Charles Henry (Cáthal Ainrí) Ó Néill facts for kids
Cathal Ainrí Ó Néill, also known as Charles Henry O'Neill, was an important leader of the O'Neill dynasty from Clandeboye. He was the chieftain, or head, of the O'Neill Clanaboy from 1855 until he passed away in 1865.
Charles Henry was born on December 25, 1809, at Feeva House in County Antrim, near a place called Toomebridge. His father was Felix-Cunningham O'Neill, and his mother was Mary O'Neill. He became a lawyer in Dublin, which is called a barrister.
He married Mary Adeline Louise O'Grady. They had one child, a daughter named Elizabeth Catherine Mary Theresa. Elizabeth was born in 1845 at Drumderg House, near Carlane. This house had been the home of their family line for a long time.
Charles Henry was a direct descendant of the last chieftain of Clanaboy, Brian mac Féilim Ó Néill. His family line continued through Brian's son, Con mac Briain Ó Néill. Con mac Briain's son, Hugh Óg Ó Néill, fought alongside Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. After this, Hugh Óg lost most of his lands and had to move to The Feeva.
The O'Neill Family and Shane's Castle
The land known as Eden-duff-carrick later became famous as Shane's Castle. This estate ended up with the descendants of Sir Henry Ó Néill. Sir Henry had changed his religion to Anglicanism a long time ago, during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1855, John O'Neill, 3rd Viscount O'Neill passed away. His older brother, Charles O'Neill, 1st Earl O'Neill, had already died. Sir Henry O'Neill's will had stated that the Shane's Castle estate should go to the descendants of Con mac Briain Ó Néill. This happened because John O'Neill had no direct male heirs.
Even though Charles Henry became known as The O'Neill Clanaboy, there was a big disagreement about the estate. John O'Neill, 3rd Viscount O'Neill, was able to change his own will. He left the Shane's Castle estate to William Chichester. William then took the last name O'Neill and became William O'Neill, 1st Baron O'Neill.
Elizabeth O'Neill's Journey
Charles Henry's daughter, Elizabeth Catherine Mary Theresa, married a judge named James Gervé Conroy. In 1872, they moved to St. John's, on the island of Newfoundland. Their son, Charles O'Neill Conroy, who was born in Dublin, grew up there.
