👑The sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages

The sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages included Eoghan and Conall Gulban, the progenitors of the Cenél Eóghain and Cenél Conaill dynasties of northwest Ulster. Referred to in Irish history as chief dynasties of the northern Uí Neill, the Cenél Eóghain and Cenél Conaill shared a common heritage as early sovereigns (cerimonial High Kings) of Ireland along with their cousins in the middle kingdoms of Midhe and Brega, i.e. the southern Uí Neill. There are many notable northern Uí Neill clans which included the various families of O'Neill, O'Donnell, MacLoughlin, O'Donnelly, O'Doherty, O'Cannon, O'Muldory, O'Kane, O'Gallaghers, O'Gormley, O’Flaherty or O’Laverty, O'Hamill, O'Lunney, O'Carolan of Clan Diarmada, among many others. The sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages, Eoghan, Conall [Gulban], and Enda, travelled north from the kingdom of Connacht into the western and northern regions of the kingdom of Ulster (county Donegal). It was here in the 5th century that the Cenél Eóghain and Cenél Conaill began to establish themselves as overlords in northwestern Ulster. The Cenél Eóghain established their power base at Inishowen and their capital at Aileach. The Cenél Conaill centered themselves around the rich area of Magh Ithe, in the valley of the river Finn. The two clans alternated as kings of the North up to the 8th century. The Northern Ui Neill also alternated with their southern cousins as so-called 'sovereigns of Ireland' into the 10th century. In the 8th century a series of victories were gained by the Cenél Eóghain over the Cenél Conaill in Magh Ithe (east Co. Donegal), splitting their power between the territories of Fanad, in the north, and Tir nAeda, in the south. By the beginning of the 9th century the Cenél Eóghain were the dominant Northern dynasty, as they spread their influence east into modern county Derry, pushing aside the Cruithin east of the river Bann, gaining control over the Ciannachta of mid-Derry, and steadily encroaching on the Airgiallan tribes of Ui Macc Uais. The dominance of the Cenél Eóghain continued as they drove further south, subjugating other Airghiallan tribes, and by the 11th century the Cenél Eóghain had moved their power base from Aileach to that near Tullahogue in modern day county Tyrone (named from Tir Eóghain, or Tir Owen). By the 12th century much of the area of Magh Ithe, and later that of Inishowen, was taken by the O'Donnells and O'Dohertys of Cenél Conaill. By the mid 13th century, a leading family of the Cenél Eóghain, the Mac Lochlainn (McLoughlin), began to lose prominence to their kinsmen, the Ó Neill. There are many notable northern Uí Neill clans which included O'Neill, O'Donnell, Cenél Fearadhaigh, MacLoughlin, O'Donnelly, O'Doherty, O'Cannon, O'Muldory, O'Kane, O'Gallagher, O'Gormley, O’Flaherty or O’Laverty, O'Hamill, O'Lunney, O'Carolan of Clan Diarmada, O'Quin, O'Hagan of Tullahogue, O'Devlin of Munterdevlin, among many others.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------Cenél Eóghain Eoghan was the son of Niall who established his kingdom in Innishowen, centered at Aileach. Eoghan's sons included Muiredach, Binech, Fergus, Óengus, Dallán, Cormac, Feideilmid, Ailill, Echen, Illann, and Eochaid. Some of the clans of the Cenél Eóghain included those of Clan Neill, Clan Domnaill, Clan Birn, Cenél Fergusa, Cairrge Brachaidhe, Cenél Binnigh, Cenél Moen, Cenél Fearadhaigh, Cenel Tigernaich, Clan Conchobhair, Clan Diarmatta. The annals cite for the northern Uí Neill: For 465, Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages (from whom are descended the Cinel Eoghain), died of grief for Conall Gulban, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, and was buried at Uisce Chain, in Inis Eoghain. For 527, After Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, son of Eoghan, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, had been twenty-four years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was burned in the house of Cleiteach, over the Boyne, on the night of Samhain the first of November, after being drowned in wine. For 557, The battle of Moin Doire Lothair was gained over the Cruithnigh, by the Uí Neill of the North, i. e. by the Cinel Conaill and Cinel Eoghain, wherein fell seven chieftains of the Cruithnigh, together with Aedh Breac; and it was on this occasion that the Lee and Carn Eolairg were forfeited to the Clanna Neill of the North. For 561, After Domhnall and Fearghus, the two sons of Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, son of Eoghan, son of Niall, had been three years in the sovereignty of Ireland, they both died. For 562, Eochaidh, son of Domhnall, son of Muircheartach, and of Baedan, son of Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, had been two years in the sovereignty of Ireland, they were slain by Cronan, chief of Cianachta Glinne Gemhin. For 601, The first year of Aedh Uairidhnach, son of Domhnall Ilchealgach, son of Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach, son of Eoghan, in the sovereignty of Ireland. 615 The O Brolchain Family Notes from Reeves "Life of St. Columba," by Adamnan XLVII - Flaithbertach Coarb 1150-1175. [Introduction, p. clxxx] Surnamed Ua Brolchain. 615, and belonged to the Cinel Feradhaich, a clan so called from Feradhach, grandfather of that Suibhne Meann, and fourth in descent from Eoghan, the founder of the Cinel-Eoghain race. The Cinel Feradhiach are now territorially represented by the barony of Clogher, in the south of the county of Tryone. The first of the O'Brolchan family who is mentioned in the Annals was Maelbrighde Ua Brolchan, styled prim saer Erren ["chief mason of Ireland"- Od Vers],, whose obit is entered in the ann. Ult. at 1029. From him probably the masonic art of the family was derived, which was cultivated by Flaherty, and practiced by Donnell, with such success. The next was Maeliosa, the lector whose obit is entered above at 1086. He spent a part of his early life at Both-chonais in Inishowen, in the neighbourhood of which some of his writings were preserved in Colgan's time; and afterwards he founded a church seemingly at Lismore, called the derteac Maeiliosa, "Oratory of Maeliosa," which was burned in 1116. He died on the 16th of January, justly celebrated for his learning (Colgan, Acta SS. p. 108). His son, Aedh, succeeded him in the calling of professor, and died in 1095. Two years afterwards a son of Maelbrighde, surnamed Mac-an-tsaeir, who was bishop of Kildare, died. Maelcolaim Ua Brolchain, bishop of Armagh, died in 1122; and Maelbrighde Ua Brolchain, also bishop of Armagh, died, Jan. 29, 1139. The latter was probably father of the coarb Flaithbertach, whom the Annals of Ulster, aqt 1164, called Flaithbertach mac in epsuic hUi Brolcain, "Flaithbertach, son of the bishp Ua Brolchan," a lineage by no means in accordance with the delicacy of the Four Masters, and which, when copying the entry, they divest of its objectional character, in simply calling him Flaithbertach Ua Brolchain. Domhnall Ua Brolchain was prior of Derry and died Apr. 27, 1202. His name is inscribed on one of the capitals in the cathedral of Hy, in the form Donaldus Obrolcan (vid. 1202, App. III). Finn Ua Brolchan was steward of O'Donnell in 1213; and Flann Ua Brolchain was coarb of Columcille in 1219. In 1548 died Sir John Obrolchan, rector of Kildalton, in Islay (Orig. Paroch. vol. ii. p 269) The name was afterwards writtten O'Brollaghan, and is now corrupted, in Ulster, to Bradley. Through the influence of Gilla-mac-Liag of Gelasius, the abbot of Armagh, who had himself been previously abbbot of Derry (an. 1137) , Flaithbertach Ua Brolchain was raised to the dignity of bishop in 1158, as is thus recorded by the Four Masters: "A Synod of the clergy of Ireland was convened at Bri-mic-Taidhg, in Meath, where there were present 25 bishops, with the Legate of the coarb of Peter, to ordain rules and good morals. It was on this occasion that the clergy of Ireland, with the coarb of Patrick, ordered a chair, like every other bishops, for the coarb of Columcille, Flaithbertach Ua Brolchain, and the arch-abbacy of the churches of Ireland in general." He was a zealous advancer of the welfare of Derry, and during his incumbency many important additions were made to its ecclesiastical buildings; to precure funds for which, the abbot had, during the years 1150, 1151, 1153, 1161, visited, and obtained contributions from various territories in Ulster and Ossory. After a long life spent in the enregetic discharge of his duties, he died in 1175, at which year his obit is thus recorded by the Four Masters: "Flaithbertach Ua Brolchain, coarb of Columcille, a tower of wisdom and hospitality, a man on whom, on account of his goodness and wisdom, the clergy of Ireland had bestowed a bishop's chair, and to whom the abbacy of Hy (comhorbus Uae) had been offered (an. 1164), died in righteousness, after exemplary sickness, in the Duibhregles of Columcille; and Gilla-mac- Liag Ua Branain was appointed to his place in the abbacy." For 634, The battle of Saeltire was gained by Conall Cael, son of Maelcobha, over the Cinel Eoghain. For 650, The battle of Fleascach, by Crunnmael, son of Suibhne, chief of Cinel Eoghain, in which was slain Cumascach, son of Oilioll, chief of Uí Cremhthainn. For 679, Dunghal, son of Scannal, chief of the Cruithni, and Ceannfaeladh, son of Suibhne, chief of Cianachta Glinne Geimhin, were burned by Maelduin, son of Maelfithrigh, at Dun Ceithirn. For 698, Flann, son of Ceannfaeladh, son of Suibhne, chief of Cinel Eoghain, was slain. For 698, Aurthuile Ua Crunnmaeil, chief of Cinel Eoghain was driven from his chieftainry into Britain. For 698, Flann Finn, son of Maeltuile Ua Crunnmaeil, chief of Cinel Eoghain, died. For 705, The battle of Leathairbhe was gained by Congal, son of Fearghus Fanad (sovereign of Ireland), over the Cinel Eoghain, where Maelduin, son of Maelfithrigh, Lord of the Cinel Eoghain, was slain. For 718, After Fearghal, son of Maelduin, son of Maelfithrigh, had been ten years in sovereignty over Ireland, he was slain in the battle of Almhain. Also fell Forbasach, chief of Cinel Boghaine; Conall Menn, chief of Cinel Cairbre. For 721, The battle of Druim Fornocht was fought by Flaithbheartach, son of Loingseach, and the Cinel Conaill, against Aedh Allan, son of Fearghal, and the Cinel Eoghain. Aedh Allan was defeated. These chieftains were slain on the side of Aedh, namely Flann, son of Erthaile, and Snedgus Dearg Ua Brachaidhe. For 727, A battle was fought between Aedh, son of Fearghal, and the Cinel Conaill, at Magh Itha, where Conaing, son of Congal, son of Fearghus, and many others of the Cinel Eoghain, were slain. For 728, A battle was fought in Magh Itha, between the sons of Loingseach, son of Aenghus, and the sons of Fearghal, son of Maelduin, where numbers of the Cinel Eoghain were slain, and Conchadh, son of Cuanach, chief of Cobha, was also slain. For 730, The first year of Aedh Allan, son of Fearghal, son of Maelduin, over Ireland. For 732, The battle of Fochart, in Magh Muirtheimhne was fought by Aedh Allan and the Clanna Neill of the North, against the Ulidians, where Aedh Roin, King of Ulidia, was slain. For 733, Aedh Allan, King of Ireland, assembled the forces of Leath Chuinn, to proceed into Leinster; and he arrived at Ath Seanaith. The Leinstermen collected the greatest number they were able, to defend his right against him. A fierce battle was fought between them. The king, Aedh Allan himself; went into the battle, and the chieftains of the North along with him. The chieftains of Leinster came with their kings into the battle; and bloodily and heroically was the battle fought between them both. Heroes were slaughtered, and bodies were mutilated. Aedh Allan, and Aedh, son of Colgan, King of Leinster, met each other in single combat; and Aedh, son of Colgan, was slain by Aedh Allan. The Leinstermen were killed, slaughtered, cut off, and dreadfully exterminated, in this battle, so that there escaped of them but a small remnant, and a few fugitives. For 738, Aedh Allan, son of Maelduin, fell in the battle of Magh Seirigh (i.e. Ceanannus), between the two Teabhthas, by Domhnall, son of Murchadh, after having been nine years in the sovereignty of Ireland. There were also slain in the same battle Cumascach, son of Conchubhar, Lord of the Airtheara (the Oriors); Maenach, son of Connalach, Lord of Uí Creamhthainn; and Muireadhach, son of Fearghus Forcraidh, Lord of Uí Tuirtre. For 751, The army of Leinster was led by Domhnall, son of Murchadh, of Clan Cholmain, against Niall i.e. the Uí Neill, until they arrived in Magh Muirtheimhne. For 754, The battle of Eamhain Macha was gained by Fiachna, son of Aedh Roin (king of Uladh), over the Uí Neill, wherein were slain Dunghal Ua Conaing and Donnbo. For 765, Niall Frosach, son of Fearghal, was seven years king over Ireland when he resigned; and he died at I Coluim Cille, on his pilgrimage eight years afterwards. For 766, There arose a dissention between Ceallach, son of Donnchadh, King of Leinster, and the monarch Donnchadh, son of Domhnall. Donnchadh made a full muster of the Uí Neill and marched into Leinster. The Leinstermen moved before the monarch and his forces until they arrived at Sciath Neachtain. Donnchadh, with his forces, remained at Aillinn; his people continued to fire, burn, plunder, and devastate the province for the space of a week, when the Leinstermen at length submitted to his will. For 774, A hosting was made by Donnchadh, son of Domhnall (southern Uí Neill sovereign of Ireland), into the North, so that he brought hostages from Domhnall, son of Aedh Muindearg, lord of the North. For 782, A battle (i.e. the battle of Ircoir) between the Cinel Conaill and Cinel Eoghain, in which Domhnall, son of Aedh Muindearg, was routed. For 783, Maelduin, son of Aedh Allan, King of the North, died. For 784, The battle of Claideach, between the Cinel Eoghain and Cinel Conaill, in which Domhnall was routed. For 793, The first year of Aedh Oirdnidhe, son of Niall Frosach, in sovereignty over Ireland. For 797, Aedh Oirdnidhe went to Meath, and divided Meath between the two sons of Donnchadh, namely, Conchubhar and Ailill. For 799, Aedh Oirdnidhe assembled a very great army to proceed into Leinster and devastated Leinster twice in one month. Aedh Oirdnidhe afterwards went to the King of Leinster, and obtained his full demand from the Leinstermen; and Finsneachta, King of Leinster, gave him hostages and pledges. For 800, Aedh Oirdnidhe went to Dun Cuair, and divided Leinster between the two Muireadhachs, namely, Muireadhach, son of Ruadhrach, and Muireadhach, son of Bran. For 815, Aedh Oirdnidhe went a second time with a very great army to Dun Cuar, and divided Leinster between the two grandsons of Bran. For 817, A battle between the Cinel Conaill and Cinel Eoghain, in which Maelbreasail, son of Murchadh, lord of Cinel Conaill, was slain by Murchadh, son of Maelduin. Niall Caille mustered his forces, namely, the races of Conall and Eoghan; and Cumusgach, lord of Airghialla, and Muireadhach, son of Eochadh, lord of Uí Eathach Uladh, mustered the Airghialla and the Ulidians; and a spirited battle was fought between them, i. e. the battle of Leithi Cam, in Magh Enir. Victory was gained over the troops of Aileach, by the Airghialla, on the two first days; but on the third day, when Niall himself came into the battle at Leithi Luin, in the vicinity of Leithi Cam, the Airghialla were defeated, cut down, and pursued to Craebh Caille, over the Callainn, to the west of Ard Macha; and the battle was gained over the Ulidians and Airghialla, and a slaughter made of them. For 821, The deposing of Murchadh, son of Maelduin, by Niall Caille, son of Aedh Oirdnidhe, and by the Cinel Eoghain. For 825, The violation of Eoghan Mainistreach, as to the primacy of Ard Macha; for Cumasgach, son of Cathal, lord of Airghialla, forcibly drove him from it, and set up Airtri, son of Conchobhar (half-brother of Cumasgach by the mother), in his place. For 847, Flannagan, son of Eochaidh, lord of North Dal Araidhe, was slain by the Cinel Eoghain. For 864, A complete muster of the North was made by Aedh Finnliath, so that he plundered the fortresses of the foreigners, wherever they were in the North, both in Cinel Eoghain and Dal Araidhe. For 879, A hosting was made by the king, Flann, son of Maelseachlainn, with the Irish and foreigners, into the North; and they halted at Magh Eitir Di Glais, so that Ard Macha was plundered by some of the troops; and he took the hostages of the Cinel Conaill and Cinel Eoghain on that expedition. For 896, Maelbreasail, son of Maeldoraidh, lord of Cinel Conaill, was slain in the battle of Sailtin, by Murchadh, son of Maelduin, lord of Cinel Eoghain. 1029 A.D. Annals of Ulster Mael Brigde H. Brolchan prim-shaer Erenn, mortui sunt. Maelbrigte Ua Brolchain, chief artificer of Ireland, died. 1086 Maelisa Ua Brolchain, learned senior of Ireland, a paragon of wisdom and piety, as well as in poetry and both languages. His wisdom and learning were so great, that he himself wrote books replete with genius and intellect. He resigned his spirit to heaven on the seventh of the Calends of February, as is stated in this quatrain: 1.1] On the seventeenth of the Calends of February 2] The night of fair Fursa's festival, 3] Died Maelisa Ua Brolchain, 4] But, however, not of a heavy severe fit. 1095 There was a great pestilence over all Europe in general in this year, and some say that the fourth part of the men of Ireland died of the malady. The following were some of the distinguished persons, ecclesiastical and lay, who died of it: Donnghus, Bishop of Ath-cliath; Ua Manchain, i.e. thc Brehon judge, successor of Caeimhghin; Mac Maras Ua Caemhain, successor of Oenna, of the tribe of Dealbhna-Beag; Cairbre, i.e. the Bishop Ua Ceithearnaigh, successor of Maedhog; Ua Rinnanaigh, lector of Leithghlinn; Eochaidh Ua Coisi, Vice-abbot of Achadh-bo; Scannlan Ua Cnaimhsighe, anmchara of Lismore; Buadhach Ua Cearruidhir, priest of Cill-Dalua; Dubhshlatach Ua Muireadhaigh; Aedh, son of Maelisa Ua Brolchain, a chief lector; and Augustin Ua Cuinn, chief Brehon judge of Leinster. 1097 A.D. Annals of Ulster Maol Brighde mac An t-Saoir U� Brolch�in saoi & epscop Chille Dara, & ch�iccidh Laighen, d��cc. Mael-Brighte, son of the wright Ua Brolcain, eminent bishop of Cell-dara and of the Fifth of Leinster, rested after most excellent penance. 1097 Flannagan Ruadh Ua Dubhthaigh, successor of Comman, and lector of Tuaim-da-ghualann; Maelan Ua Cuinn, airchinneach of Eaglais-Beag at Cluain-mic-Nois; Maelbrighde Mac-an-tsaeir Ua Brolchain, a learned doctor, and Bishop of Cill-dara and of Leinster, died. For 1003, Aodh, mac Domhnaill uí Néill, tighearna Oiligh. For 1148, Domhnall Ua Gairmledhaigh, tigherna Chenel Eoghain. For 1164, Muirchertach, mac Néill, rí Ailigh & maithe Cenel Eoghain. Surnames of Scotland Black O'Brolachain Flaitbheartach Ua Brolchain was offered the abbacy of Colum-cille in Iowa in 1164 (AFM, s.a.) but declined it. Domhnall Ua Brolchain, prior of Derry, perhaps a relative of Flaithbheartach, became abbot of Iona and was builder of the Bell Tower there, or at least of the lower part of it. He died in 1203 (AU.). The mutilated inscription in Lombardic letters on the southeast pier of the cathedral reads: "Donaldus O'Brolchan fecit hoc opus." Abbot Donald came of a famous family of masons of whom the earliest recorded is Maelbrighde Ua Brolchan, styled prim saer Erann, i.e. 'chief mason of Ireland.' (Adamnan, VC, p. 405). He died in 1029 (A.U. s.a.) The rectory of S. John the Evangelist at Kildaltane, Islay, was vacant in 1549 by the decease of Sir John Obrolchan (OPS, II, p. 269). Archibald McBrolachin was one of the tenants in Iona, 1677, and Lauchlan duy McBrolachan appears as merchant in Campbeltown, 1778 (Argyll). The name has been Englished Bradley and Brodie (Brody), although these names have no connection with it either in root or meaning. 1122 Maelcoluim Ua Brolchain, Bishop of Ard-Macha, died at the Disert of Doire, after the victory of forbearance and penance. 1139 Maelbrighde Ua Brolchain, Bishop of Ard-Macha, head of the piety of the north of Ireland, a paragon of wisdom, meekness, and mildness, after good penance, on the 29th of January. 1150 The visitation of Cinel-Eoghain was made by the successor of Colum-Cille, Flaithbheartach Ua Brolchain; and he obtained a horse from every chieftain, a cow from every two biatachs, a cow from every three freeholders, and a cow from every four villains, and twenty cows from the king himself; a gold ring of five ounces, his horse, and his battle-dress, from Muircheartach, son of Niall Ua Lochlainn, King of Ireland. 1155 Annals of Ulster The door of the church of Daire was made by the successor of Colum-cille, namely, by Flaitbertach Ua Brolchain. 1158 A synod of the clergy of Ireland was convened at Bri-mic-Taidhg, in Laeghaire, where there were present twenty-five bishops, with the legate of the successor of Peter, to ordain rules and good morals. It was on this occasion the clergy of Ireland, with the successor of Patrick, ordered a chair, like every other bishop, for the successor of Colum-Cille, Flaithbheartach Ua Brolchain, and the arch-abbacy of the churches of Ireland in general. The bishops of Connaught who were going to this synod were plundered and beaten, and two of their people killed, at Cuirr-Cluana, after they had left Cluain, by the soldiers of Diarmaid Ua Maeleachlainn, King of Meath, and they returned to their houses. 1161 Another army was led by Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn into Meath, to attend a meeting of the men of Ireland, both laity and (Laity- I think means Royalty) clergy, at Ath-na-Dairbhrighe; and he obtained all their hostages. It was on this occasion the churches of Colum-Cille in Meath and Leinster were freed by the successor of Colum-Cille, Flaithbheartach Ua Brolchain; and their tributes and jurisdiction were given him, for they had been previously enslaved. 1162 A separation of the houses from the church of Doire was caused by the successor of Colum-Cille, Flaithbheartach Ua Brolchain, and by Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn, King of Ireland; and they removed eighty houses, or more, from the place where they were; and Caiseal-an-urlair was erected by the successor of Colum-Cille, who pronounced a curse against any one that should come over it. 1163 A lime-kiln, measuring seventy feet every way, was made by the successor of Colum-Cille, Flaithbheartach Ua Brolchain, and the clergy of Colum-Cille, in the space of twenty days.