Donnchad Donn
Encyclopedia
Donnchadh Donn mac Flainn (older spelling: Donnchad Donn mac Flainn) (Duncan of the Brown Hair, son of Flann) (died 944) was High King of Ireland
. He belonged to Clann Cholmáin
, a branch of the southern Uí Néill
.
by his wife Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing
. The date of his birth is not known, but he was apparently an adult in 904 when he is found as the leader, or figurehead, of a challenge to his father at Kells
. The Annals of Ulster
state that many of Donnchad's associates were beheaded by Flann, and that the High King profaned the sanctuary at Kells to seize Donnchad.
Donnchad again rebelled against his father in 915, with the support of his brother Conchobar, but this rebellion was suppressed by his sister's Gormlaith's husband, and his father's heir, Niall Glúndub
. When Flann died in 916, Niall Glúndub succeeded him as King of Tara, while Conchobar became King of Mide, the kingship of Clann Cholmáin.
Niall and Conchobar were both killed on 14 September 919, in battle against the Foreigners—Vikings and Norse-Gaels
—at Dublin. Other Irish kings and princes among the dead were another of Donnchad's sister's husbands, Máel Mithig mac Flannácain, Niall Glúndub's brother's son and heir-designate Flaithbertach mac Domnaill, "and many other nobles".
Donnchad succeeded to the kingship of Mide, and to the high kingship of Ireland. He immediately had his brother Áed blinded. Two years later, Donnchad disposed of another brother, the annals saying: "Domnall grandson of Máel Sechnaill was deceitfully killed by his brother Donnchad, which was fitting." Some years later, Donnchad disposed of his nephew, Máel Ruanaid, Conchobar's son.
, "in which a very large number [of the Foreigners] were slaughtered." The majority of the reports of battles with the Foreigners thereafter in Donnchad's reign concern "the Hector of the western world", the indefatigable Muirchertach mac Néill
—Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks—the King of Ailech and likely to have been Donnchad's successor had he not died in battle against the Foreigners on 26 February 943. Donnchad's relations with Muirchertach, his daughter's husband, were not good, and conflict between them is recorded in 927, 929, and 938. Muirchertach's wife died in 940, and in 941 he raided Mide, Osraige, and Munster
, taking the Munster king Cellachán Caisil
hostage as a demonstration of his power, and Donnchad's limited authority.
On Donnchad's death, he was succeeded as King of Tara by his sister's son, Congalach Cnogba
, a member of the Síl nÁedo Sláine
branch of the Uí Néill. Donnchad's son Óengus became King of Mide.
. His second wife was Órlaith íngen Cennétig
, sister of Brian Boru
of the Dál gCais
. Órlaith was killed in 941, apparently on Donnchad's order, perhaps due to a sexual relationship between her and her stepson Óengus. Donnchad's third wife, Dub Lemna ingen Tighearnáin
(died in 943), was the daughter of king of Bréifne. Charles Doherty notes that Donnchad's wives all came from rising families. The Ua Canannáin of Tír Connaill, the Dál gCais
of Thomond
, and the Ua Ruairc of Bréifne were among the leading families of the 11th and 12th centuries.
Donnchad's sons included Conn (died 944), Óengus his successor (died 945), Domnall Donn (died 952), the father of future King of Tara Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
. His daughters were Flann ingen Donnchadha (died 940), wife of Muirchertach mac Néill
, and Óebfhinn ingen Donnchadha (died 952).
His sister and only known full-sibling, Gormflaith ingen Flann Sinna
(c.870-948), was Queen
of Tara.
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Donnchad Donn Gormflaith Cerball Máel Ruanaid Óengus Áed Conchobar Donnell Lígach Muirgel
= Cainnech ingen Canannán (d. 929)
= Órlaith íngen Cennétig (ex. 941)
= Dub Lemna ingen Tighearnáin (d. 943)
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Donn (d. 944) Óengus (died 945) Domnall Donn (died 952) Flann (died 940) Óebfhinn (died 952).
| = Muirechertach mac Néill
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Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill Domnall ua Néill
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
. He belonged to Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin is the name of the dynasty descended from Colmán Mór , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill — they were the kings of Mide — they traced their descent to Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.Related dynasties descended through Conall...
, a branch of the southern Uí Néill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
.
Origins
Donnchad was the son of High King Flann SinnaFlann Sinna
Flann Sinna was the son of Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid of Clann Cholmáin, a branch of the southern Uí Néill. He was King of Mide from 877 onwards and is counted as a High King of Ireland...
by his wife Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing
Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing
Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing, Queen of Tara, fl. 870.Gormlaith was a daughter of Flann mac Conaing, King of Brega. Her known siblings included Cináed mac Conaing and Flann mac Conaing , both of whom were Kings of Brega....
. The date of his birth is not known, but he was apparently an adult in 904 when he is found as the leader, or figurehead, of a challenge to his father at Kells
Kells
Kells may refer to the following people:* Machine Gun Kelly , Cleveland Rapper/poet #LTFU #EST the movement.* R. Kelly, an American R&B musician...
. The Annals of Ulster
Annals of Ulster
The Annals of Ulster are annals of medieval Ireland. The entries span the years between AD 431 to AD 1540. The entries up to AD 1489 were compiled in the late 15th century by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa on the island of Belle Isle on Lough Erne in the...
state that many of Donnchad's associates were beheaded by Flann, and that the High King profaned the sanctuary at Kells to seize Donnchad.
Donnchad again rebelled against his father in 915, with the support of his brother Conchobar, but this rebellion was suppressed by his sister's Gormlaith's husband, and his father's heir, Niall Glúndub
Niall Glúndub
Niall Glúndub mac Áedo was a 10th century Irish king of the Cenél nEógain and High King of Ireland. While many Irish kin groups were members of the Uí Néill, tracing their descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages , the O'Neill dynasty took their name from Niall Glúndub rather than the earlier Niall...
. When Flann died in 916, Niall Glúndub succeeded him as King of Tara, while Conchobar became King of Mide, the kingship of Clann Cholmáin.
Niall and Conchobar were both killed on 14 September 919, in battle against the Foreigners—Vikings and Norse-Gaels
Norse-Gaels
The Norse–Gaels were a people who dominated much of the Irish Sea region, including the Isle of Man, and western Scotland for a part of the Middle Ages; they were of Gaelic and Scandinavian origin and as a whole exhibited a great deal of Gaelic and Norse cultural syncretism...
—at Dublin. Other Irish kings and princes among the dead were another of Donnchad's sister's husbands, Máel Mithig mac Flannácain, Niall Glúndub's brother's son and heir-designate Flaithbertach mac Domnaill, "and many other nobles".
Donnchad succeeded to the kingship of Mide, and to the high kingship of Ireland. He immediately had his brother Áed blinded. Two years later, Donnchad disposed of another brother, the annals saying: "Domnall grandson of Máel Sechnaill was deceitfully killed by his brother Donnchad, which was fitting." Some years later, Donnchad disposed of his nephew, Máel Ruanaid, Conchobar's son.
Reign
Donnchad's first venture was a campaign against armies of the Foreigners in modern County LouthCounty Louth
County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county...
, "in which a very large number [of the Foreigners] were slaughtered." The majority of the reports of battles with the Foreigners thereafter in Donnchad's reign concern "the Hector of the western world", the indefatigable Muirchertach mac Néill
Muirchertach mac Néill
Muirchertach mac Néill , called Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks , King of Ailech.-Family ramifications:Muirchertach belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill...
—Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks—the King of Ailech and likely to have been Donnchad's successor had he not died in battle against the Foreigners on 26 February 943. Donnchad's relations with Muirchertach, his daughter's husband, were not good, and conflict between them is recorded in 927, 929, and 938. Muirchertach's wife died in 940, and in 941 he raided Mide, Osraige, 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...
, taking the Munster king Cellachán Caisil
Cellachán Caisil
Cellachán mac Buadacháin , called Cellachán Caisil, was King of Munster.The son of Buadachán mac Lachtnai, he belonged to the Cashel branch of the Eóganachta kindred, the Eóganacht Chaisil. The last of his cognatic ancestors to have held the kingship of Munster was Colgú mac Faílbe Flaind Cellachán...
hostage as a demonstration of his power, and Donnchad's limited authority.
On Donnchad's death, he was succeeded as King of Tara by his sister's son, Congalach Cnogba
Congalach Cnogba
Conghalach Cnoghbha was High King of Ireland, according to the lists in the Annals of the Four Masters, from around 944 to 956...
, a member of the Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine is the name of the descendants of Áed Sláine , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill—they were the kings of Brega—they claimed descent from Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne....
branch of the Uí Néill. Donnchad's son Óengus became King of Mide.
Family
Donnchad was married three times. His first wife was Cainnech ingen Canannán (died 929), daughter of the King of the northern Uí Néill sept of the Cenél ConaillCenél Conaill
The Cenél Conaill is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Noígiallach defined by oral and recorded history. They were also known in Scotland as the Kindred of Saint Columba....
. His second wife was Órlaith íngen Cennétig
Órlaith íngen Cennétig
-Background:Órlaith appears to be the only recorded daughter of King Cennétig mac Lorcáin of Thomond . Her siblings included Mathgamain mac Cennétig and Brian Bóruma .-Adultery and execution:...
, sister of Brian Boru
Brian Boru
Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, , , was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. Building on the achievements of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and especially his elder brother, Mathgamain, Brian first made himself King of Munster, then subjugated...
of the Dál gCais
Dál gCais
The Dál gCais were a dynastic group of related septs located in north Munster who rose to political prominence in the 10th century AD in Ireland. They claimed descent from Cormac Cas, or Cas mac Conall Echlúath, hence the term "Dál", meaning "portion" or "share" of Cas...
. Órlaith was killed in 941, apparently on Donnchad's order, perhaps due to a sexual relationship between her and her stepson Óengus. Donnchad's third wife, Dub Lemna ingen Tighearnáin
Dub Lémna ingen Tighearnáin
-Background:Dub Lemna was a daughter of Tighearnáin mac Seallachan, King of Brefine . Her brother, Ruarc mac Tighearnáin , was the eponym and ancestor of the clan Ó Ruairc, Kings of Breifne.-Marriage and children:...
(died in 943), was the daughter of king of Bréifne. Charles Doherty notes that Donnchad's wives all came from rising families. The Ua Canannáin of Tír Connaill, the Dál gCais
Dál gCais
The Dál gCais were a dynastic group of related septs located in north Munster who rose to political prominence in the 10th century AD in Ireland. They claimed descent from Cormac Cas, or Cas mac Conall Echlúath, hence the term "Dál", meaning "portion" or "share" of Cas...
of 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...
, and the Ua Ruairc of Bréifne were among the leading families of the 11th and 12th centuries.
Donnchad's sons included Conn (died 944), Óengus his successor (died 945), Domnall Donn (died 952), the father of future King of Tara Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill , also called Máel Sechnaill Mór, Máel Sechnaill II, anglicized Malachy II, was King of Mide and High King of Ireland...
. His daughters were Flann ingen Donnchadha (died 940), wife of Muirchertach mac Néill
Muirchertach mac Néill
Muirchertach mac Néill , called Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks , King of Ailech.-Family ramifications:Muirchertach belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill...
, and Óebfhinn ingen Donnchadha (died 952).
His sister and only known full-sibling, Gormflaith ingen Flann Sinna
Gormflaith ingen Flann Sinna
Gormflaith ingen Flann Sinna, Queen of Tara, c. 870-948.-Family background:Gormflaith was the daughter of Flann Sinna, High King of Ireland from 879 to 916. Her mother was Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing of Brega...
(c.870-948), was Queen
Queen regnant
A queen regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right, in contrast to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reigning king. An empress regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right over an empire....
of Tara.
Family tree
Gormlaith ingen Flann mac Conaing = Flann Sinna = other wives.| |
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Donnchad Donn Gormflaith Cerball Máel Ruanaid Óengus Áed Conchobar Donnell Lígach Muirgel
= Cainnech ingen Canannán (d. 929)
= Órlaith íngen Cennétig (ex. 941)
= Dub Lemna ingen Tighearnáin (d. 943)
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Donn (d. 944) Óengus (died 945) Domnall Donn (died 952) Flann (died 940) Óebfhinn (died 952).
| = Muirechertach mac Néill
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Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill Domnall ua Néill