Eoin O'Gallagher

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Sir Eoin O'Gallagher (died c. 1595) was an influential Irish figure in the Gaelic lordship of Tyrconnell during the Elizabethan era. He was head of the O'Gallagher family and the chief advisor to the O'Donnell dynasty who ruled Tyrconnell. He was the son of Tuathal Balbh O'Gallagher (a previous renowned chief of his name). He came to prominence during the rule of Sir Hugh O'Donnell. His good relationship with the Crown is shown by his being awarded an annual pension in 1574 and a knighthood in 1581.[1]

He married Siobhán Maguire, the widow of Matthew O'Neill, 1st Baron Dungannon who had been assassinated in 1558, and therefore became stepfather to Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone and his brothers Cormac and Art.[1]

In 1574, O'Gallagher was described as Sir Hugh O'Donnell's "trusty counselor" in the State Papers.[2] During the long O'Donnell succession dispute in the 1580s and 1590s, O'Gallagher backed Hugh Roe O'Donnell, who eventually triumphed and was acknowledged by the Crown.[3]

Eoin O'Gallagher died whilst imprisoned in Dublin Castle, circa 1595.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Morgan, Hiram. Tyrone's Rebellion. Boydell Press, 1999. p.118
  2. ^ a b "Clan OGallagher Chronological History". sites.rootsweb.com. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  3. ^ "O'Donnell, 'Red' Hugh (Ó Domhnaill, Aodh Ruadh) | Dictionary of Irish Biography". www.dib.ie. Retrieved 25 May 2024.