Clan Sweeney
Encyclopedia
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
origin. The clan did not permanently settle in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
before the beginning of the 14th century, when they became Gallowglass
Gallowglass
The gallowglass or galloglass – from , gallóglach – were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Norse-Gaelic clans in the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century...
soldiers for the O'Donnell dynasty
O'Donnell dynasty
O'Donnell , which is derived from the forename Domhnaill were an ancient and powerful Irish family, kings, princes, and lords of Tír Chonaill in early times, and the chief allies and sometimes...
of Tyrconnell. The clan claims an Irish descent from a prince of the O'Neill dynasty
O'Neill dynasty
The O'Neill dynasty is a group of families that have held prominent positions and titles throughout European history. The O'Neills take their name from Niall Glúndub, an early 10th century High King of Ireland from the Cenél nEógain...
, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill
Flaithbertach Ua Néill
Flaithbertach Ua Néill was king of Ailech, a kingdom of north-west Ireland. He abdicated in 1030 and undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, for which reason he was known as Flaithbertach an Trostáin...
, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century...
, died 1036. Through this descent the clan can also claim a descent from Niall Noigíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages).
Leabhar Clainne Suibhne
Leabhar Clainne Suibhne (The Book of Mac Sween) states that after Áed's death his son Ánrothán was chosen to be king over his elder brother Domnall who as the rightful heir. Ánrothán then gave up the kingship to his brother and made for ArgyllArgyll
Argyll , archaically Argyle , is a region of western Scotland corresponding with most of the part of ancient Dál Riata that was located on the island of Great Britain, and in a historical context can be used to mean the entire western coast between the Mull of Kintyre and Cape Wrath...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
where he married a daughter of the King of Scotland. Ánrothán's great-grandson was Suibne
Suibhne
Suibhne was a late 12th century, and early 13th century, lord in Argyll. He does not appear in contemporary records, although his name appears in the patronymic names of two of his sons. Suibhne appears in the 16th century Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne, which documents the early history of Clann Suibhne...
, from whom the clan derived its name.
The history from Leabhar Clainne Suibhne is thought by some to be a fabrication which conveniently gives the clan a pedigree connecting to the Milesian kings of Ireland, though other historians believe the history is not unlikely.
MacSweens of Scotland
Loch Awe
Loch Awe is a large body of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe, or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail.- The loch :It is the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland with...
and as far south as Loch Fyne
Loch Fyne
Loch Fyne is a sea loch on the west coast of Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It extends inland from the Sound of Bute, making it the longest of the sea lochs...
. Their principal seats included Lochranza Castle
Lochranza Castle
Lochranza Castle is an L-plan tower house situated on a promontory in the middle of Lochranza, on the North of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Most of the present castle today was built in the sixteenth century....
on the Isle of Arran
Isle of Arran
Arran or the Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, and with an area of is the seventh largest Scottish island. It is in the unitary council area of North Ayrshire and the 2001 census had a resident population of 5,058...
, Skipness Castle
Skipness Castle
Skipness Castle stands on the east side of the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland near the village of Skipness.-History:The main structure of the castle was built in the early 13th century by the Clan MacSween with later fortifications and other additions made to the castle through the 13th, 14th and...
and Castle Sween
Castle Sween
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, on the west coast of Argyll, Scotland. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built sometime in the late twelfth century...
at Knapdale
Knapdale
Knapdale forms a rural district of Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Highlands, adjoining Kintyre to the south, and divided from the rest of Argyll to the north by the Crinan Canal. It includes two parishes, North Knapdale and South Knapdale....
, which may be Scotland's oldest surviving stone-built castle.
The MacSweens held this lordship of Knapdale and lands in Kintyre
Kintyre
Kintyre is a peninsula in western Scotland, in the southwest of Argyll and Bute. The region stretches approximately 30 miles , from the Mull of Kintyre in the south, to East Loch Tarbert in the north...
until 1262. That year Dugall MacSween granted to the Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith
Walter Bailloch
Walter Bailloch or Walter Bailloch Stewart , was third son of Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland, and Earl of Menteith jure uxoris. His wife was Mary I, Countess of Menteith...
the lands of Skipnish, Killislate and others, which consisted of South Knapdale and the parish of Kilcalmonell in Kintyre. Following this the Earl granted several churches in Knapdale to the monastery of Kilwinning
Kilwinning Abbey
Kilwinning Abbey is a ruined abbey located in the centre of the town of Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.-The establishment of the Abbey:The ancient name of the town is 'Segdoune' or 'Saigtown', probably derived from 'Sanctoun', meaning the 'town of the saint'. Saint Winnings festival was on 21 January...
, showing that he now had control of both North and South Knapdale. Also in the same year Alexander III of Scotland
Alexander III of Scotland
Alexander III was King of Scots from 1249 to his death.-Life:...
granted Lochranza Castle to Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith.
In 1263 Haakon IV of Norway
Haakon IV of Norway
Haakon Haakonarson , also called Haakon the Old, was king of Norway from 1217 to 1263. Under his rule, medieval Norway reached its peak....
sailed down the western coast of Scotland with an invasion fleet from Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
. With the arrival of the royal fleet Norse control in the Western Isles and Argyll was re-established, and the Norwegian king's force was strengthened by Islesmen. Among those pressed into his service were the disposed MacSweens of Knapdale, under Murchadh MacSween. The MacSweens seemed to have been of doubtful loyalty as they were forced to also surrender hostages to guarantee their support. Haakon had 'given' Arran to Murchadh, but ultimately, the Norwegian invasion was defeated at what is known today as the Battle of Largs
Battle of Largs
The Battle of Largs was an engagement fought between the armies of Norway and Scotland near the present-day town of Largs in North Ayrshire on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland on 2 October 1263. It was the most important military engagement of the Scottish-Norwegian War. The Norwegian forces were...
.
The Earl of Menteith still controlled Knapdale in 1293, and in 1301 Knapdale was being held by his successor, Sir John Stewart (Sir John Menteith)
John de Menteith
Sir John de Menteith was a Scottish nobleman.He was born to Mary, Countess of Menteith and her husband Walter "Bailloch" Stewart, Earl of Menteith jure uxoris. He and his older brother, Alexander, Earl of Menteith, replaced their paternal Stewart surname in favour of Menteith, which earned him the...
. It was then that John MacSween approached Edward I of England
Edward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
, asserting that one of the king's enemies, Sir John Menteith, had deprived MacSween of his inheritance. Between 1301 and 1310, John MacSween was in the service of the English in the hope of keeping alive his family's claim against the Menteiths.
During the Great Cause, which led to the First War of Scottish Independence
First War of Scottish Independence
The First War of Scottish Independence lasted from the invasion by England in 1296 until the de jure restoration of Scottish independence with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328...
, the MacSweens were supporters of the powerful MacDougall Lords of Lorne
Clan MacDougall
Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan consisting of the descendants of Dubgall mac Somairle, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull in Argyll in the 13th century...
who supported John Balliol
John of Scotland
John Balliol , known to the Scots as Toom Tabard , was King of Scots from 1292 to 1296.-Early life:Little of John's early life is known. He was born between 1248 and 1250 at an unknown location, possibilities include Galloway, Picardy and Barnard Castle, County Durham...
as patriots, as long as John was king of Scotland. After the murder of John Comyn
John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch
John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lord of Lochaber or John "the Red", also known simply as the Red Comyn was a Scottish nobleman who was an important figure in the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was Guardian of Scotland during the Second Interregnum 1296-1306...
, the nephew of Balliol, by Bruce in 1306, the First War of Scottish Independence became at one and the same time a civil war. The Balliol and Comyn parties taking the side of the English in opposition to Bruce, crowned Robert I of Scotland
Robert I of Scotland
Robert I , popularly known as Robert the Bruce , was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329.His paternal ancestors were of Scoto-Norman heritage , and...
on March 25, 1306.
This was an era of constantly shifting alliances, and in 1301 John MacSween was in alliance with Angus Og
Angus Og of Islay
Aonghas Óg MacDomhnaill was the son of Aonghas Mór MacDomhnaill. As Lord of Islay and chief of Clan Donald, he was a Hebridean nobleman who participated in the Wars of Scottish Independence.-Biography:...
against the MacDougalls of Lorne. In 1307 the MacDougalls were the bitterest of Robert the Bruce's enemies, and the man in command of the rebellion against Bruce was Sir John Menteith, who had previously removed the MacSweens from Knapdale.
By 1310, when Bruce had most of Argyll and the North Channel
North Channel (British Isles)
The North Channel is the strait which separates eastern Northern Ireland from southwestern Scotland...
in his favour, the English encouraged John MacDougall, the ousted Lord of Lorne, to raise a fleet in 1311, based on the eastern coast of Ireland. MacDougall was aided in part by the MacSweens, including John and his brothers Toirdelbach and Murdoch. It was around this time in 1310, that Edward II of England
Edward II of England
Edward II , called Edward of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed by his wife Isabella in January 1327. He was the sixth Plantagenet king, in a line that began with the reign of Henry II...
granted John and his brothers their family's ancestral lands of Knapdale, provided they could recover it from Sir John Menteith. It is possible, therefore, that this event could have been the "tryst of a fleet against Castle Sween", recorded in the Book of the Dean of Lismore
Book of the Dean of Lismore
The Book of the Dean of Lismore is a famous Scottish manuscript, compiled in eastern Perthshire in the first half of the 16th century. The chief compiler, after whom it is named, was James MacGregor , vicar of Fortingall and titular Dean of Lismore Cathedral, although there are other probable...
, which tells of the failed attempt by John MacSween to recapture Castle Sween. With the failure to recapture their lands in Scotland, the MacSweens were forced to permanently leave for Ireland.
A contingent of the MacSweens eventually re-established themselves at Donegal
Donegal
Donegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Its name, which was historically written in English as Dunnagall or Dunagall, translates from Irish as "stronghold of the foreigners" ....
as Gallowglass
Gallowglass
The gallowglass or galloglass – from , gallóglach – were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Norse-Gaelic clans in the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century...
mercenary soldiers and became the progenitors of Clan Sweeney. Some of those who stayed on in Scotland formed into the Clan MacQueen
Clan MacQueen
Clan Macqueen is a Scottish clan, formally known as MacSween, one of the ancient West Highland and Hebridean Warrior Kindreds. The clan does not have a chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Because of this, the clan is considered an armigerous clan, and as such Clan Macqueen has no...
, a branch of whom later joined the powerful Chattan Confederation
Chattan Confederation
Clan Chattan or the Chattan Confederation is a confederation of 16 Scottish clans who joined for mutual defence or blood bonds. Its leader was the chief of Clan Mackintosh.-Origins:The origin of the name Chattan is disputed...
. Other MacSweens who remained in Scotland became known as the MacEwens of Otter
Clan MacEwen
Clan MacEwen is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan does not have a chief recognized by Lord Lyon King of Arms and as such the clan can be considered an Armigerous clan. The principal clan with the name MacEwen was Clan MacEwen of Otter that was centred on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll...
, whose line became extinct in the 17th century.
Arrival in Ireland
The earliest record of a Mac Suibhne, in relation to the clan, is of Murchadh Mac Suibne in 1267. Murchadh was made prisoner by Domnall Ó Conchobair and handed over to the Earl of UlsterEarl of Ulster
The title of Earl of Ulster has been created several times in the Peerage of Ireland and Peerage of the United Kingdom. Currently, the title is a subsidiary title of the Duke of Gloucester, and is used as a courtesy title by the Duke's son, Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster...
, in whose prison Murchadh was to have died in. Murchadh was the son of Máel Muire an Sparáin whose seat was at Castle Sween
Castle Sween
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, on the west coast of Argyll, Scotland. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built sometime in the late twelfth century...
in Scotland, who was son of Suibne, eponymous ancestor of the clan.
Once established in Ireland the Clan Sween controlled vast territories, and was divided into three branches:
- Mac Suibhne Fánad (Mac Sweeney Fanad)
- Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath. (Mac Sweeney Doe)
- Mac Suibhne Boghaineach (Mac Sweeney Banagh)
Rathmullan was the seat of MacSuibhne Fanad for the next 400 years, during which time their influence extended from Donegal into Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
and Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
. In Donegal their principal seats were Doe Castle
Doe Castle
Doe Castle, or Caisleán na dTuath, near Creeslough, County Donegal, was historically a stronghold of Clan Suibhne, with architectural parallels to the Scottish Tower house. Built in the 16th c. it is one of the better preserved fortalices in the North-West of Ireland...
and Rahan Castle near Killybegs
Killybegs
Killybegs is the largest fishing port in County Donegal and in Ireland. It is located on the south coast of the county, north of Donegal Bay, near Donegal Town. The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward...
.
In Scotland the inauguration of the MacSuibhne Clan chiefs had taken place at Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, where they were also buried. In Ireland they were inaugurated in Kilmacrenan, County Donegal, where MacSuibhne Fanad became influential allies of the O'Donnell of Tyrconnell. The remains of the Sweeneys who went to Ireland are interred outside the walls of Castle Doe, Donegal
Donegal
Donegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Its name, which was historically written in English as Dunnagall or Dunagall, translates from Irish as "stronghold of the foreigners" ....
.
The historian James Logan
James Logan
-People:* James Logan , colonial American statesman* James Richardson Logan , British lawyer and amateur ethnologist* James Harvey Logan , American horticulturist...
, in The Scottish Gaël
Gaels
The Gaels or Goidels are speakers of one of the Goidelic Celtic languages: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Goidelic speech originated in Ireland and subsequently spread to western and northern Scotland and the Isle of Man....
, remarked how the Mac Swineys were notable for their hospitality. At a seat of theirs, Clodach Castle, there was a stone set near the highway which was inscribed with an open invitation to travellers to make for Clodach for refreshment. At some point, one of the family overturned the stone and subsequently were said to have never prospered. Logan also noted that the war-cry
Battle cry
A battle cry is a yell or chant taken up in battle, usually by members of the same military unit.Battle cries are not necessarily articulate, although they often aim to invoke patriotic or religious sentiment....
of the Mac Sweins was "Battalia-abu" (The noble staff, victorious), from the battle-axe they bore in their Arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
.
Mac Suibhne Fánad (Mac Sweeney Fanad)
FánadFanad
Fanad is a peninsula that lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay on the north coast of County Donegal in Ireland. It encompasses the parishes of Clondavaddog, Killygarvan and parts of Tullyfern and Aughinish. The peninsula includes the towns and villages of Milford, Kerrykeel , Tamney,...
, is the peninsula between Lough Swilly
Lough Swilly
Lough Swilly in Ireland is a glacial fjord or sea inlet lying between the western side of the Inishowen Peninsula and the Fanad Peninsula, in County Donegal. Along with Carlingford Lough and Killary Harbour it is one of three known glacial fjords in Ireland....
and Mulroy Bay
Mulroy Bay
Mulroy Bay is a relatively small bay / sea loch on the north coast of County Donegal, Ireland.Mulroy Bay is the most convoluted of the marine inlets in north-west Ireland. It is approximately 12 km long in a north-south direction. The entrance to the bay is a narrow embayment leading to a winding...
, on the north coast of County Donegal
County Donegal
County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
The first Mac Suibhne to settle in Tír Conaill was Eoin, grandson of Máel Muire. It was Eoin who expelled the ruling Ó Breisléins from Fánad after 1263, and whose daughter married the Ó Domnaill, king of Tír Conaill. The male line of the ruling Mac Suibhnes soon failed after Eoin, when both his son, Suibne, and his brother, Toirdelbach, died without heirs.
Following the Battle of Bannockburn
Battle of Bannockburn
The Battle of Bannockburn was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence...
in 1314 Murchad Mear, great-grandson of Máel Muire an Sparáin and grandson of the Murchadh who died while a prisoner of the Earl of Ulster, arrived at Lough Swilly with his followers.
Murchad Mear was succeeded by his son, Murchad Óc, as lord of the lands east of Bearnas Mór. One of Murchad Óc's sons, Máel Muire, became lord of Fanad
Fanad
Fanad is a peninsula that lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay on the north coast of County Donegal in Ireland. It encompasses the parishes of Clondavaddog, Killygarvan and parts of Tullyfern and Aughinish. The peninsula includes the towns and villages of Milford, Kerrykeel , Tamney,...
, and another son, Donnchad Mór, became lord of the Tri Tuatha in north west County Donegal
County Donegal
County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
, which had been conquered from the Ó Báegills.
Máel Muire defeated Niall Ó Domhnaill in the battle of Achadh Móna but later became an ally of Ó Domhnaill, when Niall killed his brother, Conchobhar Ó Domhnaill, King of Tír Chonaill in 1342. Because of his aid, Máel Muire was granted the lands of Moross in the north of Fanad.
Máel Muire's successor was his son, Toirdhealbhach Caoch, who pledged to Ó Domhnaill, that he and his successors would provide two Gallowglass soldiers for every quarter of land in his territory when the Ó Domhnaills went to war.
Toirdhealbhach Caoch's son, Toirdhealbhach Ruadh, succeeded his father in 1399 but only after defeating two uncles who tried to wrest the lordship away from him. Toirdhealbhach Ruadh was aided against his uncles by Toirdhealbhach an Fhíona Ó Domhnaill, king of Tír Conaill. Toirdhealbhach Ruadh accompanied Niall Ó Domhnaill and Domhnall Ó Néill, when they defeated the English Lord Deputy at Meath in 1423. Though there are contradicting sources that record Mac Suibhne of Connacht present at this battle. In 1434 Niall Ó Domhnaill was captured by the English forces in a skirmish, though Toirdhealbhach Ruadh rescued Ó Domhnaill following the defeat at the English's hands.
In around 1438 Toirdhealbhach Ruadh is thought to have died, having ruled for thirty nine years. Afterwards his son, Ruaidhrí, succeeded him, though not without dispute. Ruaidhrí's uncle, Donnchadh Garbh, claimed the lordship and the two resolved their differences in a wrestling match in which Ruaidhrí was victorious. Ruaidhrí ruled for thirteen years when he died and was succeeded by his brother, Domhnall.
In 1456 Énrí Ó Néill, king of Tír Eoghain, with the sons of Neachtain Ó Domhnaill, invaded Inishowen
Inishowen
Inishowen is a peninsula in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. It is also the largest peninsula in all of Ireland. Inishowen is a picturesque location with a rich history...
. The invaders were opposed by the ruling Ó Domhnaill who was aided in part by Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne, son of Toirdhealbhach Ruadh. Ó Domhnaill was later killed and Maol Mhuire and Ó Domhnaill's brother, Aodh Ruadh, were taken prisoner. Neachtain's son, Toirdhealbhach Cairbreach Ó Domhnaill, assumed the vacant kingship of Tír Conaill. Domhnall Mac Suibhne was then killed by his nephews (the sons of Ruaidhrí), who proclaimed Domhnall's cousin, Toirdhealbhach Bacach, as lord of Fanad.
In 1460 Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill and Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne were released from captivety, and in the following year they both defeated Toirdhealbhach Cairbreach near Mulroy Bay. On the victory, Aodh Ruadh was inaugurated and made Maol Mhuire lord of Fanad. Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne ruled for eleven years before being killed on Easter Tuesday, 1472 while fighting alongside Aodh Ruadh against Énrí Ó Néill. After the battle, Maol Mhuire's body was taken to Derry for burial, covered in the flag of Mac Domhnaill of Antrim, a captain of Gallowglass captured in the battle.
Ruaidhrí succeeded his deaseased father and built Rathmullan castle. Ruaidhrí's wife, Máire, was a daughter of Ó Máille, and was known for her piety. Ruaidhrí and Máire built Carmelite priory at Rathmullan which was completed in 1516. Ruaidhrí had many succseful campaigns with Ó Domhnaill, though in 1497 Conn Ó Domhnaill was defeated in battle by Tadhg Diarmada and Ruaidhrí was taken prisoner, also in the same year Ó Domhnaill was again defeated and Ruaidhrí's son was captured.
When Ruaidhrí died in 1518 the lordship was again contested by members of the leading family. Domhnall Óg, a cousin of Ruaidhrí, was proclaimed lord by the chiefs of Cenél Conaill at Kilmacrenan, but Ruaidhrí's son, Toirdhealbhach, defied Domhnall Óg. When Domhnall Óg died in 1529 Toirdhealbhach had himself inaugurated at Kilmacrenan. This angered Aodh Dubh Ó Domhnaill, because he believed, only he alone had the right to inaugurate a sub chief of his. However in 1544 Toirdhealbhach was killed by the sons Domhnall Óg Mac Suibhne, in revenge. It was during this era that Leabhar Clainne Suibhne was written.
Domhnall Óg's son, Ruaidhrí Carrach, ruled for ten years until 1552 when he and his kin were killed.
In 1557 a Domhnall Gorm Mac Suibhne was leader of "Slíocht Domhnaill" and was recorded as being with Calbhach Ó Domhnaill in a victory over Seán an Díomais Ó Néill. Domhnall Gorm was killed in 1568 by his kin and was succeeded by Toirdhealbhach Óg who was a son of Toirdhealbhach who was killed in 1544. Toirdhealbhach Óg was killed in battle in 1570 at Dún na Long on the Foyle
Foyle
Foyle can refer to:*The River Foyle in Northern Ireland*Lough Foyle, the river's estuary*Several organisations and divisions that take their name from the river including:**Foyle **Foyle...
, by Toirdhealbhach Luineach Ó Néill. Toirdhealbhach Óg's brother, Domhnall, succeeded him and was the last chief inaugurated lord of Fanad. Domhnall lived into the 17th century and witnessed the end of the Gaelic order in Tír Conaill.
In 1599 Domhnall was recorded as taking part in a raid into Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
.
In March 1601 an English garrison was stationed in Rathmullan
Rathmullan
Rathmullan is a small seaside village on the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. It is situated on the western shore of Lough Swilly, 11 km north-east of Ramelton and 12 km east of Milford...
and Domhnall submitted to the English. In September he rose against the English but by January 1602 he had again submitted. In 1607 when Ó Néill and Ruaidhrí Ó Domhnaill sailed out of Rathmullan, some of the crew had gone ashore to collect water and Domhnall's son attacked the crew but were routed.
In 1608 Domhnall was recorded as being on a list of jurors who indicted the earls of Tyrconnell and Tyrone for treason. For this Domhnall received a grant in the Plantation of Ulster. By 1619 he is recorded as having 2000 acres (8.1 km²) allotted to him, called Roindoberg and Caroocomony, on which he "built a good bawne, and a house, all of lime and stone, in which with his family, he dwelleth."
Domhnall's son, Dormhnall Gorm, married a daughter of Eoghan Óg Mac Suibhne na dTuath and had ten children, before dying in 1637.
Dormhnall Gorm's sons, Domhnall Óg and Aodh Buidhe are recorded having lands in Clondavaddog
Clondavaddog
Clondavaddog is a parish in the Diocese of Raphoe. Clondavaddog is situated at the northern part of the Fanad peninsula, County Donegal in Ireland.-19th century:...
in north Fanad, held forfeit after the Irish Rebellion of 1641
Irish Rebellion of 1641
The Irish Rebellion of 1641 began as an attempted coup d'état by Irish Catholic gentry, who tried to seize control of the English administration in Ireland to force concessions for the Catholics living under English rule...
.
Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath (Mac Sweeney Doe)
Gweedore
Gweedore is an Irish-speaking district located on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. Gweedore stretches some 16 miles from Meenaclady in the north to Crolly in the south and around 9 miles from Dunlewey in the east to Magheraclogher in the west, and...
and Tory Island
Tory Island
Toraigh is an inhabited island 14.5 km off the northwest coast of County Donegal, Ireland. It is also known in Irish as Oileán Thoraigh, Oileán Thoraí or Oileán Thúr Rí.-Language:The main spoken language on the island is Irish, but English is also understood...
), was controlled by the Ó Baegill until just after 1360, when it was conquered by Clann tSuibhne (Clan Sweeney).
Donnchadh Mór, who was son of Murchad Óc, and grandson of Murchad Mear, was the first Suibhne na d'Tuath. Donnchadh's father and grandfather had conquered large tracts of land in Tír Conaill in about 1314. In 1359 when Ó Conchobhair defeated Séan Ó Domhnaill, Donnchadh Mór's son, Eoghan Connachtach, was held captive by the son of Ó Conchobhair Shligigh. Later Eoghan was able to help Séan Ó Domhnaill defeat Toirdhealbhach an Fhíona Ó Domhnaill in battle, at Sliabh Malair. Eoghan died as they plundered Glencolumkille "as a result of his violating the monastery there".
According to the Book of Ballymote
Book of Ballymote
The Book of Ballymote , named for the parish of Ballymote, County Sligo, was written in 1390 or 1391....
, Eoghan's son, Toirdealbhach Óg was lord of Na Tuatha. Another of Eoghan's sons drowned in 1413.
Little more is known of Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath until the middle of the 16th century.
In 1543 MacSuibhne na d'Tuath and his brother, Brian, were held as prisoners at Inis Mhic an Doirn (Ruthland Island, parish of Templecrone). By 1545 MacSuibhne na d'Tuath had died the lordship was taken over by his son, Eoghan Óg, who was killed fighting in 1554 at Ceann Salach (in Cloghaneely). The lordship then passed to his son, Murchadh Mall, who in 1567 aided Sir Aodh Ó Domhnaill defeat Séan an Díomuis Ó Néill, in battle, near Letterkenny
Letterkenny
Letterkenny , with a population of 17,568, is the largest town in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. The town is located on the River Swilly...
. Murchadh Mall and Mac Suibhne Fánad (Toirdealbhach Óg) were killed in 1570 by Clann Domhnaill Gallóglaigh, at Dun na Long near Strabane
Strabane
Strabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
.
After his death, Murchadh, was succeeded by his brother, Eoghan Óg. In 1588 the English were concerned that Eoghan Óg was aiding stranded Spaniards from the Armada. In 1590 Eoghan Óg gave protection to Brian Ó Ruairc of Breifne, after Ó Ruairc's defeat at the hands of the English. In 1592 Eoghan Óg attended the inauguration of Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill as lord of Tír Conaill. Eoghan Óg died in 1596 and was succeeded by, Maol Mhuire, a nephew (son of Murchadh Mall).
The last lord of Na Tuatha was Maol Mhuire.
In early 1598 Maol Mhuire took the side of the English against Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill but was defeated and was consequently banished from his lands by Ó Domhnaill. In May 1600 Maol Mhuire was knighted for his support of the English, though later in the same year he had switched sides, sided with Ó Domhnaill, and was then captured by the English. Maol Mhuire was then held prisoner on a ship on the River Foyle
River Foyle
The River Foyle is a river in west Ulster in the northwest of Ireland, which flows from the confluence of the rivers Finn and Mourne at the towns of Lifford in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland, and Strabane in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. From here it flows to the City of Derry, where it...
, near Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
, but managed to escape with the aid of a prostitute.
Maol Mhuire's grandson, Colonel Maol Mhuire Mac Suibhne, was a leading rebel in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, who had his lands in Dunlewy (in the parish of Gweedore) held forfeit for his actions.
Mac Suibhne Boghaineach (Mac Sweeney Banagh)
Mac Sweeney Banagh, according to Leabhar Clainne Suibhne, were descended from Dubhghall Mac Suibhne, who received the lands of Tír Boghaine from his grandfather Murchadh Mear who died in ca.1320. Boghaine consisted of the modern barony of Banagh in south-west Co. Donegal and part of BoylaghBoylagh
Boylagh is a barony in County Donegal in Ireland.Patrick Weston Joyce said the name Boylagh comes from the territory of the O'Boyles.It was created along with Banagh when the former barony of Boylagh and Banagh was split in 1791 by an Act of the Parliament of Ireland.Boylagh is bordered by the...
.
There are contradictory sources for early history of Mac Suibhne Boghaineach. In the Book of Ballymote
Book of Ballymote
The Book of Ballymote , named for the parish of Ballymote, County Sligo, was written in 1390 or 1391....
(c. 1400), six of Dubhghall's grandsons are said to belong to the Mac Suibhne of Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. The eldest of the grandsons, Toirdhealbhach was also listed as the High Constable of Connacht and was killed with two of his brothers, Donn Sléibhe and Donnchadh in 1397.
By the 16th century the Mac Suibhne Boghaineach was seated at Rahan
Rahan
Rahan is a French comics series about an intelligent prehistoric man, that appeared first as part of Pif gadget, then published in albums of 2 to 4 complete stories. It was initially written by Roger Lecureux, and after his death in 1999, by his son, Jean-François Lecureux...
, (near Dunkineely
Dunkineely
Dunkineely is a small village in County Donegal in North West Ireland. It is situated 11 miles from the town of Donegal and 6 miles from Killybegs on the N56 National secondary road. It is a small single street village with a population of around 300 in its surroundings. There is a dun on the edge...
in Co. Donegal). In 1524 Niall Mór mac Eoghain (Mac Suibhne Thíre Boghaine) died here, and who was described as "a constable of hardest hand." Also at Rahan, Niall Mór mac Eoghain's son Maol Mhuire Mór, lord of Banagh, was killed by another son, Niall Óg, in 1535.
Killybegs
Killybegs
Killybegs is the largest fishing port in County Donegal and in Ireland. It is located on the south coast of the county, north of Donegal Bay, near Donegal Town. The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward...
(Irish Gaelic: Na Cealla Beaga, meaning 'the small churches'), was also controlled by Mac Suibhne Boghaineach.
In 1513 Killybegs was plundered by Eoghan Ó Máille and the crews of three ships, who were, however, unable to return home to Connacht with their prisoners because of stormy weather. Though the leaders of Banagh were away in Ó Domhnaill's army at the time, a youth, called Brian Mac Suibhne, along with some shepherds and farmers, rescued the prisoners and slew Eoghan Ó Máille. Another raid was recorded in 1547, in which the Mac Suibhnes were able to drive off another landing at Rathlin O'Beirne.
In 1547 Niall Óg was killed at Badhbhdhún Nua by the sons of Maol Mhuire (the brother he slew in 1535). After this, Niall Óg, was succeeded by Toirdhealbhach Meirgeach Mac Suibhne. By 1550 Toirdhealbhach Meirgeach was killed at Baile Mhic Suibhne, by the Clann Coinneigéin. Ruaidhrí Ballach Mac Suibhne then requested to Maghnus Ó Domhnaill to be installed as lord of Banagh, but was refused. In retaliation, Ruaidhrí Ballach then plundered Killybegs. Ruaidhrí Ballach was killed by a Maol Mhuire, who then became the rightful lord.
In 1581 Maol Mhuire and his sons, Murchadh and Toirdhealbhach Meirgeach, and many kinsman were killed fighting under Aodh Ó Domhnaill, against Toirdhealbhach Luineach Ó Néill at Kiltole (near Raphoe
Raphoe
Raphoe is a town in County Donegal, part of the province of Ulster in Ireland. It is the main town in the fertile district of East Donegal known as the Laggan, as well as giving its name to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raphoe and the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe.-Name:Raphoe,...
).
The lordship then passed to a son of Maol Mhuire, Maol Mhuire Óg who was soon killed, in 1582, by a group of Scots who were present at a meeting near Lough Foyle
Lough Foyle
Lough Foyle, sometimes Loch Foyle , is the estuary of the River Foyle in Ulster. It starts where the Foyle leaves Derry. It separates the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland from County Londonderry in Northern Ireland.-Transport:...
between Ó Neill and Ó Domhnaill. The next lord was Brian Óg (a son of the Maol Mhuire killed in 1535). Brian Óg was then killed by Niall Meirgeach (son of Maol Mhuire who died in 1581). Niall Meirgeach, like those before him, didn't last long and was killed in 1588 at the island of Derryness in the barony of Boylagh
Boylagh
Boylagh is a barony in County Donegal in Ireland.Patrick Weston Joyce said the name Boylagh comes from the territory of the O'Boyles.It was created along with Banagh when the former barony of Boylagh and Banagh was split in 1791 by an Act of the Parliament of Ireland.Boylagh is bordered by the...
, by Donnchadh (son of Maol Mhuire Meirgeach, who died in 1564).
In 1590 when Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill (Red Hugh O'Donnell) was held in Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle off Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland, was until 1922 the fortified seat of British rule in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. Most of it dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since the days of King John, the first Lord of Ireland...
, his half-brother, Domhnall, attempted to wrest Tír Conaill from his father Aodh. Aodh Ruadh's mother in response mustererd a large force of Scots and also the Mac Suibhne branches of Na Tuatha and Fanad to oppose Domhnall. During this time Donnchadh. lord of Banagh took Domhnall's side, along with Ó Baoighill. The opposing forces met near Glencolumbkille, in September 1590, and Domhnall's force was defeated. By 1592 Aodh Ruadh was in power of Tír Conaill and it seems as if Donnchadh was pardoned for opposing him, as Donnchadh was present at Aodh Ruadh's inauguration at Kilmacrenan
Kilmacrenan
Kilmacrenan is a small village located in County Donegal on the north west coast of Ireland. The village had a population of 430 in the 2002 census, however the village's population has increased rapidily over the last decade as a result of people leaving Letterkenny and living in the countryside...
.
In late 1601 Mac Suibhne's Castle was taken by the English, and then recaptured by Ó Domhnaill. In November Donnchadh submitted to Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill
Niall Garve O'Donnell
Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill anglicised as Niall Garve O'Donnell . He is best known for siding with the English against his kinsman Hugh Roe O'Donnell during the Nine Years' War in the 1590s....
, who was on the side of the English. In 1608 Donnchadh was part of the jury that indicted Ó Néill and Ruaidhí Ó Domhnaill, earl of Tírconnell, after they fled from Rathmullan in 1607.
During the era of the plantations in Ulster
Plantation of Ulster
The Plantation of Ulster was the organised colonisation of Ulster—a province of Ireland—by people from Great Britain. Private plantation by wealthy landowners began in 1606, while official plantation controlled by King James I of England and VI of Scotland began in 1609...
, Donnchadh was allotted 2000 acres (8.1 km²) in the barony of Kilmacrenan, Donegal. In 1641 Donnchadh's son, Niall Meirgeach, was killed in a skirmish near Killybegs by settlers who were under Andrew Knox.
The chieftaincies of Fanad, Doe, and Banagh
- The chiefly line of Fanad (Mac Suibhne Fánad)
- Historians maintain that the chiefly line of Fanad had disappeared before 1800.
- The chiefly line of Doe (Mac Suibhne na d'Tuath)
- The chiefly line of Doe is thought to descend from the chiefly line of Fanad. Thomas A. Sweeney claims to be the senior male, directly descending from Maol Mhuire (Sir Myles Mac Sweeney, Chief of Doe, 1596-1630). In 1999 Sweeney petitioned the Office of the Chief Herald of IrelandOffice of the Chief Herald of IrelandThe Genealogical Office is an office of the Government of Ireland containing genealogical records. It includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland , the authority in the Republic of Ireland for heraldry. The Chief Herald authorises the granting of arms to Irish bodies and Irish people,...
to be recognized as Chief of the NameChiefs of the NameThe Chief of the Name, or in older English usage Captain of his Nation, is the recognised head of a family or clan...
of the Mac Sweeneys of Doe. In July 2003, in light of the MacCarthy Mór ScandalTerence Francis MacCarthyTerence Francis MacCarthy , formerly self-styled Tadhg V, The MacCarthy Mór, Prince of Desmond and Lord of Kerslawny, is a genealogist, historian, and writer. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he is a resident of Morocco...
, the Genealogical Office discontinued the practice of recognising Chiefs, with Sweeneys petition still pending investigation.
- The chiefly line of Banagh (Mac Suibhne Boghaineach)
- Folk tradition of south Co. Donegal maintains that the last two male descendants of the chiefly line died in TeelinTeelinTeileann is a Gaeltacht village in County Donegal, Ireland. It is near Slieve League, at the northwest end of Donegal Bay. Its population is about 250–300....
near the end of the nineteenth century.
Clan profile
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- Related surnames
- Today there are numerous surnameSurnameA surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
s that are AnglicisationAnglicisationAnglicisation, or anglicization , is the process of converting verbal or written elements of any other language into a form that is more comprehensible to an English speaker, or, more generally, of altering something such that it becomes English in form or character.The term most often refers to...
s of the GaelicGoidelic languagesThe Goidelic languages or Gaelic languages are one of the two branches of the Insular Celtic languages, the other consisting of the Brythonic languages. Goidelic languages historically formed a dialect continuum stretching from the south of Ireland through the Isle of Man to the north of Scotland...
Mac Suibhne, a patronymicPatronymicA patronym, or patronymic, is a component of a personal name based on the name of one's father, grandfather or an even earlier male ancestor. A component of a name based on the name of one's mother or a female ancestor is a matronymic. Each is a means of conveying lineage.In many areas patronyms...
name meaning "son of Suibhne". Suibne was a Gaelic epithetEpithetAn epithet or byname is a descriptive term accompanying or occurring in place of a name and having entered common usage. It has various shades of meaning when applied to seemingly real or fictitious people, divinities, objects, and binomial nomenclature. It is also a descriptive title...
meaning "well-disposed" or "pleasant". Related names may include: MacSweeney, MacSweeny, MacSwiney, MacSwiny, McSweeney, McSweeny, McSwiney, McSwiny, Sweeney, Sweeny, Sweny, Swain, Swiney, Swinney, and Swinnea.- Tartan
- Clan Sweeney doesn't have a specific recorded tartanTartanTartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns...
, however sweeneyclan.com encourages the use of the Scottish Clan MacQueenClan MacQueenClan Macqueen is a Scottish clan, formally known as MacSween, one of the ancient West Highland and Hebridean Warrior Kindreds. The clan does not have a chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Because of this, the clan is considered an armigerous clan, and as such Clan Macqueen has no...
tartan. The MacQueen's also derive their name from the Gaelic MacSuibhne. This tartan was first recorded, in 1842, in the book Vestiarium ScoticumVestiarium ScoticumThe Vestiarium Scoticum was first published by William Tait of Edinburgh in a limited edition in 1842...
authored by the dubious 'Sobieski Stuarts', under Clan Revan, named after Revan Macmulmor MacAngus MacQueen. The 'Sobieski Stuarts', who claimed to be descendants of Bonnie Prince Charlie, maintained Vestiarium Scoticum was a reproduction of a sixteenth century manuscript, though they never provided their sources. The claims of the 'Sobieski Stuarts' were attacked and have been proved to be a forgeryForgeryForgery is the process of making, adapting, or imitating objects, statistics, or documents with the intent to deceive. Copies, studio replicas, and reproductions are not considered forgeries, though they may later become forgeries through knowing and willful misrepresentations. Forging money or...
.