Branches of the Cenél nEógain
The Cenél nEógain or Kinel-Owen are a branch of the Northern Uí Néill, who claim descent from Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Originally their power-base was in Inishowen, with their capital at Ailech, in modern-day County Donegal in what is now the west of Ulster. Under pressure from the Cenél Conaill, they gradually spread their influence eastwards into modern counties Tyrone and Londonderry, pushing aside the Cruithin east of the River Bann, and encroaching on the Airgiallan tribes west of Lough Neagh. By the 11th century their power-base had moved from Ailech to Tullyhogue outside Cookstown, County Tyrone. By the 12th century the Cenél Conaill conquered Inishowen; however, it mattered little to the Cenél nEóghain as they had established a powerful over-kingdom in the east that had become known as Tír Eoghain, or the "Land of Owen", preserved in the modern-day name of County Tyrone.
At their greatest they held land spanning much of County Tyrone, as well as parts of counties Londonderry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Armagh.
Below is a list of their principle clans and septs.
Clann Néill (also Clan Neill)
The name O'Neill may come from Niall Glúndub, however the Clann Néill takes its name from his grandfather Néill Caille. The O'Neills and MacLaughlins who descend from this branch, were the two principal and most powerful septs of the Cenél nEógain, however the MacLaughlins defeat at the hands of the O'Neills in 1241 led to the O'Neills dominance over the Cenél nEógain.| Sept | ||
| Ó Néill ' | Meaning: Descendant of Niall Glúndub Progenitor: Ruadh Ó Néill | Territory: Tyrone Extra: This branch of the O'Neills is named after Niall Ruadh, Prince of Tyrone, brother of Aodh Dubh, King of Ulster |
| Mac Lochlainn ' | Meaning: Of the lakes Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Inishowen Extra: Leading sept of Tirconnell, some will originally be O'Melaghlins, descended from Máel Sechnaill II |
| Mac Barúin ' | Meaning: Small landed proprietor Progenitor: Sir Art MacBarron O'Neill | Territory: Counties Armagh and Louth Extra: Important branch of the O'Neills in counties Armagh and Louth |
| Mac Suibhne ' | Meaning: Pleasant, well-disposed Progenitor: Suibhne O'Neill | Territory: Fanad, Banagh and the Territories in Tirconnell Extra: Descended from Suibhne O'Neill, a Scottish chieftain from Argyll. A mixture of Dalriadic Gaels and Norsemen they came to Ulster as gallowglasses. Some Mawhinney's are thought to be Anglicisations of Mac Shuibhne, a variant of Mac Suibhne |
| Mac Seáin ' | Meaning: John Progenitor: | Territory: North-east Tyrone, later Donegal and Louth Extra: Hereditary title of Chief of Moy Ith or Mag Itha The small sept of O'hAmhsaigh from North eastern allied themselves to the Mac Shane's. |
| Ó Doibhilin ' | Meaning: Progenitor: Domailén | Territory: Muintir Dhoiblin, on the west shore of Lough Neagh Extra: The chief of Munterdevlin was hereditary sword-bearer to the O'Neill, and the Devlin's part of his cavalry |
| Mac Néill ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: Counties Antrim and Londonderry Extra: Originate from the Scottish Clan MacNeil, who claim to descend from a Niall, 21st in descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages, founder of the Uí Néill dynasty. They came to Ireland as gallowglasses, and later as pirates. |
| Mac Conmidhe ' | Meaning: Hound of Meath Progenitor: | Territory: Counties Tyrone and Londonderry Extra: Hereditary poets and ollavs to the O'Neills |
| Mac Conmidhe ' | Meaning: Hound of Meath Progenitor: | Territory: Counties Tyrone and Londonderry Extra: Alleged to be no connection between these and the MacNamees |
| Mac Giolla Easpuig ' | Meaning: Servant of the bishop Progenitor: | Territory: Aeilabhra in barony of Iveagh, county Down Extra: A branch settled and became erenaghs of Kilrean and Kilcar, in the baronies of Boylagh and Banagh, county Donegal |
| Mac Íomhair ' | Meaning: Bow-warrior, archer Progenitor: | Territory: Extra: From the Norse personal name Ivarr meaning bow-warrior, archer |
| Mac Laomuinn ' | Meaning: Lawman, lawyer Progenitor: Ladhman mac Giolla Colum | Territory: County Tyrone Extra: Derived from the Old Norse name Lōgmaor, meaning 'lawman' or 'lawyer', Gaelicised as Ladhmann. Some were also called MacErchar after Ladhman's grandfather Fearchar. The Mac Laomuinn ancestry allegedly traces them to Flaithbertach Ua Néill. The Lamonts adopted several "colour" names after they had been "broken" and forbidden to use their own name, these include Brown and Black. |
| Mac Eoghain | Meaning: Owen Progenitor: | Territory: Extra: Many are originally Ó Ceothain or Ó hEoghain rather than Mac Eoghain |
Clann Aodha Bhuidhe
The Clann Aodha Bhuidhe, or Clandeboye O'Neill, is a branch of Clann Néill, descended from Aodh Meth, King of Ulster from 1196 to 1230; Aodh Medh's brother was Niall Ruadh, King of Ulster for a month after his death, and Prince of Tyrone. The eponym of the clan was Aodh Buidhe O'Neill, grandson of Aodh Meth, and last King to be called King of Ailech; Aodh Buidhe was most notable for his close co-operation with the Earldom of Ulster. The Clandeboye O'Neills would later take control over most of eastern Ulster with the collapse of the Earldom of Ulster due to the invasion of Edward Bruce, whom they had opposed. Henry O'Neill of this line was King of Ulster from 1325 to 1344; Art O'Neill from 1509 to 1514.| Sept | ||
| Ó Néill ' | Meaning: Descendant of Niall Glúndub Progenitor: Aodh Buidhe Ó Néill | Territory: Extra: This branch of the O'Neills is more commonly known as the Clandeboy O'Neill's, with Clandeboy being the Anglicisation of Clann Aodha Bhuidhe. It takes its name from Aodh Buidhe, grandson of Aodh Dubh, King of Ulster, brother of Niall Ruadh, Prince of Tyrone, who claimed vast tracts of land from the Normans |
| Ó Gnímh ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: Extra:Poets to the O'Neills of Clandeboye. This sept is thought to have come from Scotland at the same time as the MacDonald galloglasses but not as a galloglass family itself. It is presumed it was among the original Irish septs to colonise Scotland in the 5th century |
Clann Domnaill
The Clann Domnaill originated in County Donegal however moved eastwards into what is now County Tyrone.| Sept | ||
| Ua Donnghaile Ó Donnghaile O'Donnelly Donnelly | Meaning: Brown warrior Progenitor: Donnghaile Ó Néill | Territory: Fear Droma Lighen,, Donegal then to Baile-Ua-nDonnghail, Tyrone Extra: Hereditary chief was marshall of the O'Neill's forces |
| Ó Flaithbheartaigh O'Flaherty Laverty Lafferty | Meaning: Bright prince Progenitor: Flaithbheartach mac Murchadh | Territory: Aileach, Donegal and later Ardstraw, Tyrone Extra: Formerly Lords of Ailech and later rotated the Kingship of Tyrone with the O'Neills and MacLaughlins |
Clann Birnn
The Clann Birnn is descended from Bern mac Ruadrí mac Murchad mac Máel Dúin mac Áeda Alláin. This clan resided in Muintir Birn and Tellach Ainbhith both in modern-day County Tyrone.| Sept | ||
| Mac Ruaidhrí ' | Meaning: Red king Progenitor: | Territory: Teallach Ainbhith and Muintir-Birn, and Ballynascreen in Londonderry Extra: |
| Mac Murchadha ' | Meaning: Sea warrior Progenitor: | Territory: Muintir-Birn Extra: Chiefs of Siol Aodha. They were driven out by the O'Neills and settled in the highlands of south Armagh under O'Neill of the Fews |
| Ó Firghil | Meaning: Man of valour Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal, and lesser extent in Tyrone and Londonderry Extra: Hereditary holders of the office of abbot, of Kilmacrenan, Donegal |
Cenél Feargusa
The Cenél Feargusa are descended from Fergus, the son of Owen, who was the son Niall of the Nine Hostages. It is sometimes also known as the Cenél Coelbad as the descended septs are through his son Coelbad. The clan originally resided in Inishowen, County Donegal before battling their way towards Tullyhogue, County Tyrone where they became masters of Tyrone and the vanguard of the O'Neills. They advanced into Tyrone after the Cenél mBinnigh had already led the way.| Sept | ||
| Ó hÁgáin ' | Meaning: Young Progenitor: Ogain mac Coelbad | Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tullyhogue in Tyrone Extra: Originally spelt Ó hÓgáin. Held the hereditary right of inaugurating the O'Neill as King of Ulster, as well as hereditary "brehons" of the O'Neills |
| Ó Coinne ' | Meaning: Counsel Progenitor: Coínne mac Coelbad | Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tyrone Extra: Acted as quartermasters to the O'Neills |
| Ó Maelfabhail ' | Meaning: Devotee of Fabhail Progenitor: Mael Fabaill mac Coelbad | Territory: Carrickbraghy in north-west Inishowen, and later Londonderry and Tyrone Extra: Last of the Cenél nEóghain clans in its ancestral homeland of Inishowen, conquered by the O'Dohertys of the Cenél Conaill |
| Ó Mealláin ' | Meaning: Pleasant Progenitor: Aedh mac Fergus | Territory: Meallanacht, Slieve Gallion Extra: Joint keepers of St. Patricks bell, the Bell of Testament |
| Ó Bruadair ' | Meaning: Dream Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Cearnaigh ' | Meaning: Victorious Progenitor: | Territory: Erenaghs of Killaghtee in Boylagh and Banagh in Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Robhartaigh ' | Meaning: Flood-tide Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: An ecclesiastical sept who were co-arbs to St Columcille on Tory Island |
| Ó Doirighe ' | Meaning: Oak wood Progenitor: | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal Extra: Erenaghs of Raphoe |
Cenél mBinnigh
The Cenél mBinnigh, are descended from Eochu Binneach, son of Eógan. The Cenél mBinnigh where the first clan of the Cenél nEóghain to advance from Inishowen, bypassing the fierce resistance of the Ciannachta and into western Airgialla, and in doing so ousted several Airgiallan clans to east of the River Bann.From the Cenél mBinnigh came the following branches:
- Cenél mBinnig Glinne in the valley of Glenconkeine, barony of Loughinsholin, County Londonderry
- Cenél mBindigh Locha Droichid east of Magh Ith in County Tyrone
- Cenél mBindigh Tuaithe Rois eas of the river Foyle in County Londonderry and north of the barony of Loughinsholin
| Sept | ||
| Ó hÁghmaill, Ó hÁdhmaill | Meaning: Descendant of Ádhmall Progenitor: Eochach Binnich m. Éogain m. Néill Noígiallaig Cinéal ; Cenél nEógain | Territory: South Tyrone and Armagh Hereditary Chief or Clan chief; Ua hAghmaill, Teallach Duibhbrailbe Extra: ''Giolla Criost Ó hAdhmaill, taoiseach of Clann Adhmaill who fought with the last King of Ulaid, Ruaidhrí Mac Duinnshléibhe against John de Courcy in 1177. In the 12th century Ruarcan O'Hamill, was the chief Poet to the powerful O'Hanlon |
Cenél Máién
The Cenél Máién are descended from Moen, son of Murdoch, son of Eógan. In the 14th century, this clan was forced across the River Foyle by the O'Donnells to northeast and east Strabane.| Sept | ||
| Ó Goirmleadhaigh ' | Meaning: Noble and valourous one Progenitor: | Territory: Rahpoe, Donegal and later east Strabane Extra: Hereditary chiefs of the Cenél Máién |
| Ó Peatáin ' | Meaning: Diminutive of Patrick Progenitor: | Territory: Ballybofey, Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Lúinigh/O Lainidh ' | Meaning: Armed with spear Progenitor: | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal, then Strabane, Tyrone, and later Inishmore Island, Fermanagh Extra: Hereditary physicians and historians. A branch of O'Lunney's would later build their headquarters at Ard Uí Luinín on Inishmore Island, Fermanagh |
| Mac Duinechaidh ' | Meaning: Brown warrior Progenitor: | Territory: Tyrone and Londonderry Extra: |
| Ó Croidheáin ' | Meaning: Heart Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Tighearnaigh ' | Meaning: Master or lord Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Ceallaigh ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Ó Cearnacháin ' | Meaning: Victorious Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Mac Gairbhith | Meaning: Rough Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Mac Giolla Uidhir | Meaning: Son of the servant or follower of St Ohdran Progenitor: | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal, east Strabane and still commonly found in the Omagh area of Tyrone. Extra: |
Cenél Fearadhaigh
The Cenél Fearadhaigh, or 'kindred of Ferry', descend from Feradach mac Muiredach, a grandson of Eógan, and by the 12th century controlled a large portion of County Tyrone and had penetrated deep into County Fermanagh. By the mid-14th century, the Maguires would break the power of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in Fermanagh. Note:Fearadhaigh was spelt as Feradaig in Old Irish and Middle Irish Gaelic.
| Sept | ||
| Mac Cathmhaoil ' | Meaning: Battle-chief Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: Leading sept of the Cenél Fearadhaigh, and one of the seven powerful septs supporting O'Neill. This name as MacCawell is now very rare as Mac Cathmhaoil has been Anglicised into a vast array of different names including: Alwell, Alwill, Callwell, Campbell, Carlos, Caulfield, Cawell, Howell, MacCaul, MacCall, McCall, MacCorless, MacCowell, MacCowhill, MacHall. The first to be recorded as Donnchadh Mac Cathmail who died in 1180. |
| Mac Giolla Mhártain ' | Meaning: Devotee of St. Martin Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: |
| Ó Brolacháin ' | Meaning: from the Irish "brollach" meaning "breast" Progenitor: | Territory: Parts of Donegal, Londonderry, and Tyrone Extra: This was a prolific and adventurous sept, where a branch of the family, the O'Brologhans, became established in the Western Highlands of Scotland via their connections with the monastery on Iona thanks to the prior of Derry, Domhnall Ua Brolcháin, who was its abbot. The Co. Cork Bradleys descend from this sept, and some Brollaghans on Co. Cavan assumed the Norman name Brabazon. |
| Ó Fearadhaigh ' | Meaning: Manly, Fear adhaigh meaning man with storm or 'adhaigh' could mean night? Progenitor: | Territory: Donegal Extra: |
| Mac Máirtain ' | Meaning: Son of Máirtain Progenitor: | Territory: Tyrone Extra: A different branch from the Mac Giolla Mhártain |
| Mac Fhiachra ' | Meaning: Fiachra means hunter/tracker or something that hunts/tracks things down. Progenitor: | Territory: Tyrone Extra: |
| Maolgeimridh ' | Meaning: Follower of St. Eimridth or Geimridh Progenitor: | Territory: East Tyrone Extra: Noted by O'Hart Pedigrees as being in possession of the two districts of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in east Tyrone |
| Maolpadraig ' | Meaning: Follower of Padraig, Maol meaning ‘follower’, ‘servant’ or ‘devotee’ Progenitor: | Territory: East Tyrone Extra: Noted by O'Hart Pedigrees as being in possession of the two districts of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in east Tyrone |
| Mag Uidhrín | Meaning: Son of the Dun-Coloured One Progenitor: Uidhrín Ua Maoil-Muire | Territory: Barony of Clogher, Co. Tyrone Extra: An old Ulster surname. Early in the 12th century, Eachmarcach Mac Uidhrín was chief of Cinel Fearadhaigh, in the present Co. Tyrone, As was his father, Uidhrin Ua Maoil-Muire and his son Giolla-Christ Ua hUidhrin. In the 16th century, the name was peculiar to Co. Down, and even at the present day is largely confined to there and the neighbouring counties of Antrim and Armagh. Many variants of this surname exist in its anglicanised form, Some of which may include Maguirin, M'Gwyrin, M'Guiverin, Magiverin, Magivern, Magiveran, MacGiverin, MacGiveran, MacGivern, McGivern, McGiveran, McGivergan, Guerin, etc. Several Gaelic variations have been recorded - Mag Uidhrin, Mac Uidhrén, Mac Uidhrein, Mac Uidhrín,. |
Cenél Tigernaich
The Cenél Tigernaich, or race of Tierney, descend from Tigernach mac Muiredach, grandson of Eógan, however the Book of Ballymote states Tigernach as his son.| Sept | ||
| Ó Maoilfothartaigh ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: County Tyrone Extra: |
| Ó hEodhusa ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: County Tyrone Extra: |
| Ó Connagain | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: West Londonderry, east Donegal, Tyrone Extra: |
Cenél Mac Earca
The Cenél Mac Earca, or kindred of McErca descend from Muircherdaich, a grandson of Eógain, who was also called Mac Earca after his mother. This branch would produce a line of kings that were styled as sovereigns of Ireland. A Máel Fithrich, son of Áeda Uaridnaich, was styled as being the chief of this branch, and his death at the hands of the Cenél Fearadhaigh saw this branch end up in the barony of Clogher, County Tyrone.Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe
The Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe, or Clan Connor, originally hailed from Magh Ithe in County Donegal before moving into County Londonderry, ruling a region that became known as O'Cahan Country. This clan descend from Connor Mac Fergal, who in turn is descended from Muirceartach Mac Earca founder of the Cenél Mic Earca.| Sept | ||
| Ó Cathaín ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: O'Cahan Country, equivalent to the barony of Keenaght Extra: Originally Anglicised as O'Cahan before O'Kane |
| Ó Dubhthaigh ' | Meaning: Black one Progenitor: St Dubhtach | Territory: Raphoe, Donegal Extra: Erenaghs of Templecrone in the diocese of Raphoe for 800 years, being kinsmen of the patron of the church, St Dubhthach |
| Ó Maoláin ' | Meaning: Bald or tonsured Progenitor: | Territory: Barony of Keenaght, County Londonderry Extra: |
| Mac Bhloscaidh ' | Meaning: Progenitor: Bloscaidh Ó Cathaín | Territory: Extra: |
Clan Diarmatta (also Clandermot)
The Clann Diarmatta, or Clandermot, descend from the Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe. The parish of Clondermot in County Londonderry is said to derive its name from this clan's territory.| Sept | ||
| Ó Cairealláin ' | Meaning: Progenitor: | Territory: Erenaghs of Clonleigh, barony of Raphoe. Parish of Clondermot, O'Cahan Country Extra: |
| Mac Eiteagain ' | Meaning: Swarthy Progenitor: | Territory: Clondermot Extra: |
O'Cahan of the Route
The O'Cahan's of the Route are a branch of the Ó Cathaín that moved into the area of north-eastern County Londonderry and north-western County Antrim known historically as "the Route". The Route was held by the Hiberno-Norman MacQuillans, and a fierce rivalry would erupt between the O'Cahans and MacQuillans. The end of this rivalry would see the destruction of the MacQuillans power and the weakening of the O'Cahans corresponding to the rise of MacDonnells.The Scottish clans Both Chanain and Mac Ausaláin both descend from Ausalan Buoy O'Kayn, allegedly of the O'Cahans of the Route.
Cenél Aenghusa
The Cenél Aenghusa, or 'kindred of Angus', are only mentioned as being of the Cenél nEóghain by a citation in the Annals, with a similar reference in the Book of Lecan.| Sept | ||
| Mac Cana or Mac Anna | Meaning: Wolf cub or son of Annadh Progenitor: | Territory: Ailech, Donegal then Clanbressil, County Armagh Extra: |