Hugh O'Donnell, 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell facts for kids
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Hugh Albert O'Donnell, 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell (born October 1606 – died August/September 1642) was a very important person in Irish history. He was known in Irish as Aodh Ailbhe mac Rudhraighe Uí Dhomhnaill. He was considered the rightful King of Tír Conaill, a region in Ireland. Hugh Albert was the son of Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. However, his family's title was officially taken away in 1614. As an adult, he used titles like Earl of Tyrconnell and Lord of Sligo. He was also a knight in a special order called Alcántara.
Hugh Albert's Early Life
Hugh Albert O'Donnell was born in October 1606. His father was Rory O'Donnell, the 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. His mother was Bridget, who was known for her beauty and was the daughter of Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare. Bridget stayed in Ireland when her husband left.
When Hugh Albert was almost one year old, he left Ireland with his father during an event known as the Flight of the Earls. This was when many Irish leaders left Ireland. They sailed from Lough Swilly. Hugh Albert went with his father to Rome, Italy. Sadly, his father and uncle, Cathbarr O'Donnell, both died there from fevers.
Growing Up in Europe
After his father died, Hugh Albert was likely cared for by his aunt, Rosa O'Doherty. She was Cathbarr's wife and later married Owen Roe O'Neill.
From 1615, Hugh Albert and his cousin (also named Hugh O'Donnell) received a small amount of money each year from Albert VII, Archduke of Austria. Archduke Albert was the ruler of the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and Netherlands). The boys grew up in Leuven, a city in Belgium. There, they were educated by Franciscan monks.
Hugh Albert later became a young helper, called a page, for Princess Isabella Clara Eugenia. She was the daughter of King Philip III of Spain.
Military Career and Death
As he grew older, Hugh Albert joined the service of King Philip of Spain. In 1632, he became a colonel in the Spanish army.
Hugh Albert O'Donnell died in battle in August or September 1642. His ship was fighting a French ship at sea when it caught fire. He did not have any children to inherit his titles.
Family Connections
Hugh Albert O'Donnell married Anna-Margaret. She was the daughter of Maximilien II de Hénin, who was the 5th Count of Bossu and a Knight of the Golden Fleece.
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