Aodh Méith
Encyclopedia
Aodh Méith or Áed Méith was a 13th-century Ó Néill chief and king of Tír Eoghain. The son of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg, first Ó Néill king in over a century, Aodh spent much of his career fighting off threats from Fir Manach, Tír Conaill and Galloway
, as well as John de Courcy
and the English crown. His involvement in Irish Sea
politics may have seen him sponsor a Mac Uilleim
claim to the Scottish throne, but this is unclear.
Latterly the ally of Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, Aodh secured a stable relationship with the earldom of Ulster and lordship of Ireland
, two Anglo-Norman polities that came into existence in Aodh's lifetime. By the end of his life he was the supreme native Irish ruler in the north of the island, and passed succession onto his son Domhnall Óg (Domnall Óc). A literary biography devoted to Aodh was seemingly composed sometime in the Middle Ages
, but it has not survived. He is the ancestor—though not the eponymous ancestor— of Clann Aodha Buidhe, the Clandeboy O'Neills.
Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg was nonetheless killed by his rival, Muircheartach's son Maoilsheachlainn Ó Lochlainn (Máel Sechlainn Mac Lochlainn) in 1177. In the year of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg's death John de Courcy
had begun the Anglo-Norman conquest of the Ulaidh (eastern Ulster). Between the death of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg in 1177 and the first appearance of Aodh Méith in 1199, Tír Eoghain was embroiled in the resultant political chaos.
The Annals of the Four Masters
relate that in 1179 "the churches of Tír Eoghain, from the mountains
south, were left desolate, in consequence of war and intestine commotion, famine and distress". And after Maoilsheachlainn Ó Lochlainn's death at the hands of the Normans in 1185, the Ó Lochlainn group struggled to retain power over Tír Eoghain in the face of internal disaffection, Norman invasion and the power of the king of Tír Conaill, Flaithbheartach Ó Maoldhoraidh (died 1197).
, in 1199, while John de Courcy was distracted by a campaign in northern Tír Eoghain. In the same year he defeated an attempt by the Cineál Conaill to make the Ó hEignigh king of Fir Manach (and Airghíalla) their king, defeating and gaining the submission of both in separate encounters.
At this point Aodh appears to be king both north and south of the Sperrins
. Aodh married Ó hEignigh's daughter Bean-Midhe (died 1215), and it is possible that he did so as a result of his victory over the Fir Manach.
In 1200, Aodh led successful expeditions against the English colonists in Ulster. In 1201 Aodh led an expedition to Connacht to replace English-backed king Cathal Carrach Ó Conchobhair with the former king Cathal Croibhdhearg Ó Conchobhair. The hosting was met and defeated by William de Burgh
: Aodh's father-in-law the Ó hEignigh was killed in the encounter while Aodh himself was forced to submit.
The Cineál Eoghain, the people of Tír Eoghain, subsequently deposed Aodh, with Conchobhar Beag ("the small") Ó Lochlainn taking his place as king. The latter was killed shortly afterwards by Éigneachán Ó Domhnaill (died 1207), first Ó Domhnaill king of Tír Conaill. After Ó Néill himself disposed of another Ó Lochlainn claimant, his position as ruler of the kingdom was regained—though it was not until 1208 or 1209 that Ó Domhnaill opposition was neutralised through a pact of friendship with Éigneachán's son and successor Domhnall Ó Domhnaill.
, thus came north with an army in 1207 and invaded Tír Eoghain. The earl was unable to obtain anything decisive, and himself fell out of royal favour in 1210.
When King John laid siege to the earl's castle of Carrickfergus
, Aodh brought his forces to assist the English monarch. He did not, however, enter John's presence because the latter was not prepared to give the hostages the Ó Néill needed to feel safe. The following year King John ordered John de Gray
, Bishop of Norwich
and Justiciar of Ireland, to subdue Aodh's province.
A series of castles were built, and much of what are now counties Antrim, Londonderry and Tyrone were granted to Ailean [Alan], Lord of Galloway (or "King of the Gall-Gaidhil"), his brother Tomás Mac Uchtraigh and their cousin Donnchadh of Carrick. Tomás built a castle at Coleraine
and in 1212, accompanied by sons of Raghnall mac Somhairle
, led a raid on the city of Derry
with seventy-six ships. In 1214, this time accompanied by Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill
, Tomás attacked Derry again, sacking the city and looting the church.
Tomás's activities against Aodh may have been related to the activities of the MacUilleim
[MacWilliam] branch of the Scottish royal dynasty. One of their number, Gofraidh mac Domhnaill
, had come from Ireland to Ross
in 1211 to claim the Scottish throne. There is some likelihood that Aodh was sponsoring their activities. Whatever gains were made by the Gall-Gaidhil, their position in Ireland was later undermined by de Lacy and the Bissets. It is probable that the Ó Lochlainn kindred and others suffered more than Ó Néill during these campaigns.
) came to terms with them.
Aodh led armies into Connacht in 1125 and 1126 following the death of his former ally Cathal Croibhdhearg, but Aodh's own territory seems to have been left in peace for the remainder of his reign. He died in 1230, of natural causes. The Annals of Connacht
recorded his death, styling him:
In the face of Ó Lochlainn opposition, Aodh's son Domhnall Óg (died 1234) ruled for four years after his death. Following yet another decade of strife, Aodh's nephew Brian Ruadh once again established Ó Néill dominance in the province, a dominance that would last until the end of the kingdom in the 17th century.
Aodh Méith seems to have been the subject of panegyric biography, but unfortunately this is now lost. He is ancestor of Clann Aodha Buidhe, the Clandeboy O'Neills who took their name from Aodh's grandson Aodh Buidhe. After the 13th century Aodh Méith's (and Aodh Buidhe's) descendents are side-lined to territory later acquired east of the River Bann
, with the Ó Néill of Tír Eoghain being drawn from the descendents of Aodh's uncle Niall Ruadh (through Niall Ruadh's son Brian).
Galloway
Galloway is an area in southwestern Scotland. It usually refers to the former counties of Wigtownshire and Kirkcudbrightshire...
, as well as John de Courcy
John de Courcy
John de Courcy was a Anglo-Norman knight who arrived in Ireland in 1176. From then until his expulsion in 1204, he conquered a considerable territory, endowed religious establishments, built abbeys for both the Benedictines and the Cistercians and built strongholds at Dundrum Castle in County...
and the English crown. His involvement in Irish Sea
Irish Sea
The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. It is connected to the Celtic Sea in the south by St George's Channel, and to the Atlantic Ocean in the north by the North Channel. Anglesey is the largest island within the Irish Sea, followed by the Isle of Man...
politics may have seen him sponsor a Mac Uilleim
Meic Uilleim
The Meic Uilleim were the Gaelic descendants of William fitz Duncan, grandson of Máel Coluim mac Donnchada, king of Scots. They were excluded from the succession by the descendants of Máel Coluim's son David I during the 12th century and raised a number of rebellions to vindicate their claims to...
claim to the Scottish throne, but this is unclear.
Latterly the ally of Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, Aodh secured a stable relationship with the earldom of Ulster and lordship of Ireland
Lordship of Ireland
The Lordship of Ireland refers to that part of Ireland that was under the rule of the king of England, styled Lord of Ireland, between 1177 and 1541. It was created in the wake of the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169–71 and was succeeded by the Kingdom of Ireland...
, two Anglo-Norman polities that came into existence in Aodh's lifetime. By the end of his life he was the supreme native Irish ruler in the north of the island, and passed succession onto his son Domhnall Óg (Domnall Óc). A literary biography devoted to Aodh was seemingly composed sometime in the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
, but it has not survived. He is the ancestor—though not the eponymous ancestor— of Clann Aodha Buidhe, the Clandeboy O'Neills.
Background
Aodh Méith was the son of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg, Ó Néill, himself briefly king of Tír Eoghain. Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg had begun the process of overturning Ó Lochlainn dominance in Tír Eoghain, having confined the Ó Néill family to subservient obscurity for over a century. His traditional nickname An Macaoimh Tóinleasg or "the lazy-rumped lad", was earned, according to the 16th-century Leabhar Eoghanach, after he refused to stand in the presence of the high king Muircheartach Ó Lochlainn. The son's nickname, Méith, means "the fat".Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg was nonetheless killed by his rival, Muircheartach's son Maoilsheachlainn Ó Lochlainn (Máel Sechlainn Mac Lochlainn) in 1177. In the year of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg's death John de Courcy
John de Courcy
John de Courcy was a Anglo-Norman knight who arrived in Ireland in 1176. From then until his expulsion in 1204, he conquered a considerable territory, endowed religious establishments, built abbeys for both the Benedictines and the Cistercians and built strongholds at Dundrum Castle in County...
had begun the Anglo-Norman conquest of the Ulaidh (eastern Ulster). Between the death of Aodh an Macaoimh Tóinleasg in 1177 and the first appearance of Aodh Méith in 1199, Tír Eoghain was embroiled in the resultant political chaos.
The Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
relate that in 1179 "the churches of Tír Eoghain, from the mountains
Slieve Gallion
Slieve Gallion is a mountain in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. By road, it is from Moneymore, from Cookstown, and from Magherafelt. It is the eastern limit of the Sperrin Mountains range...
south, were left desolate, in consequence of war and intestine commotion, famine and distress". And after Maoilsheachlainn Ó Lochlainn's death at the hands of the Normans in 1185, the Ó Lochlainn group struggled to retain power over Tír Eoghain in the face of internal disaffection, Norman invasion and the power of the king of Tír Conaill, Flaithbheartach Ó Maoldhoraidh (died 1197).
Securing power
Aodh may been king of Tír Eoghain since 1196, the year of his Ó Lochlainn predecessor's death. His first appearance in the sources records him leading five ships in an attack upon the English settlement of LarneLarne
Larne is a substantial seaport and industrial market town on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland with a population of 18,228 people in the 2001 Census. As of 2011, there are about 31,000 residents in the greater Larne area. It has been used as a seaport for over 1,000 years, and is...
, in 1199, while John de Courcy was distracted by a campaign in northern Tír Eoghain. In the same year he defeated an attempt by the Cineál Conaill to make the Ó hEignigh king of Fir Manach (and Airghíalla) their king, defeating and gaining the submission of both in separate encounters.
At this point Aodh appears to be king both north and south of the Sperrins
Sperrins
The Sperrins or Sperrin Mountains are a range of mountains in Northern Ireland and one of the largest upland areas in Ireland. The range stretches the counties of Tyrone and Londonderry from south of Strabane eastwards to Maghera and north towards Limavady...
. Aodh married Ó hEignigh's daughter Bean-Midhe (died 1215), and it is possible that he did so as a result of his victory over the Fir Manach.
In 1200, Aodh led successful expeditions against the English colonists in Ulster. In 1201 Aodh led an expedition to Connacht to replace English-backed king Cathal Carrach Ó Conchobhair with the former king Cathal Croibhdhearg Ó Conchobhair. The hosting was met and defeated by William de Burgh
William de Burgh
William de Burgh, founder of the de Burgh/Burke/Bourke family of Ireland, d. 1206.-In Ireland:He arrived in Ireland in 1185 and was closely associated with Prince John....
: Aodh's father-in-law the Ó hEignigh was killed in the encounter while Aodh himself was forced to submit.
The Cineál Eoghain, the people of Tír Eoghain, subsequently deposed Aodh, with Conchobhar Beag ("the small") Ó Lochlainn taking his place as king. The latter was killed shortly afterwards by Éigneachán Ó Domhnaill (died 1207), first Ó Domhnaill king of Tír Conaill. After Ó Néill himself disposed of another Ó Lochlainn claimant, his position as ruler of the kingdom was regained—though it was not until 1208 or 1209 that Ó Domhnaill opposition was neutralised through a pact of friendship with Éigneachán's son and successor Domhnall Ó Domhnaill.
The English and Gall-Gaidhil
Developments among the English in 1205 saw John de Courcy fall out of favour with John, king of England, with Ulster being assigned to Hugh de Lacy in his stead. John de Courcy took refuge among the Cineál Eoghain. Hugh de Lacy, now earl of UlsterEarl of Ulster
The title of Earl of Ulster has been created several times in the Peerage of Ireland and Peerage of the United Kingdom. Currently, the title is a subsidiary title of the Duke of Gloucester, and is used as a courtesy title by the Duke's son, Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster...
, thus came north with an army in 1207 and invaded Tír Eoghain. The earl was unable to obtain anything decisive, and himself fell out of royal favour in 1210.
When King John laid siege to the earl's castle of Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus , known locally and colloquially as "Carrick", is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located on the north shore of Belfast Lough, from Belfast. The town had a population of 27,201 at the 2001 Census and takes its name from Fergus Mór mac Eirc, the 6th century king...
, Aodh brought his forces to assist the English monarch. He did not, however, enter John's presence because the latter was not prepared to give the hostages the Ó Néill needed to feel safe. The following year King John ordered John de Gray
John de Gray
John de Gray was Bishop of Norwich in the English county of Norfolk, as well as being elected Archbishop of Canterbury, but was never confirmed as archbishop.-Life:...
, Bishop of Norwich
Bishop of Norwich
The Bishop of Norwich is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Norwich in the Province of Canterbury.The diocese covers most of the County of Norfolk and part of Suffolk. The see is in the City of Norwich where the seat is located at the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided...
and Justiciar of Ireland, to subdue Aodh's province.
A series of castles were built, and much of what are now counties Antrim, Londonderry and Tyrone were granted to Ailean [Alan], Lord of Galloway (or "King of the Gall-Gaidhil"), his brother Tomás Mac Uchtraigh and their cousin Donnchadh of Carrick. Tomás built a castle at Coleraine
Coleraine
Coleraine is a large town near the mouth of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is northwest of Belfast and east of Derry, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections...
and in 1212, accompanied by sons of Raghnall mac Somhairle
Raghnall mac Somhairle
Ragnall mac Somairle, or Ragnall son of Somairle, was a late 12th century and possibly early 13th century magnate, seated on the western seaboard of Scotland. He was likely a younger son of Somairle mac Gilla Brigte, Lord of Argyll and his wife, Ragnhildr, daughter of Óláfr Guðrøðarson, King of...
, led a raid on the city of Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
with seventy-six ships. In 1214, this time accompanied by Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill
Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill
Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill was a 13th-century Scottish magnate. The son of Raghnall, son of Somerled, he appears to have spent his career fighting, in both Ireland and in Scotland...
, Tomás attacked Derry again, sacking the city and looting the church.
Tomás's activities against Aodh may have been related to the activities of the MacUilleim
Meic Uilleim
The Meic Uilleim were the Gaelic descendants of William fitz Duncan, grandson of Máel Coluim mac Donnchada, king of Scots. They were excluded from the succession by the descendants of Máel Coluim's son David I during the 12th century and raised a number of rebellions to vindicate their claims to...
[MacWilliam] branch of the Scottish royal dynasty. One of their number, Gofraidh mac Domhnaill
Gofraid mac Domnaill
Gofraid mac Domnaill , was a thirteenth-century Scottish rebel. The son of Domnall , his father's surname was almost certainly MacWilliam though Bane has been proposed.In 1211, Gofraid came from Ireland to Ross, and raised a rebellion...
, had come from Ireland to Ross
Ross
Ross is a region of Scotland and a former mormaerdom, earldom, sheriffdom and county. The name Ross allegedly derives from a Gaelic word meaning a headland - perhaps a reference to the Black Isle. The Norse word for Orkney - Hrossay meaning horse island - is another possible origin. The area...
in 1211 to claim the Scottish throne. There is some likelihood that Aodh was sponsoring their activities. Whatever gains were made by the Gall-Gaidhil, their position in Ireland was later undermined by de Lacy and the Bissets. It is probable that the Ó Lochlainn kindred and others suffered more than Ó Néill during these campaigns.
Later career and legacy
Aodh may have submitted to the English king's authority in the 1210s, and certainly had done so by 1221; but when Hugh de Lacy began reclaiming his Ulster earldom in 1224, Aodh took up his cause against the English crown. As a government army tried to march into the north, Aodh's forces blocked them on the Fews of Armagh and subsequently the English crown (now held by Henry IIIHenry III of England
Henry III was the son and successor of John as King of England, reigning for 56 years from 1216 until his death. His contemporaries knew him as Henry of Winchester. He was the first child king in England since the reign of Æthelred the Unready...
) came to terms with them.
Aodh led armies into Connacht in 1125 and 1126 following the death of his former ally Cathal Croibhdhearg, but Aodh's own territory seems to have been left in peace for the remainder of his reign. He died in 1230, of natural causes. The Annals of Connacht
Annals of Connacht
The Annals of Connacht, covering the years 1224 to 1544, are drawn from a manuscript compiled in the 15th and 16th centuries by at least three scribes, all believed to be members of the Clan Ó Duibhgeannáin....
recorded his death, styling him:
[D]efender of Leth Cuind ChetchathaigLeath CuinnLeath Cuinn and Leath Moga refers to a legendary ancient division of Ireland.-Geographical extant:Leath Cuinn was the island north of the Esker Riada...
against the Galls and against Leth Moga Nuadat, a prince eligible de jureDe jureDe jure is an expression that means "concerning law", as contrasted with de facto, which means "concerning fact".De jure = 'Legally', De facto = 'In fact'....
for the kingship of Ireland, died this year; a king who never gave pledge or hostage or tribute to Gall or Gael; a king who wrought slaughterings and great routs on the Galls; a king who was the support of any Gaels who were in banishment or homeless; a king who was the most generous and excellent of all the men of Ireland who ever lived.
In the face of Ó Lochlainn opposition, Aodh's son Domhnall Óg (died 1234) ruled for four years after his death. Following yet another decade of strife, Aodh's nephew Brian Ruadh once again established Ó Néill dominance in the province, a dominance that would last until the end of the kingdom in the 17th century.
Aodh Méith seems to have been the subject of panegyric biography, but unfortunately this is now lost. He is ancestor of Clann Aodha Buidhe, the Clandeboy O'Neills who took their name from Aodh's grandson Aodh Buidhe. After the 13th century Aodh Méith's (and Aodh Buidhe's) descendents are side-lined to territory later acquired east of the River Bann
River Bann
The River Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland, the total length being 80 miles . The river winds its way from the south east corner of Northern Ireland to the north west coast, pausing in the middle to widen into the enormous Lough Neagh...
, with the Ó Néill of Tír Eoghain being drawn from the descendents of Aodh's uncle Niall Ruadh (through Niall Ruadh's son Brian).