Turlough McHenry O'Neill facts for kids

Sir Turlough McHenry O'Neill (who died in 1608) was a brave knight. He is remembered for fighting and dying alongside his father, Henry, during O'Doherty's Rebellion. He was also the father of Sir Phelim O'Neill, who later started the Irish Rebellion of 1641.

Early Life and Family

Turlough was the son of Henry Oge O'Neill and his mother, Cortine (also known as Catherine) O'Neill. His father was called "Oge," which means "young" in Irish. This helped people tell him apart from Turlough's grandfather, who was also named Henry O'Neill.

Turlough's father was the leader of the O'Neills of Kinard. This family branch was a smaller part of the main O'Neill family. They got their land at Kinard when Turlough's great-grandfather, Shane O'Neill, received it as a special gift.

Turlough's mother was a daughter of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. This means both of Turlough's parents were part of the important Gaelic O'Neill Dynasty in Ulster, a province in Ireland.

Supporting the Crown

During the Nine Years' War (1594-1603), Turlough's family branch supported the English Crown. They fought against Hugh O'Neill, the Earl of Tyrone. Because of their loyalty, the Crown gave them their land at Kinnard in County Tyrone directly. This meant they did not have to answer to the Earl of Tyrone anymore.

Turlough was honored with a knighthood on April 17, 1604. He received this title at Rheban Castle from George Carey (c. 1541 – 1616). Carey was a high-ranking official who had briefly served as the Lord Deputy of Ireland.

Death in O'Doherty's Rebellion

In 1608, Turlough and his father, Henry, were both killed during O'Doherty's Rebellion. Sir Cahir O'Doherty had also been loyal to the Crown, just like Turlough's family. However, he was forced into rebellion because of how he was treated by local officials, especially Sir George Paulet, who was the governor of Derry.

On April 19, 1608, Sir Cahir O'Doherty surprised Derry and attacked it. This event is known as the Burning of Derry. Some of his followers killed Paulet. O'Doherty's forces then went through Ulster, attacking anyone who would not join them. His men attacked Kinnard, burned it down, and killed Turlough O'Neill and his father. Sir Cahir O'Doherty was eventually defeated and killed in July at the important Battle of Kilmacrennan in County Donegall.

Sir Turlough was succeeded by his young son, Sir Phelim O'Neill. Turlough's widow, Catherine, later married Robert Hovendon. Robert Hovendon was a Catholic from England. He became the stepfather to Sir Phelim. Their son, also named Robert Hovenden, later joined Sir Phelim when he started the Irish Rebellion of 1641.