Owen O'Rourke facts for kids

Owen O'Rourke (born around 1670, died 1743) was an important Irish soldier and diplomat. He was also known as Audeonus or Eugenius O'Rourke. In groups that supported the Jacobite cause, he was called Viscount Breffney. He worked as an agent for the Jacobites in Europe.

Owen O'Rourke's Life

Early Life and Military Service

Owen O'Rourke was born in a place called Castle Car in County Leitrim, Ireland. He came from a famous family, and one of his ancestors was Sir Brian O'Rourke.

Around 1690, Owen joined the army of King James II in Ireland. King James II was trying to get his throne back. Owen fought in two very important battles: the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and the Battle of Aughrim in 1691.

After King James II's army lost, Owen O'Rourke went to France. Many Irish soldiers went into exile with King James II. This event is known as the Flight of the Wild Geese. In France, Owen joined a group of Irish soldiers called the Irish Brigade. He was part of their Regiment de Limerick.

Diplomatic Work and Titles

Later, Owen O'Rourke started working for important leaders in Europe. In 1679, he offered his help to Leopold, Duke of Lorraine. Lorraine was a duchy, which is like a small country, in Europe. Leopold made Owen a special advisor. He also gave Owen the title of a count, which meant he was part of the nobility in Lorraine.

In 1727, James Francis Edward Stuart appointed Owen O'Rourke as his ambassador. James Francis Edward Stuart was King James II's son. He was also known as the "Old Pretender." Owen became his representative at the royal court in Vienna, Austria. James Francis Edward Stuart also gave Owen the title of Baron O'Rourke. This was a special title in the Jacobite peerage.

On July 31, 1731, Owen received another title: Viscount Breffney. This title was a nod to his ancestors. They used to rule a place in Ireland called the Kingdom of Breifne.

Owen O'Rourke did not have any children of his own. So, in July 1742, he was made Viscount Breffney again. This time, the title could pass to his cousin, Constantine O'Rourke. Constantine was a count in the Russian Empire. Owen O'Rourke continued his work as a diplomat in Vienna until he passed away in 1743.

Family Life

Owen O'Rourke was married to Catharine Diana de Beauveau. She was the sister of a very important person, the Prince of Craon. However, Owen and Catharine did not have any children.