Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach facts for kids

Domhnall Spáinneach Mac Murchadha Caomhánach (also known as Donnell MacMurrough Kavanagh) was a very important leader in Ireland. He was the last person to be called the King of Leinster. He lived from about 1550 until his death on March 12, 1632.

Domhnall's Early Life

Domhnall was a descendant of Diarmait Mac Murchada, an old Irish king who died in 1171. Domhnall was the older of two sons of Donnchadh. Donnchadh was the lord of the Art Buidhe Caomhánach family group. This family was not the most powerful among their relatives.

Their lands were located in the Blackstairs Mountains, north of Enniscorthy. When Domhnall's father, Donnchadh, died, Domhnall was cared for by Thomas Stukeley. Stukeley was a local official, like a governor, in Wexford.

Why He Was Called "Spáinneach"

In 1568, Thomas Stukeley moved to Spain. Domhnall went with him. This is how he got his nickname, Spáinneach. In the Irish language, Spáinneach means Spaniard.

Becoming a Leader

Domhnall returned to Ireland in the mid-1570s. He quickly became a key leader in his family group. He formed a strong friendship with Fiach McHugh O'Byrne. They worked together on political plans until O'Byrne died in 1597.

After O'Byrne's death, Domhnall started working with Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. This was during a big conflict called the Nine Years' War. This war was fought between Irish leaders and the English government.

End of the War and His Later Years

The Nine Years' War ended in 1603. Domhnall decided to stop fighting and make peace with the English. Because of this, he was given a regular payment, like a pension. He also officially kept the rights to his lands.

Domhnall was married to his cousin, Eleanor Kavanagh. She passed away in or after 1633. They had six children together. Domhnall successfully passed on his property to his son, Sir Morgan Kavanagh, who died in 1643. Domhnall's only known brother was Cathaoir.