Edmond O'Flaherty facts for kids
Edmond O'Flaherty (also known as Eamonn Laidir Ó Flaithbertaigh, which means Strong Ned in Irish) was an important Irish figure who lived a long time ago. He was a Jacobite, which means he supported the old royal family of England, Scotland, and Ireland, called the Stuarts, who had lost their throne. Edmond O'Flaherty died around the year 1749.
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Who Was Edmond O'Flaherty?
Edmond O'Flaherty was part of the famous O'Flaherty clan, a powerful family in Ireland. His grandfather, Morogh na Maor Ó Flaithbertaigh, was a significant leader of the clan until he passed away in 1627. Edmond's uncles, Edmond mac Morogha and Morogh na Mart, were also involved in important events like the Irish Confederate Wars.
Why Was He Called "Strong Ned"?
Edmond O'Flaherty earned the nickname Laidir, meaning "strong" in Irish. People in Connemara, the area where he lived, remembered many stories about his great strength. These stories were passed down through generations, making him a legendary figure.
His Rivalry with Captain Richard Martin
One of the most famous stories about Edmond O'Flaherty involves his frequent battles with his neighbor, Captain Richard Martin. Even though Captain Martin had also supported the Jacobites, he managed to get a special pardon from King William III. This allowed him to keep his lands in Connemara.
Edmond and Captain Martin often fought each other while riding horses, using swords. Edmond O'Flaherty usually had fewer supporters with him, so he often had to retreat from these fights.
Family Life and Later Years
Edmond O'Flaherty was married three times. One of his wives was Julia Martyn, who was a cousin of his rival, Richard Martin. He had four sons.
Edmond O'Flaherty passed away around 1749 at his home in Cloonederowen, near Ballinakill. He was buried in a small chapel. Many years later, his bones were moved to a special spot in the chapel wall. People wanted to see them because they were unusually large, showing just how strong "Strong Ned" truly was.
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