McGarvey Septs of Ulster

The Milesians
King Milesius' sons, Eremon and Eber, are said to have come from either Spain or France to the island of Ireland, and were ancestors of the Gaels. Of the Milesians, who invaded the Tuatha De Danann lands, Eber and Eremon divided the land between them - Eremon getting the Northern half of the Island, and Eber the Southern. The Northeastern corner was accorded to the children of their lost brother, Ir, and the Southwestern corner to their cousin Lughaid, the son of Ith. 
The descendants of Milesius are said to be the monarchs and leading families of early Ireland.
 
 
Irish Celts
The tribes of Celtic speech came to the British Isles in two distinct waves. The earlier invasion of the Goidels arrived in England with a culture of bronze about 800 B.C., and in Ireland two centuries later, and was part of the same movement which brought the Gauls into France. The later conquest was by the Cymric-speaking Belgae who were equipped with iron weapons. It began in the third century B.C., and was still going on in Caesar's time. These Cymric Brythons reached Ireland in small numbers only in the second century B.C.


Picts
The Romans called this pre-Celtic people Pictii, or "Painted," who (as claimed by many historians), actually tattooed their bodies with designs. To the non-Roman Celtic world of Scots and Irish and the many tribes of Belgic England and Wales they were known as "Cruithni" and for many centuries they represented the unbridled fury of a people who refused to be brought under the yoke of Rome or any foreign invader.

The notes were copied with the permission of Dennis Walsh.

Tyrone
In the time of Ptolemy it was inhabited by the Scoti, which tribe extended itself over most of the inland regions; though some writers place the Erdini here, as well as in the neighboring maritime county of Donegal. It was afterwards known as the district or kingdom of Cineal Eoghain, frequently called Tyr-Oen, whence its present name of Tyrone is derived. A portion of its southern border embraces the northern parts of the ancient district of Orgial or Uriel. According to Camden it was divided into Lower and Upper, or North and South Tyrone by the Slieve Gallion mountain; but as this range is now wholly included within Londonderry, it is probable that the name of Tyrone was then extended to the greater part of that county also. This district was from the earliest period of the Irish annals the chief seat of the power of the O'Nials, the princes or kings of the country, who traced their origin from Nial of the nine hostages, and several of whom obtained sovereignty over the whole island. In the tenth century, Hugh O'Nial, lord or chief of Tyr-Oenm was solicited by Malachy, King of Ireland, to assist him against Brian Boroimhe, then claiming the rank of King of Ireland, and was offered a large portion of Meath as the reard for his acquiescence. O'Nial of Tyrone was one of the chiefs in Roderic O'Conor's army in his unsuccessful attempt to drive the English out of Dublin.
 
Londonderry
According to Ptolemy, the present county of Londonderry formed part of the country of the Darnii or Darini, whose name appears to be perpetuated in the more modern designation of "Derry." The earliest internal evidence represents it as being chiefly the territory of the O'Cathans, O'Catrans or O'Kanes, under the name Tir Cahan or Cathan-aght, signifying "O'Kane's country:" they were a branch and tributary to the O'Nials, and their chief seat was at a place now called the Deer Park, in the vale of the Roe. At the time of Elizabeth's reign, and the flight of the Earls, the southern side of the county appears to have been possessed by the O'Donnels, O'Conors, and O'Murrys. The O'Cahans were not among the attainted septs, and consequently, in the ensuing schemes of plantation, many of them were settled among the native freeholders by James I, though they afterwards forfeited their estates in the subsequent civil war.
 
Fermanagh
The Erdini, according to some authorities, were the inhabitants of this district in the time of Ptolemy; but Whitaker considers it to have been part of the Nagnatae. By the ancient Irish it was called Feor Magh Eanagh, or "the Country of the Lakes," and Magh Uire, or "the Country of the Waters:" it was also called Ernai or Ernagh, and the inhabitants who lived around Logh Erne, Ernains and Erenochs. a name supposed to be derived from the Erdini. It was divided into two great portions, one called Targoll, the ancient seat of the Facmonii, and of the Macmanii, or the Mac Manuses; the other named Rosgoll, occupied by the Guarii or Guirii, from whom the Mac Guires, or Maguires, derive their origin. This family was so powerful that the greater part of the county was for several centuries known by the name of Mac Guires country.
 
Donegal
In the time of Ptolemy it was inhabited by the Vennicnii and the Rhobogdii, the latter of whom also occupied part of the county of Londonderry. The Promontorium Vennicnium of this geographer appears to have been Ram's Head or Horn Head, near Dunfanaghy; and the Promontorium Rhobogdium, Malin Head, the most northern point of the peninsula of Innisoen or Ennishowen. The county afterwards formed the northern part of the district of Eircael or Eargal, which extended into the county of Fermanagh, and was known for several centuries as the country of the ancient and powerful sept of the O'Donells, descended, according to the Irish writers, from Conall Golban, son of Neil of the Nine Hostages, monarch of Ireland, who granted to his son the region now forming the county of Donegal. Hence it acquired the name of Tyr Conall, modernized into Tyrconnel or Tirconnel, "the land of Conall," which it retained till the reign of James I. The family was afterwards called Kinel Conall, or the descendants or tribe of Conall. Descendants of this family also include the O'Dohertys, lords of Innisoen. Other septs included the O'Boyles and Mac Sweeney and several others subordinate to the O'Donells of Tyrconnel.
 
Armagh
This tract is supposed to have been part of that name by Ptolemy as the territories of the Vinderii and Voluntii: it afterwards formed part of the district called Orgial, which also comprised the counties of Louth and Monaghan. The formation of this part of Ireland into separate dominion is said to have taken place so early as the year 332, after the battle of Achaighleth-derg, in Fermoy, in which, as recorded by Tigernach, abbot of Clonmacnois, who died in 1068, Fergus Feagha, son of Froechair the Brave, the last of the Ultonian kings who resided in Eamania, was killed by the three Collas, who then expelled the Ultonians from that part of the province to the south of Lough Neagh, and formed it into an independent state, to which they gave the name Orgial, afterwards corrupted into Oriel or Uriel, names by which it was distinguished to the beginning of the 17th century. The chief part of the county prior to the arrival of the English had centered in the families of the O'Nials, the Mac Cahans, and the O'Hanlons.

The notes were copied with the permission of Dennis Walsh.

Background on the Three Collas

Ancient Irish tradition tells us that Airghialla (or Oriel) was a territory in northern Ireland founded by the three Collas about the 4th century of the Christian Era, and inhabited by their descendants in later centuries. As is the case with much of Irish saga prior to the 6th century keep in mind the line between myth and history is unclear. The term Airgialla is translated as 'those who give hostages', alluding to a subordinate status of the various groups inhabiting the area. Contemporary writers, e.g. O'Rahilly and Byrne, suggest the three Collas are mere doublets of the three sons of Niall Noigiallach who conquered portions of early Ulster, their names being Eogan, Conall and Enda.

The three sons of Eochaid Duibhlein and Aileach, a daughter of the King of Alba, all bore the name of Colla - Colla Uais, Colla Meann and Colla da Crich (Fochríth). The designation Colla, meaning strong man, was "imposed on them for rebelling," their original names being Cairsall, Aodh and Muredach, respectively. The three Collas went to Scotland to obtain the assistance of their kindred to place Colla Uais on the Irish throne, and with their help placed him there, but he was compelled to give way to a relative, Muredach Tirech, who had a better title to the sovereignty.
[source: http://user.icx.net/~gimbel/genealogy/McDonald_ancestory.html]

The three Collas made war with the High King of Ireland, Fiachadh, and overthrew and killed him in order to sieze the Kingship for Colla Uais, which he enjoyed for four years. Muiredach Tirech, the son of the slain king Fiachadh, overthrew the three Collas and their followers. About the year 327 the three Collas were exiled to Alba (Scotland). They were received into their maternal grandfather's court, the court of the Scots and Picts.
[source: http://www.concentric.com/~maguire/Maguire3.html]

The notes were copied with the permission of Dennis Walsh.

Airthir (Airtheara) - was centered in Co. Armagh, about the eastern baronies of Orior. In earlier times the term Airthir (literally meaing 'east') may have included most of co. Armagh. The early genealogies cite Fiachra Cassán, son Colla Fochríth, as progenitor of some of the early people of the territory of Airthir in Ard Macha (Armagh). The Airthir had split into the main septs by the 8th century, the Uí Nialláin, the Uí Bressail, and the Uí Echdach. About the 10th century, some of the major groups in the modern co. Armagh region included the Uí Méith, the Uí Nialláin, and the Uí Bresail. In the 12th century, the Irish Annals note Ua Ruadhacain (O'Rogan) as chiefs of Airthir, an area which may have been more restricted in size. The Ua Ruadacháin were noted as chiefs of Uí Eachach (Echdach), tributary to the O'Hanlons at the time, in Smith's The English in Louth 1170-1330.
O'Dugan (Poems) mentions the two kings over Oirtheara as O hIr, and O hAnlauin.

An early Airthir genealogy: (Laud 610)
Úa Bressail Macha and Úa Bresail Airthir, descended from Conchobuir Chorraig m. Mailduin m. Finghin m. Ronain m. Thuathail m. Ailella m. Conaill m. Feicc m. Bressail m. Feidlimthe m. Fiachach m. Colla Fochrich.

For the term 'Airthir', the Annals cite:

• For 520, Colgu Moo Cluethi, king of Airthir.
• For 606, Aedh, son of Colgan, chief of Oirghialla and of all the Airtheara, died.
• For 620, Ronan, son of Tuathal, Lord of the Airtheara.
• For 625, Rónán son of Tuathal, king of Ind Airthir, died.
• For 639, Mael Odhar Cáech, rí Oirther, died.
• For 696, Conchobhar Macha son of Maelduin, chief of the Airtheara (Oriors).
• For 718, Egnech, son of Colgan, chief of the Airthera (the Oriors).
• For 738, Cumascach, son of Conchubhar, Lord of the Airtheara, was slain.
• For 748, Congal, son of Eigneach, lord of the Airtheara, was slain.
• For 791, Donngal son of Buachaill, king of Int Airthir, died.
• For 807, The slaying of Artgal son of Cathasach, king of Uí Chruinn of Airthir.
• For 831, Diarmuid, mac Ruadhrach, tigherna Airthir Life, died.
• For 863, Muiredhach mac Maele Duin ri na n-Airther.
• For 864/66, Cearnachan, son of Cumasgach, lord of Rath Airthir.
• For 893, Maelagrai, son of Gairbhith, lord of the Airtheara, was slain.
• For 912, Cernachán son of Duiligén, heir designate of Int Airthir, was put to death.
• For 933, Céilecán son of Gairbíth, chief of Int Airthir, died.
• For 951/53, Ruadacán, mac Eitigén, tighearna Airthir Gaileng.
• For 989, Echmílid son of Rónán, king of Int Airthir, was killed.
• For 1077, Ua Célecán, heir designate of Airthir, was killed.
• For 1099, Ruaidrí ua Ruadacán, king of Airthir of Airgialla, and the flower of the kings of Ireland, ended his life in the forty-fifth year of his rule.
• For 1159, Murchadh Ua Ruadhacain, king of the Airthir, died.
• For 1181, Aedh Mac Murchadha, royal chief of Muinnter-Birn and the Airthir and the Cantred, was killed by Mac Mathgamna in treachery, at a meeting.

 

Uí Bresail - northern Armagh. The O'Garvey (O Gairbhith) sept, from the same stock as O'Hanlon, held sway in Armagh on the southern shore of Lough Neagh (Oneilland East) before being displaced by the MacCann's, lords of Clanbrassil. The Annals for 1155 cite Amhlaibh Mac Canna as 'pillar of chivalry and vigour of Cinel Eoghain." Other noted chiefs included O'Keelaghan (O Ceileachain) of Uí Breasil Airthir. O'Dugan (Poems) cites the sept of O'Gairbhith fierce chiefs of Ui-Breasial of Macha, as well as the sept of Mag Duilechain over Clann Breasial. O'Dugan goes on to note the sept of Ui Lorcain over the high eastern Ui-Breasail, and also the septs of the O'Longains, O'Duibheamhnas, and O'Conchobhairs all of the western Ui-Breasail.

MacFirbhis (Book of Genealogies) describes Mac Cana (MacCann) as chief of Cenél Aengusa, in county Armagh at the mouth of the Bann. O'Hart (Pedigrees) indicates the MacCanns (of Co. Armagh) and McMahons (of Co. Monaghan) shared the same Arighiallan ancestry, i.e. in descent from descended from Rochadh, the son of Colla-da-Chrioch.
Note: There is also a Clan Bresail, alias Muinter Domnalláin, cited between Ballinasloe and Loughrea in Ui Maine (Connacht).

An early genealogy of the Úa Bresail Airthir:   (Rawlinson)
Lorcan m. Gilli Padraic m. Madain m. Áeda m. Trénfhir m. Célechain m. Garbíth m. Áeda m. Máel Dúin m. Donngaile m. Buachalla m. Conchobuir Corraig m. Máel Dúin m. Fíngin m. Rónáin m. Tuathail m. Ailella m. Conaill m. Féicc m. Bressail m. Feidelmid m. Fiachrach Cassáin m. Collai Fochríth.

An early genealogy of the Úa Bressail Macha:   (Laud 610)
Domnall m. Flathbertaigh m. Aeda m. Colgan m. Domnaill m. Cuind m. Erodain m. Gairbid m. Lathechan m. Aeda Laigen m. Cummascaig m. Conchobuir Chorraig m. Mailduin m. Finghin m. Ronain m. Thuathail m. Ailella m. Conaill m. Feicc m. Bressail m. Feidlimthe m. Fiachach m. Colla Fochrich.

The Annals note:

• For 525/26/35, Ailill, Bishop of Armagh, who was of the Ui Breasail, died.
• For 771, Fearghal, son of Eladhach, lord of Ui Breasail Beiri, was slain.
• CS896, Flaithbertach son of Murchad, king of Ailech, was slain by the Uí Bresail.
• For 914, Erudán son of Gairbíth, toisech H. m-Bresail Macha.
• For 984, Flaithbertach ua hÁnluain, king of Uí Nialláin, was deceitfully killed by the Uí Bresail.
• For 1018, Aed ua Erudáin, king of Uí Bresail Macha, died.
• For 1037, Archú ua Celecháin, tigherna Ua m-Bresail, was slain.
• For 1038, Colman Cam ua Conghaile ri H.m-Bresail, slain by Matadan ua Ceilecan.
• For 1044, Niall ua Céilecáin, king of Uí Bresail, was blinded.
• For 1047, Muirchertach, son (grandson?) of Madadhan, king of Uí-Bresail, was killed in Ard-Macha, by Madadhan Ua Celechain.
• For 1054, The son of Árchú ua Céilecáin, king of Uí-Bresail, was slain by the men of Fernmhagh.
• U1082, Finnchad son of Amalgaidh, chief of Clann Bresail, was killed.
• U1105, Muiredach mac Cana, died in penitence.
• For 1107, A victory by the Uí-Bresail over the Uí-Meth, in which they were slaughtered, together with their king, i.e. Aedh Ua hInnreachtaigh.
• For 1109, A slaughter was inflicted on the Uí Bresail, including their king, i.e. Dartin.
• M1155, Amhlaeibh Mac Cana, lord of Cinel-Aenghusa, pillar of the chivalry and vigour of all Cinel-Eoghain, died, and was interred at Ard-Macha.
• M1167, Muireadhach, the son of Mac Cana, was slain by the sons of Ua Lochlainn.
• LC1170, Conchobhar, son of Muirchertach Mac Lachlainn, king of Cenel-Eoghain, and royal heir of all Erinn, was slain by Aedh Bec Mac Cana, and by the Uí-Carragain, on Easter Saturday, in the middle of Trian-mór, at Ard-Macha.
• LC1189, Echmilidh, son of Mac Cana, the happiness and prosperity of all Tir-Eoghain, died.
• M1212, Donough Mac Cann, Chief of Kinel-Aengusa, died.
• U1213, Donnchadh Mac Cana, chief of Cenel-Oenghusa, died.
• U1216, Mag Cana, chief of Cenel-Oengusa, was killed by his own kinsmen.
• U1266, Lachlainn Ma[c] Cana was slain outside the door of the court of the Lord Archbishop by Eachmarcach Ua Anluain, in revenge of [the slaying of] Murchadh Ua Anluain.

 
Uí Méith - northern Co. Louth, eastern Armagh and later in Monaghan. Imchad, the son of Colla Fochríth (one of the 3 Collas) is cited as progenitor of the Uí Méith in the early genealogies. Hanratty (O hInnrechtaigh) were styled as lords of Ui Meith with territory in northern Co. Louth before being pushed into Monaghan by pressure from the Anglo-Normans. The Ua hAnluain (O'Hanlon) sept were cited as chiefs of Ui Meith Tiri, "now the barony of Orior" in Armagh, and O'Dugan (Poems) places them over Oirtheara (Orior).
John O'Donovan in his notes on the Annals of the Four Masters cites, "Ui Meith - There were two groups of this name in the ancient Oirghialla, one called Ui-Meith Macha. alias Ui-Meith Tire, who were seated in the present barony of Monaghan, in the County of Monaghan; and the other Ui-Meath-Mara [Omeath], seated in Cualigne, in the north of the County of Louth." O'Dugan mentions O hInnreachtaigh as a king of Ui-Meith Macha, and the Annals mention them frequently. O hAinbhith, who are also mentioned in the annals as lords of Ui Meith, are given by O'Dugan as lords over noble Ui-Seaain.
The text H. 3, 17, T.C.D. notes the Sogain (of Ulst.?), Ui Echach Coba, Ui Meith Macha and Conaille Murthemne are of the same stock, indicating a possible difference in the genealogy of the Ui Meith Macha and the Ui-Meath-Mara.

An early genealogy of the Uí Méith:   (Book of Ballymote)
Imar m. Muircertaich m. Duibdarac m. Scannlain m. Indrachtaich m. Gairbid m. Ainbeith m. Mailbrigti m. Duibinnracht m. Taidg m. Innreachtaich m. Muiredaich m. Mailimuchair m. Scannlain m. Fingin m. Aedha m. Fiachrach m. Fiachrach m. Eogain m. Briuin m. Muiredaic Meith (a quo H. Meith) m. Imcadha m. Colla Da Crich m. Eachach Doimlen.

The Annals cite:

• For 609 cite Conaill Gáideirg maic Daimine occisi a Nepotibus Meith.
• For 672, Scannlan, son of Fingin, chief of Ui Meith, died.
• For 709, Tnuthach, son of Mochloingi, (Tnuthach mac Mochloingsig) as chief of Ui Meith.
• For 737 - Artrach, son of Aitheachda, as Lord of Ui Meith;
• For 742/47 - Muiredhaigh Find (Minn or Mend), ríg h-Ua Meith, h-i Cul Cumaisc, la h-Ulltu.;
• For 750 - Flaithniadh, son of Tnuthach, as lord of Ui Meith;
• For 755 - Flaithniadh mac Tnuthaigh, ri h-Úa Meith;
• For 824/26 - Maelduin, son of Gormghal, (Maol Dúin, mac Gormghaili) as lord of Ui Meith;
• For 827/29 - Drugan, son of Tadhg, (Drucan mac Taidhg) as lord of Ui Meith;
• For 893 - Dobhailen, son of Ailell, lord of Ui Meith Macha;
• For 1003 - Dondchad Find and the men of Úa Meith.
• For 1003 - Sinach H. Uargussa (Shionach ua Uarghusa), rí H. Meith;
• For 1016/7 - Fland ua Beice (Flann H. Beicce), tigherna Ua Meith;
• For 1019, Aedh ua h-Indreachtaigh, tigherna Ua Méith, was slain by Uibh Nialláin.
• For 1027 - Cú Locha ua Gairbhith (Gairbeidh), tigherna Ua Meith;
• For 1043 - Flann Ua h-Ainfeth (Anbeid), tighearna Ua Meith;
• For 1049 - Iomhar Ua Beice, tigherna Ua Méith, was slain.
• For 1076 - Gairbheith Ua h-Innrechtaigh, tigherna Ua Méith, was slain by the men of Midhe.
• AI1096, A muster of the Uí Méith into Uí Echach Ulad on a foray, and they carried off cows. The Uí Echach came upon them, making a slaughter of them, and the son of Ua hAinbith and many others were killed.
• For 1107 - Domhnall Ua h-Ainfith (Anbeith) as tigherna Ua Meith;
• For 1131 - Donn Slébhe Ua h-Innreachtaigh as lord of Ua Meith;
• For 1161 - Iomhar Ua Innreachtaigh as lord of Ua Meith;
• For 1170/78 - Diarmait h-Ua Ainbfheith, rí h-Ua Meith.

 
Derlas (Derlus, Durlais) - The location for a territory named Derlus is described by John O'Donavan in Ui Tuitre, co. Antrim. Note: There was also a Derlas located to the south of Downpatrick, now Bright (Mrechtan), in co. Down, in Uí nEchach country; and yet another cited in Tethba.
As the Ua Floinn (or O'Lynn) are described as chiefs of Durlas in the 12th & 13th centuries, and McLysaght places them in southern Armagh (between Lough Neagh and the sea), perhaps the country of Derlas was on the Armagh-Down border. McLysaght cites the Ua Floinn lineage from Clanna Rury of Ulidia, tracing their descent Colla Uais.
Since the reference in the Annals for 'Inis Darcarcrenn' seems to be Ram's Island, near the eastern shore of Loch Neagh, the location of Derlas was likely in county Antrim. The Ui Tuitre of co. Derry are known to have moved west across the river Bann, into county Antrim, supplanting the lands of the Eilne branch of the Dal nAraide by the 10th century. Ua Floinn (O'Flynn, O'Lynn) were Ui Tuirtre leaders as were the later kings of Derlas.

The annals cite for the general term Derlas:

• CS662, Mael Dúin son of Furudrán, king of Derlas (Durlais), died.
• CS933, Mael Garb son of Gairbíth, king of Derlas, fell, in Mag Uatha.
• U964, Furudrán son of Béc, king of Derlas, was treacherously and wickedly killed by the Cenél Eógain.
• U984, Dub Darach son of Domnallán, king of Derlas, was killed by his own people.
• CS1000, Cú Caille ua Domnaill, king of Derlas (Durlais), was treacherously killed by ua Néill i.e. by Aed.
• U1000, Domnall ua Domnalláin, king of Derlas, was killed by Aed ua Néill.
• U1121, Cú Maigi son of Deorad ua Flaind, king of Derlas, was drowned in Loch nEchach after the Uí nEchach took Inis Darcarcrenn against him, in which forty-five fell.
• M1121, Cumaighe, son of Deoraidh Ua Floinn, lord of Durlas, was drowned in Loch-Eathach, after the island of Inis-Draicrenn had been taken upon him by the Ui-Eathach, where forty-four persons were slain.
• M1215, Rory O'Flynn (O'Lynn), Lord of Derlas (Durlus), died.

 

Dartraige - remembered in the barony of Dartree in west co. Monaghan, it was also referred to as Dartaige Coininnsi. The O'Boylan (Ó Baoighealláin) sept are cited as early kings of Darty (Dairtre) in Orghialla. O'Dugan mentions the Muinter Baoigheallain in his Topographical Poem. From the same stock as the O'Flanagans of Fermanagh, the territory of Ó Baoigheallain (O Boylan) during early medieval times, as lords of Airgialla, stretched from Fermanagh to Louth before being reduced by the MacMahons.
There was also a Dartraige centered in Breifne.

The Annals cite for Dartraige:

• For 869, Martan, of the Dartraige of Daiminis, abbot of Cluain moccu Nóis and Daiminis, rested.
• For 947, Scolaige ua hAedacáin, king of Dartraige, and Gairbíth son of Muiredach, heir designate of Uí Chremthainn, and Aed son of Tigernán ua Ruairc were killed in battle in a counterattack.
• For 998, Domnall son of Donn Cuan, king of Dartraige, was killed by the Gailenga.
• For 1006, Trénfher ua Baigheallán, tigherna Dartraighe, was slain by the Cenel Conaill [at or near] Loch Erne.
• For 1093, Aodh Ua Baigheallán, tigherna Airghiall, was slain by the Conaillibh Muirthemhne.
• For 1179, Defeat and slaughter [were inflicted] on the English, of Ceanannas by Maol Ruanaidh Ó Baoigheallán (king of Dartraighe), with a force of the Dartraighe.
• For 1457, Mag Uidhir and Philip Mag Uidhir went with a large force into Dartraighe of Con-inis and, as they did not come up with spoil, burned all Dartraighe and the town of Eogan, son of Rughraidhe Mag Mathgamna, namely, Lis-na-ngabur, and went to their houses on that expedition with victory of overthrow and so on.
• For 1486, Brian, son of Rughraidhe, son of Ardghal Mag Mathgamna (namely, lord of Dartraighe), was slain by Foreigners of the Plain of Oirghialla.
• For 1505, A hosting by Ua Neill, namely, by Domnall, into Dartraighe of Oirgialla and the country was wasted and pillaged by him and Aedh, son of John the Tawny, son of Eogan Mag Mathgamna, was slain there.

 
Fir Lemna - or Uí Tuathail, the Fir Lemna were cited as one of the Trí Tuatha of Oirghialla (along with Síl Dubthir and Ui Cremthainne). Fir Lemna is thought to have been near Clogher (Clochar mac nDaimin) in modern county Tyrone. Another name for it was given as Síl Tuathail in Tuaiscirt. Mag Lemna is given in the parishes of Clogher and Errigal Keerogue in southern co. Tyrone and bordering co. Monaghan. Their ancestry is claimed from Tuathal, son of Daimíne (a quo Síl Daimini), son of Cairpre Damargait, son of Echach, son of Crimthann, son of Fiacc, son of Daig Duirn, son of Rochaid, son of Colla Fochríth. O'Dugan (Poems) notes the sept of O'Caomhain as a king of Magh Leamhna. King of Magh Leamhna

The Uí Neill sept of Mac Cathmaoil (the McCawells, alias Campbells) were chiefs of Clann Fogarty which included the barony of Clogher, co. Tyrone. Mac Cathmhaoil were cited as a chiefs of Cenél Feradaig (Kinelfarry), of Clann Oengusa, and of Clann Duibinrecht, and of Clann Fogartaig according to the Annals of Ulter.

The Annals cite:

• CS722, Fergal son of Echaid of Lemna, king of Tamnach, was killed at the battle of Almain.
• FA722, Fergal mac Echach Lemna, king of Tamnach Síl Daimini, was killed at the battle of Almu—high.
• U770, Artgal, abbot of Clochar Mac nDaiméni, dies.
• M929, Ceannfaeladh, son of Lorcan, comharba of Cluain-Eois and Clochar-mac-Daimheini, died.
• U931, Cenn Faelad son of Lorcán, superior of Cluain Eóis and Clochar of the sons of Daiméne, and tanist-abbot of Ard Macha, rested.
• U951, Gairbíth son of Lorcán, king of Fir Leamna, died.
• M1080, The battle of Ath-Erghail, by the site of Clochar, was gained over the Feara-Manach, by Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and the men of Magh-Itha, where fell the plunderers of Ard-Macha, namely, Sitric Ua Caemhain, and the son of Niall Ua Searraigh, and many other persons.
• LC1127, Gillachrist Ua hEighnigh, king of Feara-Manach, and chief king of Oirghiall, died in Clochar-Uí-nDaimhin, after choice penance.
• M1395, Ardstraw and Clogher Mac Daimhin, with all their various riches, were burned.

 
Fir Rois - Feara Rois, or Fer Rois, was located in south Airghialla. Locations for Fir Roiss are cited in Onomasticon Goedelicum in the barony of Farney, co. Monaghan, and in the barony of of Ardee, co. Louth, and in Meath. Crích Ross stands 4 miles northewet of the point where counites Monaghan, Louth and Meath meet. An O'Finn sept is noted here as chiefs prior to the coming of the Anglo-Normans. O'Dugan (Poems) mentions O'Cosgraigh as king of smooth Feara-Rois.

An early genealogy of the Fir Rois:
Gairbith m. Maileidig m. Feradaich mc. Finain m. Failbi m. Duibthaich m. Crundmail m. Fathaich m. Faelbi m. Lugdach mc. Fiacrach Cenn Findain (a quo hI Ceind Find) m. Feidlimid.

The annals cite:

• FA722, Cú Bretan son of Congus, the king of Fir Rois.
• M811, Dunghal, son of Cuana, lord of Feara Rois.
• M812, Maelduin, lord of Feara Rois.
• M825, Maenach, son of Crunnmhael, Prior of Feara Rois, died.
• M849, Eochaidh, son of Cearnach, lord of Feara Rois, was slain by the foreigners.
• M892, Maeleitigh, son of Fearadhach, lord of Feara Rois, was slain by the foreigners.
• M935/937, Gairbhith, son of Maeleitigh, lord of Feara-Rois, was slain.
• M948, Conghalach, son of Ceallach, lord of Feara-Rois, fell.
• M953, Murchadh, son of Cumasgach, lord of Feara-Rois, died.
• M996, A battle was gained over the Ui-Meith, at Sruthair, by the son of Donnchadh Finn and the Feara-Rois, wherein the lord of Ui-Meith and many others were slain.
• M1028, Maelmordha, lord of Feara-Rois, was slain by the Conailli-Muirtheimhne.
• U1028, Mael Mochta, king of Fir Rois, was killed by the Conaille.
• For 1033, Giolla Seachnaill, mac Giolla Mo Chonna, tigherna Deisceirt Bregh, do mharbhadh la Fiora Rois.
• For 1052, Domhnall, mac Giolla Chríost, mic Con Cuailgne, do mharbhadh lá tigherna Fer Rois.
• For 1073, Cú Chaille Ua Finn, tigherna Fer Roiss, died.
• M1096, Sithfruich, son of Mac Sealbhaigh, lord of Feara-Rois, was slain by the Mughdhorna Maighen.
• M1109, A predatory excursion was made by Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn, King of Teamhair, on which he plundered the Feara-Rois, and slew Ua Finn, lord of Feara-Rois

The notes were copied with the permission of Dennis Walsh.

The Surnames Ó Gairbhíth and Mac Gairbhíth

As Gairbhíoth is relatively common as a personal name in early to late-medieval Irish sources (being in the top-200 out of about 6600 personal names recorded in Mac Fhirbhisigh’s Great Book of Irish Genealogies), it is not too surprising to find no fewer than seven separate septs, families or other population-groups whose names derive from that personal name.

          One of these (no. 1, below) is given in the genealogies as belonging to the dynasty known as the Northern Uí Néill, named from their supposed descent from Niall Naoighiallach (or N. of the Nine Hostages), reputedly ‘high-king of Ireland’ whose death some of the Irish annals place at the year AD 405. (I say ‘supposed’ and ‘reputedly’ because various reputable historians of early Ireland are dubious about Niall’s historicity; if he ever existed, we can say virtually nothing about him – even the date and circumstances of his death are highly dubious.) According to the pedigree that has come down to us, these were a sub-branch of the sept known as Cenél Moáin or Cenél Moéin who were based in the vicinity of Raphoe in north-east Co. Donegal and Strabane in north-west Co. Tyrone.

          Two of the septs or families (no. 2 and 4, below) belonged, it is suggested, to the other Uí Néill dynasty known as the Southern Uí Néill which held sway in the northern half of what is now the province of Leinster. The pedigrees we have for these are most unsatisfactory. That for no. 2 merely indicates that the family derived in some way that is not explained from a great-grandson of Niall’s named Ainmhire, while that for no. 4 derives the family from a certain Gairbhíth who is said to have been a great-grandson of one Cú Cath, of whom nothing more is known (including his paternity). In relation to no. 2, however, we may mention that he is said to belong to a branch of the Southern Uí Néill deriving from a son of Niall’s named Cairbre – the latter gave name to the barony of Carbury in north Co. Kildare and also to a territory in Co. Longford which was known as Cairbre Gabhra until about the 17^th century (it was located in what is now the barony of Granard).

          Two other families (nos. 3 and 5, below) are said to derive from the Connacht dynasty called the Uí Bhriúin, which in turn is said to be descended from an older brother of Niall’s. (This claim is now generally considered to be very dubious.) The first of the families, Teallach Gairbhéith, ‘the household of Gairbhíoth’, is said to derive from an eponymous ancestor whose floruit would have been in the middle of the 7^th century (assuming the pedigree is genuine – which is a large assumption in relation to the Uí Bhriúin). This name has survived as that of the barony of Tullygarvey in north-east Co. Cavan.

          The other family (no. 5) is said to be descended (in some way which is not explained) from an early 9^th-century figure named Maol Moichéirghe who belonged to the dynasty called the Síol Muireadhaigh who were based largely in Co. Roscommon and whose ruling family later adopted the surname Ó Conchobhair / O Con(n)or.

          Finally, two more families (nos. 6 and 7, below) are mentioned in a celebrated 14^th-century topographical poem as holding lands in, respectively, the territory of Uí Eathach of Cuibh in Co. Down and in that of Northern Uí Fheilme in Co. Carlow.

I have not had time to do an exhaustive search for annalistic entries referring to the family but, having skimmed through the main collections (Annals of Ulster, Tigernach, Loch Cé, Four Masters and the Chronicum Scotorum), I was surprised to find just a single reference (in all but Chron. Scot.) – at the year 1027 where Cú Locha Ó Gairbhéidh, king of Uí Méith, is recorded as having slain and been slain by Ó Críocháin, king of Farney. It is unclear which of at least two territories called Uí Méith this Cú Locha was king of – there was one in north Co. Louth and another in north Co. Monaghan – but since his opponent was from Farney, in south Monaghan, it seems somewhat more likely to have been the one located in the latter county. (On the other hand, the kings of Farney seem to have extended their sway eastwards into north Louth from the later 10^th century onwards.) One wonders if, perhaps, Cú Locha might have belonged to a branch of the Uí Eathach of Cuibh (see no. 6, below), an outrider of the main sept based in Co. Down, but this is (to say the least) very uncertain.

          Another interesting point is that there is no reference anywhere to Mac Gairbhíth – all the surnames have Ó as a marker. Now it is not unknown for Ó to switch to Mac, and vice versa (e.g. an important if shortlived Ulster royal dynasty in the 12^th century switches back and forth rather dizzyingly between Ó Lochlainn and Mac Lochlainn), so it is highly possible that the Ó Gairbhéith family whose pedigree seems slightly (only slightly!) the more trustworthy – the offshoot of the Cenél Moáin in NW Tyrone-NE Donegal (no. 1, below) – may have changed from Ó Gairbhéith to Mac Gairbhéith (and variant spellings) at some stage.

          I should point out here that Pedigree 1, below, may simply be the best of a bad lot, as it, too, is clearly somewhat unsatisfactory. The problem is that the eponymous Gairbhíoth would seem to have had a floruit around the middle of the 8^th century – calculating from Moán’s suggested floruit (which is based on the fact that his brother, Muirchertach mac Erca, a legendary high-king, died in 536. Now the earliest floruit for the eponymous ancestor of any Irish surname-bearing family is generally considered to be that for Cléirech (from whom the surname Ó Cléirigh derived) – his estimated date of death is believed to have been circa 858.

Nollaig Ó Muraíle, National University of Ireland, Galway, 1.12.2009

I give the following series of pedigrees from my edition of Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh’s Great Book of Irish Genealogies (de Búrca, Dublin, 2003-4). I base the tables on Mac Fhirbhisigh’s text which given below each table.

(1) Ó Gairbhéith [NT] 141.2; Uí Gh. 1103.1

 Niall Naoighiallach

 |Eóghan

 |Muireadhach

 |Moán > Cenél Moáin/Moéin (fl. c. 530 ?)

 |Colmán

 |Faolán

 |Éadálach

 |Fianbheartach

 |Tuathghal/Tuathal

 |Dúnghal/Donnghal

 |Gairbhíoth

 Gairbhíoth s. Dúnghal/Donnghal s. Tuathghal/Tuathal s. Fianbheartach s. Éadálach s. Faolán s. Colmán s. Moán s. Muireadhach s. Eóghan s. Niall Naoighiallach

 (2) Uí Ghairbhéith [ND] 167.2; 1117.6

 Niall Naoighiallach

 |Cairbre

 |Cormac Caoch (fl. c. 510)

 |Ainmhire

 < Ainmhire s. Cormac Caoch s. Cairbre s. Niall Naoighiallach

 (3) Teallach Gairbhéith, [C-B] 207.6; 1059.6

 Brión (brother of Niall Naoighiallach)

 |Duach Galach

 |Eóghan Sriabh

 |Muireadhach Mál

 |Fearghus

 |Feargna (fl. c. 550)

 |Aodh Fionn

 |Maol Mórdha

 |Gairbhíoth

 Gairbhíoth s. Maol Mórdha s. Aodh Fionn s. Feargna s. Fearghus s. Muireadhach Mál s. Eóghan Sriabh s. Duach Galach s. Brión   [barony of Tullygarvey, Co. Cavan]

 (4) Ó Gairbhíotha [ND], 193.10 [cf. 193.8]; 1127.6

 Cú Cath

|

Ceallach

 |

Maol Dúin

 |

Gairbhíth

 < Gairbhíth s. Maol Dúin s. Ceallach s. Cú Cath …

 (5) Uí Ghairbhíth [C-B] 214.1; 1062.8

 Brión (brother of Niall Naoighiallach)

 |

Duach Galach

 |

Eóghan Sriabh

 |

Muireadhach Mál

 |

Fearghus

 |

Eochaidh Tiormcharna

 |

Aodh (d. 577)

 |

Uada (d. 601-2)

 |

Raghallach (d. 649)

 |

Fearghus (d. 654)

 |

Muireadhach Muilleathan (d. 702)

 |

Cathal (d. 735)

 |

Ardghal (d. 791)

 |

Cionaoth (d. 792)

 |

Maol Moichéirghe (fl. c. 825)

 < Maol Moichéirghe s. Cionaoth s. Ardghal s. Cathal s. Muireadhach Muilleathan s. Fearghus s. Raghallach s. Uada s. Aodh s. Eochaidh Tiormcharna s. Fearghus s. Muireadhach Mál s. Eoghan Sriabh s. Duach Galach s. Brión  

 (6) Uí Ghairbhídh [Í] 939.9 < Uí Eathach of Cuibh [in Co. Down]

(7) Ó Gairbhíth [L] 949.23 – held Northern Uí Fheilme [=barony of Rathvilly, Co. Carlow]

 Displayed here with premissin of Prof. Nollaig O'Muraile.

Cenel Moain Surnames (O'Clery)
       Muinter Giolla nidir
       O Bedgaile
       O Braicle
       O Ceallaigh              O'Kelly
       O Cernachan            O'Kernaghan
       O Cleirchen              O'Clerkin, O Clerihan [O Cleireachain?]
       O Craebidhe
       O Credhegen            O'Crean, O'Creaghan, O'Crehan
       O Culrebu
       O Datgu
       O Doilge
       O Duinechaidh          O'Dunphy, O'Dunfy
       O Faelain                  O'Phelan [O Faolain, O Fialain?]
       O Fergalau                O'Farrelly [O Fearghaile?]
       O Gairmleadhaigh      O'Gormley
       O Gairbheith              O'Garvey, MacGarvey
       O Laiginn                   O'Lagan
       O Letamod
       O Luinigh                  O'Lunney
       O Mail Croin             O'Mulchrone
       O Mail Thuadaigh
       O Murghaile              O'Morrally, Morley
       O Oirc                      Erke [O hEirc?]
       O Tigernaigh             O'Tierney
 
 
O'Clery vs. O'Hart
 

         O'Clery                                                                 O'Hart

     Niall 'of the Nine Hostages'  d. 505                      Nial 'of the Nine Hostages'
      |                                                                                 |
     Eoghain (a quo Cenel Eoghainn)                                  Owen
      |                                                                                 |
      |                                                                                 |
     Muiredaigh                                                           Muireadach
      |                                                                                 |
     Moein (a quo Cenel Moain)                                    Maon (a quo Cenel Moain)
      |                                                                                |
     Colmain                                                                 Colman
      |                                                                                |
      |                                                                                |
     Faelain                                                                   Faelan
      |                                                                                |
     Edalaigh                                                               Endadaidh                           ________________|______________                        ______________|_______________
                           |                                                          |                         |                                                          |

                   ______|______________                           |                                  |                                              |
                   |                                        |                          |                                  |                                              |

                    |                                    |                                                                |

                    |                                                                                                     |
                  Mail mithidh                                                                           Crean oge
                  |                                                                                               |
                Cathmaoil                                                                            Lochlann
                  |                                                                                                |
                 Gairmleghaigh                                                                         Dalbach
                  |                                                                                                |
                 MicRaith                                                                              Maoldun
                  |                                                                                                |
               Menman (a quo Mac Meanman)                                        Maolmaodhog
              ca. 1050 A.D.                                                                              |
                |                                                                                           Cathmaol
              Domnall                                                                                       |
               sl. 1084                                                                      Gairmliach                 |                                                                                                               |
            Concobhobor                                                                          MacRaith
               d. 1119                                                                                       |
                |                                                                                                |
              Edalaigh ('the blind gillie')                                                     Meanmnach
                  |                                                                                       |_______
                  |                                                                                       |             |
     Domhnall 1148                                                                         Conor   Domnall
      |_______________                                                                     |
      |                             |                                                    (O Crean)  |
     Neill           Domhnall                                                               Connor
     d. 1177         d. 1178                                                                     |
      |                                                                                                  |
     Concobur                                                                                   Dalbach
     d. 1232                                                                                         |
      |                                                                                                  |
     Sitrec                                                                                          Donal
     d. 1195                                                                                        |
      |                                                                                                 |
     Mail seclainn                                                                         Niall
      |                                                                                                 |
     Conchobar                                                                             Connor
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                                    Sithric
  [Cenel Moain Uachtarach]                                                              | 
                                                                                           Melachlin

Dungal, uero, mac Tuathail, .iiii. mic lais .i. Mael michil et
     Ciaragain m Dunghaile (o tat .h. Culrebu), Aduar m Dunghaile (o tait
     muinter Giolla uidir), Gairbeth m Dunghaili (o tiat .h. Gairbheith).
     Dungal, son of Toole, had four sons, i.e., Mael michil and
     Ciaragain son of Dungal (from whom sprang O'Cuirebu), and Aduar son of
     Dungal (from whom sprang the people of Giolla uidir), and Garvey son of
     Dungal (from whom sprang O'Garvey).

     Cenel Moain       Niall 'of the Nine Hostages'      |     Eoghain      |     Muiredaigh      |     Moain [a quo cenel Moain]      |     Colman      |     Faelain      |     Edalaigh      |_________________________________________________      |                                                 |     Tendalaigh                                        Fianbertaigh      |                                                 |     Ferdalaigh                                        Tuathail      |                                                 |     Gairmlegaigh                                      Dunghail     [a quo O Gormley]                                  |      |____________________________________             |      |                |          |        |            |     Duinechadh       Cridhegen  Luinech  Dalbhach     Gairbeth                                                       [a quo O Garvey]     O Duinechhaidhh  O Crean    O Lunny  O Gormley                                          O Tierney                                          O Kelly                                          O Cernaghan   

Garvey of Murisk Abbey in Co. Mayo - this family originally O'Garvey split in two, the protestant branch remaining in Murisk and acquiring arms from the KIng of Arms in Dublin in 1567, the other branch migrated to Spain where they became part of the Spanish nobility and are today members of the Royal Court there. This is what Burke's says about them:

The family of GARVEY has been associated with Murrisk for at least five hundred years. JOHN GARVEY, the s of JOHN O'GARVEY of Morisk (evidently a corruption of Murrisk), Co Mayo, received a grant of arms from the Ulster Office in 1567; he was Dean of Christ Church, Dublin 1565, Bishop of Kilmore 1585, and Bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland 1590-94; died 2 March 1594. Another JOHN GARVEY appears as High Sheriff, Co Mayo 1641-2, and is mentioned as the rescuer of Viscount Mayo when a party of Protestant refugees from Castlebar who were travelling under that nobleman's safe conduct were massacred at the bridge of Shrule, Co Galway (13 Feb 1642, n.s.). A branch of the GARVEYS of Murrisk, of whom representatives still survive, migrated to England and settled chiefly in Lincs. Another branch of the family, descended from Patrick Garvey, the brother of the Archbishop of Armagh (as above), settled in Spain, and is now represented by Count Patricio Garvey y Gonzalez de la Mota, a Chamberlain to HM the King of Spain. JOHN GARVEY, the founder of the Spanish Garveys, driven from Ireland by the severity of the Penal Laws against Roman Catholics, served as an officer in the Spanish army during the latter half of the 18th century; his descendants acquired great wealth as vine-growers, and were advanced to the rank of nobility as the Counts Garvey. Owing to the destruction of the family records by fire, a connected account of the descent of the Murrisk property cannot be carried back further than 1855. 

The Countess of Garvey Lourdes Dávila Ibarra now runs the Conde de Garvey wine business in Spain. It might be an idea, just a suggestion, to think about asking the head of this Spanish branch to be the Chief of the Garvey Septs - but you might prefer to follow a more democratic system for choosing the Ceann Fine. Here is a link to the company in Spain http://www.condegarvey.com/ here you will get history of the family.
GARVEY OF PORTHILL

PATRICK SAMUEL GARVEY, Governor of HM Prisons, Wellington, NZ; born 9 Feb 1852; married 14 Feb 1878, Amy Mary (died 14 Sept 1890), daughter of William Paul James, of Lyttelton, NZ, by his wife Cecilia Hely, descended from a cadet branch of the Hely-Hutchinsons (see BURKE'S Peerage). He died 6 July, 1906, leaving issue,

1a •PATRICK JOSEPH FELIX, now of The Oaklands.

2a •Francis Paul; born 1881; educated St Patrick's College, Wellington, NZ

3a •Arthur Leonard (265, Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW); born 1883; educated St Patrick's College, Wellington, NZ, and has issue, three sons.

4a Kevin Bartholomew; born 1890; educated St Patrick's College; served in Great War, and died from effects of service 1925.

1a •Gertrude; born 1887; married -Mitchell, Lt A.I.F. (died of wounds in Great War), and has issue, one s.

2a •Amy Josephine; born 1885; married •-Mills, and has issue, one daughter

Residence-The Oaklands, Porthill, Wolstanton, Staffs.

Information Provided by James O'Higgins-Norman From Burkes Peerage and Gentry.