Donough O'Brien, 2nd Earl of Thomond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Donough O'Brien |
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| 2nd Earl of Thomond & Baron Ibrackan | |
| Spouse(s) | Helen Butler |
| Issue | |
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| Noble family | Ua Briain |
| Father | Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond |
| Mother | Annabell Burke |
| Born | c. 1520 |
| Died | 1 April 1553 |
Donough O'Brien (who lived from about 1520 to 1553) was an important leader in Ireland. He was known as the 2nd Earl of Thomond. An Earl was a high-ranking noble, like a duke or a count. Donough was also sometimes called "the fat."
He was the son of Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond, and Annabell Burke. Donough became the Earl of Thomond after his uncle, Murrough O'Brien, passed away. He inherited this title because of a special rule called "special remainder." This rule meant the title went to him instead of his uncle's own children.
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Donough's Family Life
Donough O'Brien married Helen Butler. Her father was Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormonde, another powerful Irish noble. Helen's mother was Lady Margaret Fitzgerald.
Donough's Children
Donough and Helen had several children together:
- Margaret O'Brien (who died in 1568). She married Dermod O'Brien, 2nd Baron Inchiquin.
- Connor O'Brien, 3rd Earl of Thomond (born around 1534, died in 1581). He would later become the next Earl.
- Donal or Daniel O'Brien.
- Honora O'Brien, who married Teige Macnamara.
How Donough O'Brien Died
Donough O'Brien died on April 1, 1553. This happened after a conflict with his brothers at his family home, Clonroad.
What Happened After His Death?
After Donough's death, his brother, Sir Donald, was chosen as the new leader of Thomond by a group called the Dalgais. However, Donough's son, Connor, wanted to take back control of his family's lands and title. He worked with the English government to regain his position as the Earl of Thomond.
