Tomás Láidir Mac Coisdealbhaigh facts for kids

Tomás Láidir Mac Coisdealbhaigh was an Irish soldier and a poet who lived in the 1600s. He was part of the Costello family from a region in Ireland called Connacht. His family lost their lands during a difficult time in the 1650s when their lands were taken by Oliver Cromwell's forces. Tomás was also related to Sir William de Angulo, who lived a long time ago in 1206. His brother was Colonel Dubhaltach Caoch Mac Coisdealbhaigh, who was known as a Rapparee (a type of Irish guerrilla fighter).

A Sad Love Story

Tomás Láidir Mac Coisdealbhaigh was deeply in love with a woman named Úna Ní Dhiarmaida. However, Úna's family did not want them to get married. Tomás tried many times to ask for her hand in marriage.

He made one last formal proposal. He swore that if he crossed a river ford called Áth na Donóige on his way home without getting an answer, he would never marry Úna. Tomás rode very slowly and waited a long time in the river itself, hoping for news. But finally, after some advice from his own servant, he crossed to the other side.

Soon after he crossed, a messenger arrived with the good news that Úna's family had finally agreed! But Tomás felt he could not break his promise. He refused to go back on his oath. Sadly, Úna died shortly after this. Tomás was heartbroken and later wrote a famous song called Úna Bhán about his sad love story.