Teige Ó Flaithbheartaigh
Encyclopedia
Teige Ó Flaithbheartaigh (died 1589) was an Irish
rebel
and warlord
.
, head of the Eastern Uí Flaithbheartaigh, who had been appointed Chief of Iar Connacht
by Elizabeth I. This was contentious as the Western Uí Flaithbheartaigh refused to recognise he had a claim to the office, let alone should have been appointed by an outsider. However, with the support of his family and supporters, Murrough, gained supremacy though relations between the two branches remained tense.
During the Mac an Iarla wars (c.1547–1583), County Galway
was reduced to an extremely disturbed state, with much of the county east of Lough Corrib
been repeatedly devastated. While the Eastern Uí Flaithbheartaigh's, ruled by Murrough, generally had more cordial relationships with The Tribes of Galway, the situation was used to advantage when possible. During the wars of 1580s, High Sheriff William Óge Martyn
sometimes successfully intervened as an interlocuter, but disturbances never fully died out.
when it was raided and seized by the descendants of Owen Ó Flaithbheartaigh (namely, Teige, the son of Teige na-Buile ... and the sons of Donnell-an-Chogaidh), claiming that
In June, Teige pursued the descendants of Owen,
and their allies. Accompanying him was Teige and another son, Urun, and their first cousin, Donnell mac Rory Ó Flaithbheartaigh. Once again, William Óge Martyn went forth to meet with Murrough, leading a military company. However, by the time he and Murrough met, Teige and his companions had already left, went upon a predatory excursion along the borders of Conmaicne and Machaire-Riabhach, precisely on Easter night.
The places mentioned were along the borders of County Mayo
- County Galway
, in the lordship of Baron Athenry
, the then lord been Edmond I de Bermingham
(1540–1612). His account of the events is as follows:
), and there did assault my castle. I being well provided did put them from that purpose. I did kill two of his gentleman and had four of his men hurt and buried. He burned half of my town and all my corn and carried my prey with him. Two bands of soldiers being six miles east of me (Dunmore, County Galway) I did send unto them desiring they mgith make with my guide I having the enemy in sight until we met the soldiers brought them face to face at the gate of Carra
s in the barony of Kilmaine
... there was a volley of shots from each side ... they came to the push of the pike with great courage until Teig O'Flaherty was slain with eight of his company ... divers others were killed in their flight ...
Remarkably, an account from a Gaelic
perspective survives, in the Annals of the Four Masters
:
Unknown to Teige,
Teige was survived by at least one child, Brian na Samthach Ó Flaithbheartaigh, who later gained notority of his own.
His home at Ballynahinch, County Galway
was later home to descendants of his sometime-antagonist, William Óge Martyn
, such as Richard Martin (politician) (d.1834), Thomas Barnwall Martin
(d. 1847) and Mary Letitia Martin
(d. 1850).
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
rebel
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
and warlord
Warlord
A warlord is a person with power who has both military and civil control over a subnational area due to armed forces loyal to the warlord and not to a central authority. The term can also mean one who espouses the ideal that war is necessary, and has the means and authority to engage in war...
.
Background
Teige Ó Flaithbheartaigh was a son, and principal captain of, Murrough na dTuadh Ó FlaithbheartaighMurrough na dTuadh Ó Flaithbheartaigh
-Ancestry:Great-great-great-grandson of Brian na Noinseach, son of Donall na Comthach Ó Flaithbheartaigh . Appointed Chief of the Name by Elizabeth I. Included in the 1585 Composition of Connacht....
, head of the Eastern Uí Flaithbheartaigh, who had been appointed Chief of Iar Connacht
Iar Connacht
Iar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co...
by Elizabeth I. This was contentious as the Western Uí Flaithbheartaigh refused to recognise he had a claim to the office, let alone should have been appointed by an outsider. However, with the support of his family and supporters, Murrough, gained supremacy though relations between the two branches remained tense.
During the Mac an Iarla wars (c.1547–1583), County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
was reduced to an extremely disturbed state, with much of the county east of Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland. The River Corrib or Galway river connects the lake to the sea at Galway. It is the second largest lough in Ireland . It covers 178 km² and lies mostly in County Galway with a small area of its northeast corner in County Mayo.The first canal in...
been repeatedly devastated. While the Eastern Uí Flaithbheartaigh's, ruled by Murrough, generally had more cordial relationships with The Tribes of Galway, the situation was used to advantage when possible. During the wars of 1580s, High Sheriff William Óge Martyn
William Oge Martyn
-Early life:Also known as William Óge Martyn fitz Thomas, was a son of Thomas Óge Martyn and Evelina Lynch of Galway. Bailiff of Galway in 1566 to 1567, he was kidnapped by the Earl of Thomond in January 1570 but was free in time to participate at the battle of Shrule in April of the same year...
sometimes successfully intervened as an interlocuter, but disturbances never fully died out.
Feuds and raids
In 1584, Teige was residing on the island of Ballynahinch, County GalwayBallynahinch, County Galway
Ballynahinch or Ballinahinch is situated close to Recess in County Galway in the West of Ireland, on the road from Recess to Roundstone. It also lies on the route of the former railway line from Galway city to Clifden...
when it was raided and seized by the descendants of Owen Ó Flaithbheartaigh (namely, Teige, the son of Teige na-Buile ... and the sons of Donnell-an-Chogaidh), claiming that
that that island was their's by right, and that Teige had seized and held it in violation of their right. Be the truth as t might, Teige, after their capture of it, made an irruption upon them, and left not a single head of cattle on their portion of the territory which he did not either kill or carry off with him. They, in return, committed great injuries against Teige, although they had not equal power with him.
In June, Teige pursued the descendants of Owen,
with the crew of a boat to the island of Aran ... he overtook them at the break of day, and found them unprepared, in a state between waking and sleeping, at both sides of the forecastle of their boat. He set them a very hostile example on this strand; and indeed the island was not worth all that was done about it on that day, for Murrough Mac Hugh ... the son of the Seneschal of Clann-Maurice, ... and Murrough Salach, the son of O'Flaherty (Teige), were slain. Many of the descendants of Owen O'Flaherty were also slain, besides these gentlemen. Thus did they remain at war with each other, until they were mutually reconciled by the English in the ensuing autumn, when the island of Baile-na-hinnsi was given to the descendants of Owen O'Flaherty.
The War of 1589
Warfare erupted again in the spring of 1589, this time with Murrough na dTuadh leading the clan and its allies against the Anglo-IrishAnglo-Irish
Anglo-Irish was a term used primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries to identify a privileged social class in Ireland, whose members were the descendants and successors of the Protestant Ascendancy, mostly belonging to the Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until...
and their allies. Accompanying him was Teige and another son, Urun, and their first cousin, Donnell mac Rory Ó Flaithbheartaigh. Once again, William Óge Martyn went forth to meet with Murrough, leading a military company. However, by the time he and Murrough met, Teige and his companions had already left, went upon a predatory excursion along the borders of Conmaicne and Machaire-Riabhach, precisely on Easter night.
The places mentioned were along the borders of County Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
- County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, in the lordship of Baron Athenry
Baron Athenry
The title of Baron Athenry is one of the oldest titles in the Peerage of Ireland, but the date of its creation is thoroughly uncertain; each of the first four Berminghams listed below is claimed by some writers to be Lord Athenry, but the evidence is disputed...
, the then lord been Edmond I de Bermingham
Edmond I de Bermingham
Edmond I de Bermingham, Anglo-Irish lord, died 1612.Edmond was the first Lord Athenry to permently reside at Dumore, County Galway. His father had been forced to vacate Athenry, which had been the family's seat since about 1537, due to incessent warfare and famine during the middle years of the...
(1540–1612). His account of the events is as follows:
Teig O'Flaherty accompanied by three of his brothers and 500 more came to the borders where I dwell and there did prey and burn sixteen towns. The said Teig accompanied by a hundred more came to my town, (Milltown, County Galway
Milltown, County Galway
Milltown is a small village in County Galway, Ireland. It is situated on the banks of the River Clare, 47 km from Galway City, 11 km from Tuam on the N17 road to Sligo.-Transport:...
), and there did assault my castle. I being well provided did put them from that purpose. I did kill two of his gentleman and had four of his men hurt and buried. He burned half of my town and all my corn and carried my prey with him. Two bands of soldiers being six miles east of me (Dunmore, County Galway) I did send unto them desiring they mgith make with my guide I having the enemy in sight until we met the soldiers brought them face to face at the gate of Carra
Carra, County Mayo
Carra is one of the nine baronies of County Mayo in Ireland, located in the mid-south area of the county. It is sometimes known as Burriscarra and on the map of Mayo baronies below it is the portion shown in grey in the south of the county....
s in the barony of Kilmaine
Kilmaine
Kilmaine or Kilmain is a barony and village in County Mayo, Ireland.-History:The great cairns and other monuments in the country between Ballinchalla and Cross show it to have been of significance in prehistoric times. Around the time of St. Patrick in the 4th century AD, the tribe known as...
... there was a volley of shots from each side ... they came to the push of the pike with great courage until Teig O'Flaherty was slain with eight of his company ... divers others were killed in their flight ...
Remarkably, an account from a Gaelic
Gaels
The Gaels or Goidels are speakers of one of the Goidelic Celtic languages: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Goidelic speech originated in Ireland and subsequently spread to western and northern Scotland and the Isle of Man....
perspective survives, in 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...
:
It was at this time that two sons of Murrough of the Battle-axes O'Flaherty, Teige and Urun, and the son of Murrough's brother, i.e. Donnell, the son of Rory O'Flaherty, went upon a predatory excursion along the borders of Conmaicne and Machaire-Riabhach, precisely on Easter night. They had two or three hundred horse-boys on this excursion. They proceeded to take much booty and spoils throughout the country early in the morning of Easter Sunday. The people of the country came from every quarter in pursuit of them.
Unknown to Teige,
On the night before a company or two of soldiers had come, privately and unperceived, to protect the country; and these, upon hearing the loud report of the ordnance, and the clamour of the armed troops on the following day, retired to a narrow pass, which could not be easily shunned or avoided, and there lay in ambush for the Irish host. They saw Teige O'Flaherty approaching in front of the host, and his people in close ranks about him. The soldiers discharged showers of balls at the van of the Irish host, and slew by this volley Teige O'Flaherty, Urun O'Flaherty, and Teige Oge, the son of Teige O'Flaherty, together with a great number of their followers who were about them, of the chiefs of Joyce's country, and the Clann-Donough. Such of the Irish host as were not killed by the first volley went away without panic or fear, and were not further pursued.
Aftermath
Three days after the killing of Teige, Edmond, another son of Murrough was hung in prison in Galway. The annalist further commented that "were it not that these sons of Murrough of the Battle-axes O'Flaherty fell in the act of plunder and insurrection against the Sovereign of England, their death after this manner would have been a great cause of lamentation."Teige was survived by at least one child, Brian na Samthach Ó Flaithbheartaigh, who later gained notority of his own.
His home at Ballynahinch, County Galway
Ballynahinch, County Galway
Ballynahinch or Ballinahinch is situated close to Recess in County Galway in the West of Ireland, on the road from Recess to Roundstone. It also lies on the route of the former railway line from Galway city to Clifden...
was later home to descendants of his sometime-antagonist, William Óge Martyn
William Oge Martyn
-Early life:Also known as William Óge Martyn fitz Thomas, was a son of Thomas Óge Martyn and Evelina Lynch of Galway. Bailiff of Galway in 1566 to 1567, he was kidnapped by the Earl of Thomond in January 1570 but was free in time to participate at the battle of Shrule in April of the same year...
, such as Richard Martin (politician) (d.1834), Thomas Barnwall Martin
Thomas Barnwall Martin
Thomas Barnwall Martin was an Irish landowner and politician.Martin was the eldest surviving son of Richard Martin, humanitarian and Member of Parliament for Galway County, by his first wife...
(d. 1847) and Mary Letitia Martin
Mary Letitia Martin
-Biography:Born into the chief landowning family of Connemara, the Martins of Ballynahinch Castle, a branch of the Martyn Tribe of Galway. Her parents were Thomas Barnwall Martin and Julia Kirwin; her grandfather was Richard Martin ....
(d. 1850).
See also
- Maigh SeólaMaigh SeolaMaigh Seola was a term used to describe the land along the east shore of Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. It was bounded by the Uí Maine vassal kingdom of Soghain. Its rulers up to the 1220s were the Muintir Murchada, who took the surname O'Flaherty...
- Iar ConnachtIar ConnachtIar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co...
- Murchadh an Chapail Ua FlaithbheartaighMurchadh an Chapail Ua FlaithbheartaighMurchadh an Chapail Ua Flaithbheartaigh was King of Maigh Seóla/Iar Connacht.-Biography:Murchadh appears to have been the first to bear the surname Ua/Ó Flaithbheartaigh/O'Flaherty but his tenure as chief was short. The annals state Murchadh Ua an Chapail, i.e...
, first Chief of the Name