Daniel O'Donovan
Encyclopedia
Daniel O'Donovan of Mahoonagh
and Feenagh
, was the hereditary chief of the remnants of the Uí Fidgenti
, and represented the Manor of Doneraile
in James II
's 1690 Patriot Parliament
. Following the split of the Ui-Cairbre Aebhdha in 1283 arising from a contest between two MacCarthys, two O'Donovan branches, later Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain, migrated into the southwest area of Cork where they may have eventually merged with O’Donnamhain's of Corca Laidhe. One branch, represented by Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh and descended from Eneislis O'Donovan, allied with the Ango-Norman overlords and remained in the historical territory of the Ui-Fidgheinte, which reached from Kilmallock
through the plains of the Shannon, and included Adare
, Askearton, Croom, Bruree
, Newcastle West
and Newcastle Kenry. This sept of the O'Donovans was still resident in the geographical territory of the Fidgheinte in 1549, as noted in the Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts which listed O'Donnowayne of Synganyge.
The MacCarthys which remained in their historical territory following the 1283 split went on to become Clan Donogh, and were Lords of Muscrery, the wealthiest of the three McCarthy clans in 1560. Following the distribution of lands to English adventurers after the Desmond rebellion in 1584, combined with the famine and desolation of the country following the Desmond rebellion, the fortunes and land holdings of those that had remained in their historical territories declined greatly. The MacCarthy's, Lords of Muscrery, fell victim to an almost complete elimination of their wealth, and the two southern branches of the MacCarthys (MacCarthy Mor and MacCarthy Reagh
) and their O'Donovan allies (Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain) became the dominant force in the Cork and Skibbereen
areas.
By 1601, the O'Donovans which had remained in the Ui-Fidgheinte territory were of little consequence. Donnel M'Donevan, son of Donnogh O'Donnowayne, relocated several miles to Cloncagh, but did not obtain any significant land holdings. The redistribution of Desmond lands in 1585-1588 had effectively ended any significant land holdings of the northern septs of the O'Donovans. The O'Donovans of Limerick and Kenry, whose family histories clearly note they had never migrated into the Cork area, all share a common thread - the absence of any significant land holdings after 1500.
After the surrender of clan lands from 1591 through 1615, the families of the then Chiefs were established as the leading O'Donovan families. The disenfranchising of the septs from their lands (which totaled approximately 100000 acres (404.7 km²) between Clan Cathail and Clain Lochlain) marked an end of an era. Three generations later, there was an attempt to resurrect the sept structure in connection with the King James II revolt. The approximately 300 members of the 1690 House of Commons represented a form of clan representation, and were the last vestiges of structured clan organizations in Ireland.
There were three O'Donovan members of the 1690 House of Commons: Daniel O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
, of Clan Cathail, Jeremiah O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
, of Clan Lochlain, both represented Baltimore, and Daniel O'Donovan, grandson of Donnel M'Donevan, represented the manor of Doneraile. Each family remains represented today by documented lineal descendents, without any of the power or prestige that once accompanied the glory of a Gaelic chief. Descendents of Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh went on to found the monastery of Roscrea
and distinguish themselves in political and business ventures in southern Ireland, Canada
and the United States
.
Daniel O'Donovan, whom represented Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament, was a great grandson of Donal of the Hides
. Ultimately, his direct line terminated in the mid-19th century, at which time the senior line of the descendents of Donal transferred to the descendents of Teige O'Donovan, younger brother to Donal III O'Donovan
and thus uncle to Daniel O'Donovan, member for Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament. Descendents of this Teige are recognized as The O'Donovan, as the most senior descendent of the last recognized Chief following the surrender of clan property in 1591.
Mahoonagh
Mahoonagh village is two miles south east of the town of Newcastle West, County Limerick. Ireland.There are two villages within the parish of Mahoonagh.The parish has two main centres, Mahoonagh and Feohanagh villages....
and Feenagh
Feenagh, County Limerick
Feenagh Co Limerick Feenagh is a village in west County Limerick, Ireland, ten miles from Newcastle West and six miles from Dromcolliher....
, was the hereditary chief of the remnants of the Uí Fidgenti
Uí Fidgenti
The Uí Fidgenti or Wood-Sprung People were an early kingdom of northern Munster, situated mostly in modern County Limerick, but extending into County Clare and County Tipperary, and possibly even County Kerry and County Cork, at maximum extents, which varied over time...
, and represented the Manor of Doneraile
Doneraile
Doneraile is a town in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. It is located on the R581 regional road 8 km east of the N20 road which runs from Limerick to Cork. It is about 12 km north of Mallow town...
in James II
James II of England
James II & VII was King of England and King of Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII, from 6 February 1685. He was the last Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland...
's 1690 Patriot Parliament
Patriot Parliament
The Patriot Parliament is the name given to the session of the Irish Parliament called by King James II of Ireland during the War of the Two Kings in 1689. The parliament met in one session, from 7 May 1689 to 20 July 1689, and was the only session of the Irish Parliament under King James II.The...
. Following the split of the Ui-Cairbre Aebhdha in 1283 arising from a contest between two MacCarthys, two O'Donovan branches, later Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain, migrated into the southwest area of Cork where they may have eventually merged with O’Donnamhain's of Corca Laidhe. One branch, represented by Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh and descended from Eneislis O'Donovan, allied with the Ango-Norman overlords and remained in the historical territory of the Ui-Fidgheinte, which reached from Kilmallock
Kilmallock
Kilmallock or Kilmalloc is a town in south County Limerick, Ireland, near the border with County Cork. There is a Dominican Priory in the town and King's Castle . The remains of medieval walls which encircled the settlement are still visible. The Dublin–Cork railway line passes by the town,...
through the plains of the Shannon, and included Adare
Adare
-General information:Adare's origin is as a settlement by a crossing point on the river Maigue. It is situated 16 km from Limerick City. Renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest villages, Adare is designated as a Heritage Town by the Irish government...
, Askearton, Croom, Bruree
Bruree
Bruree is a village in south-eastern County Limerick, Ireland, on the River Maigue. It takes its name from the nearby ancient royal fortress, the alternative name of which from the earliest times into the High Middle Ages was Dún Eochair Maigue or the Fortress on the Brink of the Maigue.- History...
, Newcastle West
Newcastle West
Newcastle West is a town in west County Limerick, Ireland. The town is the largest town in the county, excluding Limerick city, and is sited on the River Arra which flows into the River Deel...
and Newcastle Kenry. This sept of the O'Donovans was still resident in the geographical territory of the Fidgheinte in 1549, as noted in the Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts which listed O'Donnowayne of Synganyge.
The MacCarthys which remained in their historical territory following the 1283 split went on to become Clan Donogh, and were Lords of Muscrery, the wealthiest of the three McCarthy clans in 1560. Following the distribution of lands to English adventurers after the Desmond rebellion in 1584, combined with the famine and desolation of the country following the Desmond rebellion, the fortunes and land holdings of those that had remained in their historical territories declined greatly. The MacCarthy's, Lords of Muscrery, fell victim to an almost complete elimination of their wealth, and the two southern branches of the MacCarthys (MacCarthy Mor and MacCarthy Reagh
MacCarthy Reagh
The MacCarthy Reagh dynasty are a branch of the great MacCarthy dynasty, Kings of Desmond, deriving from the ancient Eóganachta, of the central Eóganacht Chaisil sept. The MacCarthys Reagh seated themselves as Princes of Carbery in what is now southwestern County Cork in the 13th century...
) and their O'Donovan allies (Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain) became the dominant force in the Cork and Skibbereen
Skibbereen
Skibbereen , is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is the most southerly town in Ireland. It is located on the N71 national secondary road.The name "Skibbereen" means "little boat harbour." The River Ilen which runs through the town reaches the sea at Baltimore.-History:Prior to 1600 most of the...
areas.
By 1601, the O'Donovans which had remained in the Ui-Fidgheinte territory were of little consequence. Donnel M'Donevan, son of Donnogh O'Donnowayne, relocated several miles to Cloncagh, but did not obtain any significant land holdings. The redistribution of Desmond lands in 1585-1588 had effectively ended any significant land holdings of the northern septs of the O'Donovans. The O'Donovans of Limerick and Kenry, whose family histories clearly note they had never migrated into the Cork area, all share a common thread - the absence of any significant land holdings after 1500.
After the surrender of clan lands from 1591 through 1615, the families of the then Chiefs were established as the leading O'Donovan families. The disenfranchising of the septs from their lands (which totaled approximately 100000 acres (404.7 km²) between Clan Cathail and Clain Lochlain) marked an end of an era. Three generations later, there was an attempt to resurrect the sept structure in connection with the King James II revolt. The approximately 300 members of the 1690 House of Commons represented a form of clan representation, and were the last vestiges of structured clan organizations in Ireland.
There were three O'Donovan members of the 1690 House of Commons: Daniel O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
Daniel O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
Donal IV, or Daniel O'Donovan , The O'Donovan, of Clancahill , was the son of Donal III O'Donovan, The O'Donovan of Clancahill, and Gyles O'Shaughnessy, daughter of Elis Lynch and Sir Roger Gilla Duff O'Shaughnessy, The O'Shaughnessy.-Career:Father's estatesAccused of High TreasonPatriot...
, of Clan Cathail, Jeremiah O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
Jeremiah O'Donovan (MP Baltimore)
Jeremiah O'Donovan , The O'Donovan of Clan Loughlin, Lord of Clan Loughlin, was MP for Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland, in James II's Patriot Parliament of 1689, alongside his kinsmen Daniel O'Donovan of Clancahill and Daniel O'Donovan .Obtaining letters patent from Charles II, his extensive...
, of Clan Lochlain, both represented Baltimore, and Daniel O'Donovan, grandson of Donnel M'Donevan, represented the manor of Doneraile. Each family remains represented today by documented lineal descendents, without any of the power or prestige that once accompanied the glory of a Gaelic chief. Descendents of Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh went on to found the monastery of Roscrea
Roscrea
Roscrea is a small heritage town in North Tipperary, Ireland. The town has a population of 4,910. Its main industries include meat processing and pharmaceuticals. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Ikerrin...
and distinguish themselves in political and business ventures in southern Ireland, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Daniel O'Donovan, whom represented Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament, was a great grandson of Donal of the Hides
Donal of the Hides
Donal of the Skins or Hides , also called Peltry O'Donovan or simply Donal I O'Donovan , was The O'Donovan Mor, Lord of Clancahill from his inauguration with the White Wand circa 1560 by the MacCarthy Reagh, Prince of Carbery, to his death in 1584...
. Ultimately, his direct line terminated in the mid-19th century, at which time the senior line of the descendents of Donal transferred to the descendents of Teige O'Donovan, younger brother to Donal III O'Donovan
Donal III O'Donovan
Donal III O'Donovan , The O'Donovan of Clancahill, born before 1584, was the son of Helena de Barry and Donal II O'Donovan, The O'Donovan of Clancahill...
and thus uncle to Daniel O'Donovan, member for Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament. Descendents of this Teige are recognized as The O'Donovan, as the most senior descendent of the last recognized Chief following the surrender of clan property in 1591.
See also
- O'DonovanO'DonovanO'Donovan or Donovan is an Irish surname, as well as a hereditary Gaelic title. It is also written Dhonnabháin in certain grammatical contexts, and Donndubháin, being originally composed of the elements donn, meaning lord or dark brown, dubh, meaning dark or black, and the diminutive suffix án...
- Patriot ParliamentPatriot ParliamentThe Patriot Parliament is the name given to the session of the Irish Parliament called by King James II of Ireland during the War of the Two Kings in 1689. The parliament met in one session, from 7 May 1689 to 20 July 1689, and was the only session of the Irish Parliament under King James II.The...
- Baltimore (Parliament of Ireland constituency)Baltimore (Parliament of Ireland constituency)Baltimore was a potwalloper constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons from 1614 to 1801.-Boundaries and Boundary Changes:This constituency was based in the town of Baltimore in County Cork.-Potwalloper:...
- Doneraile (Parliament of Ireland constituency)Doneraile (Parliament of Ireland constituency)Doneraile was a constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons until 1800.-History:In the Patriot Parliament of 1689 summoned by King James II, Doneraile was represented with two members.-1689–1801:-Bibliography:...
Further reading
- Cronnelly, Richard F., Irish Family History Part II: A History of the Clan Eoghan, or Eoghanachts. Dublin: 1864. (O'Donovan pedigrees: pgs. 252-64)
- O'Donovan, John (ed. and tr.), Annala Rioghachta Eireann. Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, from the Earliest Period to the Year 1616Annals of the Four MastersThe Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
. 7 vols. Royal Irish Academy. Dublin. 1848-51. 2nd edition, 1856. Volume VI (O'Donovan pedigrees: pages 2430-83) - O'Donovan, Rev. Michael; Genealogical Memoir of the O’Donovans (formerly Kings of Ui-Fidugeinte) County of Limerick Printed and published by C.L. Nono & Son, Ennis. 1901
- The 17th Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records of Ireland (10 March 1885)Volumes 17-21, Fiant 6515