fergus of Ui
Neill
Mide
Ua Muireagain of Munitr Tadgain of Cenel Maine of Ui Neill, Kings of
Teffia
Muiniter Meic Muireagain of Clan Colman Mor of Ui Neill
Ua Murchadhain of Clann Aenghusa of Cenel Fiachach mac Neill of Ui
Neill
Leinster
Ui Muireagain of Clan Chainnich of Clan Colgan of Ui Failge
Ui Murchadhain of Clan Mael Finn of 'Clan Colgan of Liffey' of Ui
Failge
Ua Marcain of Ui Garrchon of Dál Messin Corb
Unidentified O'Morgan family located in Wicklow/Kilkenny border
Connacht
Ua Murchadhain (Ua Morain) of Conmaicne Rein
Ua Murchadhain of Clan Cremthain of Ui Maine
Ua Murchadhain of Clan Uadach of Siol Muireadaigh of Ui Briuin
Ui Murchadain of Clan Murchadha of Siol Muireadhaigh of Ui Briuin
Unidentified Ui Muireagain family located in County Clare
Munster
Ui Mhearagain of Cinel Laoghaire of Ui Eachach Mumhan of the
Eoghanachta
ULSTER
When I first started researching my Morgan roots I look at the
nineteenth century Griffith valuation. I found that approximately
fifty percent of all Morgans in mid-nineteenth century Ireland where
on located on the road between Belfast and Dublin and peak around the
city of Newry.
Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre of Sil Colla hUais.
(Laud 610 [c.1000], Rawlinson [c.1120], Book of Ballymote [c.1400],
Book of Lecan, TCD MS 1280, O'Hart)
Muirecan was a member of the ruling family Ui Fiachach Tuirtre a
branch of Mac Uais who ruled the tribal alliance of Airgailla. Their
royal centre was located at Telch Oc, county Tyrone. The O'Flynn of Ui
Tuirtre left the royal line early where at one time located in the
barony of Loughinsholin, county Derry. (Loughinsholin means the 'lough
of the island of the O'Flynns'.) Sometime between 919 and 1012 the Ui
Neills gain control over Telach Oc. The Ui Tuirtre migrated east
across the Bann River into county Antrim and settling in the baronies
of Antrim and Toome.
The annals of Ulster and the Four Masters record in 1096 the death of
Flann Ua Muireagain, Erenagh of Antrim. (An erenagh took the tonsure
without holy orders and held a heraldry position as steward of the
church lands. In the Ulster plantation the parish clergy were
recruited from them.)
(John O'Hart's book, "Stem of the Irish Nation" has Flann O'Morgan as
the stem of O'Morgan, with the same pedigree as the Ui Tuirtre.
Manscript TCD MS 1280 supports his work. The O'Morgan surname stems
from Muircen mac Mael Chraebe (d. 919, King of Airgialla). Whose
brother Domhnallain gives rise to the O'Donnellans; who continue the
royal dynastic line of the Ui Tuirtre.)
The death of Flann Ua Muireagain (1096) occurs then Ua Tuirtri
pedigrees changes from:
Laud 610 (c.1050 AD) ending with Muirecan mac Muircertaig
mac Flaind
to Rawlinson B.502 (c.1120 AD) has Flann mac Muiredaig mac
Muircherdaich mac Flaind
I believe change reflects the addition of Flann Ua Muireagain to the
genealogy. The chronology is supported by the death of Muiredaig mac
Muircherdaich in 1059.
[The complete genealogy is:
Flann m. Muiredaig m. Muircherdaich m. Flaind m. Muirecáin m. Máel
Chráebe m. Duib Sínaich m. Áeda m. Loingsich m. Indrechtaich m.
Rechtabrat m. Máel Chráebe m. Máel Fathardaig m. Suibni m. Furudráin
m. Béicce m. Cuanach m. Dáre m. Feidelmid m. Feichíne m. Fiachrach
Tuirtle m. Colla Uais]
[John MacNeill in his notes on Laud genealogies identifies Muiredaig
as brother to Muirecan (the younger). Personally I would say that
Muirecan and Muiredeaig where the same person.]
[Rechtabrat is record at his death in 734 as Rechtabrat Ua Cathasach
and with the royal line being called Sil Cathasaigh; there is however
no Cathasach given in the genealogies to explain this. (Source:
"Essays and Studies Presented to Professor Eoin MacNeill", by John
Sprott Ryan.) Reading Laud 610; the line goes Furudran, a quo Sil
Cathasaig & Sil Duib hUaille & rigraid Fernmaige; so Furudran line is
also the royal line of Farney, county Monaghan?, I thought was in the
hands of Ui Chremthainn branch of the Airgailla; of course after
forcing out the other Airgailla tribes.]
The Book of Lecan further tells us that the Ui Murigein where one of
the five chiefs of Ui Tuirtre:
["15. The Book of Lecan, 80 vb 25, has the following account of the
filiations of the five chief families of the Ui Tuirtri:
Ag Indrachtach mac Rachtabrad mic Mail craibi comraigidh .h. Floind re
haib domnaillain 7 re hib Muirigein 7 re Mael ruanaig mac
Flaithbertaig. Ua Floind immorro ar slicht Muireadaig mic Indractaig 7
in dream eile ar slicht Loingsig mic dream eile ar slicht Loingsig mic
Indrachtaig." From "Essays and Studies Presented to Professor Eoin
MacNeill", by John Sprott Ryan]
The townland of Lisnamurrikin (Fort of Ui Muireagain) in the parish
Racavan, County Antrim, tells us where at least some of the Ua
Muireagain ended up. The 1605 Inquisition into North Clandeboy
identified the townland of Lisnamurrikin as being within the Tuogh of
Muntermurigan (Tribal lands of tribe of Muireagain) one of the twenty
divisions that made up North Clandeboy.
>From 'Celtic Scotland: A History of Ancient Alban' by W. F. (William
Forbes) Skene:
"The Tuogh of Muntir Murigan (Muintir Mhuireagan), or the tribe of
Murrigan. The Tuogh na Keart. The Tuogh of Moylinny, which is co-
extensive with the barony of Upper Antrim, and contained 36000
acres".
The 1659 'Census' records no Morgan in county Antrim though I know
they existed. It does though record twenty-one O'Merran in the barony
of Carrickfergus; east of the baronies of Toome and Antrim. The
O'Merran surname could be related to O'Merrigan, however it needs
further research.
The Mac Uais like their neighbors the Ciannacht from county Derry had
kingdoms of Breagh and Midhe in counties of Meath and Westmeath. The
barony of Moygoish in Westmeath is named for them "Magh Mac Uais"
Plain of Mac Uais. It is located next to the old kingdom of Teabha and
the territory of Cenel Fiachach mac Neill. In 1058 the Four Master
reports the death of Ceallach mac Muireagan, lord of Ui-Mic-Uais-
Breagh. I plan to check one day to see if this is a surname or purely
a father's name.
Early Antrim Morgans and Marrons I have found in the records
1669 Owin O'Murgan, Scolboa (Sculvoe), Parish of Connor, Barony of
Antrim (HMR 1669)
1669 Owin O Murgan of Scolbow antrim
1669 Donnell O'Morgan, Ardmore, Parish of Killead, Barony of
Massereene, Antrim
1669 Edw Morgan Belfast Shankill
1669 Wil Morgin Belfast Shankill
1666 Donoghty O'Marran, Parish of Skerry, Racavan & Glenwhirry
1666 Darby D O'Meren Cranfield, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome
1669 Widow O'Merran, Rathbeg, Parish of Donegore.
1669 Ogin O'Marran Lamberg, Belfast
1669 Shane O'Marran Lamberg, Belfast
1669 Wil O'Marran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick
1669 Dav O'Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick?
1669 Wil Oge O'Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick?
1669 Rob O'Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick?
1669 Edmond O'Murren Barnish, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome
1669 Shane O'Murren Cranfield, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome
Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil of Cenél Echach Bindigh of Locha
Droichid
(Book of Ballymote [c.1400], O'Clery [c.1590])
Irish genealogical tracts conform to three styles: the genealogy style
as seen above in Flann Ua Muireagain with his ancestors listed in
order; another is the mythical origin story and the third is placement
of the family within major family grouping. In the case of Ua
Murchadhain family it is a placement I find, which has them as
stemming from Clan Daithghil members of Cenel Echach Binnigh.
Cenel Echach Binnigh and Cenel Fergus of Ui Neill drove the Ui Tuirtre
eastward with Cenel mBinnigh settling in the barony of Loughinsholin
and south around Telach Oc.
In the annals there is a Mac-leighinn Ua Murchadhain, Erenagh of
Coleraine Abbey who died in 988 (Annal of Ulster, Four Masters). He
could be related to the Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil. However it
may too early for Ua Murchadhain to be a surname.
The informative web site on Irish history www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/uineill.htm
does state that "Several branches of the Cenél mBindigh Locha Droichid
are noted, in the Index to the Four Masters, in the north of the
barony of Loughinsholin, co. Derry." Though, I have not read the Index
to the Four Masters myself.
A search of place-names offers Moranstown near Cavanreagh in the
parish of Ballynascreen, barony of Loughinsholin. O'Moran is generally
accepted truncation of O'Murchadhain as found in county Offaly.
Ua Muireacain of Cenel Coelbad of Cenel Fergus of Ui Neill
This family like above was for in a placement texts. The earlier
genealogical texts I have use the Ua Muirneachain:
Laud 610:
"Trempan immorru, oenmac acai .i. Faelchu. Is huad Hui Mailmocherge 7
Oi Duibli 7 Oe Dubgillai 7 Oi Dinertaig 7 Oe Murnechan 7 Hoi Dobrain 7
Oi Dubain."
Book of Ballymote:
"Trempan uero aen mc. aige .i. Faelchu is uadh atad .H. Maelmochoirge
& .H. Duible & .H. Duibgilla & .H. Dinertaigh & .H. Muirnechan & .H.
Dobran & .H. Duban"
O'Clery:
"Tremparan, uero, aenmac aicce .i. Faelcu: as uadha .h. Mail
mhocheirghe et .h. Duible et .h. Duibh ghiolla et .h. Dinertaigh, .h.
Muirecan, .h. Dobarn, .h. Dubhain."
So why did the name become Muircan; as I yet do not know? Ua
Muirneachain (O'Murnaghan) is said by Woulfe to be a rare Ulster name.
As for the other family names that descend from Trempan; I have only
found Ua Mail mhocheirghe who are said to have stayed by Lough Swilly
While others of Cenel Coelbad followed the Ui Neill expansion eastward
to east Tyrone.
Cenel Fergus in general held the area south of the Sperrin Mountains
in Derry. Fergus ancestors where: the O'Hagans, who settle around
Tulach Oc, east Tyrone; the O'Quins; the Mulfoyle, chiefs of northwest
part of Inishowen and O'Mellans, in the southern most part of county
Derry. Hence this family could well overlap with the Cenel Echach
Binnigh and the Ui Tuirtre.
Hence the only to disentangle the three possible origins in north part
of Ulster would be DNA testing...
Ui Muireagain of Muinter Duibh Rois of Ui Chremtainn of the Airgialla
(Book of Ballymote, MacFirbhisigh, O'Hart)
Book of Ballymote gives the following placement:
"Muindter Duibh Rois .i. H. Ruadhacan & H. Caeman & H. Feidegan & H.
Mairicain & H. Dunacan."
This looks like the source of O'Hart's 'Stem of the Irish Nation" when
he identifies the following families "Donnegan, Dunegan, Keenan,
Morgan, Murrin, Rogan etc." as being from Murtagh (muireadhach) son of
Ceallach (quo Clan Kelly of Fermangh). An Dubhaltach MacFirbhisigh's
"The Great Book of Genealogies" has a parallel entry for the same
families, however I have not yet find a local copy of book that has
just been published by Nollaig O Muraile.
The Ui Chremtainn was another Arigialla tribe claim who this time
claimed descent from Colla Da Crich. They came to power with advances
of the Ui Neill into Mac Uais terrority; cutting the Ui Tuirtre off
from the rest of Airgialla. The Ui Chremtainn are recorded at the time
of St Patrick in the Clogher Valley in County Tyrone. They expanded
thorough Fermanagh into Monaghan and finally Louth in doing so the Ui
Chremthainn pushed the other Airgialla tribes in front of them;
displacing the Ui Meath (driven to Louth), the Fir Rois (to the border
of Monaghan/Louth), the Conailli, and the Mugdorna (driven from
Cremorne "territory of Mugdorna" to the Mountains of Mourne).
From: www.mcmahonsofmonaghan.org/oriel_collas_to_macmahon.html
"Four subgroups emerged from the Ui Chremthainn. These included the
Clann Lugain of Fermanagh, Clann Ceallaigh who controlled the area
between Fermanagh and Clones in modern county Monaghan, the Sil
Daimini who ruled a portion of Fermanagh, and the Ui Nadsluaig of
Monaghan, from whom the O'Carrolls and MacMahons descend."
The descendants of Clann Lugin are the Maguires of Fermanagh. From the
Sil Daimini comes Clan Ceallaigh or the O'Kelly who controlled the
area between Fermanagh and Clones in modern county Monaghan. Lastly
from Ui Nadsluaig come the O'Carrols rulers in Louth and MacMahon
rulers in Monaghan.
Also from: www.mcmahonsofmonaghan.org/oriel_collas_to_macmahon.html
"As the Ui Nadsluaig moved east and southward into Monaghan, two other
kingdoms remained in place. These were the Ua Baigeallain family of
Dartraige and the Mac Murchadha family of the modern barony of
Truagh." (Another MacMurchadha of Ui Neill origin is said to have move
into County Monaghan??)
The only other independent grouping of Airgialla in Ulster were the
East Airghalla (Ind Aithir) in county Armagh; they where under the
influence of the Ui Neill and with this protection where allowed to
fill the posts of Armagh in opposition to the Ui Chremthainn.
As for historical figures there is only one Duib Rois in the annals
that I have found so far:
AU 804.9 A battle between the Uí Chremthainn themselves, in which Echu
mac Cathal and Domnall mac Echaid and Dub Rois and many others fell;
and Donn Clochair mac Artrí, was victor.
As for the possible origin for O'Muireagain there are the following
entries
915 (FM) The army of the Ui-Neill of the South and North was led by
Niall, son of Aedh, King of Ireland, to the men of Munster, to wage
war with the foreigners. He pitched his camp at Tobar-Glethrach, in
Magh-Feimhin, on the 22nd of August. The foreigners went into the
territory on the same day. The Irish attacked them the third hour
before mid-day, so that one thousand one hundred men were slain
between them; but more of the foreigners fell, and they were defeated.
There fell here in the heat of the conflict the chief of Carraig-
Brachaidhe,and Maelfinnen, son of Donnagan, chief of Ui-Cearnaigh;
Fearghal, son of Muirigen, chief of Ui-Creamhthainn; and others
besides them.
Reinforcements set out from the fortress of the foreigners to relieve
their people. The Irish returned back to their camp before the arrival
of the last host, i.e. before the arrival of Raghnall, king of the
black foreigners, who had an army of foreigners with him. Niall set
out with a small force against the foreigners, so that God prevented
their slaughter through him. Niall after this remained twenty nights
encamped against the foreigners. He requested of the Leinstermen to
remain in siege against the foreigners. This they did, and continued
the siege until Sitric, the grandson of Imhar, and the foreigners,
gave the battle of Ceannfuait to the Leinstermen, wherein six hundred
were slain about the lords of Leinster, together with the king Ugaire,
son of Ailell. These are the names of some of their chiefs:
Maelmordha, son of Muireagan, lord of Airther-Life; Mughron, son of
Cinneidigh, lord of the three Comainns and of Laighis; Cinaedh, son of
Tuathal, lord of Ui-Feineachlais; and many other chieftains, with the
arch-bishop Maelmaedhog, son of Diarmaid, who was one of the Ui-
Conannla, Abbot of Gleann-Uisean, a distinguished scribe, anchorite,
and an adept in the Latin learning and the Scotic language. It was
concerning the battle of Ceann-Fuaid the following lines were
composed:
917 (CS) An army of the men of Ireland was led by Niall son of Aed to
the foreigners of Loch Dá Caech (Waterford Harbour), and foreigners
and Irish were killed there including the king of Carraic Brachaide
and the chief of Uí Chernaigh i.e. Maelfinnéin son of Donnacán and the
chief of Uí Chremthainne i.e. Fergus son of Muiricén and many others
were killed.
The battle-rout of Cenn Fuait inflicted on the Laigin by the grandson
of Ímar. Six hundred or more were killed including the royal house and
over-king i.e. Augaire son of Ailill and the king of Airther Life i.e.
Maelmórda son of Muiricén and Mugrón son of Cendétigh king of the
three Comann and of Laígis and Cinaedh son of Tuathal king of Uí
Enechglais and many others and including the chief bishop. (Fearghal
and Fergus are the same person, different spellings)
Who ever the first Muireagain of the Ui Chremthainn was; his decendant
was Mael Muire Ua Muirigan, Superior (AU) or Erenagh (FM) of Tynan
Abbey located south-west of Armagh city in the parish of Tynan in the
barony of Tiranny.
Also within the barony of Tiranny and west of the Callan river is the
townland of Tullyworgle "Hillock of Uí Mhuireagáin".
In the barony of Oneilland East is Kilvergan Hill "Church of Ui
Muiregain", in parish of Seagoe. In the book "Irish Place Names" by
Deirdre Flanagan and Laurence Flanagan, they identify O Muiregain as
Erenaghs or hereditary stewards. I wonder if the authors knew more on
the subject of the O Muiregain. However I look for to the new volumes
of "Place-Names of Northern Ireland" by Queens University...
I look forward to translations of:
Ballymorgan in the parish of Lisnadill in the barony of Lower Fews. In
the same parish across the barony border in Armagh is Ballymoran. The
name Moran as mention above is view as a truncation of Murchadhain,
the same being true for Morgan as well.
There is also Drumorgan (Morgan's ridge) in the parish of
Mullaghbrack, Barony of Lower Fews. Plus Ballyworkan in Drumcree,
Oneilland West with other possibilities to being Ballyargan and
Ballyoran.
Ballymote has Muindter Duibh Rois include the H. Ruadhacan, H. Caeman,
H. Feidegan and H. Dunacan.
H. Caeman: is the same name of a once powerful family in west
Fermangh.
H. Feidegan: nothing yet
H. Duncan: O'Hart gives Donnegan and they could well be the sometime
Lords of Fernmagh (barony of Farney) in the south of county Monaghan.
H. Ruadhacan: O'Hart gives Rogan and this are powerful family ruling
East Airgialla (county Armagh) in the eleventh and twelfth centuries
and as kings of the Ui Echach of Armagh.
I include this text from Kingdom of Airghialla on Ireland's History in
Maps to give som background information:
"Uí Echach - The Uí Echach of Oirgialla, in Tuath Echach, comprised
the barony of Armagh, in modern county Armagh, as suggested by Leabhar
na gCeart and by O'Donovan's edition of Topographical Poems of O'Dugan
and O'Heerin).
<snip>
An early Uí Echach (Sil Colla Fochri) genealogy: (Book of
Ballymote)
Murcad m. Ruaidri m. Muiredaich m. Ailella m. Cumascaigh m. Echadon m.
Ruadacan m. Cellaich m. Ruadrach m. Conmaeil m. Airmedaich m.
Feradaich m. Amalga m. Aililla m. Echach m. Feidlimthe m. Fiachrach m.
Colla Da Crich."
The Sil Coll Fochri genealogy is one conflict origins for the Ua
Ruadagan. In this genealogy they relatives of the O'Sinnagh (Fox)
family who control the see of Armagh until the time of the reformer St
Malachy.
I also found this reference: K. Sims, Medieval Armagh: The Kingdom of
Oirthir (Orior) and its Rulers The Ui Annluain (O'Hanlons), at the web
site www.magoo.com/hugh/airghialla.html
"The most prominent local chiefs in the eleventh and twelfth centuries
were the Ó Ruadacáin (O'Rogan) rulers of Ui Echach Airgiall, whose
territory included Toaghy, just south of Armagh city, and probably
also two Fews baronies, extending down to the southwestern borders of
the modern county."
The area of Toaghy as appears on 1602/3 map would be match for the
barony of Tiranny. Area belonged at one point to the archbishop of
Armagh and includes possibly the parish of Muckno in county Monaghan.
Talking about the see of Armagh and the Clan Sinnagh, I regularly come
a cross the O'Morgain family of Maol Maodhog (St Malachy) archbishop
of Armagh and his brother Gilla Crist bishop of Airghialla. They are
the sons of Mughron a lecture at Armagh (d. 1096). There a said be of
noble blood and from a local family connected with the Church. The
name is more commonly given as O'Morgair, however O'Morgain though
less common was used at least one recent academic work. I cannot help
but wonder...?
1393 Morice Morgane is granted the 'Chancellorship' of Cloyne.
(there is a townland of Rathmoran in parish of Clones, barony of
Clankelly)
1451 chaplain Donald O Murghan was appointed as vicar of Aghaloo, co.
Tyrone
1521 Neill O'Moregan a 23 year old laborer testified to witnessing the
marriage of John MacCann from Donilton and Anisia Fitzjohn from
Tananton.
1570s
The book "British Interventions in Early Modern Ireland" describes
that by the 1570s there are large numbers of O'Morgans and MacMorgans
in the rent rolls of Bagenal estates in Carlingford (including the
Cooley peninsula and the mountains of Mourne). The author says that
the chief tenants had Welsh surnames. While the greatest number of
names of the tenancies were either native Irish or Old English in the
rent rolls. Also that these O'Morgans and MacMorgans were settlers
gone native. This reminds me of MacLysaght in his book "Surnames of
Ireland", states that Morgan is a common Welsh name in the Oriel.
Oriel being the English version of Airgialla and corresponding to the
area of counties Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Louth and at one time
Tyrone.
Having not read the rent rolls of the Bagenal estated I cannot comment
directly on Welshness of these families, however I can refer to the
presents of Ua Muireagain families in the same area who have angilized
there names to O'Morgan making me think the majority of Morgans in
this area could well native Irish. Plus the common Welsh population
did not take surnames until the 18th century and aristocrat Morgan
families, Morgans of Tregar, assuming the surname after 1334.
I believe Woulfe's 'Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall' gives an example about
the confusion of the origins of Morgan in Ulster as stated above.
Woulfe states that O Murcain (dim of Murcad) and O Muireagain as being
Anglized into Morgan and that O Murieagain was in the 16th century
most numerous in Down and Armagh. However under the separate entry for
Morgan he states it is a Welsh personal name and surname is not older
than the 16th century. So if you did not read know that Morgan came
from O Murcain or O Muireagain you are left thinking that it's a
purely Welsh name.
1602/3 or 1609
A map of MacMahon country (County Monaghan) date at 1609 (also
identified as from 1602/3). Has Brian na Morgund located in Oriel next
to the county Cavan border not far from Cootehill. Looking a
nineteenth century map of family surnames I notice the surname
O'Marron in the same area.
Monaghan is also record as home to an O'Murchain family in the book
"Ulster surnames". Plus email from David Morgan entitled "Morgan of
Cootehill, Cavan, Ireland" identifies a place called Aghamacmoregan
(Field of Mac Morgan) in Monaghan Alas I have not been able to find
his reference (I should ask him). What however I did find on the
modern Ordinance Survey map 'Morgan's fort' located in County
Monaghan; right next to the border with County Louth and a short
distance from the County Armagh border. I did find a description of it
a book on County Monaghan archeology sites, calling it a Rath and
giving dimensions and maybe calling it Rath Muireagain, however I loss
my photocopy some years ago.
The O'Marron name interests me; MacLysaght states it to be common in
Carrickmacross area of Monaghan and also in county Sligo. He finds
O'Marron, O'Maron and O'Meran in the 1663 and 1665 Monaghan Hearth
Money rolls. The name is also linked to county Armagh, as well as
O'Mercan and the twenty-one O'Merran mentioned in Antrim. O'Marron has
with a number of Irish surnames such as O'Bergin, have had their
Gaelic version rediscovered, in this case the MacLysaght that the
"Gaelic form of O'Marron is clearly O'Mearain".
Because of the confusion with contraction of surnames such as
O'Murchadhain to O'Murchain and then to O'Moran I have include a study
on the origin of O'Moran names at the end.
An interesting character is Thaddaeus O'Meran of Wexford, because he
is also named O'Morachoe. Which reminded me of an Irish Surname book I
picked up some twenty years ago that made O'Morgan the same as
O'Morchoe, explaining them as chief of the Murphy. Murphy is from
Murchadha (from genitive of Murcad); while Murchadhain is the
diminutive genitive.
Also O'Harts quotes the Ulster surname Morgan and Murrin together and
if the Book of Ballymote was his source surnames then Mairicain who be
the origin for both and quite possibly Marron.
(Morrin was used in Offaly to anglize version of Ua Murchadhain who
inhabited a land named after the Ua Muireagain. I constantly have an
overlapping with these two different family names)
Here is is more reference to seventeenth Morgans
1602 Census of Fews in Co. Armagh refers to a Patr. O Murygan
1628 Rory O Moregan gave evidence, Killalle Co Louth
1641 Rowry O'Morgan witness to the Bloodbridge massacre
1659 "Census" has twenty-three O'Morgans in the barony of Iveagh in
County Down, nine Morgans in barony of Dundalk and seven in barony of
Ferrad (home to Morganstown (Baile na Muireagánach) in the parish of
Dysart) both baronies are in county of Louth. The only over Morgans in
this 1659 "Census" are eleven in the Barony of Duleek in County Meath,
just south of Ferrad.
1663 Patrick O'Mearigan, Oram townland from the Hearth Money Roll for
the Parish of Muckno in the Barony of Cremorne, Monaghan
1663 Patrick O'Morgan, Moyad, Parish of Kilco, Down
1663 Patrick O'Margan, of Aghavilly, Parish of Clonallan, Down
1666 Warrant for Bryan McCartan, Art Roe Magennis, Magee, Morgan and
O' Hanlon, co Louth
1692 Joseph Morgan of Cookstown
1692 Edward Morgan of Droghea merchant
1694 William Moraghan, County Fermanagh
1707 Gorry O'Morgan of Leginany and Roger Bane O'Morgan of Trim (Down)
arrest warrants
1742 John son of Robert Morigan, Dundalk, Louth
1750 O'Morgan, The Hurling Match of Bavan Meadow, Omeath, Louth
In Cavan I have a place name of Corismorgan in the parish of
Templeport, barony of Tullyhaw, however it also called Corrasmongan. I
find a common switching of r and n such changes like Monaghan v
Moraghan and Morgair v Morgain, etc.
In Tyrone there is Killymorgan in the parish of Errigal Keerogue,
barony of Clogher and Aghnamirigan (Achadh na Meireagán) in the parish
of Bodoney Lower, barony of Strabane Upper. There is also a reference
in a nineteenth century book to Termonamorgan in west Tyrone and to
the O'Morgans its wardens. However this may be confused with
Termonamongan in barony of West Omagh that the author Norman Mongan
wrote a book about called: "Notes on an Erenagh family: The sacred
clan of O Mongan of Ballymongan and Termonomongan".
In Fermanagh there is the townland called Crossmurrin in the parish of
Killesher, barony of Clanawley.
O'Moran surname origins
Ui Muirein of Ui Eachach, Rulers of Leth Cathail
O Merain of Cenel Dallain of Na Bredach
MacMoruinn of Muniter Mhainle from Conall Oirshlimeadha of Ui Briuin,
in Fermangh
O Mudroin of Ui Fachrach of MacUais of Arigailla
Ui Muroin of Clan Conchobhar of Fer Maige Itha of Cenel Eoghain of Ui
Neill
Ui Muirein of Ui Eachach, Rulers of Leth Cathail (Barony of Lecale)
The O'Moran of Ui Eachach are described as members of the MacDunvealy
family (of the Ui Eachach) located in the barony of Iveagh in county
Down. However further investigation shown a powerful O'Moran family on
the east side of Iveagh. They are the rulers Lath Cathail "Cathail
half" now remember in it shuken size as the barony of Lecale.
O'Moran are described in the Topographical appendix in Keating's
'History of Ireland'; as well as in O'Lynch's seventh century book
'Cambrensis eversus'. While the probably the original source, the
'Topographical Poem' of O'Dugan, names them as O'Morna and goes on to
describe them as sub-kings of the Ui Eachach ruling over Clann
Breasail.
O'Donovan's notes on the poem gives an expanded explaination:
"O'Mornas - This family, who were of Connaught origin, afterwards took
the name of MacGillamuire, now Gilmore. They are seated in the
territory of Ui-Ereachein, in the county of Down. See Annals of Four
Masters, A.D. 1391; and Reeve's Down and Connor, &c., pp. 339, 368."
As for Clann Breasail O'Donovan elaborates "In Dubourdieu's
Statistical Account of the County of Antrim, p. 627, this territory is
described from an old MS. as follows: "Clanbreasel Mac Coolechan
[i.e., Clann Breasail meg O huilechain,] (so called for a difference
betwixt it and one other country of the same name in the county of
Armagh); is a very fast country of wood and bog, inhabited with [by] a
sept called the O'Kellies, a very savage and barbarous people, and
given altogether to spoils and robberies."
In Zeitschrift für celtische Philologie ZCP Volume 14 in an article by
historian Margaret Dobbs entitled 'The History of the Descendants of
Ir'. Ui Muirean are identified under the 'pedigree of the Cenel
Findian' (that being Findia son of Eogan son of Muiredach M.); which
states:
"Brian son of Fiac son of Imchad etc.: four races descend from Brion
viz.: the family of Aedan and the Ui Muirein from Loch Gort, the Ui
Bearrain and Ui Ireachain. The hui Scara are a fifth but others say
that the Aedan family are of Munster origin."
(The Margaret Dobbs's note on Loch Gort has it as unidentified. There
is of course a Loch Gort in count Galway, close to county Clare.)
In another of his work 'Leabhar Na G-ceart, Or, The Book of Rights'
O'Donovan states that Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh identifies Ui Earca
Chein as from Duach Galach king of Connaught in the fifth century.
O'Donovan goes on to state that Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh work
identifies a more ancient line of Leth Cathaill chiefs descending from
Deaman King of the Ulaid (d.627). (This pedigree can be found in
Margaret Dobbs work.)
The ZCP text continues after Cenel Fiachna to identify the origins of
the Ui Earca Cein (the Ui-Erachein of O'Donovan note) as from "Aed
Anglondach and Caeldub Bec two sons of Crund and Coirpre Mor of the
Munster Eoganacht from whom by the one womb are sprung the Ui Earca
Cein. These are the highest aristocracy viz., the race of Fiachra
Anchride from whom is Dunchad so Loichene, Fingin Inmescorach; and the
race of Fiacha Laib from whom is Mael Cothaid son of Cellachan."
This says the Ui Earca Cein are of Eoghnacht descent and are hence
from Munster.
(There is reference of a connection with the Ui Earca Chien found in
the barony of Antrim. However I have yet to look further into this
subject.)
Margaret Dobb in ZCP volume 14 also states that the MacGilmores and
Leath-Cathail descend from the royal house of Ulaid; descendants of
Blathmac mac Mael Choba mac Fiacha mac Deaman.
This creates an origin conflict if O'Morna and the Ui Muirein are the
same families, which I believe they are. Because the Gilmuire (Mac
Giolla Muire) family are also said to descend from Cu Uladh O'Morna,
the chief of Ui Earca Chein and Leath Chathail. (Mac Giolla Mhuire Ó
Morna is record dying in 1276.)
[ZCP Volume 13 my hold the answers; however my local copy in the NYC
library is crumbling quite literary into dust.] [The pedigrees of
Rawlinson B.506 may also hold answers]
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum:
"Loch gort: the 4 Aicme Ua mBriuin, viz.-Cenel nAedain and Hi Muirein
of L. G., &c. (Geneal. of Cenél Findain), Lec. 287; ¶ Hui Muirer of
L. G. of the Dal Fiatach, Fir. 510; ¶ Ui Muirer of, I. 68 a." (I find
this interesting due to the variation of ending with n replace with an
r, as with two names O'Morgain and O'Morgair).
As for study of place names there is the parish of Kilmoremearan Big
Church of Mearan in the barony of Kinelarty (Cineál Fogartaígh) and
nearby is Ballymearan. The area of the barony of Kinelarty bordering
barony of Lecale was part of a once larger Leth Cathail. While the
townland of Ballymorran aka Ballymorn is found in the parish of
Killinchy, barony of Dufferin which also bordering Lecale.
Connection with the Monach people and Na Bretcha
>From Ireland's History in Maps:
"Monaig - The Journal of the Ulster Place-name Society places the
Monaigh Uladh in the region of Downpatrick, which is located in the
barony of Lecale (Leth Cathail). The Book of Lecan notes the Monaich
Ulad of Rusat, and the Monaigh of Lough Erne. O'Curry in his
Manuscript Materials mentions Monaigh Arad, being called from one of
the three grandsons of Capha, in county Down.
<snip>
The Book of Lecan mentions the place-name Magh Monaigh, the four
"prímthuatha na Bredcha" in Magh Monaigh in Ulster being the Cenél
Dogfa, Clann Corcráin, Ui Thacain, and Artraidi. It goes on to note
the Cenél Cridain in Magh Monaigh, in Ulster."
[The Cenél Echach ín chodaig are noted (in H. 2, 7, T.C.D.) as a
branch of the Bredcha (Brédach) in descent from Eochaid mac Eogain.]
continues:
"As tradition has it the ancient Manaigh or Monaigh occupied the area
near Lough Erne, giving their name to the modern county of Fermanagh.
The Journal of the Ulster Place-name Society also noted their presence
in county Down. The Monaig are often associated with the Manapioi
(Menapii), a maritime Belgic tribe of Northern Gaul who are noted on
Ptolemy's 2nd century map of Ireland in southeast Ireland. They spread
northwards as the Fir Manach, or Monaig in Irish. Early Irish
genealogists claim they migrated from south Leinster, their descent
from the ancient Laiginian ancestor-god, Catháer Máir."
Truly I cannot wait for a DNA map of Ireland to sort out the truth of
these stories. I took the DNA test and became second Morgan to come up
as R1b1c7 or kin to the Ui Neill, however my family are not from
Ulster.
Is there a relationship between the Ui Muirein rulers of eastern Ui
Eachach and the Ua Muireagain relatives to the Ua Ruadhacan rulers of
western Ui Eachach?
(Highly unlikely, however if not explored there would never will be an
answer.)
Referring back to from Ireland's History in Maps
"Coba vs. Arghialla: Were there two adjacent Ui Echach territories
with two separate genealogies? The Ui Ethach Coba (Ui Ethach Uladh in
the baronies of Iveagh, in co. Down) were a powerful group (of Dál n-
Araidhe descent) in adjoining county Down, however the Book of Fenagh
and Leabhar na gCeart make note of an Ui Echach (baronies of Iveagh,
co. Down) as a sub-territory of Airghialla. In Place-Names of Northern
Ireland, for County Down, it cites The Ui Echach were also known as
the Ui Echach Coba to distinguish them from similarly named groups, to
the east in the Ards peninsula (Ui Eachach Arda), and to the west in
Airgialla. The diocese of Dromore reflects the earlier boundary
between Ui Echach Coba and Airgialla, in that it includes the Armagh
parishes of Seagoe and Shankill and follows the river Bann all the way
to Lough Neagh . . . The north-western boundary of the diocese follows
the River Bann from Knock Bridge (on the modern boundary with Co.
Armagh) all the way to Lough Neagh, and includes the district of
Clanbrasil, now the barony of Oneilland East. Clanbrasil was
traditionally part of Ui Echach but was annexed to the new County of
Armagh in 1605.
Other northern septs: The Uí Echach na hÁrda, of the ards of county
Down, are given in descent from Eochaid Gunnat in the Book of
Leinster. The Cinel-Eachach are noted by Seamus O Ceallaigh in the
Airghiallian kingdom of Ui Fhiachrach of Ard Sratha (Ardstraw, Co.
Tyrone). [The Cenél Echach ín chodaig are noted (in H. 2, 7, T.C.D.)
as a branch of the Bredcha (Brédach) in descent from Eochaid mac
Eogain.]
In summation the Ui Muirein/O'Morna are presented as outsider from
either Munster of Connacht from the Ui Erca Cheinn and rule over an Ui
Eachach kingdom. As for the name origin can say is that there are no
Mugrons given in the index to the pedigrees that Margaret Dobb's 'The
History of the Descendants of Ir', leaving the door open to Muirein
being from a contraction of Muireagain.
Ui Muroin of Clan Conchobhar Sunn of Ui Neill
Clan Connor a younger branch of the Cenel Eoghain moved into county
Derry about the 10th-11th century, pushing Cenel Eachach Binnigh
before them.The O'Cathain (O'Kane) are branch of this family and
became lords of Creeve (Coleraine area) and Keenaght after conquering
the Ciannachts of Derry around the 12th century.
The genealogies only have placements for the family:
>From Laud 610: Cinaeth, a quo Hói Mamáin & Hói Mothlacháin & Húi
Mugrón & Hói Gartnén & Húi Uittitén
>From O'Clery: Cionaeth, a quo .h. Cinaith et .h. Manannan et .h.
Mothlachan et hui Muroin et .h. Gartnen et .h. Muididen.
The older Laud 610 peidgrees points the origin of the name from
Mugron; a popular first name in early medival Ireland.
O Merain of Na Bredcha of Ui Neill
O'Merain family proves problematical in that they are identified with
Inishowen in county Donegal and the territory known as Na Bredach
derived from a topographical feature. As quoted above there is an
actual Cenel Na Bredach family that existed on the other side of
Ulster in the plains out Belfast as part of the Monaig; they where
also descendants of Eogain. Supprting the Donegal location I do find
in the 1659 "Census" six O'Moran in Inishowen. So are they Na Bredcha
or from the Cenel Conchabar? Or may be O'Morans moved with the
MacDunvealy of Ui Eachach in 1602, however they moved to north
Connacht not Inishowen... (Additionaly I have read claims that the
O'Marron of Monaghan are linked to the O'Marron of Sligo).
The genealogies:
Laud 610: Ó Dallán, Óe Erchén & Óe Chuliúin & Óe Reócáin & Óe Chellaig
& Óe Meráin & cland Chúán
Rawlinson: Dallán a quo Cenél n-Dalláin
Rawlinson does have a genealogy for under GENELACH NA BRÉTCHA however
this at odds with the other sources: Domnall m. Áeda m. Cuind m.
Cathail m. Duib Dírma m. Cathmoga m. Ruarcáin m. Duib Dírna m. Bicín
m. Cuangaile m. Immainich m. Condálaich m. Toimtig m. Findchraid m.
Fínáin m. Cremthaind m. Feidelmid m. Éogain m. Néill. (No mention of
Dallan or Meran)
Book of Ballymote: O Dallan immoro U Eirrgind & U Chuiliuin & U
Reochan & U Cellaig & U Meran & U Fhindaine & Cland Cuan
O'Clery: O Dallan, .h. Eircinn, ocus .h. Cuiliun et .h. Reodan, .h.
Ceallaigh, .h. Meran, ocus clann Cuan.
O'Clery also has a genealogy under Genelach Na Bredcha .i. Cenel
Dallain: Eachdhond m Raghnaill m Diermada m Tuathail m Gerrgind m
Ruarcan m Corcain m Gormghusa m Snedhgaile m Murgaile m Oirechtaigh m
Suibne m Guaire m Cairill m Laisre m Dallain m Eogain m Neill.
(However no Meran is identified)
The topographical appendix to Keatings's "History of Ireland" has
O'Kernaghan and O'Dallan as the chiefs of the Tuath Bladhaidh in
Donegal. However the topographical poem which is the source to the
reference identifies O'Dalachain, not O'Dallain.
O Mudroin of Ui Fachrach of MacUais of Arigailla
>From Book of Ballymote: Genelach Ua Mc. Uais
Gilla Padraic m. Duibrois m. Donnchada m. Mudroin m. mBrain m.
Muiredaig m. Aedha m. Flaithbertaich m. Fhirdacrich m. Mailbrigti m.
Robartaich m. Coibdeanaich m. Caemain m. Branduib m. Aeda m.
Crichain.
This genealogy seems to be a branch of the Ui Fachrach Ardstratha
family found in Tyrone and their relative the Ui-Fiachrach Finn
located in the barony of Massarene in county Antrim (south of the
barony of tome and north barony of Iveagh).
[This genealogy is only one I have some far found to include the first
name Duibrois as per the origin of Ua Muireagain above.]
O'Hart has Mudroin the stem to the O'Murain (Murrin) family. What is
obvious is this surname derives from first name Mugron and assuming
thirty years a generation would put Mugron living the mid-eleventh
century.
MacMoruinn of Muniter Mhainle from Conall Oirshlimeadha of Ui Briuin,
in Fermangh
The genealogy of MacMorainn in the Fermangh Genealogies of O'Luinin
gives Conall Oirshlimeadha as the origin to the family. Making them
share the same origins as the O'Malley of Umhall in Mayo. However this
puts them in conflict with Ui Muiren family that lives in Umhall as
well as in Glean Maoilduin. For the genealogy in the 'Book of Ui
Fiachach' by O'Donovan has them descending from Laighaire mac Eochaidh
Breac.
Bernard
Mide
Ua Muireagain of Munitr Tadgain of Cenel Maine of Ui Neill, Kings of
Teffia
Muiniter Meic Muireagain of Clan Colman Mor of Ui Neill
Ua Murchadhain of Clann Aenghusa of Cenel Fiachach mac Neill of Ui
Neill
Leinster
Ui Muireagain of Clan Chainnich of Clan Colgan of Ui Failge
Ui Murchadhain of Clan Mael Finn of ‘Clan Colgan of Liffey’ of Ui
Failge
Ua Marcain of Ui Garrchon of Dál Messin Corb
Ua Murchadhain of Ui Felmada of Ui Cheinnselaig
Ua Murchadhain of the Fothairt
Ua muireagain of Munitr Tadgain of Cenel Maine, Kings of Teffia
(Book of Ballymote; An Leabhar Donn, O’Clery)
This family is known in English as the O’Murrigan Kings of Teffia; and
MacLysaght writes that they are where dispersed in Norman invasion.
>From the Annals
[1031 (H.2.7) Cu Chacaid mac Muredaigh occisus est o Challraigib.]
[O’Clery Cu cagaidh mac Muiredaigh, do-cer-side la
Calraighibb.]
T1038.7 h-Úa Aimirgen, rí Teftha, do marbadh.
M1038.10 Ua Muireccein, tigherna Tethbha, do mharbhadh.
1038 (H.2.7 ) Conaing hUa Muricen occisus est o macaib Muredaig m.
Catharnaig.
O’Clery Do-cer, uero. Conaing o Muiredaigh la Muiredach m
Catharnaig.
T1066.3 Aibind ingen h-Úi Concobair ben h-Úi Muiricen quieuit.
T1066.4 The son of Conaing O’Muiricen, heir apparent of
Teffia, was killed by Aedh O’Conor and Tadhg O’Muiricen. The value of
thirty ounces of gold was given by Toirdhelbhach O’Brien, and the son
of Maelnambo, to Aedh O’Conor for his assistance to them, they
assisting him.
M1066.12 Mac Conaing Uí Mhuireccáin, adhbhar tigherna Tethbha, do
mharbhadh la h-Aodh Ua Concobhair, & lá Tadhg Ua Muirecáin.
1066 (H.2.7) Mac Conaing hUi Muricen occisus est o Aedh hUa
Conchobair 7 o Cathal hUa Muricen.
O’Clery Mac Conaing .i. Cinaeth .h. Muirigen do mharbad la h-
Aed .h. Concobair et la Cathal o Muirigein.
T1067.4 Tadhg h-Úa Muiricen, aird-ri Teftha, occissus est o
Muintir Tlaman.
M1067.7 Tadhg Ua Muireagain, lord of Teathbha, was killed by
Muintir-Tlamain, in Maenmhagh.
1067 (H.2.7) Tadg hUa Muricen occisus est o Muintir Thlaman.
O’Clery Do-cer Tadhg o Muiredhaigh la muinter Tlamain.
M1071.4 Aeghredán Ua Muiregáin, tigherna Tethbha, do mharbhadh
la Conmhaicnibh.
1071 (H.2.7) Aegredan hUa Muricen occisus est o Chonmeicnib.
O’Clery Aedhan o Muirigein, do-cer-side la Conmaicnibh.
M1087.1 Maelseachlainn, son of Conchobhar, King of Teamhair,
was killed by Cathal Mac Muirigen and the men of Teathbha, at Ard-
achadh-Epscoip-Mel, through treachery and guile.
M1095.9 Domhnall Ua Muireccán, tigherna Tethbha uile, &
Amhlaoibh, mac meic Conmedha, mac taisigh Shíl Rónáin, do mharbhadh i
feill, & iatt i n-geimhlibh isin Mumhain.
1097 (H.2.7) Cathal hUa Muricen occisus est o hUib Flannacan.
O’Clery Do-cer Cathal o Muirigen la h-ibh Flannagain.
1098 (H.2.7) Tadg mac Cernachan hUi Muricen ec atbath.
O’Clery Tadhg m Cernachain hi Muirgen, ecc at-bath.
M1101.9 Cathal Ua Muireaccán, tigherna Teathbha, do mharbhadh do
Airther Tethbha.
T1101.7 Cathal h-Ua Muiricen, rí Teftha, do marbad o Airrther
Teftha.
U1101.7 Cathal ua Muiricán, king of Tethba, was beheaded.
1156 (H.2.7) Agda mac Cathail hUi Muricen ec atbath.
O’Clery Aga mac Cathail .h. Muirigen, ecc at-bath
T1159.12 A raid by Donnchad Húa maelsechlainn and by the men of
Teffa into Tir Maini, till they reached the Brcuad (?) and Durud
Mainnin(P). There the Húi Maine and their king, Conchobar Húa Cellaig,
overtook them; and the men of Teffa were routed and a slaughter was
inflicted on them, including the son of Mac Ualgairg, and Andad Húa
Morucáin, and many nobles and plebeians
I find the death of MacConaing Ua Muireagain heir to the Teffia in
1066 interesting. It is sometimes link to the death of his wife
Aibind. For her father Aedh O’Conor kills MacConaing within the year
and hence is taken as some form of retaliation for her death. However
the Annal of Tigernach tells a different story. Where, Aedh O’Conor
kills MacConaing at the behest of the King of Munster and the son of
Maelnambo (former king of Leinster?). This suggests to me that his
killing politically motivated?
There is an article “The Territory and People of Teffia” that appears
in two parts, in the ‘Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of
Ireland’ by ‘Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland’ years 1892 and
1941. So far I have only seen parts, however it looks interesting as
it explorers the world that the Ua Muireagain would have lived in.
Hopefully it fills in some of the blanks.
Form Topographical Poem of John O’Dubhagain (d. 1372) Edited by John
O'Donovan 1862
…
Let us approach the lords of Teathbha (1),
We ought not always to shun them,
The brown oaks of the valleys,
The protection and bounty of Erin.
Chief king of Teathfa, of whom robbers are afraid,
Is O'Catharnaigh of wounding arms,
A rod who left ploughed divisions;
Mag Cuinn (2) and O'Confiacla (3).
O'Lachtnain (4), of no small tillage,
O'Muireagan (5), the very bountiful,
Well have they ordained the seasons (6),
these are the sub-kings [of Teathfa.]
Goodly kings of the festive Comar (7),
Are O'Flannagain, plundering chief,-
Let them all by my side,
[And] O'Braein, the melodious, over Breaghmhaine (8).
…
O’Donovan’s notes to the poem:
(1) Teathbha.- The name of this territory is generally latinized
Teffia, and
anglicised Taffa, Teffa, and Teffa-land, by Connell Mageoghegan, in
his
translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise. In St. Patrick’s time,
Teffia was
a large territory extending into the present counties of Westmeath and
Longford, and divided by the river Eithne, now the Inny, into two
parts, north
and south; the former including the greater part of the present county
of
Longford, and the latter the western half of the county of Westmeath.
Its
chief lord, O’Catharnaigh, descended from Maine, fourth son of Niall
of
the Nine Hostages, afterwards took the name of Sinnach or Fox, which
is
still retained. For many centuries, however, the country of the
O’Caharneys
or Foxes was confined to one small barony, namely, the district of
Muinter-
Tadhgain, which was formed into the barony of Kilcoursey, and placed
in
the King’s county. See Patent Roll of Chancery, 42 Eliz., and Covenant
between Mageoghegan and Fox, printed in the Miscellany of the Irish
Archaeological Society, p. 185. Darcy Fox, Esq., of Foxville, in the
county
of Meath, is believed to the head of this family. The Foxes of Foxhall
in the
county of Longford, are also of this family, and descend from Sir
Patrick
Fox, who, as appears from the State Papers, was Clerk to the Privy
Council
of Dublin from 1588 to 1610, and one of the Commissioners for
Inquiring
into Defective Titles in 1607. His son, Nathaniel Fox, is the ancestor
of the
family of Foxhall. See the Miscellany of the Irish Archaeological
Society,
&;c., pp. 188, 189, and Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1207, note 2, p.
156.
(2) Mag Cuinn, more usually O’Cuinn, anglicised O’Quin. This family is
to
be distinguished from O’Quin of Muinter-Iffernan, in Thomond. The
territory of Muinter-Gilgain was distributed among the baronies of
Ardagh,
Moydow, and Shrule, in the county of Longford. The townlands of which
it
consisted are specified in an inquisition taken at Ardagh on the 4th
of April,
in the tenth year of the reign of James I., which found that thirty-
five small
cartrons of Montergalgan then belonged to O’Ferrall Bane, and
seventeen
one-half cartrons of like measure to O’Ferrall Boy’s part of the
county of
Longford. The O’Quins, now Quins, of this territory, have been for
many
centuries living in poverty and obscurity in their native territory,
and have
lost all traditions of their former greatness.
(3) O’Confiacla.- This name is now obsolete, and no anglicised from of
it
has been yet identified.
(4) O’Lachtnain, now usually Loughnan; but some families have changed
it
to Loftus, while others have made it O’Loughlin and MacLoughlin. This
family has been several centuries in obscurity.
(5). O’Muireagan, now usually anglicised Morgan. The family sunk into
obscurity soon after the English invasion.
(6) Well have they ordained the seasons, i.e., by their righteous
governments. It was the belief among the ancient Irish, that when
righteous
princes reigned, the seasons were genial and the fruits of the earth
grew in
great abundance. See Battle of Magh Rath, p. 100, note c, and
Transactions
of the Gaelic Society of Dublin, vol. i., pp. 12, 13.
(7) Comar, i.e., the confluence. This was probably the territory
around the
Comar of Clonard, where the stream called the Blackater falls into the
river
Boyne. The O’Flannagans of this territory, who were sometimes lords of
all
Teffia, are now unknown. See Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1034, 1153.
They are to be distinguished from various other O’Flannagans seated in
different parts of Ireland.
(8) Breaghmhaine, now the barony of Brawney, in the west of the county
of
Westmeath. The O’Breens of this territory are still respectable, but
they
have latterly changed the anglicised form of the name to O’Brien.
Form a Topographical Appendix add to ‘The History of Ireland: From the
Earliest Period to the English Invasion’ by Geoffrey Keating, in the
1866 publication by J. B. Kirker
Under Teffia is:
“4. O’Lachtnain
5. O’Muireagain, or O’Murrigan. The O’Quinn were chiefs of Muinter
Giolgain, and had their castle in Rathcline, in Lonford.
6 O’Flannagain “
(The Fox family, Lords of Kilcoursey, was not mentioned as a family of
Teffia.)
Are the O’Quinn and the O’Muirrigan related? O’Clery has Genelach I
Cuinn (pedigree 849) which is indeed related to Genelach .H. Muirigein
(pedigree 846), however the Genelach .H. Cuinn Muinntire Giollagain
(pedigree 1918) the O’Quinn family located in Rathcline has a separate
pedigree making them of the Conmaicne Rein.
Muiniter Meic Muireagain of Clan Colman Mor
(Book of Ballymote, O'Clery)
Under Clan Colman Mor the Book of Ballymote (and also in O’Clery work)
it has:
Clann Colman moir .i. .H. Maelechloind cona coibnesaibh & .H. Aeda .i.
flaithi .H. mbhecon & .H. Fiacrach & Fir Muige Lacha cona flaithibh
& .H. Domnallan i feraib Tulach & .H. Carraigh & Muinter Muiregen &
Muinter Maelchein a Cenel Fiachach m. Neill isedh fodera as cailedh
sechnon fer Midhi foro cruthsin fodaigh comad leo aireacus gach
tuaithi & a forlamus do ghres.
The ‘Genealogical Tracts by Irish Manuscripts Commission’ by
Tóirdhealbhach Ó Raithbheartaigh has:
The children of Colmán Mor, ie, [Ui] Mail[s]echlainn and their
relations, and Ui Domnallain in Fir Tulach and Ui Carraicc and Meic
Muiricen and Muniter Mail Chein in Cenel Fiachach son of Niall
Naigaillach
Both agree that the Muireagain family is located in Cenel Fiachach m.
Neill. That I understand is in county Westmeath, though not part of
Kingdom of Teffia. Whatever was the source for the Genealogical Tracts
(Book of Lecan??), what is interesting as the family is call
MacMuireagain compare to Muinter Muireagain in the other texts
Ua Murchadhain of Clann Aenghusa of Cenel Fiachach mac Neill
(Book of Ballymote, O’Clery)
>From O’Clery:
Clann Ainiarraigh .i. h. Ainiarraigh, ocus .h. Luinin, ocus .h.
Flaitiusa. Clann Emin .i. muinter an Caisil et muinter droma Soileach.
Clann Aenghusa .i. h. Murdhadhan cona coibnesaib.
The Cenel Fiachach home to the MacMuireagain of Clan Colman Mor
(above); also has their own Ua Muirchadhan or O’Murdhadhan family as
member of Clann Aenghusa.
[The of the Ui Tuirtre founded kingdoms in Meath and Breagh of Clan
Colla Uais, this annal reference is for a mac Muireagain I just don’t
know if this is a surname?
M1058.7 Ceallach, mac Muirecáin, tigherna Ua Mic Uais Bregh, d'ecc.]
Placenames in County Westmeath of interest are:
Farrannamoreen in the parish of Kilkenny West, barony of Kilkenny West
(1659 ‘Census’ reports 15 Moran in Kilkenny barony)
These two are in neighboring parishes:
Ballymoran aka Moranstown in the parish of Kilbixy, barony of Moygoish
(1659 ‘Census’ reports 10 Moran),
Ballymorin aka Almorita parish of Ballymorin, barony of Rathconrath
Moranspark in the parish of Killare, barony of Rathconrath (sounds a
like a modern place name)
Cloonymurrikin in the parish of Ardnurcher or Horseleap, barony of
Moycashel
The 1659 ‘census’ reports 6 Moran in the barony in Clonlonan, County
Westmeath.
Placenames in County Meath:
Morington (Baile uí mhórnáin) in the parish of Colp, barony of Lower
Duleek, (1659 ‘Census has 11 Morgans)
The 1659 ‘census’ reports 7 Moran in the barony of Ratouth, County
Meath
[The barony of Lower Duleek and the neighboring barony of Ferrad in
county Louth had Morgans in the 1659 “census”. 7 Morgan in barony of
Farrard, County Louth]
Placenames in County Longford:
Carrickmoran (Carraig Mórain) in the parish of Cashel, barony of
Rathcline.
Muiregain O’Muireagain, Bishop of Clonanoise (d.~1213)
>From the annals:
M1213 Muirigen O'Muirigen, Bishop of Clonmacnoise, died
U1214.9 The Bishop of Cluain-mac-Nois namely, Ua Muiricean, rested.
ALCe 1214 O'Muiricen, bishop of Cluain-micNois, [in Christo quievit].
>From http://www.ucc.ie/chronicon/warren.htm
`The king (John I) to the justiciar of Ireland. We command you to make
suitable satisfaction to the bishop of Clonmacnoise [Muiredach Ua
Muirecén] for lands of the bishopric appropriated for the construction
of Clonmacnoise castle. Moreover, in the matter of damages suffered by
the bishop in the fortification of the castle, namely fruit trees cut
down, fourteen cows, three horses, and six oxen taken away, and his
household utensils stolen * you are to see that he is given full
justice and complete satisfaction without delay; and henceforth do not
trouble the bishop and his men in any way, but rather be a wall of
protection, and succour him and his by kindly treatment'. Ref Rot lit
claus 1204-24, 273a; Cal doc Ire 1171-1251, no 694.
(Note his first name has become Muiredach.)
I once owned a copy of the 1627 translation of Annal of Clonmacnois by
Conall Mac Geoghegan of Lismoyny and I remember Murtagh O’Murry being
given as bishop of Clonmacnois and dying around 1213/4 making his
Muireagain Ua Muireagain of the other annals .
With the help of www.offalyhistory.com, I additionally have:
“This could be the tomb of an early thirteenth-century bishop of
Clonmacnoise called Murtogh O'Murry or Muiredach Ua Muirecén which
Bishop Anthony Dopping described as being 'beyond the Cathedral on the
east end' in 1664. (I believe the correct date is as below, 1684)”
and
“In 1684, Anthony Dopping, Bishop of Meath, visited the site mainly in
search of the non-existent "Hebrew inscriptions" named in the
Register. He mentions the churches as:-
1. The Cathedral or Temple Mac Dermot, so called because Toomultagh
Mac Dermot built it in 1336. 2. Temple Rei, built by Mulloghlan. 3.
Temple Keren chapel, which still retained its roof. St. Kieran's hand
was usually kept there, but was hidden on his approach. 4. Temple
Conor. 5. Temple O'Kelly. 6. Temple Mac Carthy. 7. Temple Fynane. 8.
Temple Hurpan or Mac Turpen, still roofed, and 9. Temple Ganny. There
was also a stone cross with illegible characters, another cross south
of the cathedral, and "two Danish towers." The tomb of Murtagh
O'Murry, Bishop of Clone, lay to the east of the cathedral, with the
epitaph "Jah an Shunaly Moretagh O'Murry, Aspug Clone Kean Mee", i.e.
the sepulchre of M., Bishop of Clone, Head of Meath.”
What is noticeable is no one can agree on spelling or anglization of
the name.
[I have previously come cross the assertion that Murry stemmed from
Morin in the Midlands.]
Muiregain O’Muireagain has a church named after him (I believe):
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum
Cill Muireagain: Teach Damhnata, Cill Muireagain and Cluain mic Eois
were burned by Hugh de Lacy, A.D. 1207, Ai. 51 b; seems nr
Tidavnat.
More importantly his tombstone survived:
>From “The Memorial Slabs of Clonmacnois, Kings County” by R.A. Stewart
MacAlister, M.A., F.S.A: “Muirigen ua Muirigein, bishop, slain by the
Gaill”
Lagain - Counties Kildare, Dublin and Offaly
Then I first looked at the Trinity College map of the survey of Offaly
in "Celtic Leinster" by Alfred P. Smith I was surprised for I read
Ferranomvrghan or translated “the Land of O’Morgan”.
I further read that it had the following names in the older maps of
the survey
Lordshyp of Offerynmorchane in 1550 Survey of Offaly
Fernaomveghan in the Cottonian manuscript copy of the map
(As well as describe as ‘Fearann Ui Murchain’ in O’Donovan’s
Ordnances Survey Letter for County Offaly, 1837-1838. (http://
www.offalyhistory.com/content/reading_resources/archaeology/ordnance_survey/ordnance_letters-pt03.htm
) and as ‘Ferran O'Murraghan’ by the County Kildare Archaeology
Society Journal.)
The author Smith states Curtis as correctly in deriving the name from
Ui Muiricain, referencing Curtis work in Hemathna xliv (1296), p.312,
and identifies a genealogy from manuscript ‘Rawlinson B.502’ under
Clan Colgan I Liphi.
Ui Muireagain of Clan Chainnich of Clan Colgan of Ui Failge
GENELACH CLAINNE COLGCAN.
Clann Máel Chainnich inso .i. in dara m. do Cholgcain. Clann Máel
Díthruib inso sís .i. Clann Duib Díthruib & Muinter Tige Caineáin .i.
M. Rotaidi & Úi Muricáin & Úi Bróen & Úi Cholgan.
Ui Murchadhain of Clan Mael Finn of Clan Colgan of Liffey of Ui Failge
GENELACH CLAINNE COLGAN I LIPHI
Clann Máeli Finni .i. Úi Máel Finni ó Chaittlechán & Úi Tigernaig & Úi
Murchadáin.
I later found the two O’Morgan names in the Rawlinson B.502
manuscript: one as Ua Murchadhain of Clan Colgan i Liphi and the other
as Ua Muireagain of Clan Colgan.
The question here is, are this different spellings of the same surname
or separate families. Smith quoting Curtis identifies the Ui Murrican,
however other surname records identify the Ua Murchachain as being the
Lords of Ferran Ui Murrican.
The local family name also is reported to change from O’Murraghan to
O’Morrin and then to O’Moran. This being the Moran family with coat of
arms of: sable three stars rayed.
[The 1803 “An Introduction to and an History of Ireland, vol 3” by
Sylvester OH̓alloran, probably based on an earlier Irish genealogy
states that the O’Murrigin descend from Ross Faigle mac Cathoir Mor.]
The County Kildare Archaeology Society Journal provides more history
with three references to O'Murraghan and Ferran O'Murraghan. The one
of great interest is the comment from a 1551 royal lease to Redmond Og
Fitzgerald for the lordship of Ferran-O'Murraghan; stipulating that no
one of the name O'Connor or O'Murraghan (former proprietors) should
dwell there. This would suggest the end of the O’Murroghan and their
lordship. Could this be due to supporting the Silken Thomas rebellion
of their neighbors the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare?
[Unfortunately I still have not found at the NYC research library the
misplaced Vol 12 (p.306) of County Kildare Archaeological Society
Journal.]
>From “Cambrensis eversus, seu potius Historica fides in rebus
hibernicis Giraldo Cambrensi abrogate” Vol ; by John Lynch in the
1640s to refute the twelfth century work "The Conquest of Ireland” by
Gerald of Wales. The text is taken from Matthew Kelly’s republishing
in 1848:
“Hinc in Lageniam poeta pergit, cujus supremum regem fuisse dicit
O[Mac] Murchuum, O’Fiachraidh fuit dominus de Onenechlias, O’Coscriadh
dominus, de Fearcualuin, O’Rian dominus Odrona; O’Tuathail dominus
Omuredhaigh; Mac Gorman, dominus O’Mairchi; O’Conchaubhar, O’Duinn,
O’Broarain, O’Cionnacidh, O’Diomusaich sive O’Dempsie, O’Haonghusa,
O’Amurguin, O’Murchadain, dominus O’Falghiae, O’Kiardh in Carbria,
O’Foelan, O’Mairche, O’Conchobar.
To which Kelly adds the comments that it is incorrect that
O’Murchadhain was Lord of All Ui Failge. He was chief of Magh-Aeife, a
territory ad-joining the celebrated wood of Fidh-Gaibhle, now Figyle,
and included in the present barony of East Offaly, in the county of
Kildare. (I believe the source this section of ‘Cambrensis eversus’ is
the topographical poem of O’Dugan)
He also states that O’Murchadhain does not now exist in the King’s
County. Their territory of Tuath-da-maigh, anglized Tethmoy, comprised
the baronies of Warrenstown and Coolestown, located in the east of
King’s county. (I am missing an explanation of why he should know he
know this? He source might be the 1550 Survey of Offaly.)
Kelly then goes on to place territories of the O’hAenghusa
(O’Hennessy) of Clan Colgan and the O’Maelchein within the area he had
already assigned to O’Murchadhain. As well as party overlapping the
territory of O’Dimasaigh (O’Dempsey), Lords of Clann Maeilughra, with
it.
(O’Donovan in his book “Book of Rights” notes that the Ui Failge are
descendants of Ros Failghle mac Cathaeir Mor in baronies of East and
West Offaly in County Kildare, Portnahinch and Tinahinch in Laois and
that portion of Offaly that comprised in the diocese of Kildare and
Leighlin.)
>From the poem “Gilla Hugh; or, The patriotic monk: A lay of Cork in
the 12th century and other poems” published in “Gems of the Cork
poets, comprising the complete works of Callanan, Condon, Casey,
Fitzgerald and Cody” by D. Mulcahy in 1864:
[I only present the O'Murrigan stanzas]
“…..
CANTO THE SIXTH. THE BATTLE.
I.
O'er Castleknock the Autumn breeze
Blew slightly chill at eventide.
Passing the stately guarding trees
Whose challenge in low murmur's died
And many a skirmish now took place,
Within the grassy woodland space,
Between it and each ruddy blaze
That fought and roll'd in many a maze
Where Roderick the monarch lay
Hourly expectant of the fray,
With many a Celtic chief and prince,
Whose warrior bosoms might not wince
When Erin in her hour of woe
Call'd them to meet the Saxon foe
II
What men are these whose laugh so clear
Rings merrily upon the ear ;
Who shout and sing as if they ne'er
Had other thought or other care ;
Who seem with joy alone endow’d
When gloomy feelings others shroud ?
Who can they be, but thy brave clan, Moy chief, O'Murrigan !
III.
And shall they in the fray, less fierce
The Saxon foeman's bosom pierce ?
And shall their shout of battle less
Have in its tone of dreadfulness,
Because those accents now are found
Loudly thus joyous to resound— Because their ,
Nor wear the scowl of anger grim ?
Oh no ; Moy Liffey's clan will prove
The bravest where the foemen move,
And loud above the battle's cry
Their fierce farrah shall rend the sky
With twice more terror in its tone
Than if to laugh they ne’er had known.
But hartk ! they cease to shout : a tale
Their bard relates of Innisfail,
When the brave Firbolgs fought and fell
Beneath the wizard warriors’ spell.
….
Seven pages later O'Murrigan returns to the story:
…..
XVII.
Now rang the battle's dreadful cry,
The word on either side was given,
And foemen to'arcls each other Hy
Like stormy clouds on winter even ;
The clash of arms resounds amain,
The foes are mingled on the plain,
And knights, unhorsed, with kern are seen
To use the sword and dagger keen.
Vain task ! – on horse they well could fight,
And deal their blows with warrior might –
Mounted, the lance they well could thrust,
And make the focinan bite the dust;
But now on foot, oppress'd with mail,
They cannot match with Erin’s subtle skian,
In ghastly heaps they stew the green.
Like reapers in their gory path,
When stately ranks fall ‘neath their wrath,
Moy Liffey’s erewhile laughing clan
Swept, headed by O’Murrigan.
While fiercely thro' the hostile crowd
A crimson furrow track they plougli'd,
And such dread warfare did they wage,
The foomen shrank before their rage,
And scarcely dared a blade to wield
While slow retreating from the field
XIX.
But braver still (if such might be),
The stalwart sons of Muskerry,
O'Tuohy's clan, swept onward there
As when the lightning cleaves the air,
Resistless in their rapid course,
And aye, endow'd with deadlier force
1 Keeran and Ivor, side by side,
Stemm'd gallantly the battle's tide,
And each had oft the other's life
Saved in the fury of the strife,
For each the other's welfare sought,
Tho' caring in nought,
And watch'd with careful eye his form
Sweep thro' the fury of that storm,
watch'd with careful eye his form
Sweep thro' the fury of that storm,
When thoughtless Folly hath.
Celtic valour hot
In danger's thickest toil was caught.
XX.
Now fierce the waves of battle roll'd
Around the southern chieftain bold”
In the Topographical Appendix add to “The History of Ireland: From the
Earliest Period to the English Invasion By Geoffrey Keating”, in the
version published 1866 by J. B. Kirker, and under Magh Liffi section,
with the Liffey river described as the border between Southern Ui
Neill and Lagain. We have …
“5. O’ Ciardha (ruler of Carbery, i.e. Cenel Cairpre mac Neill)
6. O’MURGAIN, chief of Fidhgaibhle, is thus mentioned by O’Heern :
‘O’ver Liffey’s plain of the furtile slopes,
O’Murcan, chief rules green Fidhgabhia.’
7. O’Brackcain, or Bracken, were chiefs in Moy Liffey. The O’Murcains
and O’Brackens appear to have possessed the district along the Liffey,
near Dublin.
8. O’Cellaidh”
>From the ‘Down Survey’ by William Petty of 1655/56: The Barony of
Coolestown map shows the town-land of ‘Rath Clonbrackan & Ballimoran’
near the townland of ‘Ballicolgan’. While the Barony of Warrenstown
maps shows the town-land of ‘Lemanamarrin’ with the comment that
“Humphrey narren deceased, his sum in Infant proprietor”
The “Topographical Poem” by O’Dungan and O’Heern published by John
O'Donovan in 1862, which twice describes Clan Colgan, once by O’Dungan
and fifty years later by O’Heern.
John O’Dubhagain (d. 1372) section on Clan Colgan
“…
Of the chiefs of the fair-bright land,
Are the O’Aenghusas (1), the O’Aimergins (2),
Loud sounding their proclamations and their famous troops,
And the majestic Clann-Murchadhain (3).
…”
O’Donovan’s notes to the poem are:
(1) O’Aenghusa, now Hennessy, without the O’. The name is still
common
in the Queen’s county, but confined to the lower classes.
(2) O’Aimirgin, now anglicised Mergin and Bergin, a name very common
about Geashill in the King’s county.
(3) Clann-Murchadhain, i.e., the family of O’Murchadhain, now called
Morachain; but they are little known, and the name is sometimes
anglicised
Moran and Morrin.
>From Giolla Na Naomh O’Huidhrin (d. 1420) section of the topographical
poem:
“…
Another dynast who is known to me,
O’hAenghusa (1) on Clar-Colgan,
Fine his country, beyond [that of] the Fians of Fail,
Which abuts on the grass of Cruachan.
Over Tuath-da mhuighe (2) of the fair fortress
Is O’Maoilchein of the rich heart:
Delightful is the smooth cantred of the plain,
Its border is like the land of promise.
The bright cantred of Geisill(3) is possessed
By a chieftain of the border of Leinster (4),
Whose march is rapid and strong,
He is named O’hAimirgin (5).
Over Magh Aoife (6) of the warm slopes
Is O’Murchain, as dynast of the cantred,
The hero of the green Fidh-gaibhle (7),
Against plunders what country is stronger?
…”
O’Donovan’s notes are:
(1). O'h-Aenghusa, now Henessy, without the prefix O'. The family is
still very numerous in Offaly but reduced to obscurity. Their
territory of Clan-Colgain, which adjoined the hill of Croghan, is
comprised in the barony of Lower Philipstown, in the King's County.
For the descent of this family, see Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1414,
pp. 819, 820.
(2). Tuath-da-Mhuighe, i.e.,the cantred of the two plains, called
Tuomoy on an old map of Leix and Offaly, made in the reign of Philip
and Mary; and in other documents, Tethmoy. It appears from this map
that Tuomoy Nether and Upper comprised the baronies of Warrenstown and
Coolestown, in the King's County. The family name, O'Maoilchein, is
now unknown in this territory.
(3) Cantred of Geisill, now the barony of Geshill, in the King's
County.
(4). Border of Leinster. - He was in Leinster, and on the borders of
the ancient Meath.
(5). O'h-Aimirgin, now locally anglicised Bergin, but more correctly
made Mergin in other parts of Leinster. This family is still very
numerous.
(6). Magh Aoife, a district in the barony of East Offaly, adjoining
Tethmoy. O'Murchadhain is now shortened to Moran and Morrin, but the
ancient Irish form is preserved by those who speak Irish.
(7). Fidh Gaibhle. - This was the name of a celebrated wood of
Leinster, in which St. Berchan erected the Church of Clonsasta. It is
now locally called Fee-Goille or Fee-guile, and is situated in the
parish of Cloonsast, barony of Coolestown, and King's County. See
Leabhar na gCeart, p. 214, note o.
[From O’Donovan’s “Leabhar na gCeart”, p. 214, “note o”. says “The
king of Gabhal, i.e. the king of the province of Laighin or Leinster.-
This is still the name of a river which flowed through a wood called
Fidh Gaibhle (Feegile or Figila), in the parish of Cloonsast, barony
of “Coolestown,” King’s Co. See the Ordanance map of the King’s
County, sheets 19, 27, 28. In the Boo of Leinster, T.C.D., H.2.18 fol.
112, a., is quoted a poem of St. Bearchan, the patron saint of
“Cloonsast,” who states that the wood derived its name from the River
Gabhal, and that the river is called Gabhal from the gabhal, fork
which it forms at the junction of Cluain Sasta and Cluain Mor. The
river is now called Fidh Gaibhle, though the wood has disappeared.”]
[I read that Fidh Gaibhle is actually named for the Ui Gabla who where
members of Dal Cormac from Corbmac mac Cu Corb. (In 1072 Mac Assida
king of Ui Gobla, slain by the people of south Brega at Desert Breg).
Alfred Smith in his book “Celtic Leinster” says the Ui Gabla also
inhabited a corner of North Salt in Kildare.]
Another family the Ua Aimhirgin, also members of Clan Colgan, are of
interest. Some sources says that it give rise to the surname
O'Merrigan or Mergin. The family was equated with the name Bergin
found in nineteenth century to inhabit County Laois.
>From the 1659 ‘Census’
32 Bergin Ossory Laois
5 Bergin Uppr Ossiory Laois
23 Bergin Marybourgh Laois
7 Bergin Cullenagh Laois
4 Bergin Sliemargeagh Laois
4 Bergin Portnyhinch Laois
5 Bergin Stradbally Laois
19 Bergin Galmoy Kilkenny
6 Bergin Gowran Kilkenny
8 Bergin Fassagh Dienin Kilkenny
The web site www.irishmidlandsancestry.com under the surname Bergin
links to a sixteenth century Chancery Rolls name of O'Merriggyn. I
personally think surname Ua Muireagain would be a far better fit than
O’hAimhirgin for O'Merriggyn?
Plus in the annals under the year 1038; there is a conflict between
the use of Ua Aimirgen by the ‘Annal of Tigernach’ and Ua Muireccein
used by the ‘Annal of Four Masters’:
T1038.7 h-Úa Aimirgen, rí Teftha, do marbadh.
M1038.10 Ua Muireccein, tigherna Tethbha, do mharbhadh.
1038 (H.2.7 ) Conaing hUa Muricen occisus est o macaib Muredaig m.
Catharnaig.
O’Clery Do-cer, uero. Conaing o Muiredaigh la Muiredach m
Catharnaig.
Placenames of interest in county Offaly
Barony of Coolestown (1659 ‘Census’ reports 6 Moran),
Ballymoran in the parish of Ballynakill
Ballymoran in the parish of Monasteroris
Ballymoran House in Edenderry
In the neighboring barony of Philipstown the 1659 ‘cenus’ reports 6
Morrin and 5 Murcan and in the barony of Geshill 8 Morrin.
Across the border in County Kildare there are 7 Morren and another 7
Morrin in the barony of Offaly. The barony of Carbey has 8 Moren, with
another 7 Morin and 2 Moran in the barony of Connell.
Placename of interest in county Kildare
Morganstown aka Great Morganstown in the Parish of Kill, Barony of
Naas South
Placename of interest in county Laois
Cremorgan aka Kryworgan aka Carigmban aka Clomorgan aka Kilclonbrook,
(Crích Muireagáin – translates as Territory of Muireagain), in the
parish of Kilcolmanbrack, barony of Cullenagh (1659 ‘Census’ reports
only Bergin). Nearby is Abbeyleix a Cistercian abbey
Ua Marcain of Ui Garrchon of Dál Messin Corb
(Rawlinson B.502)
The Ui Garrchon moved from the Liffey plain with the rise of the Uí
Dúnlainge to the north of Arlow in the barony of Arklow, County
Wicklow. In County Wicklow there are O’Merrigan family that I believe
Mike Merrigan has investigated when conducting his ‘One Study Name’ of
O’Merrigans.
Just outside Arklow are the town-lands of Upper & Lower Ballymurrin
and Krismurrin in parish of Dunganstown, barony of Arklow. Plus the
town-land of Ballymerrigan found in the parish of Glenealy, barony of
Newcastle.
MacMurchadhain of Ui Felmada of Ui Cheinnselaig - (Princes of East
Wexford)
I first became aware of an O’Morgan family in the area of south
Kilkenny:
>From “Knights' Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny,
13th-15th Century: With Commentary” by Eric St. John:
“About 1250 Robert de Bremel witnessed a charter relating to
Donaghmore in the barony of Fassadinin, co. Kilkenny.2 At a date which
may be c. 1261 Sibyl Bremyl widow and Susannah her unmarried daughter
quitted claim in their rights in 15 acres in Kulbrothyn in the holding
of New Town near the Barrow, ie the New Town of Graiguenamanagh, which
Elias Bremyl, Sibyl's brother, gave on her marriage with Michael
O'Morgan, and also in their rights in an acre in Fanken, and other
rents in places named.3 No further references to the family or the fee
have been found. 'iii. 'Ormone Deeds, i. no. 109. ' Duiske Charters,
no. 6?”
I have no place names to give a hint as to Baron’s in-laws the
O’Morgans are from. As for Graiguenamanagh it is home to an import
Cisterican abbey.
This reminds me as to a reference I read in a book, possibly “Surname
of Ireland”, at the British library. The author name I have forgotten
(not MacLysaght). The author said Morgan was sometimes from O’Morchoe
the chiefs of the O’Murphys in Kildare. This use of Morgan can be seen
in the varied names for Kilmorgan aka Killmurran aka Kilmurin aka
Kilmoroghoe aka Kilmurrough in the parish of Kilmorgan aka Killmurran
(Cill murchain aka Morgan’s Church aka Cill murchun), in the barony of
Corann, County Sligo.
(The only issue with Morchoe becoming Morgan is that are numerous O
Murchadha and MacMurchadha families in Ireland, and if Morgan does
arise from these families the origin has multiplied numerously.)
MacLysaght says the surname O’Morchoe (O’Murroughe) was used by the
chief of the Murphys. The O’Morchoe family were members of Ui
Cheinnselaig family and spring forth from county Carlow as the Ui
Felmada. They rapidly expand into counties Kilkenny and Wexford; with
Ui Felmada kings of Ui Cheinnselaig founding the monastery at Ferns,
county Wexford along with a new royal center. They also remained at
their old centers of Rathvilly and Tullow in county Carlow. The
southern branch in Wexford of Ui Felmada (Offelimy) was ruled by the
Ua Murchadha (O’Murroughe, later Murphy).
O’Hart in “Irish Pedigrees” has the pedigree O’Murphy (aka
MacMurchadhain aka O’Morchoe), Lords of Hy Felimy, who occupied the
barony of Ballaghkeen in county Wexford. (Their gallowglasses where
retained up to the sixteenth century and where refer to as O Morchoes
Police.) Their arms in 1611 were a lion ramp. gu. on a white (argent)
shield).) O’Hart also says that they are “known as as O’Muircatha
(sometimes written MacMurchada, MacMurchadain, O’Muirchu, O’Moroghu,
O’Morchoe and O’Murchada) anglized Murchoe, Murrough, Murphy, Murphie,
Murpy, Morphie, Morphy, Morpie, Morpy, O’Murphy, and Morrin.” They
where located at Ouleartleagh (Fracht Lea) in Wexford.
Form O'Huidhrin section of the Topographical poem:
“A lordship profitable, weighty,
Has O'Murchadha (1) of smooth fair land,
The territory of Ui-Felme,(2) the hero has obtained,
In his turn of ancestral possession.
Ui-Felme(3) the cold northern tract,
A fair land has O'Gairbhidh(4) obtained,
Thye warriors of Tulach(5) to cement the tribes,
All are without decay throughout the region.”
O’Donovan notes:
(1). O'Murchadha, anciently anglicised O'Murchoe, but now generally
Murphy, without the prefix O'. See observations on this name at note
100, supra, and in the introduction to the present volume.
(2). Ui-Felme, i.e., descendants of Felim, son of Enna Censellagh,
king of Leinster in the fifth century. This was the tribe name of the
O'Murchoes, and it was also applied, as usual among the old Irish, to
their territory, which comprised the barony of Ballaghkeen, in the
east of the county of Wexford, still called the Murroes territory.
Connell O'Murchoe, the head of this family, lived at Toberlumnich, in
the Murroes, in 1634. There was another respectable branch of the
family at Oulartleigh, who possessed a considerable estate down to our
own times. O'Murchadha, which is now anglicised Murphy, is the most
prevalent name in the province of Leinster. See Annals of Four
Masters, A.D. 1381, p. 684, note m; also the Annuary of the Kilkenny
Archaeological Society for the year 1858, vol. i., p. 1, p. 24, et
seq.
(3). Ui-Felme the northern. - The territory of this sept was situated
in the present county of Carlow (and comprised the present parish of
Tulloghphelim, in the barony of Rathvilly, county of Carlow), which
retains the name. Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1381, note m, and
Leabhar-na-gCeart, p. 208, note f.
(4) O'Gairbhidh, now anglicised Garvey, without the prefix O'.
(5) Tulach, now the town of Tullow (in the parish of Tulloghphelim),
which was the residence of the chieftain of this territory.
[The O’Garvey were the rulers of the Ui Felmada left in County
Carlow.]
An interesting character is Thaddaeus O’Meran of Wexford, because he
is also named O’Morachoe.
Places of Interest: Piercetown & Murrinstown Roman Catholic parish.
Murntown aka Crossabeg is located in civil parish of Artramon in the
barony of Ballaghkeen (South) as well as extending into the barony of
Shelmaliere East.
Ua Murchadha of Ui Deagha of Ui Cheinnselaig
There is another O’Morchoe (Clan Morchoe) descends from Morogh
MacMorough son of Diarmuid MacMurrough king of Leinster d.1072). From
his brother Donoch MacMorough descend the MacMorough and later the
Kavanagh. The Kinsella branch is said to be from the angilization of
the Ui Cheinnselaig.
[The MacMurrough royal demesne was around Ferns, as well as the barony
of Scarawalsh. The town land Ballymorgan (may be also known as
Ballymurrin) is found in the parish of Ballycarney in the barony of
Scarawalsh.]
[County Carlow the center of MacMurrough power has the town-land
Rathmoran.]
In “Irish Pedigrees or The Origin and Stem of The Irish Nation” by
James O'Hart published in 1892 by James Duffy & Co. Ltd. Dublin, gives
the following information on the MacMurroughs:
“The ancient kings of Leinster had fortresses or royal residences at
Dinnrigh, near the river Barrow, between Carlow and Leighlin; at Naas,
in Kildare; and in aftertimes at the city of Ferns in Wexford, which
was their capital; and also at Old Ross in Wexford; and at Ballymoon
in Carlow.
The MacMoroughs were inaugurated as kings of Leinster at a place
called Cnoe-an-Bhogha, attended by O'Nolan, who was the King's
Marshall, and Chief of Forth in Carlow; by O'Doran, Chief Brehon of
Leinster; and by MacKeogh, his Chief Bard; and the MacMoroughs
maintained their independence, and held the title of "Kings of
Leinster, " with large possessions in Wexford and Carlow down to the
reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
The Hy-Cavanagh or O'Cavanaghs were chiefs of the ancient territory
which now comprises the barony of Idrome East, in the county of
Carlow; and in modern times became the representatives of the
MacMoroughs, Kings of Leinster.”
[From Clans and Families of Ireland and Scotland by C.Thomas Cairney.
“A branch of Kinsellas, the O’Murphys (O Murchadha) of Muskerry,
settled early in County Cork, where they became connected with barony
of Muskerry in the west-central part of the county.”]
Form O'Huidhrin section of the Topographical poem:
“Let us give first place from the chiefs of the Gaoidhil
To the kings of the race of Cathaoir;
Let us mention separately in the eastern country
Each one of them over his patrimony.
Chief king of Nas, tree of the fort,
Lord of Leinster is Mac Murchadha;(1)
He holds [the soveriegnty of] the province in his fair hand,
The charter of the lands is under the hero.
Lord of Ui-Failghe(2) the land of cattle –
……”
O’Donovan’s notes:
(1). Mac Murchadha, usually anglicised Mac Murrough. The chief family
of this race took the surname of Kavanagh, and the present chief of
the name is Arthur Kavanagh, Esq., of Borris, in the county of Carlow,
who inherits a very considerable portion of the territory of his
ancestors. See Annals of the Four Masters, A.D. 1193, p. 97, note f.
Nas, now the town of Naas, in the county of Kildare, was one of the
chief seats of the kings of Leinster, from the remotest period, but it
does not appear to have been at any time occupied by the family of Mac
Murrough. It was rather the seat of the ancestors of the O'Byrnes,
whose progenitors had been the earlier kings of Leinster.
(2). Ui Failghe, usually anglicised Offaly, Ophaly, &c., a large
territory in Leinster. It comprised the baronies of East and West
Offaly, in the county of Kildare, those of Portnahinch and Tinnahinch,
in the Queen's county, and that portion of the King's County comprised
in the dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin. The Ui-Failghe were the
descendants of Ross Failghe, the eldest son of Cathaoir Mor, monarch
of Ireland in the second century.
In the barony of Naas (South) in Kildare there is a town-land called
Morganstown or Great Morganstown, within the parish of Kill. Naas is
given in the topographical poem and by O’Hart as a stronghold of the
MacMurrough (assumed to be those of Ui Cheinnselaig). However this is
at odds with the political geography as O’Donovan notes above. For
Naas is squarely located in the kingdom of Airther Liphi and the
center of Ui Faelain territory.
>From ‘Irish Pedigrees; or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation’ by
John O'Hart, 5th Edition, 1892 from web site:
http://www.libraryireland.com/Pedigrees1/Dublin.php:
“O'Murcain or O'Murcan. 4. O'Bracain or O'Bracken, chiefs of Moy
Liffey. The O'Murcans and O'Brackens appear to have possessed the
districts along the Liffey, near Dublin.”
I take this to be a description of the Ua Murchadhain/Ua Muireagain of
Ui Failge.
However ‘Irish Pedigrees; or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation’
continues with:
“MacMuireagain, lords of East Liffey, in the tenth century.”
This makes me think of the descendants of Muirecan mac Dairmata king
of Leinster d.863, those sons Domnall mac Muirecan (d.884) Cerball
mac Muirecan (d.909) and Mael Morda mac Muirecan (d.917) {time frame
seems suppect}, who all where record as kings of Leinster.
A 19th century map in "A topographical and historical map of ancient
Ireland" by Philip MacDermot; which was attached to an early
publication of the four masters. MacDermot places the O'Murrigan in
north Kildare and describes them as princes of Kildare. Are these of
Ui Failge or descendant of Muirecan mac Diarmata?
Ua Murchadhain of the Fothairt
In “An Introduction to and a History of Ireland” by Sylvester
O’Halloran, (which seems to contain an anglized versions of one of or
more Irish Genealogical tracts.) describes the as descending from
Eochaidh Finn mac Feidhlim. Who the author says was rewarded by Cu
chorb with the Fothards in Leinster for driving out the Mamonians (who
had over-run all Leinster). Eochaidh Finn‘s preceptor was Laoigheafach
from the House of Ir, whose rewarded was the land in the county now
named after him; Leix. The book also describes that Eochaidh Finn
Laoigheafach had a force of twenty-one thousand men.
Celtic Leinster by Alfred Smith describes the mercenary people of
Fotharta occuping Mag Fea (later taking the name O’Nolan) in Carlow
and Fotharta in Chain (Carnsore Point) (later O’Larkin) in South
Wexford. Baronies of Forth in both county Carlow and county Wexford
are named for them.
In the barony of Forth in County Wexford I find Staplestown (Morgan)
in the parish of Kildavin, home to local Morgan landowner. I believe
the Morgan can be found in Burke’s Peerages…
In the barony of Forth in County Carlow there the town-land of
Rathvarrin in the parish of Ardoyne.
[I had read amateur history book (1930s?) on the genealogy of Morgan
families in Ireland that claim common descent with those inhabiting
the port city from Wexford to Sligo and with the most recent branch
inhabiting County Monaghan. I also believe if memory serves me right
the Wexford Morgans appear in the nineteen century book of Irish
peerages. However, in every location I have now found a local O’Morgan
family making me wonder if the need for advancement in Anglo-Irish
society promoted British roots and the down playing of Irish heritage?
Only with the advance is DNA testing will the truth be revealed.]
[There is a Morgan, Esq, of Ardcandrisk, parish of Ardcandrisk, in the
barony of Shelmaliere West. There are probably more, I just haven’t
looked yet.]
O’Moran Families
I only found reference to one O’Moran family, however I have only
briefly looked.
Ua Mugron ‘of Liffey” of Ui Failge
Per ‘Corpus Genealogiarum Sanctorum Hiberniae’ by Pádraig Ó Riain, the
genealogy ‘Genelach Clainne Colg[an] I Liphi’ in the Rawlinson B.502
is called in the Book of Leinster ‘Genelach Hua Mugron I mMaig Liphi’
and in the Book of Ballymote “Claindi Mugroin Lifi”.
This poses an interesting question concerning the said transformation
from Ua Murchadhain of Clan Colgan to Moran. Being that the above
genealogy of Ua Mugron could mean that O'Moran's come from an older
branch of family. However Ua Mugron may be more of a tribal name than
a surname. Being, that Mugron live well before the tenth century
window that is typical for the ancestors to the Irish Surnames.
Though, the origin of Kinsella would suggest that tribal names could
become surnames.
Bernard
Ua Murchadhain (Ua Morain) of Conmaicne Rein
Ua Murchadhain of Clan Cremthain of Ui Maine
Ui Murchadain of Clan Murchadha of Siol Muireadhaigh of Ui Briuin
Ua Murchadhain (Ua Morain) of Conmaicne Rein
(MacFirbis)
The O'Morahan (Ua Murchadhain) family also known as the O'Moran of
Mohill, located in county Leitrim. They were vassals of the O'Farrell
of Annaly.
[The name Moraghan is found in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim.]
>From http://celticcowboycompany.com/OtherMorans.htm :
"the O'Morains of Mohill, Couty Leitrim lived in the area of
Ballinamore (townland of mor). Some have said they were a branch of
the Muintir Eolais (the people of Eol), but they are instead a
collateral line of earlier origin though they did live in the same
area, the southern half of County Leitrim . This clan is a branch of
the Commacne Rein of the O'Farrell Clan. Some of these Morans moved
into Offaly. Some of them used Morris as a synonym for Moran."
Moran researcher T. Whitey Moran originally identified them as branch
of the Muintir Eolais (the people of Eol); a branch of the Commacne
Rein. However in a later article for 'The Irish Genealogist' he
corrected himself saying that the O'Morans where of Commacne Rein,
however from an earlier branch and not from the O'Farrell.
>From http://celticcowboycompany.com/OtherMorans.htm :
"The O'Morahan (Ua Murchadhain) family also known as the O'Moran of
Ballinamore have a coat of Arms: Quarterly, 1st and 4th, az. on a
mount ppr. two lions combatant or, supporting a flag staff also ppr.
There from a flag ar., for MORAN; 2nd and 3rd, or, two lions pass. in
in pale sa. on a canton gu. an ancient Irish crown or, a cubit arm in
armour holding a scymitar all ppr. The quarter for Moran is that of
the arms chieftain of Ballina in County Mayo."
The arms were granted in 1856 to 'Patrick O'Rourke Moran of
Balinamore' and the MORAN arms given in the 2nd and 3rd quarter are
those of the Ua Muiren of Cenel Laoghaire of Ui Fiachrach, whose
pedigree differs from that given as for Ua Murchadhain (Ua Morain) of
Conmaicne Rein.
Place names of Leitirm for further investigation:
Doonmorgan in the parish of Drumlease barony of Drumahaire
Murhaun in the parish of Kiltoghert, barony of Leitrim
County Sligo
The is a Morgan family of Cottletown in County Sligo, however they
claim to descend from a Cromwellian soldier from the Morgan of Tredar
family. Who was granted the Cottletown (formerly held by the O'Dowd)
in the Cormwellian settlement and appears as Landowner in the 'Census'
of 1659. I believe some of this family became Catholic and appear in
the Army list of James II in 1689.
[I believe I once had a copy of the LDS microfiche that have parish
record with a Latin version of Murrican from county Sligo. However I
throw away my copies when the LDS database went online, oops.]
[Additionally the surname O'Marron is common in County Sligo.]
Placenames of interest in county Sligo
Barony of Tireragh
· Dunmoran in the parish of Skreen
· Emlymoran in the parish of Castleconor
· Farranmorgan aka Knockmore in parish of Kilmoremoy
· Carrowmoran in the parish Templeboy
Barony of Corann
Kilmorgan aka Killmurran aka Kilmurin aka Kilmoroghoe aka Kilmurrough
in the parish of Kilmorgan aka Killmurran (Cill murchain aka
Morgan'Church aka Cill murchun).
[So we have here Morgan and its variations Murran or Murin or Moroghoe
or Murrough in English and Murchain or Murchun in Irish.]
[If memory service me right Kilmorgan holds a feast for St Coleman mac
Murchu(on), hyhm writer and abbot of Moville, Co Down, (died 731/6).]
(note that O'Murchu is used for O'Murrogh or O'Murray.)
[Barony of Carbury is named for Cenel Cairbre who have an Ui
Muireagain family, however I believe this Ua Muireagain may be related
to the Mide cluster of Ua Muireagain origins]
Ua Murchadhain of Clan Cremthain of Ui Maine
(Lecan)
[from his brother Ua Mughroin of Clan Cremthain Ui Maine]
Murchadan mac Sochlachain and Mughron mac Sochlachain are sighted by
the Book of "Tribes and Customes of the Ui Maine" by O'Donovan (his
source was the book of Lecan), as the origin for O'Murchadhain or
O'Moran of Clan Cremthain; as well as a Muntir Murchadhain.
Murchadan, Sochlachain and Mughron are all record in annals as lords
of the Ui Maine.
M865.11 Huppan, son of Cinaedh, heir presumptive of Connaught, was
burned in an ignited house, by Sochlachan, son of Diarmaid.
U867.5 Abán son of Cinaed, heir designate of Connacht, was killed
with fire by Sochlachán son of Diarmait.
M908.5 Sochlachan, son of Diarmaid, lord of Ui-Maine, died in
religion.
U912.5 Sochlachán son of Diarmait, king of Uí Maini, ended his life
in religion.
M904.4 Mughroin, son of Sochlachain, lord of Ui-Maine, died.
CS908 Mu{g}ron mac Sochlain ri h. Maine moritur.
FA909 Mugrón son of Sochlachán, king of Uí Maine, died.
U909.2 Mugrón son of Sochlachán, king of Uí Maini, died.
M936.11 Murchadh, son of Sochlachan, lord of Ui-Maine, died.
[I have only one other reference to a Sochlachain outside of "Tribes
and Customes of the Ui Maine" and that is the O'Solan (O'Sochlachain).
MacLysaght says they where from came from County Mayo, what is know
was that they were erenaghs of Cong and one of these, Donlevey
O'Sochlachain was a renowned harp maker in the 13th century.]
>From "The tribes and customs of Hy-Many, commonly called O'Kelly's
Country : now first published from the Book of Lecan, a manuscript in
the library of the Royal Irish Academy" by O'Donovan:
"Clann Cremthaind
Murchatan, (1) mac Sochlachain, (2) mic Diarmata, mic Fergusa, mic
Murchada, mic Duib-da-Thuath, mic Daimine, mic Daimdairi, mic Ailella,
mic Coirbine, mic Aeda, mic Crimthaind Chaeil, mic Lugdach, mic
Dallain, mic Bresail, mic Maine Moir."
O'Donovan notes:
(1) Murchadan, as more correctly written in H. 2. 7. p. 49, was chief
of Hy-Many, and died, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, in
the year 936. He succeeded his brother Mughron, who died in the year
904. They were the fifteenth in descent from Maine Mor, the common
ancestor of the Hy-Many.
(2) Sochlachan was chief of Hy-Many, and, according to the Annals of
the Four Masters, died a priest (in clericatu) in the year 908,
having, many years before, resigned the government to his son Mughron.
[The Ui Maine believed that they where original from the Collas of
Airgialla in Ulster.]
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum (www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/C ):
"Cella mor dithrib
Ad. 99, Adr. 386, Au. i. 190; Flann, ab. of, Fm. i. 326, Au. i. 190,
Tig. 736; O'D. thinks it is Kilmore in c. Rosc. nr the Shannon (Ct.
381 says it is p. and d. of Kilmore in Breifne); C. Mór díothraib do
losccad la hOaib Crumhthainn, Au. i. 220, Fm. i. 354; Ui Chrumthainn
were of Crumthann, now Cruffon, in Ui Maine in c. Galw., Im. 73; v
Ui Cremthainn, in Crumhthainn; in Connacht, Ct. 494; Combustio of
C. M. D. ó Uibh gCriomthoinn, Hb. 79; ceithri meic Dimmain, Brecani,
Udnochtad, Curitani, hi omnes i C. M. D. (9th Aug.), Mt. 31; 4 sons
of Dimman, and Breocan, Ciaran et alii, in C. M. Dithruib quiescunt,
Ll. 361; school of St. Colum cille at C. M. Dithruimhe, Bco. 24 b,
B. lvi. 334, Cs. 395.
crumthand
g. Crumhthaind; Crufon, containing b. Killyan and large part of b.
Ballymoe in Galw.; in Ui Maine, Tp., Ls. i. 82, Fm. iv. 980;
Crumhthonn, al. Cruthonn O'Maine, Cruffon, c. Galw., Ci.
crúthonn o maine
Cruffon; = b. of Killyan and part of b. Ballimoe, Galw., Lc. ii.
350, 410; v. Crumthand.
clan cremthaind
sept of Ui Maine desc. fr. Crimthann Cael, 4th fr. Maine mór, Im. 26.
"
>From Irish History in Maps web site 'Uí Maine Connacht Series':
"Cremthann (Crumthann, Cruffon, Criffon)
Cruffon, a district containing the barony of Killian and large part of
the barony of Ballymoe in co. Galway. O'Hart describes the three
chiefs of Crumthan or Cruffan, as O'Cathail (Cahill), O'Mughroin
(Moran), and O'Maolruanaidh (Mulrooney or Rooney). Tribes and Customs
of Hy Maine cites the Ui Chrumthainn were of Crumthann, aka Cruffon,
in Ui Maine. Clann Cremthaind, a sept of Ui Maine, descended from
Crimthann Cael, 4th from Maine mór."
Form "The tribes and customs of Hy-Many, commonly called O'Kelly's
Country : now first published from the Book of Lecan, a manuscript in
the library of the Royal Irish Academy" by O'Donovan in 1843, we find.
"These are the tributaries of the Clann Ceallaigh: the O'Duibhginns,
the O'Geibhennaighs, the Mac Cathails, the Mac Floinns, Muinter
Murchadhan; and the Clann Aedhagain until they became Ollamhs to the
arch-chief."
and ...
"These are the Cinel Rechta, the Cinel Trena, the Cinel Luchta, the
Cinel Fergna, the Cinel Domaingen, the Cinel Geigill. There are three
Orrighs i.e. sub-chiefs over the Race of Crimhthann Cael, viz., two
Orrighs of his own race, and two of the Sil-Muireadhaigh.
These are the three, viz., the O'Mailruanaidhs, the O'Muroins, and the
O'Cathails."
Siol Muireadhaigh families are O'Mailruanaidhs and O'Cathails; plus
the numbers are off, three names v four Orrighs.
The assumption I and it seems others have made is that the above
O'Muroin are descendants of Mugroin mac Sochlachain.
(The alternatives would from the MacMuroins of Clan Indrachtaig mic
Mailiduin of Sil Anmchadha in Muinnter Chobhthaigh given in "The
tribes and customs of Hy-Many, commonly called O'Kelly's Country". Or
Muinntir Mudhroin whose pedigree in identifies them as of Clan Cathail
mac (Siol) Muireadaigh of Roscommon. This pedigree is probable that of
the O'Moran of Athlone and Ballintobber, chiefs for Clan Cathail.
[Side point: I believe that my great-grandfather may have been from
Williamston, County Galway putting him in the epicenter of a number of
Ua Murchadhain families. Stumped on direct ancestors, I did a DNA
study and I have come back as R1b1c7, namely Northwest Modal and so
kindred to Niall of Nine hostages. I am not the only Morgan to do so
and there is a growing number of R1b1c7 Irish Morgans. Unfortunately I
will have to wait on more DNA testing before scientist can sort out
the Morgan (Moran, etc) kin groups.]
Placenames of interest in county Northeast Galway
Glenicmurrin (Gleann Mhac Muirinn) in the parish of Kilcummin, barony
of Moycullen
(Leabhar Ui Maine is online and I plan to research this fuller at a
later point.)
There is a black and white copy of the set of coat of arms of the
O'Morghane of Connacht. It is quartered with what seems to be a
rampant griffin as per the Welsh Morgan of Tredar coat of arms and in
the other quarter three stars like the Ua Murchachain arms of Offaly
with a chevron which could mark it a junior branch of that family.
(You can be seen at http://celticcowboycompany.com/appiiia.htm).
It is found in "The Poolbeg book of Irish Heraldry", where it is
titled O Murchain: "O'Murchan, O'Morghane, O'Moraghan, Morahan,
Morchan, Murchan, Morkan, Morkin, Murkin, Morgan, Morran, Morrin, ...
prinicipal families were O Morghane of Connaught, a sept of Ui Maine;
O Morghane of Offaly rulers of Magh Aoife. The Connaught family shared
in the fall of Ui Maine before the onslaughts of the 15th and 16th
century invaders of Connaught. The motto is "I neither wish for nor
fear the last day".
Ua Murchadhain of Clan Uadach of Siol Muireadaigh of Ui Briuin
(Book of Ballymote)
John McLaughlin who runs an impressive web site(s) of historic
material ( http://members.aol.com/lochlan/clanmac.htm ) sent me this
from the book of Ballymote (www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/2444/
irish/ ):
219. Murchadhan m. Iruaith m. Cinaeth m. Ubain.
{Ubain being the son of Uadach}
220. O n Murcadan sin dano rocindsed .H. Murchadan.
The O'Beirnes of Clan Uadach in the year 1249 defeated and overthrew
the O'Monaghans of Tir Briuin, lord of the Three Tuathas (who in 866
were chiefs of Ui Briuin na Sionna in the barony of Ballintober). The
O'Monoghan former territory included the Roscommon baronies of
Ballintober North and South Athlone, Roscommon and Bolye bordering on
county Leitrim.
"The Description of Ireland: And the State Thereof as it is at this
Present in Anno 1598" by Edmund Hogan. identifies two families of
interest in O'Connor country in the Barony of Boyle. These are John
Crofton of castle of Castlebragade alias Canvoe and Patrick Morgan of
Ballyneadan.
I take that Crofton could be Cremhthainn; O'Hart does has a pedigree
of Crufton which I have not read and MacLsyaght I believe says that
Crufton came to Ireland as Merchants. However I have also read of Ui
Chremhthain being in the area of North Roscommon and originally coming
from Loch Erne area. Being Loch Erne is in County Fermangh and the
Maguires Lords of the Fer Manch where of Ui Chremhthain of the
Airgialla origin. These Crofton like those of neighboring county
Galway could well be a possible Ui Chremhthainn.
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum (www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/U ):
"ui chraumthanáin
in Lein., Cs.; v. Ui Cremthannáin. ui creachain; of Ui Eathach
Muaidhe of Ui Fiachrach. ui crechain; of Conmaicne, Fen. 382."
Another important Morgan landowner recorded is: 1612 Patt Morgan the
Younger, heir of Patt Morgan the Elder of Garrynadine in Roscommon
(with George Sexton granted ward ship). Further research needed.
However I have yet to identify Garrynadine.
Ui Murchadain of Clan Murchadha of Siol Muireadhaigh of Ui Briuin
(MacFirbis)
"From Irish Historical Studies: Joint Journal of the Irish Historical
Society and the Ulster Society" by Irish Historical Society:
"Ua Braein was one of the family names of the sept of Clann Murchada,
which is mentioned several times in the Irish annals and elsewhere.
Clann Murchada was itself a division of Sil Muiredaig, the collective
name for the kings of Connacht id their kinsmen, with numerous other
stocks. Clann Murchada has some columns allotted to it both in the
Book of Lecan and in the Book of Ballymote. Murchad, ancestor of the
sept, died in the year 764. His father was Indrechtach, king of
Connacht, who died in 723, and his grand- father was Muiredach,
ancestor of Sil Muiredaig, and king of connacht, who died in 702.
Three other families of the sept better known than Ua Braein were Ui
Finnachta, Ui Charmacain and Ui Murchadain represented in modern times
by, among others, the surnames, O Finnaghty, O Cormacan and
O'Morahan."
Clan Murchadha takes in name from the uncle of Uadach the founder of
powerful Clan Uadach in Roscommon. So those two clans are closely
related.
>From the "Topographical Poem of John O'Dubhagain (d. 1372):
"...
To Mag Oireachtaigh (1) of the steeds,
Belong Muintir Roduibh of royal judgments;
A lord not withered over the flourishing wood,
O'Finachta over Clann-Conmhaigh (2)
Over Clann-Murchadha(3) of the chiefs,
O'Finachta, high, perfect;
Two of the royal sept are the two parties,
Though they are one tribe, they are not equal.
Of the Ui-Diarmada(4), the worthy,
Of true words, kings of royal men,
Chiefs of the land without difficult contracts,
The O'Conceanainns in their headship.
The Mag Murchadhas of brave effort,
Over the fine-sided Clann-Tomaltaigh(5),
An act of their good prosperity [lives] after them,
[They are] of the spirited Siol-Muireadhaigh.
...."
O'Donovan notes:
(1) Mag-Oireachtaigh, now anglicised MaGeraghty and Geraghty. This
family was seated in Magh-Naoi, before the English invasion; but in
1585, the head of the name was seated in Hy-Many. See Tribes and
Customs of Hy-Many, p. 19.
(2) Clann-Conmhaigh, now locally called Clanconoo. The name is now
applied to a territory situated on the west side of the river Suck, in
the barony of Ballimore and county of Galway; but it anciently
extended to the east of the same river, in the now county of
Roscommon. Shortly after the English invasion this territory came
into the possession of a branch of the De Burgos, the head of whom was
called Mac David, who was maternally descended from the Finaghtys.
We are informed by Duald Mac Firbis, that Conmhach, the ancestor of
the Clann-Conmhaigh was the eldest son of Muiredhach Muillethan, king
of Connaught, who died in 701, and that in consequence of this
seniority, the O'Finaghty enjoyed considerable privileges under the
kings of Connaught, viz., that he was entitled to drink the first cup
at all the king's banquets; that all the descendants of the other sons
of Muiredhach should rise up before the senior of the race of
Conmhaeh. He adds that the O'Finaghtys had forty-eight ballys lying
on both sides of the Suck before the English invasion. See Annals of
Four Masters, A.D. 1232, p. 265, note r.
(3) Clann-Murchadha.- This was the tribe name of that sept of the
Finaghtys seated on the east side of the river Suck, in the county of
Roscommon. This territory comprised twenty-four ballys, or ancient
Irish townlands. See Genealogies, Tribes &c. of Ui-Fiachrach, p. 108,
note b;
and Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1225, p. 237.
(4). Ui-Diarmada, otherwise Clann-Diarmada. This was the tribe name of
the family of O'Concannon, chiefs of Corcamoe, in the barony of
Killian
and county of Galway. The head of this family had his seat at
Kiltullagh, in
the parish of Kilkerrin, locally called the parish of Corcamoe. See
Annals
of Four Masters, A.D. 1382, note u.
(5). Clann-Tomaltaigh.- This sept was seated in Magh Naoi, but their
position has not been determined. the name Mac Murchadha is now
obsolete in the county of Roscommon.
>From web site 'Irish history in Maps':
"Clann Connmaigh and Clann Murchadha - O Fínnachta (O'Finaghty) were
chiefs of Clan Connmaigh and of Clan Murchada, districts in the two
half baronies of Ballymoe in the counties of Galway and Roscommon.
Clanconow, alias Clanconway, is described by O'Donovan as west of the
river, a branch of the O Finaghtys. Hennessy gives Clann Murchadha on
the east of the river Suck. O'Finaghty of Clan Conway, had their
castle at Dunamon (Caislén Dúin Imgáin), near the river Suck, in the
county Roscommon. O'Dugan makes note of their two chiefs in the Poems,
and cites Finaghty of "Clan Murrogh of the Champions;" and Finaghty of
the "Clan Conway."
The O'Finaghtys were noted by O'Hart as a branch of Clan Colla, as
were the Ui Maine. The historian O'Dononvan notes the Ó Fionachta
(O'Finaghty) were of the same stock as the O'Connors of Sil Murray,
who at one time were senior to them. Dr. A. Moore states that there
was also an Ui Maine sept of O'Finaghty. The Annals of Tigernach give
Clann Conmaig as a sub-division of Síl Muiredaig, the territory giving
tribute to the kings of Connacht. The Mac Davey Burkes were later
lords of Clanconway."
(Finachta of Clan Murchadha would have been a contemporary of
Murchadhain of Clan Uadach, both living in the tenth century.)
[As seen above Ui Murchadain should be in the baronies of Ballymoe,
along with the Ua Murchadhain descending from Clan Cremhthainn. So are
there really two different families of Ua Murchadhain in the same
location or two different origin myths for one family of Ua
Murchadhain? The O'Finaghty being a sept of both Ui Maine and Clann
Murchada of Siol Muireadhaigh could suggest confusion as the origin of
the people of the tribal border. Plus Clann (Ua) Murchadha founder
Murchadha died in 782, making living too early to be a tradition
source of an early Irish surname.]
O'Morans of Connacht for reference:
Ua Mearain of unknown origin inhabiting Roscommon and Sligo
Ua Mughroin of Clan Cremthain Ui Maine
MacMuroin of Clan Indrachtaig, mic Mailiduin of Sil Anmchadha of Ui
Maine
Ua Mughroin of Clan Cathail of Ui Briuin [Connachta]
Ui Muiren of Cinel Laoghaire of Ui Fiachrach
MacMorain of Conall Oirshlimeadha of Partraige
Ua Morain of Clan Dobtha of Ui Briuin
Ua Mearain of unknown origin inhabiting Roscommon and Sligo
MacLysaght in his book "Supplement to Irish Families", Dublin 1964;
states that Woulfe identifies Mac Ferran as a form of this name is Mac
Mhearáin and that it was first anglicized as MacMeran. This form
appears in a Fiant of 1586, in Co. Roscommon. It is quite numerous in
Counties Antrim and Down today as it was over a century ago.
MacLysaght in his book "The surnames of Ireland", Dublin 1957 states
that Meran is a variation of Marron and identifes Marron as common in
Counties Sligo and Monaghan; plus additionally places them on the map
in County Armagh.
>From the annals:
LC1200 A great depredation by Cathal Crobhderg and the Connachtmen, in
the West of Midhe; and they carried off an enormous spoil of cows and
horses, and pigs, and sheep; and they came safely past the Bruighin
hither, without a blow being struck against them, saving that three or
four of them were killed on scouting parties. The Foreigners turned
back from them then, except a few men whom they left watching them.
When the Connachtmen, however, saw the Foreigners turning back from
them, each one of them went off with his prey, except O'Conchobhair,
and O'Flaithbhertaigh, and Mac Goisdealbh, who remained after them
with a very small company. When the watching band left by the
Foreigners saw this, they went back after the Foreigners, and informed
them that the host had departed with their preys, except a very small
company that remained in their track. The Foreigners pursued the host,
and overtook them immediately, and routed the Gaeidhel before them;
and Ruaidhri O'Flaithbhertaigh, king of the West of Connacht, was
slain there; and Amhlaibh O'Cuinn, of the Muinter-Gillcán, was the
person that slew him. Cathal O'Concennuinn, king of Uí-Diarmada, was
slain there, et alii multi cum istis interfecti sunt, of the sons of
warriors, and attendants; sed tamen non multi sed pauci interfecti
sunt ibi, si verum est ut nunciatum est nobis. O'Conchobhair was left
without a man in his company, except Muirchertach Mac Merain, i.e. his
doorkeeper, and one other warrior, i.e. the son of Ceithernach Ua
Cerin; and he escaped thus. The Foreigners followed up the rout as far
as Ath-Luain, and they turned back then, and brought their preys with
them, and a great number of the horses of Connacht.
FM1374. Cucogry Oge Mageoghegan, Chief of Kinel-Fiachach, was
treacherously slain after he had gone to Athlone with the Bishop of
Meath: it was the Sinnach Mac Mearain (one of William Dalton's people)
that killed him, with one thrust of a lance; and he Mac Mearain
himself was afterwards torn asunder, and his body was cut into small
pieces, for this crime. [the Daltons were the new norman Lords of
Rathconrath, Westmeath]
LC1374.3 Cuchocriche Og Mac Eochagain, dux of Cenel-Fiachaidh-mic-
Neill, was slain in treachery, in the company of the Bishop Faltach,
by the hand of the Sinnach Mac Merain, on the sixth of the kalends of
September; and the Sinnach himself was afterwards drawn, and cut to
pieces.
AC 1374.4 Cu Choicriche Oc Mac Eochacain, chieftain of Kenaliagh, was
treacherously slain while in the company of the Bishop de Vale by
Sinnach Mac Merain on the twenty-seventh of August and Sinnach himself
was then drawn and dismembered.
[William Dalton, who was Sheriff of Meath and had been killed by the
MacGeoghegan clan in the previous year.]
(I do wonder if this is another name of the Ua Muireagain of Teffia
and the Daltons could well be the new overlords of the former Ua
Muireagain kings. DNA will hopefully answer this question.)
Mac Muroin of Clan Indrachtaig mic Mailiduin of Sil Anmchadha of Ui
Maine
>From "The tribes and customs of Hy-Many, commonly called O'Kelly's
Country : now first published from the Book of Lecan, a manuscript in
the library of the Royal Irish Academy" by O'Donovan in 1843, we have:
"Of the race of Innrachtach, son of Maelduin, are Muinter Ruairc, the
Mac Brains, the Mac Muroins, &c. Muinter Mailchada, of whom are
Muinter Dubhlainn, Ua Flannchadha, &c., also Muinter Mailcroin, Mic
Dungail, Muinter Arrachtain, Muinter Duibhgilla, and Muinter Conrui"
and ...
"Uallachan, son of Flann, son of Flannchadh, son of Innrachtach, son
of Maelduin, son of Donngal, son of Anmchadh, son of Eoghan Buac. From
this Uallachan are sprung the Mac Uallachans, i. e. the old chieftains
of Sil Anmchadha, From Lorcan, son of Muron, son of Flann, son of
Innrachtach, is descended Ua Dubhlaich."
The so the pedigree would be:
Muron m. Flann m. Innrachtach m. Maelduin m. Donngalach m. Anmchadha
m. Eoghain buac m. Corpmaic m. Cairpre cruim m. Feradaigh m.
Luighdheach m. Dallain m. Bresail m. Maine moir m. Echach fir daq
ghiall m. Domnaill m. Iomchadhae m. Colla fo crith.
Ua Mughroin of Clan Cremthain Ui Maine
[Mughron brother to the above Murchadhan of Clan Cremhthainn.]
>From the 'Topographical Poem' from O'Huidhrin section on Ui Maine:
"O'Cathail, O'Mughroin, and O'Maoilruana, the three lords of
Crumhthann;
....
The kings of Maenmhagh of chiefs
To whom the brown plain is hereditary,
Two who have possessed that side,
Are O'Neachtain127 and O'Maolalaidh128.
Their fight is overpowering in the conflicts,
Theirs is the land as far as the Ui-Fiachrach129,
The six Sodhans130 let us not shun,
their kings shall not be neglected.
Good the host of plundering incursions,
To whom the spear-armed array is due,
O'Cathail, O'Mudhroin the rapid,
O'Maoilruanaidh of royal banquets.
Trees sheltering the rich irriguous land,
Are kings of Crumhthann131, woody district,
The Ui Laodhogs, heroes whom we shun not,
Kings of the Caladh132 of wide border.
....."
Ua Mughroin of Clan Cathail
There is said to be five O Mughroin and they are the chiefs of Clan
Cathail and are remember in such place-names such as Lough O'Moran
near Elphin. The last chief of this family is thought to be General
James O'Moran (1793-1794) of the French Irish Bridge.
>From the 'Topographical Poem' from O'Huidhrin section on Breifne:
".....
Four levying chieftains
Are over the valorous Clann-Cathail;
A valiant bulwark, who were not dispraised,
Are the four to be reckoned.
O'Flannagain, chief of the land,
O'Maoilmordha, whom I praise,
To live how splendid the tribe,
The majestic O'Carthaigh, and O'Mughroin(1).
O'Maoilbhrenainn with fame,
Over the irriguous plain of Clann-Conchobhair,
Their children are entitled to be above every tribe,
That sept of the Clann-Cathail.
...."
O'Donovan's notes:
(1). O'Mughroin, now O'Moran, or Moran. This name is still extant in
the
neighbourhood of Elphin.
Placenames of interest in county Roscommon:
Caldrymoran in the parish of Shankill, barony of Roscommon
Ballintober (Balintubber) home to O'Moran (O'Mugrion) chief of Clann
Cathail in the parish of Ballintober, barony of Ballintober
(I am still looking for a written pedigree, so far I have is that of
Muinntiri Mudhroin from the book of Ballymote.)
Ui Muiren of Cenel Laoghaire of Ui Fiachrach
>From O'Donovan's Tribes and Customs of the Ui Fiachrach, p.43:
"The descendents of Laoghaire, son of Eochaidh Breac, are the Muintir
Muirean of Gleann Maoilduin at Eidneach(1), and another family called
Muinter Muiren, in Umhall(2), and they are both the same family with
respect to their descent, viz:" pedigree followed
O'Donovan notes:
(1) Gleann Maoilduin, at the Eidhneach - The situation of this valley
is unknown to the Editor, But it a highly probable that it was the
ancient name of the valley through which the River Inny, in the west
of the barony of Tirawley, flows
(2) Umhall - This territory, which is very celebrated in ancient Irish
history, and of which since the establishment of surnames in Ireland,
in the tenth century, the O'Malleys have been hereditary lords or
toparchs, comprised the present baronies of Burrishool and Murresk,
verging on the Atlantic, in the west of the present county of Mayo.
Sir Samuel O'Malley is believed to be the present senior
representative of the chiefs of Umhall.
>From Keating's "History of Ireland" the 'Genealogy for the O
Seachnusaigh (O Shaughnessy)' has no. 92 Eochaidh Breac' son Dathi son
of Fiachra and says:
"Of the progeny of this Eochaidh Breac are the following families,
namely Muinntear Mhuirein, Muinntear Mhaoilduin, Munntear Chomain,
Munntear Mhaoilfhoghmhair, Muinntear Chreachain, Munntear Leannain,
Muinntear Fhlaithile, Muintear Shuanaigh;"
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum (www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/M):
"Munitir muiren
in Umall; of Glend Mailiduin, Lec. 163; M. Muirean Gleanna
Maoildúin la hEidhnigh, Fy.; in the Owles; O'D. says, "prob. the
valley of r. Inny in W. of b. Tirawly."
>From T. Whitley Moran 'The Moran Septs and coat of Arms', Genealogist
says:
O'Morain of Ardnaree, County Mayo vassals of the O'Dowdas living on
the right bank of the River Moy. Hereditary proprietors of the
Ardnaree and controlled its ford and that of Foxford. The founder
Muiren (c850-900) came from the Oweninny river north of Bellacorick.
>From O'Donovan's Tribes and Customs of the Ui Fiachrach, p.167, under
the title of "The Hereditary Proprietors of Tir Fhiachrach:
"The estate of O'Morain, i.e. Ard na riagh, and his chieftainship the
district thence to Tuaim de Odhar."
County Mayo place-name of interst:
Lissmirrane aka Bohola aka Lismmerrane aka Lissmirrane aka Lissmerran-
Lysmerrane(1635) aka Lishmearan aka Lissmerane aka Lissmearan (1635)
aka Lismoraan aka Lismiraun aka Lismaran(1838) aka Lois Mearain and in
English Maran's fort, in the barony of Gallen.
The coat of arms associated with the family are: Azure on a mounted
proper, two lions combatant or, holding between them a flagstaff also
proper,thereform a flag argent. Crest out of a mural crown, a demi-
saracen, head in profile, all proper. Motto: Fides non timet.
[This is the arms that Patrick O'Rourke Moran in 1856 included in his
arms. However his location would make of the Ua Murchadhain of
Conmaicne Rein, and suggest a miss-understanding of the origin of his
name or some unknown link existed between the family of Mayo and
Leitrim.]
MacMorain of Conall Oirshlimeadha of Partraige
T. Whitely Moran say the MacMorans descend from Morainn Mor (Morainn
the Great) who lived around 750-800 on the shores of Clew Bay in Co.
Mayo and that some of his descendants transferred to establish
themselves in Fermanagh, probably in the Newtownbutler area.
Clew bay is in the territory of Umhall and home to the O'Malley family
who also descended from Conall Oirshlimeadha. However, confusingly the
Ui Muiren of Cinel Laoghaire of Ui Fiachrach also claimed to come from
this area.
Ua Morain of Clann Dobtha of Ui Briuin
(Book of Ballymote)
>From Irish History in Maps (www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/
connacht.htm):
"Cenel Dobtha - Cenel Dofa or Doohy Hanly, comprised one of the Three
Tuathas of northern Roscommon, was held by the Ó hAinle (O'Hanly) sept
who were chiefs of Cenel Dobtha. In O'Donovan's comments in
Topographical Poems of O'Dugan and O'Heerin, he notes notes Cenel
Doffa mic Aengusa, now Doohy-Hanly in Roscommon, comprising the
parishes of Kilglass, Termonbarry, Cloontuskert and the east half of
the parish of Lissonuffy."
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum (www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/C):
"cenel dobtha
in Corca-Achlann, c. Rosc., betw. Tír Ailello on the N. and Sliabh
Bagna on the S., Of. 375; a cConnachtaibh, Md. 56; Cluain Coirpte
in it, Md. 56; in díthrib C. D. i Connachtu, .i. i Cluain Cairpti,
F. 51; O. hAinli, chief of, Au. ii. 388, Fm. ii. 1100; C. Doftha,
Tig., Rc. xviii. 156, Con. 23 a; al. C. Doffa mic Aengusa, now Doohy-
Hanly in Rosc., pp. Kilglass, Termonbarry, Cloontuskert and E. half of
p. Lissonuffy, Tp., Lc. ii. 116, Fm. iii. 168, iv. 692; along the
Shannon fr. Carranadoo bridge to Drumduff in E. Rosc., Kj. ii. 342;
one of the Three Tuatha in Connaught, Mi."
Bernard
Ua Murchadain & Ui Muireagain families located in County Clare
Ui Mhearagain of Cinel Laoghaire of Ui Eachach Mumhan of the
Eoghanachta
Ua Murchadain & Ui Muireagain families located in County Clare
I have found a number of Ua Murchadain and Ua Muireagain place-names
that would suggest such families in the County Clare
Placenames of interest in county Clare
In the barony of Bunratty Upper:
Parish of Clooney
· Ballyvergin - Baile Mheirgin
· Ballimergan
Parish of Quin
· Ballymarkahan, Dallymarkahan Castle - Baile ua Marcachán,
· Ballyroughan
Near Quinn from the 17th century Petty Map
· Balimirgine
· Ballimirgin
In the barony of Tulla Lower:
Baile-Ui-Mhuireagain in parish of Clonlea
This is found in "Ordnance Survey Letters by John O'Donovan and Eugene
Curry, 1839" at www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/osl/clonlea1_situation.htm
"The following places mentioned in Hardiman's Irish Deeds No. 15,
Chieftainry called Tuath-O'Floinn, viz.:-
1. Aonach Murchadha bhric Aonach Ó'bhFloín.
2. Moymtallone.
3. Tir-O'-n-Aodha.
4. Baile-Ui-Mhuireagain"
Location given was "The Parish of Clonlea in the eastern part of the
Co. of Clare and Barony of Tulla Lower, is bounded on the north by the
Parish of Tulla; on the south by the Parishes of Troogh, St. Munchin's
and Kilfeenaghta; on the east by Kilsealy and Killuran and on the west
by Quin, Kilmurry and Kilfeenaghta." [St Munchin and Kilmurry seem
worthy of further study.]
Further from "The History and Topography of the County of Clare by
James Frost" found at www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/frost/chap15_patrick_morgan.htm.
"Part III. History of the County of Clare
Chapter 15. Inquisitions relating to County of Clare-Reign of
Elizabeth
Patrick Morgan of Enagh O'Flynn; Murtagh O'Brien of Tulla; Donogh
O'Brien of Dromoland; Murrogh O'Brien (the Tanist)
Inquisition, taken at Ennis, on the 2nd of June, 1595, before Richard
Boyle, deputy, finds that Patrick Morgan, late of Enagh, died on the
17th of November 1594, being the owner of Enagh O'Flynn, Teeronee,
Clonbrowir, Boynack, Killanena, Enagh Teige MacSheeda, Knock . . . ,
Clashduff, Snatty, and . . . . . .; finds that Thomas Morgan is the
son and heir of said Patrick, and was a minor when he succeeded to the
estate."
Also:
In the Barony of Burren
Lismorahaun aka Lismorahaun Caher aka Lismoraghaun aka Lismoran
Cathairpollo (Lios Moráin - Home of O'Moran) in the parish of
Kilmoon.
Lios Moráin appears in an O'Brien's rental 1380.
Lismorane 1659 'census'
In the Barony of Clonderalaw
Parish of Killadysert
· Lissyvurriheen aka Lissyvurrheen - Líos Ui Murcháin, translated as
Little Murrogh's residence or could be read as Home of O'Morgan
Parish of Gortnavreaghaun
· Lavareen - Leath Bairighean
· Lisbareen - Lios Bairghín
Parish of Inchicronan
· Gortnamearacaun (Gort na Méaracán) in the parish of Inchicronan
In the barony of Island Barony the townland of 'Killmoranbeg' appears
in 1659 'Census'
I suspect the local Markham family 'Ua Marcachain' is in realty the
origin to these 'Ua Murchadhain' place-names. However the Ua
Muireagain place-names remains unanswered, however I am finding Ua
Murchadhain / Ua Muireagain paired frequently and this makes me wonder
if they are related.
Neighboring Placenames in Barony of Kilartan, County Galway
Ballymarcaghan aka Ballymarcuahaun aka Ballymarcahane aka
Ballymarcaghaunon aka Ballymarcaghane aka Ballymarkahanebeg aka
Ballymarkananbegg aka Ballymarkahanemore aka Ballymarkimmore
(O'Markham's town - Baile Ui Mharcacháin) in the parish of Ardahan,
barony of Kiltartan.
Morgan's Island in the parish of Kinvarradoorus, barony of Kiltartan
Killomoran aka Killormoran in the parish of Kilmacduagh, barony of
Kiltartan
ORIGINS of the Ua Marcachain / Ua Murchadhain?
In the 1803 "An Introduction to and an History of Ireland" by
Sylvester O'Halloran; which seems to contain anglized version of one
of or more Irish Genealogical tracts that place the origin of
families.
He identifies the O'Marchahan belong in descent from Cormac Cas ruler
of Thomond and North Munster. Brother to Cain ruler of Ormond and Cair
whom county Kerry named after him. They are the sons of Fergus son of
Ruighridhe the Great of the line of Ir.
He also writes from ancient chief of Corcamruadh are the O'Marchahan
located in Thomond, now know as the baronies of Cormcamruadh and
Burren. They descend from Corc brother to Ciar and son of Oilliol of
the royal line of Ir.
He continues this section with "Corac-Bhaifgin, was the principality
of Cairbre-Bhaifgin, of the posterity of Conaire the Grand and Ernain
race." He also later in the text identifies O'Marchahan as members of
Clana-Ruighridhe and the house of MacGennus of Craobh-Ruadh in Ulster.
>From "The General History of Ireland" by Geoffrey Keating, published
by Dermod O'Conner in 1841; it gives:
O Marcachain of Thomond from Corc mac Fergus along with the O'Connor
kings of Corcamroe and O'Loghlinn Kings of Buirrinn.
O'Morain from Conmac mac Fergus along with the O'Farrill kings of
Upper Comhaicne (Longford) and Magranuill of Lower (Leitrim)
While county Kerry is named for their brother Cair.
O'Hart's gives some light to the semi-mythical ancestors:
THE LINE OF IR
"63. Ros Ruadh: son of Rory Mór; married Roigh, daughter of an Ulster
Prince.
64. Fergus Mór: his son; commonly called "Fergus MacRoy" or "Fergus
MacRoich," from Roigh, his mother, who was of the sept of Ithe; was
King of Ulster for three (some say seven) years, and then forced from
the sovereignty by his cousin, Conor MacNeasa, where-upon he retired
into Conacht, where he was received by Maedhbh (Maev) Queen of that
Province, and by her husband Oilioll Mór, and, sustained by them, was
in continual war with Conor MacNeasa during their lives. Maedhbh was
the daughter of Eochy Feidlioch, the 93rd Monarch, who gave her in
marriage to his favourite Tinne, son of Conragh, son of Ruadhri Mór
(No. 62 on this stem), with the Province of Conacht as a dowry. This
prince was slain at Tara by Monire, a Lagenian prince, in a personal
quarrel; and Maedhbh soon after married Oilioll (who was much older
than she was), the son of Ros Ruadh by Matha Muireasg, a Lagenian
princess. Oiliol was far advanced in years when Fergus Mór sought
shelter beneath his roof at Rath-Craughan, in Roscommon, and the Queen
Maedhbh, being young, strayed from virtue's path, proved with child by
Fergus, and was delivered of three male children at a birth. The names
of these princes were: - 1. Ciar [Kiar], a quo Ciarruighe Luachra,
Ciarruighe Chuirc, Ciarruighe Aoi, and Ciarruighe Coinmean; 2. Corc, a
quo Corc Modhruadh (or Corcumroe); and 3. Conmac, a quo Conmaicne-Mara
(now Connemara), Conmaicne Cuile Tolaigh (now the barony of Kilmaine,
co. Mayo), Conmaicne Magh Rein (the present co. Longford, and the
southern half of the co. Leitrim), Conmaicne Cinel Dubhain (now the
barony of Dunmore, co. Galway). According to the native genealogists
these three sons of Fergus and Maedhbh ought to stand in the following
order - 1. Conmac; 2. Ciar; and 3. Corc. Fergus Mór was slain by an
officer belonging to the court of Oiliol Mór, as he was bathing in a
pond near the royal residence, and he was interred at Magh Aoi. The
other children of Fergus Mór were: - 1. Dallan, 2. Anluim, 3. Conri,
4. Aongus Fionn, 5. Oiliol, 6. Firceighid, 7. Uiter, 8. Finfailig
(ancestor of O'Dugan and O'Coscridh, chiefs of Fermoy, in the county
of Cork), 9. Firtleachta, and 10. Binne.
65. Conmac: eldest son of Fergus Mór, by Maedhbh; whose portion of his
mother's inheritance and what he acquired by his own prowess and
valour, was called after his name: "Conmaicne" being equivalent to
Posterity of Conmac. The five Conmaicne contained all that (territory)
which we now call the county of Longford, a large part of the counties
of Leitrim, Sligo, and Galway; and Conmaicne Beicce, now called
"Cuircneach" or Dillon's Country, in the county of Westmeath, over all
of which this Conmac's posterity were styled Kings, till they were
driven out by English adventurers."
>From Onomasticon Goedelicum (www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/C):"
clann ianna
branch of C. Guaire in Ui Fiachrach Aidhne; ¶ O Catháin, its chief,
had as followers O Mochan, O hOirechtaig, O Marcachain, Fy. 62.
ui marcacháin
Fy. 63; ¶ of Cenél Ianna of Aidhne, Fy. [Fy.; Tribes of Ui Fiachrach,
ed. O'Donovan]
baile ui comraide
in Thomond; ¶ O'Scanlan's or O'Moran's land, H. 22.
cenel guaire
desc. fr. Guaire Aidhne, branch of Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, of which O
Maghna first, and then Mac Giolla Ceallaigh, were chiefs, Fy. 2, 64,
54."
>From O'Donovan's "Tribes and Customs of the Ui Fiachrach", p.43:
"Nar the son of Guaire, was the eldest of his sons, a quo Cinel
Guaire. The Cinel Guaire are called after him for his nobleness beyond
the other sons, Aedh and Artgal. Nar had the one son, namedl
Cobhthach; Cobhthach had a son Flann, a quo Cinel Guaire, O'Maghna was
chief of the Cinel Guaire and of the Caenraighe until Mac Giolla
Ceallaigh deprived him of his patrimonial inheritance; O'Duibhghiolla
is the chief of Cinel Cinngamhna; Mac Gilla Cheallaigh is chief of
Cinel Guaire; O'Cathan is chief of Cinel Ianna and of his followers
are O'Mochan, O'h-Oireachtaigh, and the O'Macachans(1). So far the
Cinel Guaire."
O'Donovan's note:
(1). O'Mareachain - This name is still numerous in the county of
Clare, where is anglized Markham, and sometimes translated Ryder
because the Irish word signifies a horseman.
So O'Donovan's sources have the Ua Marchachain as members of Clan
Ianna of the Ui Fiachrach; as opposed to the line of Ir.
Ui Mhearagain of Cinel Laoghaire of Ui Eachach Mumhan of the
Eoghanachta
(The Book of Munster's genealogical poem of Cathan O'Duinnin written
in 1320)
The Ui Eachach Mumhan where originally locate in south-west county
Cork.
>From Ireland's History in Maps (www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/
munster.htm):
"By the 12th century the Úa Donnchadha (O'Donoghues of Cenél
Laegaire), driven north out of Cork, had conquered and settled
Éoganacht Locha Lein. The O'Donoghues had also driven out the Ua
Congaile (O'Connell) chiefs, who were also noted by various
authorities as chiefs in the region of the barony of Magunihy."
>From Ireland's History in Maps (www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/
munster.htm):
"Uí Echach Mumhan and Éoganacht Raithleann
Uí Echach was described, in early texts, within the ancient
principality of Muskerry, in mid County Cork, to the west and
southwest of the town of Cork. Raithlinn or Raithleann is described
(Onomasticon Goedelicum) around the area of Bandon, in the same area.
Archaeologists believe that Garranes Ringfort in Templemartin parish,
near Bandon, County Cork may have been Rath Raithleann, the royal seat
of the Éoganacht Raithleann.
As early as perhaps the 6th century the Uí Echach Mumhan split into
two major groups; the Cenél Láegaire and the Cenel nÁeda. The Cenel
nÁeda gave their name to the barony of Kinalea in southern co. Cork.
An important sub-sept of the Cenel nÁeda (of Ui Echach Muman) were the
Cénel mBéicce (e.g. O Mathghamhna or O'Mahony), who gave their tribal
name to the barony of Kinelmeaky. The Cenél Láegaire expanded westward
toward Bantry as early as the 8th century, and were later represented
by Ua Donnchadha, or O'Donoghue, a sept whose chiefs later settled in
county Kerry. In the 12th century the formation of the diocese of Cork
is said to outline the extent of the territory of Uí Echach Mumhan and
Éoganacht Raithlind at that time, the eastern portion of the diocese
perhaps reflecting the territory's ancient beginnings."
Placenames of interest in County Cork
Rathmorgan in the parish of Ballyhay, barony of Orrery and Kilmore
Morgans also called Glengarriff in the parish of Shandrum, barony of
Orrery and Kilmore
Clashmorgan in the parish of Mourneabbey, barony of Barretts
Farranavarrigane (Fearann Aimheirgin) in the parish of Macloneigh,
barony of West Muskerry
Milmorane in the parish of Inchigeelagh, barony of West Muskerry
Ballyvergan in the parish of West & East Youghal, barony of Imokilly
Placenames of interest in County Kerry
Murrirrigane in the parish of Cloghane, barony of Corkaguiny
Drommurrin in the parish of Galey, barony of Iraghticonnor
Walter's Irish Surnames Database has the following for County Kerry:
O'MORGAN, (MORGAN), Bonane/Glengarriff P
O'MORAN, Bonane/Glengarriff P
Additionally Kerry is home to a Moran family that I have yet to
identify.
Placenames of interest in County Tipperary
Ballymoreen aka Ballymarren in the parish of Eliogarty barony of
Tipperary
The surnames Merrgian, Morgan and Moran are to be found in county
Tipperary.
Placenames of interest in County Limerick
Morgans North & South (Mag Morgain) in the parish of Morgans, barony
of Lower Connello
In the Morgans North near Askeaton is Temple Muireguidan mention in
1496 (church in Morgans) also in Morgans North is the seventeen
century Morgan's house.
Ballyvorhene (Baile Mhoirrioghna) record in 1575 from "Notes on the
topography of Uaithne"
Placenames of interest in County Waterford
I found the following placenames Ballymurrin and Kilmurrin in the
Parish of Kilbarrymaiden in the barony of Decies without Drum St
Muirne. In researching Ballymurrin and Kilmurrin I found a local
O'Moran family with I have yet to identify.
Edmund Spenser makes an interesting comment in his "A view of the
present state of Ireland", when he makes the following statement
concern of gaelized English of Munster:
"Of which sort, they say, be most of their surnames which end in -an,
as Hernan, Shinan, Muagan, etc., the which now account themselves
natural Irish."
However to Spenser comment; most native Irish names in English
actually do end in -an (or -y). For example: Hiffernan, Shannahan,
Morahan, Sullivan, Hogan, Dongan, Rogan, Hefferan, Donovan, Gilligan,
Brennan...; however an interesting question is why?