Sorley Boy MacDonnell facts for kids

Somhairle Buíodh MacDonnell (pronounced Sor-lee Boo-ee Mac-Don-al), also known as Sorley Boy MacDonnell, was an important leader from Scotland. He was born around 1505 and passed away in 1590. He is famous for helping his family, the MacDonnells, settle in Antrim, Ireland.

Sorley Boy was a strong leader who fought to keep his family's lands. He stood up against powerful groups like the O'Neills and even the English government. His family ties were important; for example, he married Mary O'Neill, whose father was a major Irish lord.

The MacDonnell Clan's Journey

The MacDonnells of Antrim were part of a larger, powerful family called Clan Donald. This clan had roots in Scotland and was very influential. An ancestor of Sorley Boy, John Mór Tanister, married a woman from the Antrim coast in Ireland. This marriage later gave Sorley Boy a claim to lands there.

Many MacDonnells moved to the Glens and Rathlin Island in the early 1500s. They traveled quickly by galley boats. The English government was worried about this. They feared the MacDonnells might team up with Irish clans like the O'Neills. This could lead to an invasion of Ireland.

The Scottish king, James V, sometimes supported the MacDonnells. He even gave them back some lands in Scotland. However, this support changed after a battle in 1539. An Irish force, including the MacDonnells, was defeated by the English army.

A Strong Military Leader

Sorley Boy MacDonnell became well-known in the mid-1500s. He was born at Dunanynie Castle near Ballycastle, County Antrim. The English government in Dublin often tried to control the area where he lived.

In 1550, Sorley Boy was captured by the English. He was held in Dublin Castle for a year. He was finally released in exchange for prisoners his brother, James, had captured. After his release, Sorley Boy became even stronger. He took control of Carrickfergus Castle and defeated the MacQuillans. The MacQuillans were a rival clan in Antrim.

In 1558, Sorley Boy became the leader of the Route area. He gathered an army from Scotland. In 1559, he landed in Ireland and fought the MacQuillans. After several battles, he drove them out of the Route.

Becoming a Clan Chief

Sorley Boy was now a very powerful leader. Even Queen Elizabeth I and her advisors noticed him. They were also dealing with another strong Irish leader, Shane O'Neill. For the next 20 years, Ulster saw many fights and alliances. The English government tried to play the MacDonnells and O'Neills against each other.

In 1562, Shane O'Neill visited London. He was recognized by Queen Elizabeth as the O'Neill leader. But in 1563, the English launched a campaign against O'Neill. Sorley Boy helped them. However, O'Neill then attacked the MacDonnells.

In 1565, O'Neill won a big victory. He captured both James MacDonnell and Sorley Boy. James died soon after, but Sorley Boy remained O'Neill's prisoner until 1567. Surprisingly, Sorley Boy seemed to gain O'Neill's trust. After a defeat, O'Neill sought help from the MacDonnells. He brought Sorley Boy to a feast. At this feast, O'Neill was killed by his hosts.

Sorley Boy then went to Scotland. He returned with 600 soldiers. He promised never to leave Ireland. In 1569, the O'Neills and MacDonnells formed an alliance. This happened when Shane's successor married Sorley Boy's late brother's widow.

Sorley Boy spent years trying to stop English plans. These plans aimed to settle English people in Ulster. He was willing to make peace if his claims to the land were accepted. But the English wanted him to surrender completely.

In 1573, the English crown offered Sorley Boy official recognition. However, these plans were stopped by the Earl of Essex. Essex wanted to continue his settlement scheme. Sorley Boy managed to hold his ground.

Essex then made a deal with another Irish leader. He defeated Sorley Boy near Castle Toome. Later, English forces attacked Rathlin Island. Sorley Boy's children and valuables were there for safety. While Sorley Boy watched from the mainland, the soldiers attacked the island. Many people, including civilians, were killed. Sorley Boy got revenge by successfully raiding Carrickfergus. He managed to regain power in his lands.

In 1583, the MacQuillans tried to defeat the MacDonnells again. They thought Sorley Boy was weak. They attacked the northern glens. Sorley Boy gathered a small force. He tricked the attackers into charging across a deep bog. Their cavalry and infantry got stuck. The MacDonnells won a decisive victory. This battle is known as the battle of Slieve-an-aura.

After this victory, Sorley Boy's position became stronger. More followers came from Scotland.

Achieving His Goals

For some years, the balance of power in Ulster was stable. But in 1584, a new English leader arrived. Sir John Perrot led his army to remove the Scots. Sorley Boy went to Scotland for more soldiers. He returned in 1585 with a large army.

After some early wins, he was pushed back to Scotland. He offered to accept earlier peace terms. Perrot refused. So, Sorley Boy returned and took back Dunluce Castle. Perrot then had to negotiate with him.

In 1586, Sorley Boy finally submitted to Queen Elizabeth's representative. He was granted most of the Route area. This land was between the rivers Bann and Bush. He also became the constable of Dunluce Castle. Around the same time, a treaty recognized the MacDonnell clan's right to stay in Ireland.

Sorley Boy did not cause any more trouble for the English. He even helped Spanish sailors escape Ireland in 1588. These sailors were survivors of the Spanish Armada. Sorley Boy died in 1590 at Dunanynie Castle, where he was born. He was buried at Bonamargy Friary.

His Lasting Impact

Before the Plantation of Ulster in 1610, Sorley Boy was the most powerful Scottish-Irish leader in the region. Because of his efforts, the English and Scottish governments faced ongoing challenges. Sorley Boy handled these challenges with courage and skill. He managed to secure his clan's future. His claims to the land were largely accepted.

Family Life

Sorley Boy had many children with his first wife, Mary O'Neill. They had four sons and five daughters.

• Alaster MacDonnell, who died in battle in 1585.
• Donnell MacDonnell.
• James MacDonnell, who passed away in 1601.
• Randal MacDonnell, who became the Earl of Antrim. He died in 1636.
• Angus MacDonnell.
• Ludar MacDonnell.
• One daughter married a chief of Clan Macnaghten.
• One daughter married a chief of Clan McQuillan.
• One daughter married Cormack O'Neill.
• One daughter married Magennis, Lord of Iveagh.
• One daughter married Shane O'Neill of Clandeboye.

In 1588, when he was over 80 years old, Sorley Boy married a second time. His second wife was a relative of his first wife. Two of his daughters married into the O'Neill family. His son Randal inherited his lands. King James I later confirmed these land grants to Randal.