Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rory O'DonnellRuaidrí Ó Domhnaill |
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| Earl of Tyrconnell | |
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| King of Tyrconnell | |
| Reign | 10 September 1602 – 4 September 1603 |
| Predecessor | Hugh Roe O'Donnell |
| Successor | Title abolished |
| 1st Earl of Tyrconnell | |
| Reign | 4 September 1603 – 14 September 1607 |
| Predecessor | Title created |
| Successor | The 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell |
| Born | 1575 Tyrconnell, Ireland |
| Died | 30 July 1608 (aged 32–33) Rome, Papal States |
| Burial | San Pietro in Montorio, Rome |
| Spouse | Bridget Fitzgerald |
| Issue | The 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell Lady Mary Stuart O'Donnell |
| Dynasty | O'Donnell |
| Father | Sir Hugh O'Donnell |
| Mother | Inion Dubh |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Rory O'Donnell, also known as Ruaidrí Ó Domhnaill in Irish, was an important Irish leader. He was born in 1575 and passed away in 1608. Rory was the last King of Tyrconnell, an old kingdom in Ireland. He later became the 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. He was the younger brother of another famous leader, Hugh Roe O'Donnell.
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Early Life and Challenges
Rory O'Donnell was one of nine children of Sir Hugh O'Donnell. His father ruled Tyrconnell from 1566. In 1592, his father gave up his rule to Rory's older brother, Hugh Roe O'Donnell. Rory's older brothers from his father's first marriage faced difficulties or were no longer able to lead.
After a big battle called the Battle of Kinsale in December 1601, Rory stepped up. His older brother went to Spain to ask for help, so Rory became the acting chief. He led his clan back to Connaught and continued to fight against the English. In December 1602, he finally surrendered to Lord Deputy Mountjoy at Athlone.
Becoming a Leader: King and Earl
In 1602, Rory O'Donnell became the King of Tyrconnell. This happened after his brother Hugh passed away. Rory then traveled to London and met the new King of England, King James I.
On September 4, 1603, King James I made Rory the Earl of Tyrconnell. This was a new title for him. His son would later be known as the Baron of Donegal. On February 10, 1604, Rory was also given control over the lands of Tyrconnell.
The Flight of the Earls
Many people in Ireland and England were upset about how Rory and another leader, Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, were treated. There were rumors that they had committed treason, which was called the "Sham Plot."
On September 14, 1607, Rory and Hugh, along with their families and followers, left Ireland. They sailed from Lough Swilly to live in exile. They hoped to find safety in Spanish Flanders and later in Rome. Lord Tyrconnell passed away in Rome in 1608. He was buried in a church called San Pietro in Montorio.
Rory's Family
Lord Tyrconnell married a woman named Bridget. She was the daughter of the 12th Earl of Kildare. Rory and Bridget had two children together: a son named Hugh and a daughter named Mary. After Rory's death, Bridget married again to the 1st Viscount Barnewall. They had many more children together.
Rory's only son, Hugh, was very young when his father left Ireland. He was raised in Louvain, which was in Spanish Flanders. When he grew up, Hugh joined the King of Spain's army. He was sadly killed in a battle at sea in 1642. Hugh became the 2nd Earl of Tyrconnell after his father, but he did not have any children.
Rory's youngest child, Mary Stuart O'Donnell, was born in England in 1608. After her father died, King James I of England gave her the name "Stuart." This was because they were distant relatives. Mary was raised by her mother in Ireland until she was twelve. In 1619, she went to live with her grandmother in London. Her grandmother wanted to educate her and make her her heir.
Family Tree
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