Hugh Dubh O'Donnell facts for kids

Hugh Dubh O'Donnell (whose name in Irish was Aodh Dubh Ó Domhnaill) was an important person from the O'Donnell dynasty. This was a powerful family in a place called Tyrconnell, which is now County Donegal in Ireland. Hugh Dubh lived a long time ago and died in 1618.

He was the younger brother of Manus O'Donnell, who was the leader of Tyrconnell from 1537 to 1555. After Manus died, Hugh Dubh wanted to become the new leader. But his nephews, Calvagh O'Donnell and Sir Hugh O'Donnell, were already in charge. A man named Miler Magrath thought Hugh Dubh should be the leader because he was older.

Hugh Dubh's Power and Castles

Hugh Dubh had his main base of power in northern Donegal. This area was located between the River Lennon and the River Swilly. He controlled important castles in places like Cahir Anuske and Ramelton.

He was very good at surviving attacks from other members of the O'Donnell family who also wanted to be leaders. However, the English Crown (the government at the time) did not trust him. Because of this, they would not support his claim to be the leader of Tyrconnell.

Challenges for Leadership

Hugh Dubh tried again to become the leader of the O'Donnell family. This time, his rivals were his great-nephews, Sir Donnell O'Donnell and Hugh Roe O'Donnell.

In 1593, Hugh Roe O'Donnell captured Hugh Dubh's strong castle at Beleek. After this, Hugh Dubh had to accept that Hugh Roe would be the new leader. Hugh Roe also took strong action against sixteen of Hugh Dubh's main supporters.

Later Life and Legacy

Even after these challenges, Hugh Dubh still owned a lot of land. This was around the time of the Ulster Plantation, a period when land in Ulster was settled by new people.

Hugh Dubh is remembered for living a very long life. He outlived many of his rivals from the O'Donnell family. These rivals came from different generations, showing just how long he lived.