Niall Garve O'Donnell facts for kids

Niall Garve O'Donnell (born 1569, died 1626) was an important Irish leader. He sometimes worked with the English rulers in Ireland, and sometimes he fought against them. Niall Garve is most famous for helping the English during the Nine Years' War in the 1590s. He fought against his own relative, Hugh Roe O'Donnell, in this war.

Niall Garve's Story

Niall Garve was the son of Conn O'Donnell. His grandfather, Calvagh O'Donnell, used to rule the area called Tyrconnell. Niall Garve had several brothers, including Hugh Boy, Donal, and Conn.

Niall Garve was very upset when his cousin, Hugh Roe (also known as Red Hugh), became the main leader, or chieftain, in 1592. He became even more angry when Hugh Roe took away his castle in Lifford. This started a big fight between the two O'Donnells.

Fighting During the Nine Years' War

While Red Hugh O'Donnell was fighting against the English in the Nine Years' War, Niall Garve saw a chance to gain power. He made a deal with the English government. He helped them fight against the O'Neills and also against his own cousin, Red Hugh.

Niall Garve helped an English army land at Derry. This army was led by Sir Henry Docwra. For a while, Docwra thought Niall Garve was a very helpful friend.

However, in 1601, Niall Garve had a disagreement with the English leader in Ireland, known as the Lord Deputy of Ireland. The Lord Deputy wanted Niall Garve to rule Tyrconnell, but he would not let him control Inishowen over another leader, Sir Cahir O'Doherty.

Even with this disagreement, Niall Garve led an English and Irish force that captured the town of Donegal in the same year. The rebels then attacked Donegal, but Niall Garve successfully defended the town during the siege.

After the War

After Hugh Roe O'Donnell left Ireland in 1602, Niall Garve tried to become the main chieftain. He was "inaugurated" as the 25th O'Donnell in 1603. However, he did not have the full support of the family group that chose the leader.

Hugh Roe's family, especially his younger brother Rory, did not agree with Niall Garve's claim. To solve this problem, Niall Garve and Rory went to London in 1603. The King's council tried to sort out the family dispute.

As a result, King James I gave some land to Niall Garve. But he made Rory a noble, calling him Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. King James also gave Rory control over the land of Tyrconnell.

Later Life and Imprisonment

Later, Niall Garve was accused of turning against the English Crown. In 1608, Sir Cahir O'Doherty started a rebellion by burning Derry. Niall Garve was accused of being involved in this O'Doherty's Rebellion.

Niall Garve and his son Neachtain were sent to the Tower of London. They stayed there until they died.

Family Life

Niall Garve married his cousin, Nuala O'Donnell. Nuala was the sister of Hugh Roe and Rory O'Donnell.

In 1607, Rory O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill fled to Rome. This event is known as the Flight of the Earls. Nuala, who had left Niall Garve when he joined the English against her brother, went with them. She took her daughter Grania with her.