John Mor MacDonald, 3rd of Dunnyveg facts for kids

John Mor MacDonald (Scottish Gaelic: Seán Mór Mac Dhòmhnaill) was an important leader of Clan Donald around the year 1499. He was the third chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg.

Life as a Clan Chief

John Mor was the son of Donald Balloch MacDonald. His mother was Johanna, daughter of Conn O'Neill. He took over as the chief of his clan after his father passed away in 1476.

In 1461, John Mor and his father signed an agreement called the Treaty of Ardtornish. This agreement was a plan to divide Scotland between King Edward IV of England and James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas.

Conflict with the King

In 1493, John of Islay lost his title as Lord of the Isles. He also had to show loyalty to King James IV of Scotland. Because of this, King James IV sent his soldiers to secure Tarbert and Dunaverty Castle in 1494.

However, Sir John MacDonald, who the King had recently made a knight, took back Dunaverty Castle. He did this just as the King was leaving for Stirling. The castle's governor was captured, which made the King very angry.

The King was furious with Sir John's actions. He declared Sir John a traitor and ordered him to come to Edinburgh to face charges.

Capture and Aftermath

Sir John MacDonald did not obey the King's order. He stayed on the island of Islay. Later, he and his sons were captured. This happened because a relative, John MacIan of Ardnamurchan, betrayed them.

In 1499, Sir John, his son John Cathanach, and John Cathanach's sons (John Mor, John Og, and Donald Balloch) were put on trial. They were found guilty of treason and executed.

John Cathanach had another son named Alexander Carragh. He managed to escape to Ireland. Alexander Carragh then became the next chief of the clan.

Family Life

John Mor MacDonald was married to Sabina (also known as Sarah). She was the daughter of Felim O'Neill. Together, they had two sons:

• John Cathanach: He married Sheela (Cecelia) Savage. She was the daughter of Robert Savage, Lord of the Ardes from Ireland. John Cathanach was executed in 1499.
• Alistair Carragh