Tadhg Ó Cianáin facts for kids

Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin (died around 1614) was an important Irish writer. He is most famous for writing a diary called Turas na dTaoiseach, which means 'The Journey of the Chiefs'. This diary tells the story of a major event in Irish history called the Flight of the Earls. It covers the journey from September 1607 to November 1608, starting in Rathmullen, County Donegal, and ending in Rome. It is the very first diary known to be written in the Irish language!

Family History and Roots

Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin came from a family in Ireland known for their knowledge and learning. His family, the Ó Cianáins, were originally church officials (called erenaghs) in a place called Cleenish, near Lough Erne. For many centuries, they also worked as historians for the Maguires of Fermanagh. They were responsible for keeping records and writing down the history of the Maguire family.

One of the most famous books written by his family was Leabhar Adhamh Ó Cianáin. This book was created around the 1340s by Adhamh Ó Cianáin. The Annals of the Four Masters, which is a famous collection of Irish historical records, mentions other members of the Ó Cianáin family who passed away in different years, showing their long history.

Tadhg had at least one brother, Cu Chonnacht Ó Cianáin, who died in 1615. Cu Chonnacht was a poet or a record-keeper for Rory Maguire.

Working for Hugh O'Neill

Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin started working for Hugh O'Neill during a big conflict known as the Nine Years' War. In December 1602, Tadhg was one of seven people with the Ó Cianáin name who received a pardon. They were living in a place called Portnelligan, near Armagh.

Some historians believe that Hugh O'Neill might have given land in County Armagh to the Ó Cianáin family, as it wasn't their original home. There's even a townland nearby called Drumadd, which in Irish means 'Dromad Uí Cianáin', suggesting a connection to the family.

The Journey of the Chiefs

It's amazing that Tadhg's original diary, Turas na dTaoiseach, survived! Before the Flight of the Earls, Tadhg lived in Portnelligan, Tynan, County Armagh. His name was on a list of followers of Henry Óg Ó Neill who received a pardon in 1602.

When the Earls left Ireland, Tadhg's belongings were taken away. This included fifteen cows, eight calves, horses, and twenty-five pigs, all worth a good amount of money at the time. However, his property was later given back to his wife. This happened because the Earl of Thomond, who was a relative of Tadhg's wife, asked for it to be returned.

Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin passed away in Rome, probably in late 1614.

Family Members Left Behind

After the Flight of the Earls, Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin's property was taken, but it was later returned to his wife. This was thanks to Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond, who said he was related to Tadhg's wife. We don't have much information about Tadhg's children, if he had any.

His brother, Cu Chonnacht Ó Cianáin, died in Derry in July 1615.

Other Writings

On March 28, 1627, a scholar named Mícheál Ó Cléirigh was gathering information for what would become the Annals of the Four Masters. He used some religious writings by Tadhg Óg Ó Cianáin, but these writings are now lost. Historians believe this lost text was called Ionnarba Mochuda a Rathain, which means 'The Banishment of St Mochuda from Rahan'.