Brian Magauran facts for kids

Brian Magauran was an important leader, or chief, of the McGovern Clan in Ireland. He was born in 1592 and became the Baron or Lord of Tullyhaw barony in County Cavan. He led his people from 1622 until he passed away sometime after 1628.

Becoming a Leader: Chieftainship

When Brian's father, Feidhlimidh Mág Samhradháin, died on January 20, 1622, Brian became the new chief of the McGovern Clan. He was 30 years old when he took on this important role.

Ballymagauran Castle: Brian's Home

Brian Magauran lived at Ballymagauran Castle. In August 1622, a report described his home. It said that Brian had about 1,000 acres of land. On this land, there was a special fence made of earth called a "bawn." Inside this bawn was a stone house with a thatched roof and chimneys. Part of the house even had an upper floor. Brian would rent out his land to Irish families year by year.

An official report from King Charles I of England, made in Cavan town on October 4, 1626, confirmed that Brian's father, Phelim Magawrane, died on January 20, 1622. Brian then took over his father's lands and became the chief. The report also mentioned that Brian was 30 years old and married to Mary O’Brien.

Sadly, Ballymagauran Castle was attacked and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army in 1649. Later, a map from 1659, called the Down Survey map by Sir William Petty, still showed the castle in the area known as Dromkirke. The map noted it as a "Stone house in repair," even after the attack.

The 1625 Plan for Change

In 1625, some Irish leaders, including members of the McGovern family, had a plan. They wanted to make changes against the English government's control. On August 21, 1625, judges in Fermanagh wrote to the main English leader in Ireland, Henry Cary, 1st Viscount Falkland. They explained that the Maguires of Fermanagh and the Magaurans of Cavan were key figures in this plan.

The plan involved getting weapons and being ready if Spain sent help. They hoped to take back castles and lands that had been taken from them. An individual named Phelim bane McCabe shared information about the leaders of this plan. The English authorities found out about the plan and took action.

On August 20, 1625, Phelim bane McCabe stated that he met with some of the people involved, including Bryan McTerlagh McCoigh McGawran and Cahell McGawran from Largan (Blacklion). They talked about a rebellion, believing that help from Spain was coming and that the King of England had died. They discussed taking over important places like Portora, Castleton, the Castle of Tully, and Sir John Dunbar's house. Other McGovern family members mentioned in connection with the plan were Terlagh Oge Magawran and Gerrod Magawran.

Signing a Petition in 1629

Brian Magauran signed his name as Breyn Mc Gauranes on an important document. This was a 'Petition of the inhabitants of Cavan to the lord deputy and council,' dated July 8, 1629. A petition is a formal request, often signed by many people, asking for something from a government or authority.

Brian's Family

Brian Magauran and his wife, Mary O'Brien, had at least three sons. His oldest son was Charles Magauran, who became the chief after Brian. His other sons were named Domhnall and Feidhlimidh.