Colla MacDonnell facts for kids

Colla MacDonnell was an important leader in Ireland during the 1500s. He was the son of Alexander MacDonnell, who was a powerful lord from Islay and Kintyre in Scotland. Colla passed away at Kinbane Castle in 1558.

Colla MacDonnell's Life and Leadership

After his father, Alexander MacDonnell, died in 1539, Colla's older brother, James MacDonnell, became the main leader. James was known as the Lord of Dunnyveg and Antrim Glynns. But James decided to go back to Scotland.

When James left, he chose Colla to be the Captain of the Route. This meant Colla was in charge of an area called the Glynns while James was away.

Bringing Peace Through Marriage

Colla married a woman named Evelyn MacQuillan. This marriage was very important because it helped bring peace between the MacDonnells and the MacQuillans. Before this, these two groups often fought.

Building Kinbane Castle

Around this time, Thomas Radclyffe, a powerful English leader, tried to send the MacDonnells back to Scotland. To protect his land, Colla built a strong castle called Kinbane Castle in 1547.

This castle had two main floors. It also had a large yard with signs of other buildings, which were probably made of wood.

Battles at Kinbane Castle

In 1551, English soldiers attacked Kinbane Castle. They were led by Sir James Croft, who was a top English official in Ireland. This attack was part of a bigger plan against the MacDonnells.

The castle was attacked again in 1555. This time, English cannons partly destroyed it. But Colla quickly rebuilt it.

Colla's Death and Legacy

Colla MacDonnell died at Kinbane Castle in 1558. After his death, his brother James offered the role of Captain of the Route to their other brothers, Alasdair and Angus. However, both of them said no.

Being the Captain of the Route was a tough job. It meant dealing with attacks from the English and problems from the MacQuillans, who had been forced out of their lands. Finally, the youngest brother, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, accepted the challenge.

Colla MacDonnell's Family

Colla MacDonnell and his wife, Evelyn MacQuillan, had two sons:

• Gillaspick, who died in 1571.
• Randal