The Cenél nEógain or Kinel-Owen ("Kindred of Owen") are a branch of the Northern Uí Néill, who claim descent from Eógan mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Originally their power-base was in Inishowen, with their capital at Ailech, in modern-day County Donegal in what is now the west of Ulster. Under pressure from the Cenél Conaill, they gradually spread their influence eastwards into modern counties Tyrone and Londonderry, pushing aside the Cruithin east of the River Bann, and encroaching on the Airgiallan tribes west of Lough Neagh. By the 11th century their power-base had moved from Ailech to Tullyhogue outside Cookstown, County Tyrone. By the 12th century the Cenél Conaill conquered Inishowen; however, it mattered little to the Cenél nEóghain as they had established a powerful over-kingdom in the east that had become known as Tír Eoghain, or the "Land of Owen", preserved in the modern-day name of County Tyrone.
At their greatest they held land spanning much of County Tyrone, as well as parts of counties Donegal, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan, and Armagh.
Below is a list of their principle clans and septs.
Sept of Irish origin
Sept of Scottish origin
Clann Néill (also Clan Neill)
The name O'Neill may come from Niall Glúndub, however the Clann Néill (more commonly known as Clan Neill) takes its name from his grandfather Néill Caille. The O'Neills and MacLaughlins who descend from this branch, were the two principal and most powerful septs of the Cenél nEógain, however the MacLaughlins defeat at the hands of the O'Neills in 1241 led to the O'Neills dominance over the Cenél nEógain.
Meaning: Descendant of Niall Glúndub Progenitor: Ruadh Ó Néill
Territory: Tyrone Extra: This branch of the O'Neills is named after Niall Ruadh (Red Niall), Prince of Tyrone, brother of Aodh Dubh (Black Hugh), King of Ulster
Territory: Fanad, Banagh and the Territories in Tirconnell Extra: Descended from Suibhne O'Neill, a Scottish chieftain from Argyll. A mixture of Dalriadic Gaels and Norsemen they came to Ulster as gallowglasses. Some Mawhinney's are thought to be Anglicisations of Mac Shuibhne, a variant of Mac Suibhne
Territory: North-east Tyrone, later Donegal and Louth Extra: Hereditary title of Chief of Moy Ith or Mag Itha (eastern Donegal, southern Londonderry, northern Tyrone)The small sept of O'hAmhsaigh (Hampson) from North eastern (Londonderry, Magilligan) allied themselves to the Mac Shane's.
Territory: Muintir Dhoiblin (Munterdevlin), on the west shore of Lough Neagh Extra: The chief of Munterdevlin was hereditary sword-bearer to the O'Neill, and the Devlin's part of his cavalry
Territory: Counties Antrim and Londonderry Extra: Originate from the Scottish Clan MacNeil, who claim to descend from a Niall, 21st in descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages, founder of the Uí Néill dynasty. They came to Ireland as gallowglasses, and later as pirates.
Territory: Aeilabhra in barony of Iveagh, county Down Extra: A branch settled and became erenaghs of Kilrean and Kilcar, in the baronies of Boylagh and Banagh, county Donegal
Meaning: Lawman, lawyer Progenitor: Ladhman mac Giolla Colum
Territory: County Tyrone Extra: Derived from the Old Norse name Lōgmaðr, meaning 'lawman' or 'lawyer', Gaelicised as Ladhmann. Some were also called MacErchar after Ladhman's grandfather Fearchar. The Mac Laomuinn ancestry allegedly traces them to Flaithbertach Ua Néill. The Lamonts adopted several "colour" names after they had been "broken" and forbidden to use their own name, these include Brown and Black.
Territory: Extra: Many are originally Ó Ceothain or Ó hEoghain (O'Keown's) rather than Mac Eoghain
Clann Aodha Bhuidhe
The Clann Aodha Bhuidhe, or Clandeboye O'Neill, is a branch of Clann Néill, descended from Aodh Meth (Hugh the Fat), King of Ulster from 1196 to 1230; Aodh Medh's brother was Niall Ruadh (Red Niall), King of Ulster for a month after his death, and Prince of Tyrone. The eponym of the clan was Aodh Buidhe (Yellow Hugh) O'Neill (1260–83), grandson of Aodh Meth, and last King to be called King of Ailech; Aodh Buidhe was most notable for his close co-operation with the Earldom of Ulster. The Clandeboye O'Neills would later take control over most of eastern Ulster with the collapse of the Earldom of Ulster due to the invasion of Edward Bruce, whom they had opposed. Henry O'Neill of this line was King of Ulster from 1325 to 1344; Art O'Neill from 1509 to 1514.[1]
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Néill (O'Neill, Neill)
Meaning: Descendant of Niall Glúndub Progenitor: Aodh Buidhe Ó Néill
Territory: Extra: This branch of the O'Neills is more commonly known as the Clandeboy O'Neill's, with Clandeboy being the Anglicisation of Clann Aodha Bhuidhe. It takes its name from Aodh Buidhe (Yellow Hugh), grandson of Aodh Dubh (Black Hugh), King of Ulster, brother of Niall Ruadh (Red Niall), Prince of Tyrone, who claimed vast tracts of land from the Normans
Mac Conuladh
(MacNaul, MacNally)
Meaning: Hound of Ulster
Progenitor: Cú UladhÓ Néill
Territory: Antrim
Extra: Descended from Cú Uladh, son of Brian Ballagh Ó Néill, King of Clandeboye who was killed in battle at Carrickfergus in 1425.
Ó Gnímh (Agnew, O'Gnyw, O'Gnew, O'Gnive)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: Extra:Poets to the O'Neills of Clandeboye. This sept is thought to have come from Scotland at the same time as the MacDonald galloglasses but not as a galloglass family itself. It is presumed it was among the original Irish septs to colonise Scotland in the 5th century
Clann Domnaill
The Clann Domnaill (Clan Donnell) originated in County Donegal however moved eastwards into what is now County Tyrone. The clan is reputedly descend from Domnaill mac Áed, son of Áed Findliath and Gormlaith Rapach, daughter of Muiredach mac Echdach, King of Ulster.[citation needed]
Sept (Common Forms)
Ua Donnghaile
Ó Donnghaile O'Donnelly Donnelly
Meaning: Brown(-haired) warrior Progenitor: Donnghaile Ó Néill
Territory: Fear Droma Lighen, (Drumleen), Donegal then to Baile-Ua-nDonnghail (Ballydonnelly), Tyrone
Extra: Hereditary chief was marshall of the O'Neill's forces
Ó Flaithbheartaigh O'Flaherty
Laverty Lafferty
Meaning: Bright prince Progenitor: Flaithbheartach mac Murchadh
Territory: Aileach, Donegal and later Ardstraw, Tyrone Extra: Formerly Lords of Ailech and later rotated the Kingship of Tyrone with the O'Neills and MacLaughlins
Clann Birnn
The Clann Birnn (kindred of Birn) is descended from Bern mac Ruadrí mac Murchad mac Máel Dúin mac Áeda Alláin. This clan resided in Muintir Birn (in barony of Dungannon) and Tellach Ainbhith (in barony of Strabane) both in modern-day County Tyrone.
Sept (Common Forms)
Mac Ruaidhrí (MacCrory, MacRory, Rodgers, Rogers)
Meaning: Red king Progenitor:
Territory: Teallach Ainbhith and Muintir-Birn, and Ballynascreen in Londonderry Extra:
Mac Murchadha (MacMurphy, Murphy, Morrow)
Meaning: Sea warrior Progenitor:
Territory: Muintir-Birn Extra: Chiefs of Siol Aodha. They were driven out by the O'Neills and settled in the highlands of south Armagh under O'Neill of the Fews
Ó Firghil (Friel, Freel)
Meaning: Man of valour Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal, and lesser extent in Tyrone and Londonderry Extra: Hereditary holders of the office of abbot, of Kilmacrenan, Donegal
Cenél Feargusa
The Cenél Feargusa (kindred of Fergus) are descended from Fergus, the son of Owen, who was the son Niall of the Nine Hostages. It is sometimes also known as the Cenél Coelbad as the descended septs are through his son Coelbad. The clan originally resided in Inishowen, County Donegal before battling their way towards Tullyhogue, County Tyrone where they became masters of Tyrone and the vanguard of the O'Neills. They advanced into Tyrone after the Cenél mBinnigh had already led the way.
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó hÁgáin (O'Hagan, Hagan, Haggens, Higgins)
Meaning: Young Progenitor: Ogain mac Coelbad
Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tullyhogue in Tyrone Extra: Originally spelt Ó hÓgáin. Held the hereditary right of inaugurating the O'Neill as King of Ulster, as well as hereditary "brehons" of the O'Neills
Ó Coinne (O'Quinn, Quinn, Quin, Conney, Quinney)
Meaning: Counsel Progenitor: Coínne mac Coelbad
Territory: Originally Inishowen, then Tyrone Extra: Acted as quartermasters to the O'Neills
Ó Maelfabhail (MacFall, MacPaul, Fall, Paul, Mulfoyle, Lavelle)
Meaning: Devotee of (St) Fabhail Progenitor: Mael Fabaill mac Coelbad
Territory: Carrickbraghy in north-west Inishowen, and later Londonderry and Tyrone Extra: Last of the Cenél nEóghain clans in its ancestral homeland of Inishowen, conquered by the O'Dohertys of the Cenél Conaill
Ó Mealláin (O'Mallon, O'Mellan, Mallon, Mellan, Mellon)
Meaning: Pleasant Progenitor: Aedh mac Fergus
Territory: Meallanacht (O'Mellan's Country), Slieve Gallion Extra: Joint keepers of St. Patricks bell, the Bell of Testament
Ó Bruadair (O'Broder, Broder)
Meaning: Dream Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Ó Cearnaigh (Kearney, Carney)
Meaning: Victorious Progenitor:
Territory: Erenaghs of Killaghtee in Boylagh and Banagh in Donegal Extra:
Ó Robhartaigh (O'Roarty, Roarty, Rafferty)
Meaning: Flood-tide Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra: An ecclesiastical sept who were co-arbs to St Columcille on Tory Island
Ó Doirighe (Ó Daire) (O'Derry, Derry)
Meaning: Oak wood Progenitor:
Territory: Raphoe, Donegal Extra: Erenaghs of Raphoe
Cenél mBinnigh
The Cenél mBinnigh (kindred of Binny), are descended from Eochu Binneach (Ochy Binny), son of Eógan. The Cenél mBinnigh where the first clan of the Cenél nEóghain to advance from Inishowen, bypassing the fierce resistance of the Ciannachta (northern County Londonderry) and into western Airgialla (modern-day County Tyrone), and in doing so ousted several Airgiallan clans (Ui Tuirtri and FIr Li) to east of the River Bann.
From the Cenél mBinnigh came the following branches:
Cenél mBinnig Glinne in the valley of Glenconkeine, barony of Loughinsholin, County Londonderry
Cenél mBindigh Locha Droichid east of Magh Ith in County Tyrone
Cenél mBindigh Tuaithe Rois eas of the river Foyle in County Londonderry and north of the barony of Loughinsholin
Territory: South Tyrone and Armagh[3][4] Hereditary Chief or Clan chief; Ua hAghmaill (O'Hamill), Teallach Duibhbrailbe Extra: Giolla Criost Ó hAdhmaill, taoiseach of Clann Adhmaill[5] who fought with the last King of Ulaid, Ruaidhrí Mac Duinnshléibhe against John de Courcy in 1177. In the 12th century Ruarcan O'Hamill, was the chief Poet to the powerful O'Hanlon[6][7]
Cenél Moen
The Cenél Moen are descended from Moen, son of Murdoch, son of Eógan. In the 14th century, this clan was forced across the River Foyle by the O'Donnells to northeast and east Strabane.
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Goirmleadhaigh (O'Gormley, Gormley, Gorman, Grimley, Graham)
Meaning: Noble and valourous one Progenitor:
Territory: Rahpoe, Donegal and later east Strabane Extra: Hereditary chiefs of the Cenél Máién
Ó Peatáin (O'Patton, Patton, Peyton)
Meaning: Diminutive of Patrick Progenitor:
Territory: Ballybofey, Donegal Extra:
Ó Lúinigh/O Lainidh (O'Lunney, O'Looney, O'Loney,)
Meaning: Armed with spear Progenitor:
Territory: Raphoe, Donegal, then Strabane, Tyrone, and later Inishmore Island, Fermanagh Extra: Hereditary physicians and historians. A branch of O'Lunney's would later build their headquarters at Ard Uí Luinín on Inishmore Island, Fermanagh
Extra: Hereditary chief was high steward to the O'Neill, later became chiefs of Cenél Moen to the exclusion of O'Gormley.[8]
Mac Duinechaidh (Donnchaidh) (MacDonaghy, Donaghy)
Meaning: Brown warrior Progenitor:
Territory: Tyrone and Londonderry Extra:
Ó Croidheáin (Crean, Cregan, Creggan, O'Crean, O'Cregan)
Meaning: Heart (used as term of endearment) Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Ó Tighearnaigh (O'Tierney, Tierney)
Meaning: Master or lord Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Ó Ceallaigh (O'Kelly, Kelly)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Ó Cearnacháin (Kernaghan, Kernohan, Cernaghan)
Meaning: Victorious Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Mac Gairbhith (MacGarvey)
Meaning: Rough Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Mac Giolla Uidhir (McAleer)
Meaning: Son of the servant or follower of St Ohdran Progenitor:
Territory: Raphoe, Donegal, east Strabane and still commonly found in the Omagh area of Tyrone. Extra:
McCusker
Meaning:
Territory: Anciently Strabane then moving to Omagh area of Tyrone. Extra:
Cenél Fearadhaigh
The Cenél Fearadhaigh, or 'kindred of Ferry', descend from Feradach mac Muiredach (Ferry MacMurdoch), a grandson of Eógan, and by the 12th century controlled a large portion of County Tyrone and had penetrated deep into County Fermanagh. By the mid-14th century, the Maguires would break the power of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in Fermanagh. Note:
Fearadhaigh was spelt as Feradaig in Old Irish (c700-c900) and Middle Irish Gaelic (c900-c1200).[9][10]
Feradach means 'Woodsman' from fear 'man' and fiodh 'wood' combined into Fer-fedach, Fer-fid (Ferid), 'man-wood.' [11] and -ach 'belonging to, involved with or having' [12][13]
Sept (Common Forms)
Mac Cathmhaoil (MacCawell, Campbell, Caulfield, MacCall)
Meaning: Battle-chief Progenitor:
Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra: Leading sept of the Cenél Fearadhaigh, and one of the seven powerful septs supporting O'Neill. This name as MacCawell is now very rare as Mac Cathmhaoil has been Anglicised into a vast array of different names including: Alwell, Alwill, Callwell, Campbell, Carlos, Caulfield, Cawell, Howell, MacCaul, MacCall, McCall, MacCorless, MacCowell, MacCowhill, MacHall. The first to be recorded as Donnchadh Mac Cathmail who died in 1180.
Mac Giolla Mhártain (MacGilmartin, Gilmartin, Martin, Kilmartin)
Territory: Barony of Clogher, County Tyrone Extra:
Ó Brolacháin (O'Brallaghan, Brollaghan, Bradley, Brodie)
Meaning: from the Irish "brollach" meaning "breast"[14] Progenitor:
Territory: Parts of Donegal, Londonderry, and Tyrone Extra: This was a prolific and adventurous sept, where a branch of the family, the O'Brologhans, became established in the Western Highlands of Scotland via their connections with the monastery on Iona thanks to the prior of Derry, Domhnall Ua Brolcháin, who was its abbot. The Co. Cork Bradleys descend from this sept, and some Brollaghans on Co. Cavan assumed the Norman name Brabazon.
Ó Fearadhaigh (O'Ferry, Ferry, Ferris)
Meaning: Woodsman Progenitor:
Territory: Donegal Extra:
Mac Máirtain (MacMartin, Martin)
Meaning: Son of Máirtain Progenitor:
Territory: Tyrone Extra: A different branch from the Mac Giolla Mhártain
Mac Fhiachra (MacKeighry, MacKeefry, MacKeaghery, Hunter)
Meaning: Fiachra means hunter/tracker or something that hunts/tracks things down. Progenitor:
Territory: Tyrone Extra:
Maolgeimridh (Mulgemery, Montgomery)
Meaning: Follower of St. Eimridth or Geimridh (winter) [15] Progenitor:
Territory: East Tyrone Extra: Noted by O'Hart Pedigrees as being in possession of the two districts of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in east Tyrone
Meaning: Follower of Padraig, Maol meaning ‘follower’, ‘servant’ or ‘devotee’ [16] Progenitor:
Territory: East Tyrone Extra: Noted by O'Hart Pedigrees as being in possession of the two districts of the Cenél Fearadhaigh in east Tyrone; also mentioned in the Topographical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla Na Naomh O'Huidhrin
Meaning: Son of the Dun-Coloured One Progenitor: Uidhrín Ua Maoil-Muire
Territory: Barony of Clogher, Co. Tyrone Extra: An old Ulster surname. Early in the 12th century, Eachmarcach Mac Uidhrín (d. 1120ad) was chief of Cinel Fearadhaigh, in the present Co. Tyrone, As was his father, Uidhrin Ua Maoil-Muire (d. 1082ad) and his son Giolla-Christ Ua hUidhrin (d. 1129ad). In the 16th century, the name was peculiar to Co. Down, and even at the present day is largely confined to there and the neighbouring counties of Antrim and Armagh. Many variants of this surname exist in its anglicanised form (40+), Some of which may include Maguirin, M'Gwyrin, M'Guiverin, Magiverin, Magivern, Magiveran, MacGiverin, MacGiveran, MacGivern, McGivern, McGiveran, McGivergan, Guerin, etc. Several Gaelic variations have been recorded - Mag Uidhrin, Mac Uidhrén, Mac Uidhrein, Mac Uidhrín, (Mac Uidhrea?).
Cenél Tigernaich
The Cenél Tigernaich, or race of Tierney, descend from Tigernach mac Muiredach, grandson of Eógan, however the Book of Ballymote states Tigernach as his son.
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Maoilfothartaigh (O'Mulfoharty)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: County Tyrone Extra:
Ó hEodhusa (O'Hosey)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: County Tyrone Extra:
Ó Connagain (O'Coneghan, Coneghan, Cunningham, O'Cunigan)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: West Londonderry, east Donegal, Tyrone Extra:
Cenél Mac Earca
The Cenél Mac Earca, or kindred of McErca descend from Muircherdaich, a grandson of Eógain, who was also called Mac Earca after his mother. This branch would produce a line of kings that were styled as sovereigns of Ireland. A Máel Fithrich, son of Áeda Uaridnaich, was styled as being the chief of this branch, and his death at the hands of the Cenél Fearadhaigh saw this branch end up in the barony of Clogher, County Tyrone.
Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe
The Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe, or Clan Connor, originally hailed from Magh Ithe in County Donegal before moving into County Londonderry, ruling a region that became known as O'Cahan Country. This clan descend from Connor Mac Fergal, who in turn is descended from Muirceartach Mac Earca founder of the Cenél Mic Earca.
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Cathaín (O'Kane, Kane, Keane, MacKane, O'Cahan)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: O'Cahan Country, equivalent to the barony of Keenaght Extra: Originally Anglicised as O'Cahan before O'Kane
Ó Dubhthaigh (O'Duffy, Duffy, Doohey, Dowey)
Meaning: Black one Progenitor: St Dubhtach
Territory: Raphoe, Donegal Extra: Erenaghs of Templecrone in the diocese of Raphoe for 800 years, being kinsmen of the patron of the church, St Dubhthach
Ó Maoláin (O'Mullan, Mullan, Mullen, Mullin, Mullane, Mollan)
Meaning: Bald or tonsured Progenitor:
Territory: Barony of Keenaght, County Londonderry Extra:
Mac Bhloscaidh (MacCloskey, MacCluskey, Glasgow)
Meaning: Progenitor: Bloscaidh Ó Cathaín (Bloskey O'Cahan)
Territory: Extra:
Clan Diarmatta (also Clandermot)
The Clann Diarmatta, or Clandermot, descend from the Clann Conchúir Magh Ithe. The parish of Clondermot in County Londonderry is said to derive its name from this clan's territory.
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Cairealláin (Carlin, O'Carolan, Carolan, Carleton)
Meaning: Progenitor:
Territory: Erenaghs of Clonleigh, barony of Raphoe. Parish of Clondermot, O'Cahan Country Extra:
Mac Eiteagain (MacEttigan, MacGettigan)
Meaning: Swarthy Progenitor:
Territory: Clondermot Extra:
O'Cahan of the Route
The O'Cahan's of the Route are a branch of the Ó Cathaín that moved into the area of north-eastern County Londonderry and north-western County Antrim known historically as "the Route". The Route was held by the Hiberno-Norman MacQuillans, and a fierce rivalry would erupt between the O'Cahans and MacQuillans. The end of this rivalry would see the destruction of the MacQuillans power and the weakening of the O'Cahans corresponding to the rise of MacDonnells.
The Scottish clans Both Chanain (Buchanan, Mawhinney) and Mac Ausaláin (MacCausland) both descend from Ausalan Buoy O'Kayn, allegedly of the O'Cahans of the Route.
Cenél Aenghusa
The Cenél Aenghusa, or 'kindred of Angus', are only mentioned as being of the Cenél nEóghain by a citation in the Annals, with a similar reference in the Book of Lecan.
Sept (Common Forms)
Mac Cana or Mac Anna (MacCann)
Meaning: Wolf cub or son of Annadh Progenitor:
Territory: Ailech, Donegal then Clanbressil, County Armagh Extra:
Other Septs
Sept (Common Forms)
Ó Branagáin (Brannigan)
Meaning: Raven Progenitor: Bran
Territory: Oriel, on the border between Ulster and Leinster Extra: Made their way into counties Armagh, Monaghan, and Louth in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This surname was used synonymously with Brankin in the Crumlin area of county Antrim.
Ó Branáin (Brennan, Brannan)
Meaning: Raven Progenitor: Bran
Territory: Counties Monaghan and Fermanagh Extra: Thought to be a contraction of Ó Branagáin. Unrelated to the Ó Braonáin and Mac Branáin septs outside of Ulster. Brennan was used synonymously with Brannie in the Ards peninsula, county Down
Ó Corragáin (Corrigan)
Meaning: Progenitor: Coirdhecán
Territory: Dromore, Tyrone then migrated early to Fermanagh becoming erenaghs of Magheraveely Extra: Said to be of the same stock as the Maguires, however are thought to descend from the Cenél nEóghain
