Branches of the Cenél Conaill
The Cenél Conaill, or "kindred of Conall", are a branch of the Northern Uí Néill, who claim descent from Conall Gulban, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, and allegedly the first Irish nobleman to convert to Christianity. Their kingdom was known as Tír Conaill, with their powerbase at Mag Ithe in the Finn valley, however they gradually expanded to cover what is now counties Donegal and Fermanagh. The Cenél Conaill clashed regularly with their kin the Cenél nEogain, eventually capturing the latters original power-base of Ailech in the Inishowen peninsula—in modern-day County Donegal—by the 12th century.
Below is a list of their principle clans and septs.
Cenél Luighdech (also Sil Lugdach)
The Cenél Luighdech descend from Lugaid mac Sétnai, the great-grandson of Conall Gulban. Their tribal territory extended from Dobhar to the river Suilidhe in County Donegal. The O'Donnells and O'Dohertys who descend from this branch, were the two principal and most powerful septs of the Cenél Conaill. The most famous descendant of the Cenél Conaill is Saint Columba, who founded the monastery at Derry, and is claimed as being the grandson of Conall Gulban.| Sept ' | ||
| Ó Domhnaill ' | Meaning: World ruler Progenitor: Domhnall | Territory: Kilmacrenan, Donegal Extra: In the 13th century they rose to power as kings of Cenél Conaill. The Clann Dálaigh are a branch of the Ó Domhnaill sept |
| Ó Dochartaigh ' | Meaning: Hurtful Progenitor: Dochartach | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal Extra: Dochartach was 12th in lineal descent from Conall Gulben. The Ó Dochartaigh would rule Inishowen from the 13th to 17th centuries |
| Mac Daibhéid ' | Meaning: Descendants of David O'Doherty Progenitor: David | Territory: Glenfinn, Co. Donegal; by the 15th c., also Inishowen Extra: The McDevitt leaders served as counselors and emissaries for the O'Doherty leadership based at Elagh Castle, Elagh More Townland, Co. Londonderry |
| Ó hAmhsaigh ' | Meaning: descendant of Amhsach, a byname meaning ‘mercenary soldier’ or ‘messenger’ | Territory: Magilligan, north east County Londonderry Extra: |
| Mac Giolla Bhríghde ' | Meaning: Devotee of Brigid Progenitor: Giolla Bríde Ó Dochartaigh | Territory: Parish of Raymunterdoney Extra: |
| Mac Meanman | Meaning: Courage/spirit Progenitor: Meanma | Territory: Donegal'' Extra: |
Clann Chindfaoladh
The Clann Chindfaoladh are a branch of the Cenél Luighdech and take their name from Cindfhealadh, the great-grandfather of Baighill, the eponym of this clans leading sept, the Ó Baoighill's. The Ó Baoighill were chieftains of Tír Ainmireach and Tír Boghaine in southern Donegal, with territory originally extending from Donegal town to near Kilmacreannan along the west coast. The barony of Boylagh is alleged to take its name from the O'Boyles. By the 13th century, the O'Donnells would see the O'Boyle territory divided in two; Tír Ainmireach in the south and the Three Tuatha in the north.| Sept ' | ||
| Ó Baoighill ' | Meaning: Pledge Progenitor: Baighill mac Bradagain | Territory: Ballyweel, Tír mBoghuine and Tír Ainmireach Extra: |
Clann Dálaigh
The Clann Dálaigh, or Clan Daly, is another name for the Ó Domhnaill sept of the Cenél Luighdech. This clan takes its name from Dálach, the father of Éicnechán, a chieftain of the Cenél Luighdech.| Sept ' | ||
| Mac Eachmharcaigh ' | Meaning: Horse-rider Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: Eachmarach was a popular personal name amongst the O'Donnells |
Cenél Aedha
The Cenél Aedha, or "kindred of Hugh", are descended from Aedha mac Ainmirech, great-great grandson of Conall Gulban. His father, Ainmirech mac Sétnai is brother of Lugaid mac Sétnai, founder of the Cenél Luighdech. The Cenél Aedha are said to have given their name to the barony of Tirhugh in County Donegal.| Sept ' | ||
| Ó Gallchobhair ' | Meaning: Foreign help Progenitor: Gallchobar | Territory: Ballybeit and Ballyneglack Extra: Served as the leaders of the O'Donnell cavalry. Gallchobar was descended from Conall Gulban, allowing the Gallaghers to claim to be the most royal branch of the Cenél Conaill |
| Ó Canannain ' | Meaning: Progenitor: Canann | Territory: Letterkenny Extra: Letterkenny derives its names from the Ó Canannain sept |
| Ó Maeldoraidh ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: Tirhugh Extra: |
Cenél mBógaine
The Cenél mBógaine, or "kindred of Binny", descend from Énna Bóguine, son of Conall Gulban. The territory of the Cenél mBógaine is stated as Tír Boghaine, which O'Donovan equates to being the barony of Banagh, and part of the barony of Boylagh in County Donegal. St. Crona is descended from the Cenél mBógaine, being 5th in lineal descent from Énna Bóguine.Cenél Duach
The Cenél Duach, or "kindred of Duach", are named after Tigernach Duí, son of Conall Gulban. Tigernach's son Nainnid is mentioned as being at the battle of Móin Daire Lothair where the Northern Uí Néill defeated the Cruithin. Baedan, grandson of Tigernach through Nainnid would rule as king of Tara for one year in AD 568.Cenél Eanna/Enda
The Cenél Eanna/Enda, or "kindred of Enda", descend from Eanna, the sixth son of Conall Gulban. They are listed as kings of Magh Ith, Tír Eanna, and Fanad in present-day County Donegal, a territory around the southern tip of Inishowen.| Sept ' | ||
| Ó Lapáin ' | Meaning: Possibly paw Progenitor: | Territory: Tirconnell, Donegal and then later Co. Armagh Extra: One of the oldest hereditary surnames in Ireland and thus the world |
| Ó hEicnechan | Meaning: Roughly O'Heneghan Progenitor: | Territory: Tirconnell Extra: Cited in the annals as chief of Cenél nEnda |
Ó Breasláin
The Ó Breasláin of Fánad descend from the Cenél Enda branch of the Cenél Conaill via descent from Fergus Fanad.| Sept ' | ||
| Ó Breasláin ' | Meaning: Violent + little Progenitor: | Territory: Inniskeel, Fanad peninsula, later Derryvullan, Fermanagh Extra: Forced out of Fanad by the MacSweeneys in 1261 and migrated to Fermanagh where they became brehons to the Maguires |