Donnell O'Donnell facts for kids

Sir Donal O'Donnell (Irish: Sir Domhnall Ó Domhnaill, died 1590) was a powerful leader from the O'Donnell dynasty in Tyrconnell. This area is now known as County Donegal in Ireland. He was the oldest son of Sir Hugh McManus O'Donnell, who was the Lord of Tyrconnell for many years during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

Sir Donal O'Donnell

Early Life and Influence

Sir Donal O'Donnell was the oldest son of Sir Hugh O'Donnell, the ruler of Tyrconnell. Donal was a strong candidate to become the next leader of the O'Donnell family in the 1580s. This was happening while his father was still alive.

Donal controlled a large part of Tyrconnell, from the mountains westwards. This included areas like Tirhugh, Boylagh, and Bannagh. People at the time described him as a "mighty champion" and a great fighter. They said he never ran away from his enemies. He was also known for leading his father's armies.

The Fight for Leadership

Other important people who wanted to be the next leader included his younger half-brother, Hugh Roe O'Donnell, and his great-uncle, Hugh Dubh O'Donnell. Donal had the support of important families like O'Boyle and MacSweeney Banagh. He also had the backing of the English Crown. The English believed Donal had the strongest claim to be the next Lord because he was the oldest son.

The government in Dublin thought Donal would get more local support than his brother. This was because Donal's mother was from Ulster, a region in Ireland. Hugh Roe's mother, Finola Mac Donald, was from Scotland.

Gaining Power and Alliances

After the Spanish Armada shipwrerecks in 1588, Sir Donal O'Donnell became even more powerful. He was made a knight and appointed as the Sheriff of Donegal by the Lord Deputy, Sir William FitzWilliam. A sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer.

In 1589, Irish Army troops were sent to help Sir Donal against his rivals. Sir Donal grew stronger in the late 1580s. He took control over much of western Tyrconnell. He was also strong enough to help choose the next leader in a nearby area called Fermanagh. He helped Hugh Maguire become the chief there. Donal also became stronger because he was allied with Turlough Luineach O'Neill. Donal had married Turlough's daughter.

His Final Battle

Sir Donal's stepmother, Iníon Dubh (Hugh Roe's mother), was worried about her husband losing power. She was also concerned that Donal, with English support, was taking over her son's claim to leadership. So, she hired many Scottish soldiers called Redshanks. She also gathered Irish clans in Donegal who were still loyal to her husband.

These forces fought against Sir Donal. Sir Donal was defeated and killed at the Battle of Doire Leathan. This battle happened near Glencolmcille on September 14, 1590.

According to old records, Donal was a brave leader. It was rare for his enemies to defeat him. Even though he wasn't the "rightful heir" in the traditional way, people believed he would have been a good chief for Tyrconnell. About 200 others were also killed in this battle alongside Donal.

What Happened Next

After Sir Donal's death, his half-brother, Hugh Roe, escaped from Dublin Castle two years later. Hugh Roe then successfully became the new O'Donnell leader.

Sir Donal O'Donnell had one son, Donal Óg O'Donnell.

Family Connections