Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh facts for kids
Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh (pronounced Koo Koy-gree-kuh Oh Klay-rig) was an important Irish historian and expert in family trees (genealogist). He lived in Ireland between 1624 and 1664. In English, he was sometimes called Peregrine O'Clery. He helped create one of Ireland's most famous history books.
Contents
Life and Work
A Family of Historians
Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh came from a family of scholars. His father was Diarmaid Ó Cléirigh. He was a distant cousin of another famous historian, Brother Mícheál Ó Cléirigh. Cú Choigcríche worked closely with Mícheál.
Some people had different ideas about Cú Choigcríche's family. One scholar, Paul Walsh, thought his father was a different Diarmaid. Another early editor, John O'Donovan, believed Cú Choigcríche was the son of the poet Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh. However, this idea is now thought to be incorrect.
Helping with the Annals
Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh helped Brother Mícheál Ó Cléirigh with a huge project. They worked together on the Annals of the Four Masters. This was a very important collection of Irish history. It recorded events from ancient times up to the 17th century.
Cú Choigcríche personally copied parts of the Annals. He transcribed the years from 1332 to 1608. This shows how much he contributed to this massive historical record.
Other Writings
Besides the Annals, Cú Choigcríche had other important works. He made the earliest copy of a book about the life of Red Hugh O'Donnell. This book was written by Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh.
He also wrote a poem about Mary, who was Red Hugh O'Donnell's sister. Mary died in 1662. This poem is now kept in the National Library of Ireland.
Cú Choigcríche also shared his research with other historians. He gave information to Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh. This information was included in MacFhirbhisigh's famous book, Leabhar na nGenealach.
His Main Book
Cú Choigcríche's most important work on his own was a collection of family trees. It is known as the O'Clery Book of Genealogies. This book helps us understand the history of many Irish families.
Later Life and Legacy
Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh passed away in a place called Gortnaheltia. This area is in the beautiful Glenhest valley. It is located near Nephin Beg mountain and Lough Beltra.
He left his valuable books to his sons, Diarmaid and Seaán. Today, many people believe that the Cleary and Clarke families in Brackleagh, Glenhest, and Burrishoole in County Mayo are his descendants.
The O'Clery Book of Genealogies
- The O'Clery Book of Genealogies
See also
- Tadhg Og Ó Cianáin
- Peregrine Ó Duibhgeannain
- Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh
- Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
- James Ussher
- Sir James Ware
- Mary Bonaventure Browne
- Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh
- Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh
- Uilliam Ó Duinnín
- Charles O'Conor (historian)
- Eugene O'Curry
- John O'Donovan (scholar)
