Conn Oge O'Donnell facts for kids

Conn Oge O'Donnell (died 1601) was an important member of the O'Donnell dynasty, a powerful family from County Donegal in Ireland. He lived during a time of great change and conflict in Ireland.

Conn Oge O'Donnell: A Story of Loyalty and Conflict

Conn Oge O'Donnell was the youngest son of Conn O'Donnell and the grandson of Calvagh O'Donnell. His grandfather, Calvagh, had once been the leader of the O'Donnell lands, known as Tyrconnell.

Supporting His Brother

In the 1580s, Conn Oge supported his older brother, Niall Garve O'Donnell. Niall Garve wanted to become the chief leader of the O'Donnell family. This was a very important position. However, Niall Garve was not successful in his attempts at first.

Changing Sides During a Rebellion

For a while, Niall Garve supported his cousin, Hugh Roe O'Donnell, who was the actual lord of Tyrconnell. Hugh Roe was also allied with Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Together, they were involved in a big conflict known as Tyrone's Rebellion. This was a major uprising against the English Crown (the government of England).

But in 1600, Niall Garve changed his mind. He decided to switch sides and support the English forces. These forces were led by Sir Henry Docwra, who had landed in Derry. Conn Oge and two of his other brothers, Hugh Boy and Donal, also joined Niall Garve. It's believed they brought as many as a thousand warriors with them!

Fighting Against Hugh Roe

The brothers helped the English forces capture Lifford. Lifford was a very important stronghold for the O'Donnell family. Hugh Roe O'Donnell was furious about this. In return, he sadly killed Niall Garve's young son, who was also Conn Oge's nephew.

Conn Oge played a very active part in the fighting against Hugh Roe. One of the most notable events was the Siege of Donegal in 1601. This was a long and difficult battle. During the fighting, Donegal Abbey was badly damaged when barrels of gunpowder stored there exploded.

Conn Oge's Final Battle

It was during the Siege of Donegal that Conn Oge O'Donnell was badly wounded. He later died from his injuries. Even though he had always supported his older brother Niall, Conn Oge was also seen as a possible future leader of the O'Donnell family in his own right.