Cahir mac Art Kavanagh facts for kids

Cahir mac Art Kavanagh was an important Irish leader during the time of the Tudor dynasty in England. He was known as "The MacMurrough" and was considered the King of Leinster, a region in Ireland. He was also the Lord of St. Molyns and later became the Baron of Ballyann. He passed away in 1554.

Cahir's Early Life and Leadership

Cahir was the oldest son of Art Kavanagh of St. Molyns. He became the leader of his family group, or "sept." At one point, he joined a rebellion by a powerful Irish family called the Leinster Geraldines. However, he later decided to make peace with the English ruler, Lord Leonard Grey, in 1538.

Cahir again promised his loyalty to Sir Anthony St. Leger, another English leader, in 1540. He asked to own his land under the English system, called "feudal tenure." Cahir said he wanted to follow the example of his ancestor, Diarmait Mac Murchada, who was a king of Leinster long ago and had brought the English to Ireland. Cahir hoped that by adopting English ways, he could help bring peace and order to the island.

Working with the English Government

Even though Cahir wasn't officially a "baron" in the English Parliament, he was allowed to attend the Parliament of Ireland in Dublin in 1541. This shows how important he was. In 1543, he received official ownership of the land of St. Molyns for himself and his family.

This land grant came with some conditions. Cahir had to build a large house at Pollmounty. He also had to make sure that local fairs continued to happen there. Plus, he needed to keep a close watch over a key mountain pass, which was important for travel and safety.

Military Service and Local Conflicts

In 1544, Cahir helped the English army by providing nineteen Irish soldiers, known as "kern." These soldiers, led by Captain Edmond Mac Cahir Kavanagh, fought in a battle called the siege of Boulogne in France.

The next year, Cahir had a big victory against a rival leader named Gerald Mac Cahir Kavanagh near Hacketstown. This battle showed his strength and influence in the region.

Challenges and Changes

Cahir's use of the title "Mac Murrough" made some English officials, like Sir Edward Bellingham, suspicious. Their worries grew when Cahir refused to hang one of his followers for stealing a horse. Cahir explained that he was following traditional Irish law, called "Brehon law," which had different ways of dealing with such crimes.

However, his explanations were accepted, and the English Lord Deputy said he was happy with Cahir's loyalty and service to the king.

In 1550, Cahir took control of Ferns Castle. Sir James Croft saw this as an act of rebellion. As a result, English forces invaded Cahir's lands. Cahir admitted his mistake. At a large meeting in Dublin on November 4th, he publicly gave up his title of Mac Murrough.

His land and power were reduced after this event. He was given permission to explain his actions directly to King Edward VI. On February 8, 1554, Cahir was given the title Baron of Ballyann for his lifetime. However, he passed away soon after.

Family and Legacy

Cahir married Cecilia, who was the daughter of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, another powerful Irish noble. They had six sons:

• Brian, who married a daughter of Hugh Mac Shane O'Byrne.
• Tirrelagh, who married a sister of Robert Browne.
• Crean
• Moriertagh
• Art
• Dermot, who was chosen as the next leader of the clan in 1555 because of his good service.

Cahir Mac Art Kavanagh is an important figure in Irish history. He was the founder of a family estate that, even after many changes in land ownership in Ireland, is still held by his direct descendants today.