John Cathanach MacDonald, 4th of Dunnyveg facts for kids

John Cathanach MacDonald (whose name in Scottish Gaelic was Seán Cathanach Mac Dhòmhnaill) was an important Scottish-Gaelic leader. He was known as the 4th Chief of Dunnyveg. He lived a long time ago, in the 1400s, and sadly, he died in 1499.

His Life Story

John Cathanach MacDonald was the son of John Mor MacDonald, 3rd of Dunnyveg. His mother was Sabina, whose father was Felim O'Neill.

John Cathanach's father, John Mor, was accused of going against King James IV of Scotland. He did not agree to give himself up to the King. Because of this, John Cathanach, his father, and three of his sons were captured. They were caught because a relative, John MacIan, helped in their capture.

In 1499, John Cathanach and his sons (John Mor, John Og, and Donald Balloch) faced serious charges. They were found guilty and lost their lives that year. Another son, Alexander, managed to escape to Ireland. Because he was safe, Alexander became the next leader of their family line.

His Family

John Cathanach MacDonald was married to Cecelia. She was the daughter of Robert Savage, who was the Lord of the Ardes. Together, John and Cecelia had several children:

• Alexander – He went to Ireland to escape danger. Alexander married Catherine, who was the daughter of John Macdonald. He passed away in 1538 in Stirling, Scotland.
• John Mor – He died in 1499 along with his father.
• John Og – He also died in 1499 with his father.
• Donald Balloch – He was another son who died in 1499 with his father.
• Angus Ileach – He also fled to Ireland for safety.
• Agnes – She was married two times. First, she married Donald Gallach MacDonald, and they had children. Later, she married Torquil MacLeod, and they also had children.