Pre-Norman invasion Irish Celtic kinship groups
Before the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland which took place during the late 12th century, the Irish people were Celts who lived in kinship groups as found recorded in historic manuscripts such as the Irish annals, the Leabhar na nGenealach (the Great Book of Irish Genealogies), the Book of Ballymote, the Great Book of Lecan and Ó Cléirigh Book of Genealogies (the O Clery Book of Genealogies).
Origins of the Irish
The O'Rahilly doctrine
According to T. F. O'Rahilly, in his works Goides and Their Predecessors and later Early Irish History, there were a total of four waves of Celtic invasions of the British Isles and Ireland and that the first three of these were pre-Gaelic.[1][2] According to O'Rahilly, these were people who had largely remained unconquered by the Romans whose territory was mostly restricted to the broad plains of England. A larger part of England remained out of the control of the West Germanic people who invaded after the imperial collapse of Roman Britain and who founded the English nation.[3]
O'Rahilly's version of the origins of the Irish, as supported by C. Thomas Cairney and John Grenham is as follows: The first of the Celtic invaders of Ireland were known as the
The second wave of Celts to come to Ireland were known as the
The fourth and last major Celtic settlements in Ireland took place around 50 BC. This was directly because of Roman attempts to dominate the
Modern opinion
O'Rahilly's version of history has been questioned by archaeologists and historians who have played down the role of the Cruthin as invaders, including by
According to Mallory, Ireland may have been inhabited by Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) hunters, but that the evidence for this is only a few pieces of flint.[10] The first actual evidence of human residence in Ireland dates to around 8000 BC.[11] Evidence of the first Neolithic farmers in Ireland dates to around 4000 BC.[12] There is little evidence of a warrior elite in Ireland before 1500 BC and evidence for this appears during the Bronze Age where everyone of a wealthy class had weaponry.[13] The Irish language first appeared from between 700/600 BC and 400 AD during the Iron Age.[14] During this time, the Irish people came into contact with Roman traders.[15]
According to the writers of Ulster: An Illustrated History, there is evidence for the
In 1002, the
Social structure
Within the Gaeil there was distinction between the tribes of the south from those of the north, and also from those of the west. The tribes in the south called themselves the
In the midlands of Ireland, the Gaeil tribes were known as Connachta and their name continues in the modern province of Connacht. The most important of the Connacta tribes was the Uí Néill who claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. Niall's brothers included Ailill, Brion and Fiachra who were founders of the important Connachta tribes of Ui Ailella, Uí Briúin and Uí Fiachrach.[5]
Although the Eoghanacht and Uí Néill were the most powerful tribal groups in Ireland, there were others who were locally powerful including the
Within these large areas there were up to 150 small divisions known as Túath and the names of many of these are reflected today in the names of the Irish baronies that make up the modern counties. Each Túath had a ruler or petty king who owed allegiance to a more powerful king who was over-king of three or more Túath. This over-king would in turn be subordinate to the king of a province, usually either the Eoghanacht or Uí Néill.[5]
The succession of kings or chiefs was governed by a system known as Tanistry whereby after a chief had died, the new chief would be elected from all paternal cousins descended from a patrilineal grandfather or great-grandfather.[20][21] However, the system known as Tanistry which also took place before the position of king or chief had become vacant is not found in records until the time of feudalism in Ireland which was not until the time of the Normans, and it was preceded by the similar system known as Rigdomna but which took place only after the position of king or chief had become vacant.[21]
Tribes of the Cruthin
As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Cruthin were the first Celts to settle in Ireland between about 800 and 500 BC.[22] In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes:
- The MacCartan. The latter two later became tributaries of the O'Neills.[23]
- The Soghain. Their chief was in later times known as O'Mannin or Mannions and this has sometimes become Manning.[24]
- The O'Dowlings.[24]
Tribes of the Erainn
As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the
- The Clann Choinleagain (or MacGifoyles). This was an ancient clan located in the territory of the O'Carrols of Ely.[25]
- The Conmaicne Rein. The chiefly families of this tribe were the MacRannalls, O'Cornyns, O'Farrells, O'Moledys and O'Quins.[25]
- The Corca Dhuibhne. The chiefly families of this tribe were the O'Connells and O'Sheas.[26]
- The
- The Corco Modhruadh. The chiefly families of this tribe were the O'Connors of Corcomroe, MacCurtins, O'Loghlens or O'Loughlins, O'Davorens and the Corca Thine.[28]
- The Dal Cairbre Arad. The chiefly family of this tribe was the O'Dwyers.[29]
- The O'Griffeys.[30]
- The Déisi. Their chief was O'Phelan.[31]
- The Partraige. Their chiefly family was the O'Malleys.[32]
- The O'Heffermans.[32]
- The Uí Bairrche. Their chiefly families were the O'Tracys and MacGormans.[33]
- The Ui Fidgenti. Their chiefly families were the O'Cullanes, O'Kinneallys, O'Donovans and MacEnerys.[34]
- The MacDonlevys.[35]
Tribes of the Dumnonii or Laigin
As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Dumnonii or Laigin were the third wave of Celts to settle in Ireland during the first century BC.[36] In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes:
- The O'Gara.[36]
- The Dealbhna Eathra and Delbhna Nuadat. Their chiefly families were the O'Hanlys,[36] MaCoghlans and O'Conrahys.[37]
- The Saithne. Their chiefly family was the O'Caseys.[37]
- The O'Kierans.[38]
- The Ciarraighe Luachra. Their chiefly family was the O'Connors of Kerry.[38]
- The
- The O'Dunnes.[40]
- The Feara Cualann. Their chiefly families were the O'Cullens and O'Mulryans.[40]
- The Ui Ceinnsealaigh. Their chiefly families were the Kavanaghs, Kinsellas, O'Murphys, and O'Morchoes.[41][42]
- The Uí Dúnlainge. Their chiefly families were the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles.[41][43]
- The
- The
Tribes of the Gaels or Gaeils
As per O'Rahilly's doctrine, the Gaels or Gaeils were the fourth and final wave of Celtic settlement in Ireland which took place during the first century BC.[50] In line with this, according to Cairney, from them descended the following Irish tribes:
The North Gaels
- The Connachta.[50]
- The O'Flahertys.[51]
- The Uí Fiachrach.[50]
- The Uí Fiachrach Muaidhe (northern). Their main chiefs were the O'Dowds,[52] but other chiefly families included the O'Finnegans, O'Keeves, O'Bolans, O'Kearneys, and O'Quigleys.[50]
- The Uí Fiachrach Aidhne (southern). Their main chiefs were the O'Shaughnessys,[53] but other chiefly families were the O'Heynes, O'Heyne, or Hynes,[54] O'Clerys,[53] O'Donnells, O'Houlihans which in some places became Holland and Nolan, and also the O'Scanlans.[50]
- The
- The Uí Néill.[55]
- Northern Uí Néill.[55]
- Southern Uí Néill.[55]
- Cineal Fiachach. Their main chiefs were the
- Cineal Laoghaire. Their main chiefs were the O'Quinlans.[55]
- Fir Teathbha. Their main chiefs were the O'Caharneys, O'Dallys, MacAwleys, MacCarons, O'Brennas, and O'Shiels.[55]
- Muintear Tadhagain. Their chiefs were the O'Caharneys and O'Kearnys or Foxes.[55]
- The Four Tribes of Tara: O'Harts, O'Regans, Mackennas, O'Higgins.[55]
The South Gaels
- The McGillycuddys.[58]
- The Ui Eachach Mumhan. Their main chiefs were the O'Callaghans, O'Donoghues, and O'Mahonys.[58]
Vikings and Normans in Ireland
Vikings and Normans are ethically linked in ancestry from the 9th to 11th centuries and who raided and settled in Britain and Ireland. In Ireland the Vikings became completely Gaelicized and established the first towns. The Normans invaded and conquered England in 1066 and later had similar success invading Ireland in the late 12th century. The Normans were the first people to introduce the mounted knight. In Ireland they were influenced just as much as they themselves influenced and have been described as having become "more Irish than the Irish".[59]
Viking families in Ireland
The following three Irish families are believed to be of Viking descent: the Clan Fearghaill whose chiefs were the O'Hallorans, the MacCotters, and the O'Doyles.[59][E]
Norman families in Ireland
The following surnames found in Ireland are believed to be of Norman origin and to have arrived following the Norman invasion of Ireland: Barry, Branne, Burke, Butler, Condon, Cusak, Dalton, Darcy, de Covcy, Dillon, Fagun, Fitzgerald, MacGibbon, French, Hackett, Jordan, Keating, Lacy, Lynch, MacCostello, Martin, Nugent, Power, Purcell, Rothes, Sarsfield, Wall.[60]
The following surnames are believed to have come to Ireland with the Norman invasion but are believed to have been of Flemish origin: Tobin, Flemming, Predergast.[60]
The following surnames are believed to have come to Ireland with the Norman invasion but are believed to have been of
See also
- Irish clans
- List of Irish clans
- List of Irish clans in Ulster
- List of Scottish clans
- Scottish clan
- List of ancient Celtic peoples and tribes
- Celtic peoples
References
- ^ Brady, Ciaran; O'Dowd, Mary; Walter, Brian (1989). pp. 22 and 26
- ^ Dillon, Myles; Chadwick, Nora (2000). p. 5
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). p. 17
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 18
- ^ a b c d e Grenham, John (1993). pp. 18-19
- ^ Brady, Ciaran; O'Dowd, Mary; Walter, Brian (1989). pp. 22 and 26. Quoting: Adamson, Ian (1974). Cruthin: The Ancient Kindred. Newtownards. p. 12
- ^ Brady, Ciaran; O'Dowd, Mary; Walter, Brian (1989). p. 22. Quoting: Byrne. F. J. (1965). The Ireland of Saint Columba. Historical Studies, 5, p. 38
- ^ Dillon, Myles; Chadwick, Nora (2000). pp. 5-6
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 206
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 37
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 40
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 72
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 129
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 157
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 158
- ^ a b Brady, Ciaran; O'Dowd, Mary; Walter, Brian (1989). p. 27
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 201
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 291
- ^ Mallory, J. P. (2017). p. 215
- Longmans Green. pp. 11-16. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ JSTOR 30092775.
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 51
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 53
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). p. 54
- ^ a b c Cairney (1989). p. 61
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 63
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 63-64
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 64-65
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 65
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 65-69
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 69-70
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). p. 70
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 70-71
- ^ Cairney (1989). p. 71
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 71-72
- ^ a b c Cairney (1989). pp. 78-79
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). pp. 80-81
- ^ a b c Cairney (1989). pp. 81-82
- ^ O'Hart, John (1892). pp. 840-843
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). pp. 82-83
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). pp. 84-85
- ^ O'Hart, John (1892). pp. 692-707
- ^ O'Hart, John (1892). pp. 760-765
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 85-87
- ^ O'Hart, John (1892). pp. 487-488
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 87-88
- JSTOR 25528658.
- ISBN 0517546590.
- ^ "DNA shows Celtic hero Somerled's Viking roots". The Scotsman. April 26, 2005. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Cairney (1989). pp. 93-97
- ^ Cairney (1989). pp. 97-101
- ^ O'Hart, John (1692). pp. 650-651
- ^ a b O'Hart, John (1692). pp. 632-633
- ^ O'Hart, John (1692). p. 491
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Cairney (1989). pp. 101-121
- ^ O'Hart, John (1892). pp. 708-740
- ^ Munro, Colin (December 2015). "The Deep Ancestry of the Munros" (PDF). Newsletter of the Clan Munro (Association) Australia. Vol. 13, no. 3. Australia: Clan Munro (Association) Australia. pp. 4–5. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ a b Cairney (1989). pp. 121-126
- ^ a b c Cairney (1989). pp. 127-129
- ^ a b c Cairney (1989). pp. 131-154
Bibliography
- Brady, Ciaran; O'Dowd, Mary; Walter, Brian, eds. (1989). Ulster: An Illustrated History. 4 Fitzhardinge Street, London: ISBN 0713462396.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location (link - Cairney, C. Thomas (1989). Clans and Families of Ireland and Scotland. ISBN 0899503624.
- ISBN 1842120212.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location (link - Grenham, John (1993). Clans and Families of Ireland: The Heritage and Heraldry of Irish Clans and Families. ISBN 0717120325.
- ISBN 0946130361.
- ISBN 9780500293300.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location (link - Ó Cléirigh, Mícheál; Ó Cléirigh, Cú Choigcríche; Ó Maol Chonaire, Fearfeasa; Ó Duibhgeannáin, Cú Choigríche (1856) [Written from original manuscript Annals of the Four Masters that was written 1616-1636]. O'Donovan, John (ed.). Annala Rioghachta Eireann: Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, by the Four Masters, from the earliest period to the year 1616. Vol. 1–7. Dublin: Royal Irish Academy.
- Ó Cléirigh, Cú Choigcríche (1951) [Written from original manuscript Ó Cléirigh Book of Genealogies which was written in the mid-seventeenth century]. Pender, Seamus (ed.). The O Clery Book of Genealogies. Dublin: Stationery Office.
- O'Duignan, Manus (1887) [Written from original manuscript that was written 1390-1391]. ISBN 0-404-17535-X.
- )
Notes
- Y-DNA study has shown that the Munro chiefs were paternally distantly related to the O'Driscolls of Cork.[57]
- ^ The MacLachlans, Lamonts, MacSorleys, MacNeills, MacEwens, MacQueens, MacSweens are all Scottish clans who are believed to be descended from the Cineál Eoghain in Ireland.[55]
- ^ The chiefs of the Scottish clan of Ross are believed to be descended from the O'Beolans of the Cineál Eoghain in Ireland.[55]
- ^ The chiefs of the Scottish clans of Gunn, MacLeod, MacCorquodale, and Ruthven are also believed to be descended from Viking settlers.[59]
External links
- Walsh, Dennis. "Early Irish History and Saga - People, Place and Province - Cross-referencing the annals and genealogies". rootsweb.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
Sourced from the Irish annals
- Walsh, Dennis. "Ireland's History in Maps – Tribe (Tuath) and Territory Index". rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.