Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh facts for kids

Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh was an important Irish leader who lived a long time ago, from around 1584 to after 1611. He was the 79th and final king of a place called Uí Maine. This was an old kingdom in what is now County Galway in Ireland.

Early Life and Family

Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh was born in Aughrim, County Galway. His father was named Cellach Ó Cellaigh. His mother was Julia Ní Cellaigh, whose father was Tadg Dubh of Gallagh. Feardorcha also had a brother named Hugh. Sadly, Hugh passed away without any sons to carry on his family name.

Challenges and Land Disputes

Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh faced many challenges during his time as king. A lot of the lands belonging to his family were badly damaged during wars, especially the Mac an Iarla wars and later the Nine Years' War (Ireland). These wars caused a lot of trouble and destruction.

By 1589, Feardorcha was trying to get a new agreement for his family's lands. He wanted to lease, or rent, these lands for 31 years from the Earl of Ormond. His family had lived on these lands for about 300 years! He took over from another leader, Aded mac Donnchadh, by 1593.

However, in 1596, the Earl of Ormond claimed that Feardorcha had broken their agreement. This led to more conflict, and Feardorcha's lands were again damaged. To make peace, Feardorcha made a payment in 1607 to the Earl of Ormond and another leader, Thomond. He paid 220 pounds to Thomond to end this conflict. Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh passed away sometime after 1611. His family continued to hold their estates until after the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–1653).

Feardorcha's Family

Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh was married twice. His first wife was Catherine MacHugo. They had four daughters together. Later, he married Julia Níc Cochláin, who was the daughter of Seán na Scuab Mac Cochláin.

With Julia, Feardorcha had more children, including a son named Maolsheachlainn Ó Kelly. Maolsheachlainn married Honora Burke of Cloughrourke. They had two sons, Teige and Brian.

Feardorcha was also related to a famous soldier named Colonel Charles O'Kelly (1621–1695). Colonel O'Kelly fought in the Irish Confederate Wars and at the Battle of Aughrim. He also wrote a book about the Williamite Wars, called The Conquest of Cyprus.

More About Uí Maine

• Kings of Uí Maine
• Máine Mór, who founded the kingdom of Uí Maine around the 4th century A.D.
• Tadhg Mór Ua Cellaigh, who was King of Uí Maine in 1014 and the first person to be called the "Chief of the Name" for the Ó Cellaigh family.