Shane O'Neill (Irish exile) facts for kids

Shane O'Neill, also known as Seán or Juan, was born around 1599 and passed away on January 29, 1641. He was the youngest son of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, a very important leader in Ireland.

Early Life and Moving to Europe

When Shane was young, his father, Hugh O'Neill, and another Irish leader, Rory O'Donnell, left Ireland in September 1607. This event is known as the Flight of the Earls. They traveled to Europe. Shane was too young to go all the way to Rome with his father. So, he stayed in a place called Flanders (which is now part of Belgium) with his older brother, Henry. He studied with a group of monks called Franciscans in a city called Louvain.

Becoming a Soldier in Spain

Once Shane was old enough, he joined the Spanish army. He served in one of the Irish regiments, which were groups of Irish soldiers fighting for Spain. Like his cousins, Shane always hoped to help his father return to Ireland. He also wanted to bring back the traditional Irish way of life and leadership in Ulster, a region in Ireland.

When his half-brother Henry died, Shane became the official leader, or "titular colonel," of the Tyrone Regiment. This was at his father's request. His cousin, Owen Roe O'Neill, later helped lead this regiment until Shane was old enough to take full command.

In 1613, Shane worked at the court in Brussels as a page for the Infanta Isabella, who was a Spanish princess and governor.

The Title of Earl

After his father passed away in Rome in 1616, Shane took on the title of Earl of Tyrone. Both Pope Urban VIII, the head of the Catholic Church, and the Infanta Isabella of Spain recognized his title. In Spain, he was known as "Conde," or Count. However, in England and Ireland, he no longer had this title. It had been taken away by a law passed in 1608.

Plans to Return to Ireland

In 1625, some Irish people living in the Spanish Netherlands suggested a plan to the Infanta. They wanted Spain to send an army to Ireland. Two of these people were Fláithrí Ó Maol Chonaire, an Archbishop, and Shane's cousin, Owen Roe O'Neill. Their plan was turned down at first.

The Archbishop and Owen Roe O'Neill then traveled to Madrid to present their idea directly to the King of Spain, Philip IV of Spain. They arrived in 1627. Their plan involved landing at Killybegs and taking the city of Derry to create a safe port. They wanted Shane O'Neill and Hugh O'Donnell to lead the Spanish forces. Hugh O'Donnell was the son of Rory O'Donnell, who had left Ireland with Shane's father.

To make sure both families were happy, they suggested that Shane and Hugh would both be generals and have equal power. They would lead two Irish regiments, with more soldiers joining from other Spanish forces.

A fleet of 11 ships was gathered in Dunkirk, ready to sail in September 1627. But there were still disagreements about who should lead. The Infanta wanted Shane O'Neill to be in sole command. However, the King in Madrid preferred O'Donnell. In the end, the King of Spain decided not to go ahead with the invasion plan.

Continued Efforts and Recognition

Shane O'Neill was seen as a threat by the English in Ireland. In 1627, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Viscount Falkland, claimed that Spain planned to send Shane to Ireland with an army. The goal was for Shane to claim the throne of Ulster and become governor of Ireland for Spain.

In 1630, Shane O'Neill presented another plan for an invasion to King Philip IV, but it was also rejected. While in Madrid, Shane was honored with the title of Knight of Calatrava. He also became a member of Spain's highest war council. In 1639, his request to lead a Spanish army to Ireland was again turned down. Even in 1641, Rory O'More, another Irish leader, asked for Shane's help for a planned rebellion, not knowing Shane had already died.

Shane also used his influence to help others. In 1626, he helped his former teacher, Aodh Mac Cathmhaoil, become the Archbishop of Armagh, an important religious leader in Ireland. In 1630, Shane founded a college in Alcala, Spain, called San Pedro, y San Pablo y San Patricio. This college closed after his death.

Death in Battle

In 1638, Shane's Irish regiments were moved from Flanders to Spain to help defend against a possible French invasion. These regiments were involved in Spain's efforts to stop the Catalan Revolt.

Shane died in January 1641 while leading his regiment during the Battle of Montjuic near Barcelona. He was hit by a musket ball in his chest. His regiment suffered many losses in that battle. His brother Brian had died just two days before Shane.

Family

Shane was born in Dungannon in 1599. His mother was Catherine Magennis.

While in Madrid after 1630, Shane met Isabel O'Donnell. They had a son together named Hugh Eugene O’Neill. The King later made Hugh Eugene a legitimate child.

There is a family story among the O'Neills of Martinique that Shane also had a legitimate son named Patrick. This story says that both Shane and Patrick fought with Owen Roe O'Neill in 1642. According to this tradition, Patrick married and settled in Ireland. The Martinique family believes they are descended from Shane's son Henry, who moved away during the time of King James II.