Margaret Magennis, Viscountess Iveagh facts for kids

Margaret Magennis, also known as Margaret Butler, was an important Irish noblewoman. She held the title of Viscountess Iveagh. Margaret was born in 1673 and lived until 1744. She is best known as the mother of John Butler, who was the rightful 15th Earl of Ormond. People still remember her today because of a sad old song called A Lament for Kilcash.

Early Life and Family

Margaret Burke was born in 1673. She was the oldest daughter of William Burke and his second wife, Helen MacCarty. Her father was the 7th Earl of Clanricarde, a very important title. The Burke family were known as "Old English" in Ireland. This means their ancestors came from England a long time ago.

Margaret's mother, Helen MacCarty, came from a "Gaelic" family. These were native Irish families. Both of Margaret's parents were Roman Catholic. They got married in 1669. Margaret had some half-brothers from her father's first marriage.

First Marriage

Margaret got married two times in her life. Her first marriage was in 1689 to Bryan Magennis, 5th Viscount Iveagh. He was from County Down in Ulster, a northern part of Ireland. Bryan supported King James II during a difficult time in Irish history. Because of this, he lost his titles and lands. He then went to work for the Austrian army. Bryan died in 1693. It seems they did not have any children together.

After a war in Ireland called the Williamite War, Margaret had to leave her home. She was allowed to go to Limerick from Galway in 1691.

Second Marriage and Children

In 1696, Margaret married for the second time. Her new husband was Colonel Thomas Butler of Garryricken. He was also known as Thomas Butler of Kilcash.

Margaret and Thomas had three sons:

• Richard Butler (died 1711), who sadly died after falling from his horse at Kilcash.
• Walter Butler, who died from smallpox while studying in Paris.
• John Butler (died 1766), who became the rightful 15th Earl of Ormond. He inherited some family lands but did not have any children himself.

They also had five daughters:

• Mary Butler, who married Bryan Cavanagh.
• Honora Butler (died 1730), who married Valentine, Lord Kenmare.
• Hellen Butler, who married Mr. Esmond first, and then Richard Butler.
• Margaret Butler (died 1743), who married George Matthew.
• Catharine Butler, who became the third wife of James Mandeville.

Death

Margaret Magennis passed away on 19 July 1744. She died at Kilcash Castle, which was an important family home. She was buried in the Butler family burial place at Kilcash. The famous Irish song 'A Lament for Kilcash' was written to remember her.