Iníon Dubh facts for kids

Finola MacDonald, often called Iníon Dubh (pronounced 'In-neen Doo'), was a powerful queen in Tyrconnell (a kingdom in old Ireland) from about 1570 to 1608. She was the daughter of James MacDonald, a Scottish chief, and Lady Agnes MacDonald. Finola became the second wife of Sir Hugh O'Donnell, the king of Tyrconnell. She had eight children, including important sons like Hugh Roe O'Donnell and Rory.

Early Life and Influence

Iníon Dubh was the daughter of James MacDonald, the chief of a powerful Scottish family called Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. Her mother was Lady Agnes MacDonald. Finola grew up in the royal court of Scotland, which gave her important connections.

These connections were very useful after she married Sir Hugh O'Donnell around 1570. She helped bring many Scottish soldiers, known as Redshanks, from her family's clan to join O'Donnell's army. She had four sons, including Hugh and Rory, who later became kings of Tyrconnell. As her husband, Sir Hugh, got older and less able to rule, Finola took charge of the kingdom herself. People described her as having "a man's heart to a woman's thought," meaning she was very brave and smart.

Protecting Her Sons' Power

Iníon Dubh was fiercely protective of her sons and their right to rule.

Hugh Roe's Kidnapping

In 1587, her oldest son, Hugh Roe O'Donnell, was kidnapped. He was held prisoner in Dublin Castle. While he was gone, Finola worked hard to make sure he would still become the chief of their family.

Dealing with Rivals

Finola was determined to remove anyone who threatened her sons' power.

The Death of Hugh Gavelach

In 1588, Finola had her nephew, Hugh Gavelach O'Donnell, killed. He had often sided with other families who were against O'Donnell. Also, Finola's brother had been killed by Hugh Gavelach's family. She felt very strongly that revenge was needed. She asked her Scottish soldiers, who were always loyal to her, to help. When Hugh Gavelach came near her location, she told her soldiers to act. They shot him with darts and bullets until he died, along with his loyal followers.

The Battle of Doire Leathan

In 1590, Finola's stepson, Sir Domhnall Dubh Ó Domhnaill, tried to take power from his father, Sir Hugh. Finola quickly gathered an army of people loyal to her husband. This included soldiers from Clan Sweeney, O'Doherty, and many Scottish Redshanks. Their armies fought at the Battle of Doire Leathan on September 14, 1590. Domhnall Dubh was defeated and killed by Finola's forces.

Throughout this time, Finola kept trying to get Hugh Roe released from Dublin Castle.

Hugh Roe Becomes Chief

When Hugh Roe finally escaped in 1592, Finola made sure he became the new chief. She paid off another family member, Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill, who also wanted to be chief. She then convinced her husband to step down and let their son rule. Historians say that Hugh Roe becoming chief was largely due to his mother's strong influence.

Later Life and Legacy

After her son Hugh Roe became chief, Finola moved to Kilmacrennan. In 1608, after all her sons had passed away, she accused her son-in-law, Niall Garbh, of planning against King James I. Niall Garbh was sent to the Tower of London, where he later died.

Finola's exact death date is not known. In her later years, she lived in Mongavlin Castle, a small fortress near the River Foyle in East Donegal.