O'Morgans of Ulster

Ulster O'Morgan Origins (update 5/14/10)

Medieval Pedigrees of Ulster O'Morgan Family:

Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre of Sil Colla hUais of Airgialla [Most probable origin for East Ulster Morgans] (Y-DNA DYS-425 is 0 or null?)

Ui Muireagain of Muinter Duibh Rois of Ui Chremtainn of the Airgialla

Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil of Cenél Echach Bindigh of Ui Neill

Ua Muireacain (Ua Muirneachain) of Cenel Coelbad of Cenel Fergus of Ui Neill

Intro

When I first started researching my Morgan roots I look at the nineteenth century Griffith valuation. I found that approximately fifty percent of all Morgans in mid-nineteenth century Ireland where located on the road between Belfast and Dublin and peak around the city of Newry.

This can be seen in the count of Morgan families per county as taken from the Griffith valuation (www.ireland.com/ancestor/)

East Ulster Morgans

Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre of Sil Colla hUais of Airgialla [Most likely origin with current Y-DNA results in]

Flann m. Muiredaig m. Muircherdaich m. Flaind m. Muirecáin m. Máel Chráebe m. Duib Sínaich m. Áeda m. Loingsich m. Indrechtaich m. Rechtabrat m. Máel Chráebe m. Máel Fathardaig m. Suibni m. Furudráin m. Béicce m. Cuanach m. Dáre m. Feidelmid m. Feichíne m. Fiachrach Tuirtle m. Colla Uais

(Muirecain's father Mael Craibe mac Duibsinaig was the last Ui Macc Uais, king of all Airgialla, who died in the battle of Dublin 919. (Source "Irish Kings and High-Kings by Francis John Byrne.))

[SIDE NOTE: Rechtabrat is record at his death in 734 as Rechtabrat Ua Cathasach and with the royal line being called Sil Cathasaigh; there is however no Cathasach given in the genealogies to explain this. (Source: “Essays and Studies Presented to Professor Eoin MacNeill”, by John Sprott Ryan.) Reading Laud 610; the line goes 'Furudran, a quo Sil Cathasaig & Sil Duib hUaille & rigraid Fernmaige'. Can it be the Furudran line is also the royal line of Farney, county Monaghan?, I understand this to be lands of Ui Chremthainn branch of the Airgailla; who had forced out other Airgailla tribes.]

History of the O'Morgan Pedigree

The pedigree of Ua Muireagain of Ui Fiachach Tuirtre can be found in: TCD MS 1280; TCD MS 1366; O’Hart (the 3rd edition references a Morgan family within TCD MS 1213, this also the edition he identifies a coat of arms for the family); MacFirbis (the pedigree is entitled "gnt Ua Muirthe" with on the next page Ui Muiricain at Maelcraebhe); in RIA 23 M 17 by Sean MacSolaidh of Meath; and in RIA 23 D 9 by Richard Tipper of Mitchelstown, county Dublin (both transcribed in 1714). Also in O Ferrall's "Linea Antiqua" (c1710).

The same pedigree appear under the following title Ui Tuirtre / Sil Colla Uais in Laud 610 (c.1000), Rawlinson B.502 (c.1120), Book of Ballymote (c.1400) and the Book of Lecan.

Nineteenth Century John O’Hart’s book "Irish Pedigrees or The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation"

"142.-The Stem of the 'O'Morgan' Family.

Muiregan, brother of Donelan who is No. 102 on the "Donnellan" (of Ulster) pedigree, was the ancestor of O'Muiregain; anglized Murigan, and Morgan.

102 Muiregan ('muiregan' : Irish, a mariner): son of Maolcraoibhe; a quo O'Muireagain.

103 Flann : his son.

104 Murtagh : his son.

105 Muireadach : his son.

106 Flann O'Muirgan : his son."

Images of Ui Muirgean Pedigree from a 18th century Manuscript TCD MS 1280

f.117

continues on f.118

Images of Ui Muirigain Pedigree from a 18th century Manuscript RIA MS 23 D 9, 280

Images of Ui Muirigain Pedigree from a 18th century Manuscript RIA MS 23 M 17, 186

(Analecta Hibernica Guide to Irish Genealogical Collection calls them úi Murechan; RIA, 23 D 9, 280 ; 23 M 17, 186. : TCD, HI 6 (1280), 117.)

Images of Pedigree from a 18th century O'Ferrall Linea Antinqua Manuscript

O'Ferrall zoomed in:

The pedigree as appears in the 14th century Book of Lecan (f.80 r)

What the Book of Lecan also tells us

The Book of Lecan further tells us that the Ui Murigein where one of the five chiefs of Ui Fiach(r)ach Tuirtre:

“15. The Book of Lecan, 80 vb 25, has the following account of the filiations of the five chief families of the Ui Tuirtri:

Ag Indrachtach mac Rachtabrad mic Mail craibi comraigidh .h. Floind re haib domnaillain 7 re hib Muirigein 7 re Mael ruanaig mac Flaithbertaig. Ua Floind immorro ar slicht Muireadaig mic Indractaig 7 in dream eile ar slicht Loingsig mic dream eile ar slicht Loingsig mic Indrachtaig.”

(source of translation “Essays and Studies Presented to Professor Eoin MacNeill”, by John Sprott Ryan)

Image of the above text in the 14th century Book of Lecan

Pedigree from Book of Ballymote (c.1400)

Genelach H. Tuirtre annso sis.
Fland m. Muiredaich m. Muirchertaich m. Floind m. Muiricain m. Mailcraibhe m. Duibsinaich m. Aeda m. Loingsich m. Innrachta m. Reactabra m. Mailcraibhe m. Mailfothnar m. Suibne m. Furudran m. Beice m. Cuanach m. Daire m. Feidhlimidh m. Feichin m. Fiachach Tort m. Eirc m. Colla Uais m. Echach Doimlen.

Pedigree from Rawlinson B.502 (c.1120)

GENELACH ÚA TUIRTRI.

Flann m. Muiredaig m. Muircherdaich m. Flaind m. Muirecáin m. Máel Chráebe m. Duib Sínaich m. Áeda m. Loingsich m. Indrechtaich m. Rechtabrat m. Máel Chráebe m. Máel Fathardaig m. Suibni m. Furudráin m. Béicce m. Cuanach m. Dáre m. Feidelmid m. Feichíne m. Fiachrach Tuirtle m. Colla Uais.

The Ui Tuirtre / Sil Colla Uais pediree in Laud 610 (c.1000) (folio 106 b1 & b2)

De sīl Colla hŪais

Muirecān m. Muircertaig m. Flaind m. Muirecāin m. Māilchrāibi m. Duibsinaig m. Āeda m. Loingsig.

(continuing the pedigree from the O'Donnellan pedigree on the line above)

m. Indrechtaig m. Rechtabrat m. Máilchrōibi m. Māilifothartaig m. Suibni m. Furudráin m. Bēcce m. Cūanach m. Dāre m. Feidlimthe m. Fēichēn m. Fīachrach Tort m. Colla hŪais.

O'Muireagain also called O'Tuirtre or Baker?

Irish Pedigrees: Or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation By John O'Hart:

(The Spelling Muireachan is interestingly suggests connection with Muireach (Muireadhach).)

So Flann O'Tuirtre is Flann O'Muireagain? O Tuirtre does appear in AU1287 as a title for Brian O Flainn, ri O Tuirtri.

Notes to the pedigrees

[SIDE NOTE: Rechtabrat is record at his death in 734 as Rechtabrat Ua Cathasach and with the royal line being called Sil Cathasaigh; there is however no Cathasach given in the genealogies to explain this. (Source: “Essays and Studies Presented to Professor Eoin MacNeill”, by John Sprott Ryan.) Reading Laud 610; the line goes 'Furudran, a quo Sil Cathasaig & Sil Duib hUaille & rigraid Fernmaige'. Can it be the Furudran line is also the royal line of Farney, county Monaghan?, I understand this to be lands of Ui Chremthainn branch of the Airgailla; who had forced out other Airgailla tribes.]

Placement of the Ua Muireagain

From the 14th century Topographical Poem:

"The tribe of Duibhthire, over the land,
Over the fair-shaped clanns of Daimhin,(1)

The Ui-Maoilcraoibhe (2) I shall mention to you,
Over the hawk-like Clann-Duibhsinnaigh.

O'Lachtnain over Little Modharn,(3)

His superiors are not found;
O hAinbhith, of no stubborn meeting,
Is lord over noble Ui-Seaain.(4)^"

The Ua Muireagain and Ua Domnallains could well be described as members of Ui Maoilcraoibhe. Being that Mael Craibe mac Duibsinaig the last Ui Macc Uais king of all Airgialla, (died at the battle of Dublin 919) is record as the father of both Muireagan and Domnallan. Clann Duibhsinnaigh would be identified the only Duib Sinaich I know, that the being the father of Maoilcraoibhe.

Where the Ui Maoilcraoibhe could be located?

Looking at the notes by O'Donovan to the 14th century Topographical Poem:

(1) Clann-Daimhin, i.e., the family of O'Daimhin, now Devin and Devine, without the prefix O'. A family of this name is mentioned in the Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1427, as chief of Tikennedy, in Fermanagh.

While from Ireland's HIstory in Maps has:

"Síl Duibthir - mentioned with Fir Leamhna and Ui Cremthainn as one of the Trí Tuatha of Airghialla. The sept of Ua Laithéin are noted as chiefs of Síl Duibtire in the 10th/11th century. O'Dugan (Poems) cites the tribe of Duibhthire, over the Clanna-Daimhin in Oirghialla, quite likely a reference to Síl Duibthir."

Sil Duibthir where located at Clogher (formerly Clochar mac Daimhin) in south Tryone near the border with counties Monaghan and Fermangh.

(2) Ui-Maoilcraoibhe.- A family of this name occupied the west side of Knockbreda, near Belfast, in the county of Down; but it is highly probable that this was not their original situation, but that they were driven from a more westerly position on the increasing power of the race of Eoghan. See Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1490; Stuart's Armagh, p. 630; and Reeves's Down and Connor, p. 348.

I beleive right;y or wrongly that form of the 14th century Topographical Poem is couplets. Two family in each verse of located in the same area. As seen with the second pair whose location is better identified:

(3) Little Modharn.- This territory formed the northern portion of Meath, where it adjoins the county Monaghan. It was otherwise called Mughdhorn Breagh, as being a part of the plain of Magh-Breagh. See Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 807, 836, 867, 880.
(4) Ui-Seaain, recte Ui Seghain, a people situated to the north of Ardbraccan, in the county of Meath. See the Tripart. Life of St. Patrick, part iii., x. xiv., Trias Thaum, p.

So could the Ui-Maoilcraoibhe have been located to the east of Clogher near the border with Counties Armagh and Monaghan?

A Historical Origin in Tyrone on the borders of County Armagh and Monaghan?

Well the Ua Muirecan where members of the ruling family Ui Fiachach Tuirtre, a branch of Mac Uais, who ruled the tribal alliance of Airgailla. The Mac Uais royal centre was located east county Tyrone at Telch Oc, near the Dungannon (The baronies of Dungannon are shown on the map below). So member of Ui Tuirtre the Ua Muireagain could have been located in east of Clogher.

(Full barony map at http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/barony-map-ireland.htm )

What evidence of Ua Muireagain once being in southeast Tyrone?

In 1072 Mael Muire Ua Muirigan, Erenagh of Tynan, is record as dying in the Annals of Ulster and Four Masters. The barony of Tynan is located east of the Barony of Armagh.

While in the fifteen century correspondence between the Diocese of Armagh and the Papacy shows the presence of O'Muireagains in the vicarage of Aghaloo:

1417 Cornelius Omurigan appears as a clerk in the Diocese of Armagh who successfully petitions the Papacy for vicarage of Achaluuga (Aghaloo)

1435 Cornelius Omuregan (June 20) charter issued for lands of Ach- lunga (Aghaloo, Co. Tyr.) with all their rights , &c. in Tullaghoge Deanery

1447 Cornelius Onueregan (rectius Omieregan) alias Magmurgaid, perpetual vicar of Achaluuga (Aghaloo) in the dicocese of Armagh is removed

1451 Chaplain Donald O Murghan was appointed as vicar of Aghaloo, co. Tyrone

1452 and 1453 Cornelius Macmurchayd alias OMuirigan, priest of the diocese of Armagh, (alias Omurigean, Magmurchaydh, Magmurgaid, Omieregan). His Proctor was Donald O'Murgan.

(I will put in the texts of the correspondence later)

What is truly interesting the papacy letters confusing O'Muireagain with Mag Murchaidh. For the Mag Murchadha of Clann Birn where the local rulers of the Tough and surrounding area; including Aghaloo.

I strongly believe that the surname O'Muireagain has become later across Ireland O'Murchadhain; which is the genitive of Murchadha. Which would lead me to believe that The Mag Murchadha are the O'Muireagain under a different form of the dynastic surname; since Y-DNA testing has shown no proof of Mag Murchadha claim to be northern Ui Neill.

1452.

Prid. Non. Dec.

(4 Dec.)

St. Peter's, Rome.

(f. 74d.)To Cornelius Magmurchayd alias Omurigan (see above, p. 666). Collation and provision to him (who was lately dispensed by papal authority, on account of illegitimacy as the son of an unmarried man or a priest (fn. 2) and an unmarried woman, to be promoted to all, even holy orders, and hold a benefice even with cure, and who, having been thereafter so promoted and having obtained the perpetual vicarage of Achadoliunga in the diocese of Armagh, subsequently resigned it, and whom the pope hereby absolves from all sentences of excommunication etc. as far only as regards the taking effect of these presents) of a canonry of Armagh with reservation to the pope's gift, for collation to him, of a prebend and a sinecure administration or office in the said church. Vite etc.

From: 'Lateran Regesta 488: 1453', Calendar of Papal Registers Relating to Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 10: 1447-1455 (1915), pp. 670-672. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=103624 Date accessed: 09 December 2009.

Where the O'Muireagain ever dominant in north Armagh?

Well I believe that St Malachy was an O'Morgain and that the final "R" in O'Morgair is a transcription error.

Timeline for O'Morgain family

1095 Malachy O'Morgain born of noble blood of a local family with connection with the Church. (O'Muireagain is given as O'Murgain in TCD MS.1366)

1096 Mughron O'Morgain father to St Malachy and lecture at Amargh dies;

(1123 Malachy's uncle, the lay abbot of Bangor, resigned in favor of Malachy. [Downpatrick is with the O'Moran of Ui Eachach kingdom.])

(1125 Malachy O'Morgain chosen as Bishop of Connor and Down.)

1129, 1132,1134 (St.) Malachy O'Morgain becomes by steps the archbishop of Armagh.

1148 Malachy O'Morgain buried at Clairvaux with St. Bernard was later buried beside him.

1185 Amlave O'Murid, archbishop of Armagh, died

(1255 to 1261 Patrick O'Murray was ninth abbot of Monastery of St Paul and St Peters.)

The spelling of O'Morgair I have seen in transcription of Annals of Ulster by the scribe Ruaidhrí Ó Luinín, under his patron Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa. Dating from the end of 15th century from the island of Belle Isle in Lough Erne. I am told the proof for spelling being O'Morgair is the Book of Leinster, yet the online version shows the ink as too faint to read??

The spelling of O'Morgain I have found dating from end of 16th century in publication in Rome of 'Lignum Vitae' by Arnold de Wyon, a Flemish Benedictine of Douay, and exploited by the partisans of Cardinal Simoncelli for this election. While unlike family name O'Morgair that has no local origin; the surname O'Morgain is part of the landscape of north Armagh.

First we have the annals reference in 1072 Mael Muire Ua Muirigan, Erenagh of Tynan, namely church lands of Armagh; along with incident with Conor O'Muireagain and the vicarage of Aghaloo.

Topographic evidence for O'Muireagain power at Armagh City

Outside Armagh City is the Land of O'Morgan, Tiremorgane. The barony map of 1605 shows the location of Tiremorgane though I am still in the process of obtaining it.

Queens University Placename tools gives the following:

Tiremorgane Church Lands Arm. 1609

Tiremorgane CPR Jas I 1615

Tyremorgane CPR Jas I 1620

Tirreeworrigan 1633

Tullywargon Rocque map of Armagh 1760

Tiremorgane seems to be a seperate location from Tullyworgle “Hillock of Uí Mhuireagáin” in the barony of Tiranny, on the west side of the Callan river and about a one kilometer southwest of Armagh Cathedral.

Not far I found Ballymorgan (parish of Lisnadill, barony of Lower Fews) in a copy of the Griffith Evaluation at British Land (back in the 1980s). The same parish across the barony border in the Barony of Armagh is Ballymoran and is located 4 km south of Armagh Cathedral.

Queens University Placename tools gives the following on Ballymoran:

Baile Ui Mora/in "Morran's Town" J O'D (OSNB) 1835c
Ballemanran Census 1659
Balliuarnan Esch. Co. Map 1609
Ballivauran CPR Jas I 1614c
Ballyvauran CPR Jas I 1620c

Elsewhere is Ireland O'Moran is given as a contraction of O'Murchadhain (i.e. O'Morgan), while O'Muirin (O'Moran) is the contraction of O'Muireagain.

I have found reference to Tirreeworrigan in county Armagh in the "Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy".

More on Tiremorgan (Land of Muireagain?)

From "Patent Rolls of James I - Inquisition at Armagh" in 1609.

"the septs of the Kennyes, the lands of Mullaghnecreny, Tiremorgane and Leggagiolla, 2 sess."

The Kennyes seem likely be the Airgiallain MacKenna of Truagh. While Leggagiolla is likely to be Legagilly in the parish of Armagh about 2 miles northwest of the Catherdal. Sir Petty Map is record shows Leghelly (Legelly) in the parish Armagh. Tullyworgle “Hillock of Uí Mhuireagáin in the parish of Tynan is about 2 miles south of Legagilly.

(O'Laverty in his work makes Kenney the Anglization of O'Cuinn mentioned in the Topographical Poem of the Ulaid. By chance there is another O'Cuinn family of Sil Cathasaigh of Ui Tuirtre origin share the Barony of Upper Antrim with Muintir Muireagain...)

Tiremorgane is mentioned again in the 1614 Land grants to Primate of Armagh (from Hill's ‘Plantation of Ulster’): “…, Mallanecreany, Tiremorgane, Leggagiola, …” [from in turn the "Patent Rolls, James I]. I believe this relates to the surrender of Armagh church land and its re-granting the following day.

(1659 Mullintra & Mullenary, possibly held by Samuall Powell Esq; )

(Today 'Legagilly or Tyross'

Above is Sir Petty's map of the Barony of Armagh, with west is at the top of the page. Mullaghnecreny (no. 16 highlighted in Grey), Tiremoregane (presumed in the middle), Leggagiolla (no. 77 highlighted in grey). Hence in the area of Navan Fort area. (I need the 1605 Barony map with townlands that shows the location of Tiremorgane.)

So a guess would be that Tiremorgan is the confiscated land in between Mullaghnecreny and Leggagiolla?

Modern Townland map:

More Topographic evidence for O'Muireagain power in north Armagh

Kilvergan Hill “Church of Ui Muiregain” (parish of SeagoeI, barony of Oneilland East). Is identified in the book “Irish Place Names” by Deirdre Flanagan and Laurence Flanagan, they identify O Muiregain as erenaghs or hereditary stewards. I wonder if the authors knew more on the subject of the O Muiregain. However I look forward as their work is continued in “Place-Names of Northern Ireland” by Queens University.

Ballymurghan appears in the 1663 Hearth Money Rolls for the Barony of Onealand. which may be the modern townland of Ballyworkan in the parish of Drumcree, barony of Oneilland West. Ballyworkan is given as Baile-Ui-Mharcain, O'Markan's town in "The origin and history of Irish names of places" by Patrick Weston Joyce.

Queens University Placename tools gives the following on xxxx:

B'vorghan Esch. Co. Map 1609
Ballyvorghan (Ballyworran) CPR Jas I 1610
Bollymurhan Census 1659
~Baile Ui Mharcain "O'Markan/Markham's tn" J O'D (OSNB) 1835

In 1659 Bollymurchan was in the possession of Mr Amlett O Boyns gent.

1619 Ballnevoran (Ballyoran parish of Drumcree, barony of Oneilland west) was awarded to William Powell following conquest and afterwards was "in possession of Mr Obyns, ancestor of the ancient family which, for two centuries, have been proprietors of the Portadown estate." (source 'Historical Memoirs of the City of Armagh' by James Stuart.)

Another entry is that by 1619 Ballnevoran was purchased from the first patentee is William Powell by Mr Obbyns (Michael Obbyns of Ballywarren al' portadowne, County Armagh (Hill)

Another is:

1610 Ballyworran (called on the map Ballivoran) William Powell of Castlepark receives 2000 acres for arrears of salary in the King's stable. Described as one of the equeries of kings stable and sold his interest almost immediately after taking out his patent (from An Historical Account of the Plantation in Ulster at the Commencement of the Plantation of Ulster' by George Hill). His name appears in Sir Maurice Barkley Company (Proceedings, American Philosophical Society (vol. 85, 1942) and in 1611 still held the 2000 acres (CSP, Irish 1611-14 p.126). Ballyworran lay on both sides of the upper Bann. It Contained Ballyvorgan at a worth of one balliboe.

Pure speculation about the origin of Portadown!

Concern the parish of Seagoe from: Review - Journal of the Craigavon Historical Society Vol. 6 No. 2

"This was obviously an unhealthy state of affairs as well as a constriction upon future development. So it comes as no surprise that mention is made by the Rev George Blacker that there was a need for a new church on an entirely different site. It must have been quite a wrench to contemplate moving out of Lower Seagoe which had been the heart-land of the church for such a long time. However it comes as a real surprise that there was quite a clear intention to build as far away as Kilvergan and that the tools were even carried to a site in that townland before there came a change of mind and the site in Upper Seagoe was fastened upon.

Kilvergan, of course, in the Parish of the day would have been by far the most central position and added to the fact that Kilvergan, like Lower Seagoe, had been Church land from the earliest times and that there was also a tradition of an early church having existed in that towland, the logic of the choice becomes apparent."

So the Kilvergan (Church of the Ua Muireagain) is a ancient church. (The map I believe of the Montiaghs does show Kilvergan is in the heart of the territory/parish.)

Also the parish of Seagoe off center (see map below) with parish church located at Lower Seagoe.

Map of Probable townland composition of the original Seagoe Parish. The four churches of the modern era are marked. So also are the three ancient foundations of Annaloiste, Kilvergan and Old Seagoe. From Journal of the Craigavon Historical Society Vol. 6 No. 2.

Interestingly Old Seagoe in across the river Bann from Portadown; which in turn has its origin in the Manor of Ballyworan. Ballyworan is described being on both sides of the Bann and containing the Baile of Ballyvorgan (probabably the 1659 Ballymurghan). In early papal tax records the parish of Drumcree (Portadown is carved out of) is descibed as 'Pleb Varren' aka Ballyoran/Ballyworan/Ballyvoran. Hence suggesting Baile Ui Mhorain, which would support Ua Muireagain as an original origin. (Supprted by placenames such as Ballyworkan just south of Portadown (on the OS map); translated as Bally O'Marcain (O'Muireagain) and placenames of Ballyvorgan and Ballymurghan mention in the 17th century barony of Oneilland.)

So was their once a larger parish of Pleb Varren (Noble people of Muireagain??) containing both the parishes of Drumcee and Seagoe (including Montiaghs parish)? For the placement of Ballyworran within the parish would have been off center with out the other parishes. (I wonder much of barony Oneilland is contained by these parishes?

Ballyoran (Ballywarren) and Drumcree are 2 miles from Seagoe.

from http://www.bob-sinton.com/

Drumcree is within 2 milies of Seagoe and could well be within the area of 1610 Manor of Ballyoran (Ballyworan, Ballyvoran). So hence I would suggest that the parish of Drumcree ad Seagoe originate with the Parish of Plebs Varren and are this is land of Clanbrassail. Being "V" is not an Irish letter, it comes from lention of Mh or Bh; Plebs Varren is the parish of O'Moran, who according to the 14th century topographical where rulers of Clan Bressail.

The Topographical poem says on the section on the Ulaid: "the Ui Morna and MegDuilechain, over Clann Breasail"

O’Donovan elaborates “In Dubourdieu’s Statistical Account of the County of Antrim, p. 627, this territory is described from an old MS. as follows: “Clanbreasel Mac Coolechan [i.e., Clann Breasail meg O huilechain,] (so called for a difference betwixt it and one other country of the same name in the county of Armagh); is a very fast country of wood and bog, inhabited with [by] a sept called the O’Kellies, a very savage and barbarous people, and given altogether to spoils and robberies.”

From Ireland's History in Maps

"and includes the district of Clanbrasil, now the barony of Oneilland East. Clanbrasil was traditionally part of Ui Echach but was annexed to the new County of Armagh in 1605."

So Clanbrasil could well have been in a parish called Plebs Varren or O’Moran?

The MegDuilechain rule over Clann Breasail in Antrim at the time of Edward Bruce's invasion of Ireland. There seem to be no O'Moran in Antrim to maybe had lands on the East and South sides of Lough Neagh. Allowing Clanbrasil of north Armagh and formerly Down to have been in a parish called Plebs Varren or O’Moran?

The only O'Moran in east Ulster are by Downpatrick and covered latter.

Further a field place names worth investigating

Ballyvorgan, Moira Co. Down alternate names for Balloonigan townland on Rent Rolls of 1692. PNNI V6 p 279.

Aghaloo (Aughnacloy) [Achadh na Cloiche meaning "Field of the stones"]. Also called 'Kinard' (translated as Caledon) and previous named 'Drummorrie'?

Killymorgan in the parish of Errigal Keerogue, barony of Clogher, which the book "A statistical account, or parochial survey of Ireland, drawn up from the communications of the clergy, by William Shaw Mason; printed in 1814-19; and translated Killymorgan as Morganstown and finds it in the Manor of Moinah, Moyannar or Ballygawley.

Aghnamirigan (Achadh na Meireagán) in the parish of Bodoney Lower, barony of Strabane Upper.

Achadh na Muireagán "Field of the Murrigan's" J O'D (OSNB) 1833c
Aughnamurigan OSNB: gen. sources 1833

Drumorgan (Morgan’s ridge) in the parish of Mullaghbrack, Barony of Lower Fews. Plus with other possible townlands of interest: Ballyargan.

Dromargan CPR Jas I 1617
Dromargan Census 1659
Dromargan Esch. Co. Map 1609
Dromargen CPR Jas I 1617
Dromargin Mediev. Ballymore & Mullabrack 1608
~Druim Muireagáin "Morgan's Ridge or Long Hill" J O'D (OSNB) 1835

Balliyargan CPR Jas I 1611
Ballyargan Esch. Co. Map 1609
~Baile argain "town of plunder" J O'D (OSNB) 1834c

Oops, what these Modern townlands called again? (need to re-vist)

Balliuarnan Esch. Co. Map 1609
Ballivauran CPR Jas I 1614c
Ballyvauran CPR Jas I 1620c

Ballemanran Census 1659
Baile Ui Mora/in "Morran's Town" J O'D (OSNB) 1835c

Kinucregan flu. Esch. Co. Map 1609
Kinucroghan Esch. Co. Map 1609
Kinenereganbeg 1 bal excepted (Ballynemony) CPR Jas I 1610
~Coill Mhuireagain "Muregan's wood" J O'D (OSNB) 1835

Townland Clonvaraghan
English
Irish
Parish Kilmegan
Barony Iveagh Up., Lr. Half
County Down
Sources
Version Source Date
Balleclanvaraghan CPR Jas I 1609
Balleclonvaraghan CPR Jas I 1610
Balleclonvarra CPR Jas I 1611
Clanvarraghan CPR Jas I 1610
Clonnarirhin Census 1659c
Clonvaraghan J O'D (OSNB) 1834c
Glenvaragorahan Census 1659c
~Gleann Bearchain, 'St Berchan's glen or valley' J O'D (OSNB) 1834c
Balleclanvaraghan CPR Jas I 1609
Balleclonvaraghan CPR Jas I 1610
Balleclonvarra CPR Jas I 1611
Clanvarraghan CPR Jas I 1610
Clonnarirhin Census 1659c
Clonvaraghan J O'D (OSNB) 1834c
Glenvaragorahan Census 1659c
~Gleann Bearchain, 'St Berchan's glen or valley' J O'D (OSNB) 1834c

What other evidence for O'Muireagain people in north Armagh?

Dr. Seamus O Ceallaigh say "As a suggestion for future research on Armagh and thereabouts, it might be well to emphasise the importance of H.4.25. already quoted. It- seems to have been written in that neighbourhood, for, apart from the ordinary recensions covering the more distant families, it gives special attention to the descent of many minor peoples in the vicinity of Armagh whose genealogies are not found elsewhere—Muintear Mhailchraoibhe, O Meallain, O hAdhmaill, O Lorcain, Clann Chonmhaoil (Mac Conville), O Treinfhir and O Muireagain (a doubtful pedigree)." in his paper "PRELIMINARY NOTE ON SOME OF THE NOMENCLATURE ON IE MAP OF SE ULSTER BOUND UP WITH THE MAPS OF THE ESCHEATED COUNTIES, 1610." (Published in The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland By Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1951) 81, p.37-43).

So who are these O Muireagain with a doubtful pedigree? Well the pedigree (below) shows them again to be the Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre of Sil Colla hUais of Airgialla. Except the spelling is Ua Murgain again making O'Morgain a local surname as opposed to O'Morgair.

Images of Ui Murgain Pedigree from a 18th century Manuscript TCD MS 1366 (formerly H.4.25) p.125

When did the surname O'Muireagain get attached to a pedigree that dates from the 11th century?

This is a hard question. There seems possibly a name associated with the Book of Lecan, however I cannot read the digital image. MacFirbis pedigree does have a title 'gnt Ui Muirthe'.

Muirthe can appear as version of Murchadha (need to add citation). While Muirchertagh O'Muridhe,a bishop linked to the registry of Clonmacnois, was identify Sir James Ware's in the 17th century as Muireagan O'Muireagain bishop of Clonmacnois d1213.

From "Clonmacnois--The Church and Lands of St. Ciaran" by Annette Kehnel, p. 207:

"15. He mentiones Ua Muirecan as Mureachus O-Murrechan vir doctus, vitam cum morte commutavit anno 1213. Hic videtur idem cum eo, quem alii Muriertacum O-Murry vocant, & sepultum asserunt Clonmacnoisae, sub monumento, quod illius memoraie erexerat Slamanus collactaneus ejus (WARE, De Praesulibus Hiberniae, p. 97). The same is said about O'Muridhe, the bishop of the Registry in the epilogue (Registry, p.460)."

This gets into the issue of O'Muireagain being identified with Mag Murchadha in Ulster and O'Murchadhain being identified with O'Muireadhaigh in Connacht.

Add to the mix O'Muiridhe/O'Muirthe/O'Murtha of Cenel Flaitheamhain, chiefs of Hy Mealla in Leinster, where again a mix of O'Murchadhain and O'Muireagain is found (not to mention Munster to).

So I suspect Archbishop Amlave O'Murid of Armagh could well be of the Ua Muireagain line.

MacFirbis Great Book of Genealogies, p.334

What about Ui Muireagain of Muinter Duibh Rois of Ui Chremtainn of the Airgialla in northern Armagh, etc!

Setting the scene:

The area of Toaghy as appears on 1602/3 Elizabethan map of Ulster matches for the barony of Tiranny in present day county of Armagh. Area of Toaghy and belonged at one point to the archbishopric of Armagh and includes possibly the parish of Muckno in county Monaghan.

As for the ruler of Armagh and Tynan home to Mael Muire O'Muireagain d.1072

"The most prominent local chiefs in the eleventh and twelfth centuries were the Ó Ruadacáin (O'Rogan) rulers of Ui Echach Airgiall, whose territory included Toaghy, just south of Armagh city, and probably also two Fews baronies, extending down to the southwestern borders of the modern county.” From K. Sims, Medieval Armagh: The Kingdom of Oirthir (Orior) and its Rulers The Ui Annluain (O'Hanlons), found at the web site www.magoo.com/hugh/airghialla.html

According to the book of Ballymote the: O'Ruadacain and O'Muireagain are members of Muinter Duibh Rois of Ui Cremtainn of the Airgialla

Book of Ballymote

“Muindter Duibh Rois .i. H. Ruadhacan & H. Caeman & H. Feidegan & H. Mairicain & H. Dunacan.”

(This would seem to be the likely source for O’Hart’s ‘Stem of the Irish Nation” which identifies the following families “Donnegan, Dunegan, Keenan, Morgan, Murrin, Rogan etc.” as being from Murtagh (muireadhach) son of Ceallach (quo Clan Kelly of Fermangh).)

The families of Muinter Duibh Rois are:

H. Caeman: kings of Magh Leamhna in Clogher area of Tyrone bordering Monaghan. Amongst members of Cenel Fiachach mac Niall. (Also name of a powerful family in west Fermangh.)

H. Feidegan: originates from the Clones area in Monaghan; where Tiredigan and Ballyviddegan are on both sides of Clones. Later moved to south Monaghan and later by 1659 'census' to the barony of Ardee in Louth (MIF)

H. Duncan: O’Hart gives Donnegan and they could well be the sometime Lords of Fernmagh (barony of Farney) in the south of county Monaghan.

H. Ruadhacan: O’Hart gives Rogan and this are powerful family ruling East Airgialla (county Armagh) in the eleventh and twelfth centuries and as kings of the Ui Echach of Armagh and Oriors.

Map location of the Muinter Duibh Rois; where would you place the O'Muireagain?

[Interesting to note in the mess of conflicting details and how easy it is to confuse things: is that the Sil Duibtire in the topographical poem are other Clann Daimhin; while Clan Kelly claims descent from Sil Daimini and the O'Caeman were kings of Magh Leamhna (around Blackwater, Co. Tyrone) in Clogher where Sil Duibthire where centered. While Y-DNA from the few Ulster Morgan tested shows strong similarities with the Maguires of Fermanagh who claim descent from the Clann Lugin branch of Ui Chremthainn.]

In later years the MacMurphy/MacMurry ruled the barony of Trough in County Monaghan

In Dubhaltach MacFirbhisigh’s “The Great Book of Genealogies” there is a parallel entry for the same families including a pedigree:

MacFirbis Great Book of Genealogies, p.315

O'Ferrall

O'Ferrall zoomed in

So who were the Ui Chremthainn?

The Ui Chremhthainn were another Airgialla tribe claim who claimed descent from Colla Da Crich. They came to power with advances of the Ui Neill into Mac Uais territory; cutting the Ui Fiac(r)ach Tuirtre off from the rest of Airgialla. The Ui Chremhthainn are recorded at the time of St Patrick in the Clogher Valley in County Tyrone. They expanded thorough Fermanagh into Monaghan and finally Louth in doing so the Ui Chremthainn pushed the other Airgialla tribes in front of them; displacing the Ui Meath (driven to Louth), the Fir Rois (to the border of Monaghan/Louth), the Conailli, and the Mugdorna (driven from Cremorne “territory of Mugdorna” to the Mountains of Mourne).

“Four subgroups emerged from the Ui Chremthainn. These included the Clann Lugain of Fermanagh, Clann Ceallaigh who controlled the area between Fermanagh and Clones in modern county Monaghan, the Sil Daimini who ruled a portion of Fermanagh, and the Ui Nadsluaig of Monaghan, from whom the O'Carrolls and MacMahons descend.” From: www.mcmahonsofmonaghan.org/oriel_collas_to_macmahon.html

The descendants of Clann Lugin are the Maguires of Fermanagh; from the Sil Daimini comes Clan Ceallaigh or the O’Kelly who controlled the area between Fermanagh and Clones in modern county Monaghan. Lastly from Ui Nadsluaig come the O’Carrols rulers in Louth and MacMahon rulers in Monaghan.

The only other independent grouping of Airgialla in Ulster were the East Airghalla (Ind Aithir) in county Armagh; they where under the influence of the Ui Neill and with this protection where allowed to fill the posts of Armagh in opposition to the Ui Chremthainn.

Confused origins of the O'Ruadhacan

The following exert shows a Sil Coll Fochri genealogy which often cited as to the conflicting origin of the Ua Ruadagan. This genealogy make the Ua Ruadagan relatives of the O’Sinnagh (Fox) who in turn controlled the archbishopric of Armagh until the time of the reformer St Malachy O'Morgain.

Taken from the web site Kingdom of Airghialla on Ireland's History in Maps :

"Uí Echach - The Uí Echach of Oirgialla, in Tuath Echach, comprised the barony of Armagh, in modern county Armagh, as suggested by Leabhar na gCeart and by O'Donovan's edition of Topographical Poems of O'Dugan and O'Heerin). b
<snip>

An early Uí Echach (Sil Colla Fochri) genealogy: (Book of Ballymote)
Murcad m. Ruaidri m. Muiredaich m. Ailella m. Cumascaigh m. Echadon m. Ruadacan m. Cellaich m. Ruadrach m. Conmaeil m. Airmedaich m. Feradaich m. Amalga m. Aililla m. Echach m. Feidlimthe m. Fiachrach m. Colla Da Crich.”

Muinter Duibh Rois and O'Muireagain?

As for a historical figure of Duib Rois in the annals that I have found:

AU 804.9 A battle between the Uí Chremthainn themselves, in which Echu mac Cathal and Domnall mac Echaid and Dub Rois and many others fell; and Donn Clochair mac Artrí, was victor.

As for the possible Muireacan who would be the originator of O’Muireagain there are the following entries

915 (FM) The army of the Ui-Neill of the South and North was led by Niall, son of Aedh, King of Ireland, to the men of Munster, to wage war with the foreigners. He pitched his camp at Tobar-Glethrach, in Magh-Feimhin, on the 22nd of August. The foreigners went into the territory on the same day. The Irish attacked them the third hour before mid-day, so that one thousand one hundred men were slain between them; but more of the foreigners fell, and they were defeated. There fell here in the heat of the conflict the chief of Carraig-Brachaidhe,and Maelfinnen, son of Donnagan, chief of Ui-Cearnaigh; Fearghal, son of Muirigen, chief of Ui-Creamhthainn; and others besides them.

Reinforcements set out from the fortress of the foreigners to relieve their people. The Irish returned back to their camp before the arrival of the last host, i.e. before the arrival of Raghnall, king of the black foreigners, who had an army of foreigners with him. Niall set out with a small force against the foreigners, so that God prevented their slaughter through him. Niall after this remained twenty nights encamped against the foreigners. He requested of the Leinstermen to remain in siege against the foreigners. This they did, and continued the siege until Sitric, the grandson of Imhar, and the foreigners, gave the battle of Ceannfuait to the Leinstermen, wherein six hundred were slain about the lords of Leinster, together with the king Ugaire, son of Ailell. These are the names of some of their chiefs: Maelmordha, son of Muireagan, lord of Airther-Life; Mughron, son of Cinneidigh, lord of the three Comainns and of Laighis; Cinaedh, son of Tuathal, lord of Ui-Feineachlais; and many other chieftains, with the arch-bishop Maelmaedhog, son of Diarmaid, who was one of the Ui-Conannla, Abbot of Gleann-Uisean, a distinguished scribe, anchorite, and an adept in the Latin learning and the Scotic language. It was concerning the battle of Ceann-Fuaid the following lines were composed:

917 (CS) An army of the men of Ireland was led by Niall son of Aed to the foreigners of Loch Dá Caech (Waterford Harbour), and foreigners and Irish were killed there including the king of Carraic Brachaide and the chief of Uí Chernaigh i.e. Maelfinnéin son of Donnacán and the chief of Uí Chremthainne i.e. Fergus son of Muiricén and many others were killed.

The battle-rout of Cenn Fuait inflicted on the Laigin by the grandson of Ímar. Six hundred or more were killed including the royal house and over-king i.e. Augaire son of Ailill and the king of Airther Life i.e. Maelmórda son of Muiricén and Mugrón son of Cendétigh king of the three Comann and of Laígis and Cinaedh son of Tuathal king of Uí Enechglais and many others and including the chief bishop. (Fearghal and Fergus are the same person, different spellings)

However: in “The English Historical Review” Vol 26 (1911) in the article “Ragnall Ivarson and Jarl Otir” by Henry H. Howorth, Fergus son of Muirigein is identified as chief of the Chrimhthainn from the modern barony of Slane in county Meath. (I am yet to read his note no. 28) (I believe the source to this note is Keating's "History of Ireland" which states the Name Ui Crimthainn is confined to barony of Slane.)

This map of areas where Morgans are found in 17th century

Recapping

Recapping there is Tiremorgane and Tullyworgle (Hillock of the Ui Muireagain) just outside Armagh City. Plus multiple reference to the Ua Muireagain as local Erenagh family. Book of Ballymote connects the Ua Muireagain with the ruling kings of the Armagh area, the Ua Ruadhacain, and Seamus O Ceallaigh identifies a local Armagh family called Ua Murgain with an identical pedigree as the Ua Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre; who the Book of Lecan describes as members of ruling chiefs of the Ui Tuirtre. While if the MacMurphy are the same people as the O'Morgans; did feud between the MacMurphy and the O'Neill of Kinard that forced the MacMurphys to Fews be the reason why there are so many Morgan in north Louth, south Armagh and the mountains of Mourne?

County Armagh

Woulfe’s ‘Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall’ states that O Muireagain was in the 16^th century most numerous in Down and Armagh.

1602 Patrick O Murygan appears in the 'Census of Fews'

1615 Pat Morgan and Hugh Morgan (gent) are found in the rent rolls of Ballymacone, Parish of Lisnadill. (from The Territory of Ballymacone and Its Associations with the McCones by TGF Paterson - 1954)

1615-1624 Owen Morgan is found in the rent rolls of Ballymacone, Parish of Lisnadill. (within the Manor of Armagh) (from The Territory of Ballymacone and Its Associations with the McCones by TGF Paterson - 1954)

1624-27 Turlagh O Morgan, Co. Armagh; appears in the court records of the Manor of Armagh.( from The Armagh Manor Court Rolls "Period 1625-1627": And Incidental ... by TGF Paterson - 1957)

c1630 John Morgan on Armagh Muster roll

1641 Patrick Morgan of Armagh, identified as a rebel

1665 James O'Murygan is recorded in the Money rolls in the Town of Armagh

1665 Dermot O'Murygan is recorded in the Money rolls in Tonnagh & Cullentragh in the parish of Eglish in the barony of Armagh

1665 Patrick O'Morrigan is recorded in the Money rolls in Tullyhappies in the parish of Killevy in the barony of Orior Lower

1665 Shane O'Markin (O'Mackin ?) is recorded in the Money rolls in Tollivallen in the parish of Newtownhamilton in the barony of Fews Upper

(1665 John MacMorran is recorded in the Money rolls in Dromegan in the parish of Loughgilly(?) in the barony of Lower Fews)

1707-1727 Fearghal Ua Murchuian in Killeavy(?), Upper Orior is record in the poem "EACHTRA AODH MHIC GOIREACHTAIDH", William in Eigse vol 13 p.115 in regard to the names including Murchuian (identifed with Murchan) as being 'well- known in Counties Louth and Armagh'.

O'Morgan is mentioned as one a number of families from Fews, that the Irish first name Maoileachlainn (English "Malachi") was popular with. From a booklet published by Connradh na Gaedhilge in 1906.

From 'Colonisation and Conquest in Medieval Ireland' by Brendan Smith:

'... king of England to the sheriff of Louth in 1354 to enquire 'if it would be to the profit of the king and the men of the marches in the parts of Dundalk that Auly O Rogan and Peter O Rogan, Irishmen, with their following [sequela] shuld be recieved into peace and allowed to dwell in the land of the Englishmen there'.

Did the O'Morgan head south with the O'Rogans or was it the feud between the MacMurphy and the O'Neill of Kinard that forced them to Fews the reason?

County Antrim

The more famous O’Flynn of Ui Tuirtre left the royal line earlier and where located in the barony of Loughinsholin (meaning: Lough of the island of the O’Flynns) (red area below). Sometime between 919 and 1012 the expanding empire of Ui Neills gains control over Telach Oc and the Ui Fiachach Tuirtre migrated east across the Bann River into county Antrim and settling in the baronies of Antrim and Toome (green area).

While the Ui Domnaillain (O'Donnellan) of Fiachach Tuirtre descend from Domhnallan brother of 'Muircen mac Mael Chraebe'. The O'Donnellan continued the royal dynastic line of the Ui Fiachach Tuirtre until being replaced by the O'Flynns and O'Mulrooneys in the 11th and 12th centuries. In one version of John O’Hart’s book 'Irish Pedigrees or The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation' it states: "The Stem of the 'Donnellan' (of Ulster family). Lords of Massarene." Massarene now the baronies of Massarene (deep yellow area). Which is outside the usually defined area of O'Flynn territory of the Ui Tuirtre; as defined by the later boundaries of Deanery of Turtrye.

The Question of Flann Ua Murieagain

In 1096 Flann Ua Muireagain, Erenagh of Antrim, death is recorded in the Annals of Ulster and Four Masters.

[An Erenagh took the tonsure without holy orders and held a heraldry position as steward of the church lands. In the Ulster plantation the parish clergy were recruited from them.]

I believe that the Flann O'Muirgan identified by O'Hart's (above) is the same Flann Ua Muireagain, Erenagh of Antrim, of the annals. For his death would place him in the middle of a change that occurs in the Ui (Fiach(r)ach) Tuirtre pedigree:

Circa 1050, the Laud 610 version of pedigree ends with: 'Muirecan mac Muircertaig mac Flaind'

In 1059 we have the death of 'Muiredaig mac Muircherdaich' who John MacNeill in "Notes on Laud genealogies" identifies as the brother to Muirecan (the younger) of the Laud 610 pedigree. (I personally believe that Muirecan and Muiredeaig are probably the same person.)

In 1096 the death of Flann Ua Muireagain death is recorded; as mention above.

Circa 1120, Rawlinson B.502 version pedigree now ends with Flann son of Muiredaig. (i.e., Flann mac Muiredaig mac Muircherdaich mac Flaind)

[Muiredach mac Muirchertaig mac Floind appears in the annals as Muiredach Ua Floinn, first of the O'Flynn kings of Ui Tuirtre.]

[From "The island of St Patrick: Church and ruling dynasties in Fingal and Meath ...‎" by Ailbhe MacShamhráin, Charles Thomas, Page 50:

"Two further kings of Ui Maic Uais Breg are noted, Muiredach Ua Duibeoin (d. 1017) and Cellach mac Muirecain (d. 1058). It is unclear if they were the descendants of earlier kings or even if they were related. The existence of the personal name Muirecan among the northern Ui Thuirtri raises the suspicion that either either Cellach's designation as king of Ui Maic Uais Breg is incorrect or that the northern branch of Ui Maic Uais usurped the title in the twelfth century."

Is Cellach mac Muirecain (d. 1058) king of Ui Maic Uais Breg related to Muirecan mac Muircertaig mac Flaind (d. 1050s?) king of Ui Maic Uais (Ui Tuirtre) ?]

Within the Deanery of Tuirtre

Deanery of Turtrye contains the parish of Rathcavan which was identified as Muintear Mhuireagain by Séamus Ó Ceallaigh in his book "Gleanings from Ulster History", 1951.

Further in "An historical account of the diocese of Down and Connor, ancient and modern" by James O'Laverty; he includes the parish of Glenwhirry and Rathcavan in the Tuogh Muntir Muiriagain.

map of Rathcavan location with Antrim

In ‘Celtic Scotland: A History of Ancient Alban’ by W. F. (William Forbes) Skene has: “The Tuogh of Muntir Murigan (Muintir Mhuireagan), or the tribe of Murrigan. The Tuogh na Keart. The Tuogh of Moylinny, which is co-extensive with the barony of Upper Antrim, and contained 36000 acres“. [he also gives details that O Hamills in the Tuath of Ceart (south of Ballymena); one the five pedigrees in TCD MS 1280]

Within the Parish of Rathcavan

In the north-east corner of Rathcavan Parish is the townland of Lisnamurrikin ('Fort of Ui Muireagain'). The 1605 Inquisition into North Clandeboy identifies the townland of Lisnamurrikin as being within the Tuogh of Muntermurigan (Tribal lands of tribe of Muireagain) which was one of the twenty tuath (divisions) that made up North Clandeboy.

from Queens place name study, former names:

Lisnemorrican HMR Ant. 1669
~Lios na Muiriocán "fort of the mariners" J O'D (OSNB) 1832c (O'Donovan's thoughts on the subject)

Other Placenames in Antrim worthy of further investigations

Ballivergan in the parish of Rathline (Rathlin Island), barony of Carey (Sir Petty). Ballyvergan barony of Carey (1663); Marquis of Antrim rents.

Ballyconagan in teh parish of Rathlin Island, Barony of Carey

"O'Conigan's town" J O'D (OSNB) 1827
Baile Uí Choineagáin J O'D (OSNB) 1827
Ballivergan Hib. Reg. 1657c
Ballynafirgan Census 1659

Ballyvargan house, 75m East of Mount Grand, Church Quarter, Rathlin Island; Demolition of existing abandoned dwelling. November 26th 2007.

Early O'Morgan in Antrim

The 1659 ‘Census’ does not record Morgan as principle name in county Antrim though they did exist(see below). However it does though record twenty-one O’Merran in the barony of Carrickfergus; located east of the baronies of Toome and Antrim. The O’Merran surname could be related to O’Merrigan, however it needs further research.

[on page 208 of John O’Hart’s book 'Irish Pedigrees or The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation' under :" XII.- Families Descended from Heremon" is "Murrigan (Murrin, Morrin)"]

1669 Owin O’Murgan, Scolboa (Sculvoe) (also Scolbow ), Parish of Connor, Barony of Antrim (HMR 1669)

1669 Daniel O'Murrigan, Ballyviamry (Camlin), Parish of Killead, Barony of Upper Massereene

1669 ColloMorgan, Ardmore, Parish of Killead, Barony of Lower Massereene

1669 Donnell O’Morgan, Ardmore, Parish of Killead, Barony of Lower Massereene

1669 Edward Morgan Belfast city Parish of Shankill

1669 William Morgin Belfast city Parish of Shankill

1607 Father Denis O'Morcan active within Antrim?

1663 Murtagh O Murren in townland of Owenreagh (later in Griffith's it is numerous with Morrin)

1666 Donoghty O’Marran, Parish of Skerry, Racavan & Glenwhirry

1666 Darby D O’Meren Cranfield, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome

1669 Widow O’Merran, Rathbeg, Parish of Donegore.

1669 Ogin O’Marran Lamberg, Belfast

1669 Shane O’Marran Lamberg, Belfast

1669 Wil O’Marran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick

1669 Dav O’Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick?

1669 Wil Oge O’Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick

1669 Rob O’Murran Middle Div, Carrikfergus, Carrick

1669 Edmond O’Murren Barnish, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome

1669 Shane O’Murren Cranfield, Drummaul & Cranfield, Toome

Early Morgan in Belfast?

1669 Edward Morgan Belfast Shankill

1669 William Morgin Belfast Shankill

Baile Uí Mhurcháin

I found with the Queens placename tool that Ballymurphy in the parish of Shankill:

Townland Ballymurphy
English (O')Murphy's townland
Irish Baile Uí Mhurchú
Parish Shankill
Barony Belfast Upper
County Antrim

Sources
Version Source Date
Ballyanurchane CPR Jas I 1621
Ballyomurchane CPR Jas I 1608
Ballyomurchane Inq. Ant. (DK) 1605
~Baile Uí Mhurchadha "Murphy's town" J O'D (OSNB) 1832c

Decided Form Explanation Baile Uí Mhurcháin appears to have been earlier

So Shankill parish was home to an early O'Morgan family?

Placename question yet to be answered

Lismurnaghan "Lios Muirneachain", Muirneachain's Fort; a townland of Ahoghill's church lands in the Barony of Toome. (Source “Place-Names of Northern Ireland” by Queens University.) The parish of Ahoghill is just on the other side of Ballymena from Rathcavan parish and Lios na Muireagain.

Muirneachain as a first name is sighted as appearing in the pedigrees relating to Ui Earca Chein located in Leth Cathail, county Down. They are original from Connacht (the Ui Maine territory) and give rise to the O'Moran of Ui Echach (see below).

As a surname there is confusion between Muirneachain and Muireagain; as seen in the only O'Muirncheain pedigree of name. See the pedigree of Cenel Fergus (county Tyrone), which is also presented as that of O'Muireagain.

Coat of Arms for the O'Muireagain?

O'Hart in his third volume of Irish Pedigrees has a coat arms for the O'Morgans; Gu. tree towers ar:

another placename to be investigated

Crockmoran "Cnoc Ui Mhuireain" Moran's hill

more place names of interest in Antrim:

Townland Carmorn
English
Irish
Parish Duneane
Barony Toome Upper
County Antrim

Sources
Version Source Date
half Towne of Camorne als. Drumisse Exch. Deeds & Wills 1644
~Ceathrú Móráin "Moran's Quarter" J O'D (OSNB) 1828c

County Louth

Dundalk area

1311 Thomas Morgan juror of John Cadwelly, who stole a horse from the prior of S. Leonard of Dundalk and two horses form John Everard

1318 Thomas Morgan grants a messuage in the New Town of Dundalk

1323 Grant by Thomas Morgan, clerk, of a messuage in the New Town of Dundalk

1330 Quitclaim by William son of Thomas Morgan for a messuage in the New Town of Dundalk

1441 John and Donald Omurgan (Feb 12) promoted to Acolytes at Archbishop's cpl of Drummisken

1441 Donald Omurgan (Mar 17) ordained as subdeacon by the primate in the parish Drummisken (see Donald Omurgan in Armagh)

1538 Maude ny Morgan Wyddo renting in Dundalk

1570s Large numbers of O’Morgans and MacMorgans in the rent rolls of Bagenal estates in Carlingford (including the Cooley peninsula and the mountains of Mourne).

1598 Capt Morgan, an officer under Sir Bagenal killed at the battle of Blackwater with the Morgan colours also lost.

1599 Patrick Morgan dwells in Dundalk

1659 “Census” has twenty-three O’Morgans in the barony of Iveagh in County Down and nine Morgans in barony of Dundalk.

1664 Hearth Money Roll for the Parish of Ffaghard (Faughart)

Ffagherdstowne - Patt Morgan

Proleeke - Thorlagh Morgan

Proleeke - Patrick Morgan

Plaster - Edmund Morgan

Plaster - Laughlin Morgan

Plaster - James Morgan

Hearth Money Roll for the Parish - Castletown

Castletowne Bellew - Patrick Morgan

Shanmullagh - Patrick Morgan

Ballyfolan - Nicholas Morgan

1742 John son of Robert Morigan, Dundalk, Louth

1750 O’Morgan, The Hurling Match of Bavan Meadow, Omeath, Louth

Louth (town) area

1126-1138 Christain O'Morgain is the bishop of Airghialla who moves the see from Clogher to the Abbey of Louth.

1138 Gillachrist Ua Morgair, Bishop of Clochar, a paragon in wisdom and piety; a brilliant lamp that enlightened the laity and clergy by preaching and good deeds; a faithful and diligent servant of the Church in general, died, and was interred in the church of Peter and Paul at Ard-Macha. (by Maelbrighde O'Maelruanaigh)

1407 Patrick Morgan is renting in Louth

1540 Thomas Moraaghan holds a messuages from the Monastery of Louth.

1613 Daniel Morgan leases in Corbolly, barony of Louth?

1692 Joseph Morgan of Cookstown

Drogheda area

1496 John O’Murregan, chaplain to O'Neill, collects blackrent from Drogheda

1496 Rory and Hugh O’Murregan witness the Earl of Kildare pardon at Drogheda parliament

1519 Cornelius O Moregan of Ballimakenny parish sued for assault (Archbishop Cromer's Register)

1522 Neill (Nelan) O’Moregan a 23 year old laborer from Termonfeckin (at Kaylaghton, county Louth) (3 mi. NE of Drogheda) testified to witnessing the marriage of John MacCann from Donilton and Anisia Fitzjohn from Tananton. (Archbishop Cromer's Register)

1540 John Morghan (Moraghan, Mornaghan), Kaylaghton (Kellystown, Calliaghtown) county Louth holds a messuages.

1542 Patrick Morgan becomes vicar of Termonfechin, presented by the Crown, because of the surrender of the Priory of Louth (D.R.). (Was living in 1556, is Vicar of Tessauran, 1559 confused with another Partick Morgan?)

1543 Patrick Morgan present the vicarage of Tarmanfecken in the Diocese of Armagh

1616 David Morgan leased Capponey along with his son John, Barony of Ardee?

1622 Edmund Morgan gentleman of Ballymakenney; outside of Drogheda.

1628 Rory O Moregan of in the liberties of Drogheda at the age of 92 gave evidence concern a mill at Killalle Co Louth

1628 Rory O Merigan of Ballamakenny in the liberties of Drogheda, 92 gave evidence.

1659 “Census” has seven Morgans in the barony of Ferrad (home to Morganstown (Baile na Muireagánach), parish of Dysart) and eleven in the Barony of Duleek in County Meath.

1664 Hearth Money Roll for Drogheda

Drogheda, Shop St and Deere St Ward - Peeter Morgan

1692 Edward Morgan of Droghea merchant

Within the County

1666 Warrant for Bryan McCartan, Art Roe Magennis, Magee, Morgan and O' Hanlon, co Louth

Louth Placenames

Baile na Muireagánach (Morganstown) O 08891 86775 in the parish of Dysart in the barony of Ferrard (see Meath)

Morgan's Fort is identified on OS in Co Monaghan next to the Co Louth border and within a few miles of Co. Armagh.

Gort-na-Morrigna “Morrigan’s field" (a district anciently known as such, Gorteen?) Morrigan's (the goddess) husband, the Dagda, had given to her (“Book of Fermoy,” fol. 125, a2)

Lagvoreen in parish of St Mary's in the barony of Duleek Lower

County Down

1576 Pelmei O Murigan becomes a priest in the Diocese of Dromore (listed as one of five priest given dispensations in a letter from the Pope to the Bishop of Dromore)

1575 Bagenal rental records of 'The Town and Lordship of Newry'

Patrick O'Morgan on the High Street of Newry for 15s.

Neale McMorgan on the High Street of Newry for 15s. (both amongst the other Irish of the street)

Shane McBryan O'Morgan holds Eddamore (Edenmore) and the half town of Ardaraghe (Ardarragh) for 24 pounds & 14s 6d.

Bryan McShane O'Morgan and Shane McKall O'Morgan and Neale McBryan Begg Shere hold Golemore, Behany (Benagh) and half town of Towemore (Turmore) for 41 pounds and 4s 2d.

Donough O’Morgan and Connor McMorgan hold Crowe for 16 pounds and 9s 8d

Manus Roe McMorgan and Collo MacEdomonde O’Hanlon hold Gremen (Grennan), Fenor (Finnard) and the half town of Clowde for 47 pounds and 12s 10d.

1613 Gilleduff O'Morgan, of Mourne, yeoman, on the 1st of February was charged at Tullaghomy with stealing 4 pigs, price 4s. each, the property of Gilleduff 0' Morgan. He was Acquitted. (from Ulster journal of archaeology, Vol. 1 p.262)

1613 Gilleduff O'Morgan, of Newery, yeoman, on the 6th of February was charged at Mullaghmore with stealing 17 pigs worth 3s. each, belonging to William O'Dalye. He was Acquitted. (from Ulster journal of archaeology, Vol. 1 p.262)

1613 Phelim O'Morgan of Newery, and Patrick Boy O'Morgan of same, yeomen, on the 1st of December, was charged at Tallaquoyle with stealing two horses price 40s each, belonging to Brian Roe Offegan, and Shane McIlchrewe. They were Acquitted. (from Ulster journal of archaeology, Vol. 1 p.263)

The book “British Interventions in Early Modern Ireland” describes that by the 1570s there are large numbers of O’Morgans and MacMorgans in the rent rolls of Bagenal estates in Carlingford (including the Cooley peninsula and the mountains of Mourne). The author says that the chief tenants had Welsh surnames. While the greatest number of names of the tenancies were either native Irish or Old English in the rent rolls. Also that these O’Morgans and MacMorgans were settlers gone native. This reminds me of MacLysaght in his book “Surnames of Ireland”, states that Morgan is a common Welsh name in the Oriel. Oriel being the English version of Airgialla and corresponding to the area of counties Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Louth and at one time Tyrone.

Having read rent rolls of the Bagenal estate I read no evidence of Welshness of these families, as Woulfe’s in his ‘Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall’ states that O Muireagain was in the 16^th century most numerous in Down and Armagh. I believe this is an example of the misperception of Welshness of the surname Morgan is writing it Irish origins out of the history books.

1595, 27 Jan Earl of Tyrone and Hugh O'Donnell desire the granting of "to grant (her Majesty's) commission to Ryse Ap Hughe and Mr. Morgan for causing restitution to be made unto my men of the several preys and spoils taken from them upon the cessation; ..."

1595, 29 Jan Commission from the Queen's Commissioners and the Earl of Tyrone to Ryse Ap Hugh, Garrett Moore and John Morgyn (chosen by the Commissioners), Arte O'Hagan, Shane O'Donnell and William Roberts (chosen by Earl), to examine what spoils and harms have been done on either part in about the Newry and borders thereof, and in all places northward, since the first cessation of arms agreed on between the Lord General (Norris) and the Earl of Tyrone; and to see restitution indifferently made.

(Richard Aphewc (Ap Hughes) appears in the 1575 Bagenal rents rolls as the Constable of Carlingford Castle.)

[1495 AD: Waterford is unsuccessfully besieged by followers of Perkin Warbeck. It is decreed that the Constable of the strategic Carlingford Castle, County Louth, must be an Englishman.]

1602 Hugh muül О Morgan, Patrick, Rory, and Shane О Morgan, Tirlagh ... Shane О Morgan, Patr. О Morgan m'Brien, Gilleduff О Morgan, ... and all natural followers of the said Arthur Magneisse who dwell in the country called Magneisse country. - are pardoned.

1641 Rowry O’Morgan witness to the Blood bridge massacre at the Pass of Dundrum

1659 “Census” has twenty-three O’Morgans in the barony of Iveagh in County Down and nine Morgans in barony of Dundalk

In the nineteen century Morgans were concentrated in the parish of Drumgrath, Kilbroney, Clonduff and Killcoo, which

"The Irish Language in County Down" by Ciarán Ó Duibhín http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~oduibhin/oirthear/down.doc;

identifies as the heart of Irish speaking up until the twentieth century. Additionally it identifies that percentage of English/Scots in the barony of Upper Iveagh (where these parishes are located) is 17%. Making it the most native barony in County Down.

1663 Patrick O’Morgan, Moyad, Parish of Kilco, Down

1663 Patrick O'Margan, of Aghavilly, Parish of Clonallan, Down

1707 Gorry O’Morgan of Leginany and Roger Bane O’Morgan of Trim (Down) arrest warrants

1722 Rory Murigan, a harper. Nugent Est., Co. Down, Acct. Bk. 1722. (OD)

before 1745 Rudhraighe O Muireagain, a harper, is satired by poet Domhnall Gorm Mac Lochlainn Muiris O Gormain. (per TCD H. 6. 12, Pt- 3, P- 59, Padruig O Hethir, Down, 1795, while poem appears in RIA 23 A 45, p. 9, by Muiris O Gormain dated 1745; and in F. v. 3, p. 187.)

1753 "Histoire De L'Irlande: Ancienne et Moderne" was published by MacGeoghegan has:

"The province of Ulster remained, from the settlement of the Milesians in Ireland, in possession of the descendants of Ir, known by the name of Clanna-Rorys, or Rudricians.(1)

(1) From the Clanna-Rorys, are descended the MacGenises, the MacCartans, the O'Mordhas, (in English, O'More,) O'Conners-Kerry, O'Loghlins, O'Ferralis, MacGranuills, or MacRanells, Mac-anBhairds, (in English, Ward,) O'Lawlors, Magillagans, Scanlans, Brosnaghans, O'Cathils, O'Conways, Casies, Tiernys, Nestors, O'Marcachains, O'Tyns, O'Hargans, O'Flahertys, Dorcys, O'Hualachains, MacSheanloichs, O'Morains, O'Rodachains, (in English, Rody,) O'Duains, O'Mainings, MacGilmers, O'Kennys, O'Kenellys, O'Keithernys, MacEochaids, O'Carrollans, and Mac-an-Gaivons, (in English, Smith,) and others."

The work identifies the families O’Morna and O’Marchahan as being from Clan Ruighridhe (Red Branch Ulster): The O’Morna would I suspect would be the O’Morans of Ui Eachach, Rulers of Leth Cathail in county Down. While the O’Marchahan could refer to O'Murchadhain relating the O’Morgans of the barony of Upper Iveagh that appear in the 1659 "Census" and/or Ua Muireagain of Armagh (being that Ard Macha was the former capital of the Ulaid (the Red Branch). While "Irish History in Maps" reports that the O'Flynn (dominant chiefs of Ui Tuirtre) claimed to be a senior branch of Clanna Rury of Ulidia and hence suggesting descent from Clan Ruighridhe.

Alternatively O’Marchahan could be reference to the Markham family of South Galway and North Clare that some sources make relations to O'Conors of Kerry and hence from Clan Rory.

County Derry

Another of the five genealogical claims for the Morgans of East Ulster is:

Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil of Cenél Echach Bindigh of Locha Droichid

(Book of Ballymote [c.1400], O’Clery [c.1590], MacFirbis)

Irish genealogical tracts conform to three styles: the genealogy style as seen above in Flann Ua Muireagain with his ancestors listed in order; another is the mythical origin story and the third is placement of the family within major family grouping. In the case of Ua Murchadhain family it is a placement I find, which has them as stemming from Clan Daithghil members of Cenel Echach Binnigh.

MacFirbis Great Book of Genealogies, p.142

Cenel Echach Binnigh and Cenel Fergus of Ui Neill drove the Ui Tuirtre eastward with Cenel mBinnigh settling in the barony of Loughinsholin and south around Telach Oc.

In the annals there is a Mac-leighinn Ua Murchadhain, Erenagh of Coleraine Abbey who died in 988 (Annal of Ulster, Four Masters). He could be related to the Ua Murchadhain of Clann Daithghil. However it may too early for Ua Murchadhain to be a surname.

AF 988 MacLeighinn O Mureadhain, superior of Cuil-rathain died

The informative web site on Irish history www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/uineill.htm does state that “Several branches of the Cenél mBindigh Locha Droichid are noted, in the Index to the Four Masters, in the north of the barony of Loughinsholin, co. Derry.” Though, I have not read the Index to the Four Masters myself.

A search of place-names offers Moranstown near Cavanreagh in the parish of Ballynascreen, barony of Loughinsholin. (O’Moran is generally accepted truncation of O’Murchadhain as found in county Offaly.)

Ballymoregan is recorded in Termon land of Tamlaghtard (Termon-Magilligan) Barony of Lymevaddy (now Keenaght). (from "An Historical Account of the Plantation in Ulster at the Commencement of ...") In the parish of Magilligan.

Ballymoregan (aka Ballymaregan and Ballymoreghan) in the parish of Magilligan; in the former barony of Lymevaddy (now Keenaght) on the termon land of Tamlaghtard (Termon-Magilligan). (An Historical Account of the Plantation in Ulster ...)

Townland Ballymagoland, Parish Magilligan, Barony Keenaght
(?)Ballymerga Bishop. Der. 1617
Ballymagoland Census 1659c

1435 to 1438 John O'Muregan held the rectory of Cluainmann (Clonmany in north Inishowen, now county Donegal) taking over after Soloman O'Murgasan

1529 Cormac O’Murghan [O’Morissa] Canon of Derry
1628 Peter Morgan on rent roll of Londonderry
1664 Capn. Robt. Morgan claimeth the eight seshocks of Drumleen as a freehold purchased from Wm. Hansard aforesd. Parish of Lifford
1660s Henry Morgan in (Castlefin?), Donoughmore Parish, Barony of Eneshowen [Inishowen], (Hearth Money Roll).
(Donnell o'Morrin in Carrow-Mullen, Fawthen Parish )

Woodtown, i.e., Coill Ui Muireagain (c1680) in the parish of Magilligan (from 'Topographical fragments from the Franciscan Library'. Five fragments dating to the latter half of the 17th cent., ed. C. Mooney) Celtica 1 (1946) 64 - 85

(NI placename project)

(?)Kilmergan CPR Jas I 1621
~Coill Uí Mhuireagáin - Morgan's Wood J O'D (OSNB) 1833c

Lisnamorrow, Parish Artrea, Barony Loughinsholin
Liscomare, 1/2 part of Charter of Londonderry 1613
Liscon Marrow Lond. Comp. Valuation 1613
Lishdonmore Census 1659c
~Lios na Marbh "fort of the dead" J O'D (OSNB) 1830

Neighboring parish of Ballynascreen; from "ACTS OF ARCHBISHOP COLTON IN HIS METROPOLITAN VISITATION", 1850:

"Annals of the Four Masters until the year 1206. According to them Maol-poil Ua Muireadhaigh [OMurray] was prior in 1215; and Swayne's Registry gives Philip Omureadaid as "prior domus beatae Mariae de Dungevin, ordinis Sti. Augustini." So that the family O'Murry would seem to have had some hereditary connexion with this church. At the dissolution its possessions were : Tirmeely [Termeel], Maghery-dungevyn, Ballywully [Ballywiddin], Ownebeg [Owenbeg] ; the tithes of same, and of Leighvallychuig, Ballyassoone [Ballyness], and two quarters of Bennade ; with the rectory of Boydony in the country of Cormac O'Neale. ... "

(The O Muireadhaigh could be related to the O Muireagain surname.)

Under the note for Botowny the editor says : "Botowny.-More correctly written in the Taxation Bothdomnyk, the Irish being both-domhnaich, 'Casa dominicae' The Tripart Life of S. Patrick relates that while Dagart in the territory of Magdula that saint founded seven churches, of which Boith-Domnaich was one.-ii. c. 119 (Tr. Th., p.145) Also in reciting the names of St. Patrick's attendants it mentions " Sanctus Athgenius de Both-domnaich, coqnus." — iii. c. 98. (ib. p. 167.) Of him M'Firbis says: Aithgen .i. Cormac boithe domnuigh o boith domhnuigh, crnuimhthir]! Cianan, agus Cureach an bhanogh, tuip cloinne Mail no daoil. ' Aithgen, i. e. Cormac-Boithe-domnaigh, of Both-domhnaich, priest Cianan, and Curcach the virgin, are the props of the Clann Mail or Daoil.' — (Gen. MS., p. 715.) The Four Masters make mention of the place only in connexion with Muireagan of Armagh, namely, at the years 992, 993, 1001, 1005. At the suppression of religious houses the rectory of "Beydony, in Cormac O'Neale's country," was appropriate to the priory of Dungiven. — (Pat. Jac. I. p. 57 b.) The townland Glenrone, in Upper Bodoney, contains the ancient site and cemetery (O. S., Tyr., s. 12.) The whole valley is called Glenelly. See the note at p. 55."

Are the hereditary O Muireadhaigh family of Dungiven related to "Muireagain of of Both-Domhnaigh"? "Muireagain of of Both-Domhnaigh" the origin of the O Muireagain of Ui Tuirtre? O Muireagain place name is found in Lower Bodoney.

http://ulsterman3.tripod.com/Priory_Dungiven.htm

"The first Abbot, Paul O'Murray was installed in the year 1215 AD. The reason for such a delay in the placement seems to be due to the connate attacks by Viking(??) raiders plundering and destroying all things Christian. Possibility due to one of these Viking raids and the shedding of blood the Archbishop, Calfou of Armagh, on his visitation to the parish in 1397 had to reconsecrate the Priory at Dungiven.

A few of the Priors at Dungiven are known;
Maolpoil O'Murray died in 1216 AD; Maol Peodair in 1253 AD; John O'Murray was succeeded in 1417 by Philip O'Murray who survived in the records because he brought an action in the archiepiscopal courts to defend the monastic lands against lay lords who had seized them in 1427 AD.

The early years of the Priory were stormy and due to this the priory appeared not to owe allegiance to any of the prominent Irish churches such as Armagh or Cashel. The prior of the Abbey church of Derry, who with Christian zeal, but perhaps with less worldly wisdom, interposed to make peace between The O'Cathain Chief who had seized the house of McLaughlin's son , was slain for his efforts. "

THE DIOCESE OF DERRY,

From "The True Origins of Irish Society" by Desmond Keenan

In North West Ireland, where the Northern Ui Neill had established themselves, power was fairly equally balanced between the Cenel Conaill and the Cenel Eogain. The great expansion of the sub-tribes of Cenel Eogain began which over the next thousand years was to bring them ownership of nearly all of mid Ulster. It is dated by the annalists to the battle of Moin Dairi Lothair in 562/3 after the Ui Neill crossed Lough Foyle from Inishowen to Magilligan Point (Doherty 40). The Cenel Eogain had by this time established their principal fortress or palace at Grianan Oiligh (Greenan Elly) commonly known as Aileach. The chiefs of Cenel Eogain were also called chiefs of Aileach. It is surrounded by a thick drystone wall which survives to this day, the wall apparently being built in the sixth century AD which is very late for this kind of structure. According to the genealogists Eogain had three sons, Muiredach, Fergus, and Eochaid Binnig (Ochy Binny). Clan Binnig set out along the north coast to seize new lands in the sixth century. From Fergus descended Cenel Fergus who also conquered lands for themselves in the Bann valley and in East Tyrone. These families seem to have been the chief beneficiaries of the victory of Forgus and Domnall Ilcalgach of the Cenel Eogain at Moin Dairi Lothair. The story of the expansion of Clan Binnig is a curious one. They were perhaps the first of the Northern Ui Neill to break out of Donegal and establish themselves in mid-Ulster. The fact that the overchiefs of Tara were involved in this enterprise would lead us to assume that their primary object was to control as much of the coast as they could, so ensuring that all merchants had to pay them customs dues. (The Ui Neill later successfully excluded the Vikings from this part of the coast thus ensuring that no town was ever built on it. Even to the end of the Middle Ages, when the chiefs of the O’Neills wished to go shopping, they had to go to Carrickfergus or Dundalk on the east coast. Derry and Coleraine date from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.)

The distance from Lough Foyle to the next secure port at the mouth of the Bann is not great. It is also possible to assume that the Dal Riata invited their assistance to relieve them of the imposts of their overlords the Ulaid. The inducement would have been assistance against minor tuatha on the Derry side of the Bann. By this time the Cenel Eogain would have controlled the war boats on their own part of the coast, but welcomed the assistance of the stronger Dal Riata fleet. The Ui Neill never set themselves up as merchants or traders, preferring to conquer land. The volume of trading was never great, but there were always luxury items like wine in demand.

They seem to have started at the mouth of the Lower Bann, having avoided the strongly held lands of the Cianacht, and advanced upstream conquering minor clans in a thinly populated area. Their most successful branch was the O’Hamills who established themselves precariously on the borders of Tyrone and Armagh. Their lands seem to have been all conquered later by their more powerful cousins of Cenel Mhic Earca, and the O’Hamills sought refuge as poets and learned men to the O’Hanlons of Orior (Ind Oirthir) (Mullin and Mullan, Brady, Doherty in O’Dowd, Walker and Bell). Other later septs claiming descent from Clan Binnig were the O’Toners and the O’Brollys. This was in accordance with the rule that with every succession the oldest generation dropped out, was excluded from the major chieftainship, took a new name, and established a new minor chieftainship, or sept as it came to be called."

County Tyrone

1654-56 Rize Morgan Bishops Lands (Artrea), barony of Dungannon (The Civil Survery)

There is also a reference in a nineteenth century book to Termonamorgan in west Tyrone and to the O’Morgans its wardens. However this may be confused with Termonamongan in barony of West Omagh that the author Norman Mongan wrote a book about called: “Notes on an Erenagh family: The sacred clan of O Mongan of Ballymongan and Termonomongan”.

Gortmerron (field of ??) in the parishes of Drumglass and Clonfeacle, barony of Dungannon Middle

Gort Mearain J O'D (OSNB) 1835
Gortmarran 1 bal in Knockloigh, gent CPR Jas I 1611
Gortmarren CPR Jas I 1621
Gortmarren Esch. Co. Map 1609
Portmorren CPR Jas I 1621
Gort Mearain J O'D (OSNB) 1835
Gortmarran 1 bal in Knockloigh, gent CPR Jas I 1611
Gortmarren CPR Jas I 1621
Gortmarren Esch. Co. Map 1609
Portmorren CPR Jas I 1621

Ua Muireacain of Cenel Coelbad of Cenel Fergus of Ui Neill

(Laud 610, Book of Ballymote, O'Clery)

This family like above was for in a placement texts. The earlier genealogical texts I have use the Ua Muirneachain:

Laud 610:

“Trempan immorru, oenmac acai .i. Faelchu. Is huad Hui Mailmocherge 7 Oi Duibli 7 Oe Dubgillai 7 Oi Dinertaig 7 Oe Murnechan 7 Hoi Dobrain 7 Oi Dubain.”

Book of Ballymote:

“Trempan uero aen mc. aige .i. Faelchu is uadh atad .H. Maelmochoirge & .H. Duible & .H. Duibgilla & .H. Dinertaigh & .H. Muirnechan & .H. Dobran & .H. Duban”

O’Clery:

“Tremparan, uero, aenmac aicce .i. Faelcu: as uadha .h. Mail mhocheirghe et .h. Duible et .h. Duibh ghiolla et .h. Dinertaigh, .h. Muirecan, .h. Dobarn, .h. Dubhain.”

So why did the name become Muirecan; as I yet do not know? Ua Muirneachain (O’Murnaghan) is said by Woulfe to be a rare Ulster name. As for the other family names that descend from Trempan; I have only found Ua Mail Mhocheirghe who are said to have stayed by Lough Swilly While others of Cenel Coelbad followed the Ui Neill expansion eastward to east Tyrone.

Cenel Fergus in general held the area south of the Sperrin Mountains in Derry. Fergus ancestors where: the O'Hagans, who settle around Tulach Oc, east Tyrone; the O'Quins; the Mulfoyle, chiefs of northwest part of Inishowen and O'Mellans, in the southern most part of county Derry. Hence this family could well overlap with the Cenel Echach Binnigh and the Ui Tuirtre.

Hence the only to disentangle the three possible origins in north part of Ulster would be DNA testing...

From "The True Origins of Irish Society" by Desmond Keenan

.....

Alongside Clan Binnig came Clan Fergus from whom the O’Hagans, O’Mellans, and O’Quinns who settled west of Lough Neagh around Tullaghogue west of Lough Neagh They were to form an essential part of the army of Cenel Eogain. Later the main branch of the O’Neills, descendants of Muircheartach mac Earca and chiefs of Cenel Eogain, had their principal headquarters in the same area before settling in Dungannon. Tullaghogue was centuries later to be the place where the chiefs of Cenel Eogain were installed, but obviously was not the original place for installation. The later septs presumably were dispersed to more marginal lands as the senior branch of the O’Neills took the best lands. As usual it was a case of dog eat dog."

(The O'Quinns are record as the rules of Sil Cathasaigh on Derry across the border from Antrim)

County Monaghan

1602 Donogh croine О Morchghine and a bunch of О Moraghie are pardon with the MacMahons of Monaghan.

1602/3 or 1609

A map of MacMahon country (County Monaghan) dated at 1609 (also identified as from 1602/3). Has Brian na Morgund located in Oriel next to the county Cavan border not far from Cootehill. Looking a nineteenth century map of family surnames I notice the surname O’Marron in the same area.

Some time between 1604 and 1640 Matthew O Murken appears in the rent-rolls ("Early History of Modern Clones 1604-1640" by PÓ Mórdha - 1997)

1638 Matthew Murken appears in the rent-rolls ("Early History of Modern Clones 1604-1640" by PÓ Mórdha - 1997)

1663 Bryan O'Mourigan is record in the Money Roll in Crossmore in the parish of Clontibret in the barony of Cremorne.

1663 Patrick O’Mearigan is record in the Money Roll in Oram in the parish of Muckno in the Barony of Cremorne

1665 Patrick O’Morigan, is record in the Money Roll in Lissenan in the parish of Muckno in the, Barony of Cremorne.

The three above O'Morgan are located in Church lands relating to the Termon of Muckno Augustinian Friary; and could have end up in modern county of Armagh.

1663 Manus O'Maran recorded in the Money rolls in Corcuillog in the parish of Magheross in the barony of Farney

1663 Patrick O'Maran recorded in the Money rolls in Legghimore (Lattimore) in the parish of Magheross in the barony of Farney

1663 Donagh O'Meran recorded in the Money rolls in Corrienty in the parish of Magheross in the barony of Farney

1663 Patrick O'Meran ditto

1663 Hugh O'Meran ditto

1663 Teige O'Meran ditto

1665 Hugh O'Meran record in the Money rolls in Corrienty in the parish of Magheross in the barony of Farney

1665 Patrick O'Meran ditto

1665 Hugh O'Marran record in the Money rolls in Crossalare in the parish of Donaghmoyne in the barony of Farney

19th Century Historical map (I believe originally) by Philip MacDermot

Monaghan is also record as home to an O’Murchain family in the book “Ulster surnames”.

I have found on the modern Ordinance Survey map ‘Morgan's fort’ located in County Monaghan; right next to the border with County Louth and a short distance from the County Armagh border. I did find a description of it a book on County Monaghan archeology sites, calling it a Rath and giving dimensions and maybe calling it Rath Muireagain, however I loss my photocopy some years ago.

The O’Marron name interests me; MacLysaght states it to be common in Carrickmacross area of Monaghan and also in county Sligo. He finds O’Marron, O’Maron and O’Meran in the 1663 and 1665 Monaghan Hearth Money rolls. The name is also linked to county Armagh, as well as O’Mercan and the twenty-one O’Merran mentioned in Antrim. O’Marron has with a number of Irish surnames such as O’Bergin, have had their Gaelic version rediscovered, in this case the MacLysaght that the “Gaelic form of O’Marron is clearly O’Mearain”.

Because of the confusion with contraction of surnames such as O’Murchadhain to O’Murchain and then to O’Moran I have include a study on the origin of O’Moran names at the end.

An interesting character is Thaddaeus O’Meran of Wexford, because he is also named O’Morachoe. Which reminded me of an Irish Surname book I picked up some twenty years ago that made O’Morgan the same as O’Morchoe, explaining them as chief of the Murphy. Murphy is from Murchadha (from genitive of Murcad); while Murchadhain is the diminutive genitive.

Also O’Harts quotes the Ulster surname Morgan and Murrin together and if the Book of Ballymote was his source surnames then Mairicain who be the origin for both and quite possibly Marron.

(Morrin was used in Offaly to anglize version of Ua Murchadhain who inhabited a land named after the Ua Muireagain. I constantly have an overlapping with these two different family names)

Reference to Ulster Morgans from "Families of Medieval Clones “ by Seosamh Ó Dufaigh in Clogher Record, Vol. 2, No. 3 (1959), pp. 385-414 and found in pdf format at

peterspioneers.tripod.com/medievalclones.pdf

“43 Hui Maircain

These Hui Maircain, modern Morgans, are distinct from the Ui Tuirtre sept of Ua Muirecain. There was however, a Maelmuire Ua Muirigain an erenach of Tynan in Co. Armagh in 1072. The name occurs a number of times in the Hearth Money Rolls for Clontibret and Muckno (Rushe pp. 304-5, 306), and is especially common in that district to-day.”

The article is referencing the pedigree in the Book of Ballymote (which I was aware of), but also says that a similar passage appear in the Book of Lecan (which I was unaware of, not having a copy of transcription). I disagree with Ó Dufaigh that the Hui Mairicain are not related to the Ui Tuirtre sept of Ua Muirecain; for Ó Dufaigh also disassociates the two different O’Rogan pedigrees which does against the view’s of today’s historians.

Here is another quote from “The Monaghan story” by Peadar Livingstone (1980):

“MORGAN (Ơ Murcháin): The Hui Mairicain are an Oriel family who lived in central Monaghan for many centuries. They are remembered in the placenames, Aghemacmoregan and Aghamacmoregan, mentioned in the Inquisitions for the parishes of Aughnamullen East and Monaghan." The distribution is 25N, 10W, 40C, and 4S” (I have not seen the Inquisitions for the parishes of Aughnamullen East and Monaghan)

County Monaghan Placenames:

Rathmoran in parish of Clones, barony of Clankelly.

Aghamacmoregan in the parish of Monaghan, barony of Monagahan. (Sir Petty's barony maps)

Corr Mhurchaidh (Cormurphy) H 72220 31777 in the parish of Monaghan, barony of Monagahan.

Killymarran (Coill Uí Mhearáin) H 63463 36928 in the parish of Tedavnet, barony of Monaghan

Annamarran (Eanach Uí Mhearáin) N 88081 99440 in the parish of Killanny, barony of Farney

From Onomasticon Goedelicum

Cill Muireagain: Teach Damhnata, Cill Muireagain and Cluain mic Eois were burned by Hugh de Lacy, A.D. 1207, Ai. 51 b; ¶ seems nr Tidavnat.

compare to the spelling here!

MCB1206.6. 6. Teach Damnata & Ceall Muragain & Cluain Eoguis do losgadh la Hugho do Lasi.

County Fermanagh

1694 William Moraghan, County Fermanagh

In Fermanagh there is the townland called Crossmurrin in the parish of Killesher, barony of Clanawley.

Crosmurrin 1 tate, Clinawly bar (Rorie Magwire) CPR Jas I 1611
~Cros Murran "Morrin's cross" J O'D (OSNB)

Inchmurrin in the parish of Annaduff in the barony of Mohill

County Leitrim

Dún Muireagáin (Doonmorgan) [G 80888 35355] parish of Drumlease in the barony of Drumahaire.

(http://www.logainm.ie/Do.aspx?parentID=100018&typeID=BF&placeID=29974&uiLang=en)

County Cavan

In Cavan I have a place name of Corismorgan in the parish of Templeport, barony of Tullyhaw, however it also called Corrasmongan. I find a common switching of r and n such changes like Monaghan v Moraghan and Morgair v Morgain, etc.

O’Moran surname origins

County Donegal

Ui Muroin of Clan Conchobhar of Fer Maige Itha of Cenel Eoghain of Ui Neill

O Merain of Cenel Dallain of Na Bredach

MacMoruinn of Muniter Mhainle from Conall Oirshlimeadha of Ui Briuin, in Fermanagh

O Mudroin of Ui Fiachach of MacUais of Arigailla

County Down

Ui Muirein of Ui Eachach, Rulers of Leth Cathail

Ui Muirein of Ui Eachach, Rulers of Leth Cathail (Barony of Lecale)

& O'Morna ruler of Clan Breasail

From the Topographical poem:

"THE PART OF THE CRAOBH RUADH HERE.

O'Duinnsleibhe and O hEochadha, chief kings of Uladh; Ui-

Aidith, and Ui Eochadhain, and the Ui Labhradha, and Ui Leth-

lobhra, Ui Loingsigh, and Ui Morna, and Ui Mathghamhna,

O'Gairbhith, and O hAinbhith, sub-kings of Ui Eachach; MacAen-

ghusa, over clann-Aedha; MacArtain, over Cenel Foghartaigh;

MacDuibheamhna, over Cenel Amhalghadha; the Ui Morna and

MegDuilechain, over Clann Breasail; O'Coltarain, over Dal-Cuirb.

...

THE PART OF THE CRAEBH RUADH

...

the O'Loingsighs9, of stout champions,

And the O'Mornas10, smooth and ruddy.

We have made a visitation of their territories;

Let us discontinue from enumerating the high kings.

Hereditary to their chieftains are acquisitions;

Of their chieftains are the O'Mathghamhnas11.

(Morna is given the Irish form Mordhaidh in "Cambrensis eversus, seu potius Historica fides in rebus hibernicis Giraldo Cambrensi)

The sub-chiefs of Ui-Eachach Cobha12,

Who were powerful anciently,

How tasteful at the meeting in each territory,

Are O'Coinne13, the active, O'Gairbhith14.

O hAinbhith15 was chief king there;

He was not neglected, we shall not omit him;

Neither his prosperity nor his career has been checked,

Proud his battalion when marching.

...

The Mag Dubheamhnas18 without plunder,

Are over the high Cinel-Amhalghadha,

The O'Mornhas19, stock of victory,

Are the props of hard-armed Uladh.

The O’Moran of Ui Eachach are described as members of the MacDunvealy family (of the Ui Eachach) located in the barony of Iveagh in county Down. However further investigation shown a powerful O’Moran family on the east side of Iveagh. They are the rulers Lath Cathail “Cathail half” now remember in it shuken size as the barony of Lecale.

[17th century "Cambrensis eversus" by John Lynch, Matthew Kelly calls these O'Morna as O'Mordhaidh]

O’Moran are described twice in the Topographical appendix in Keating’s ‘History of Ireland’; as well as in O’Lynch’s seventh century book ‘Cambrensis eversus’. While the probably the original source, the ‘Topographical Poem’ of O’Dugan, names them as O’Morna and goes to describe one set as sub-kings of the Ui Eachach and the other over Clann Breasail.

O’Donovan’s notes on the poem gives an expanded explaination:

“O’Mornas - This family, who were of Connaught origin, afterwards took the name of MacGillamuire, now Gilmore. They are seated in the territory of Ui-Ereachein, in the county of Down. See Annals of Four Masters, A.D. 1391; and Reeve’s Down and Connor, &c., pp. 339, 368.”

For the O'Moran ruling Clann Breasail; O’Donovan elaborates “In Dubourdieu’s Statistical Account of the County of Antrim, p. 627, this territory is described from an old MS. as follows: “Clanbreasel Mac Coolechan [i.e., Clann Breasail meg O huilechain,] (so called for a difference betwixt it and one other country of the same name in the county of Armagh); is a very fast country of wood and bog, inhabited with [by] a sept called the O’Kellies, a very savage and barbarous people, and given altogether to spoils and robberies.” [This would place them in the plain of Monach outside Belfast.]

In Zeitschrift für celtische Philologie ZCP Volume 14 in an article by historian Margaret Dobbs entitled ‘The History of the Descendants of Ir’. Ui Muirean are identified under the ‘pedigree of the Cenel Findian’ (that being Findia son of Eogan son of Muiredach M.); which states:

“Brian son of Fiac son of Imchad etc.: four races descend from Brion viz.: the family of Aedan and the Ui Muirein from Loch Gort, the Ui Bearrain and Ui Ireachain. The hui Scara are a fifth but others say that the Aedan family are of Munster origin.”

(The Margaret Dobbs’s note on Loch Gort has it as unidentified. There is of course a Loch Gort in count Galway, close to county Clare [within Ui Maine territory]. [I have since found Earca Chein in pedigrees of families from Connacht and record as early King of Connacht.])

In another of his work ‘Leabhar Na G-ceart, Or, The Book of Rights’ O'Donovan states that Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh identifies Ui Earca Chein as from Duach Galach king of Connaught in the fifth century. O’Donovan goes on to state that Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh work identifies a more ancient line of Leth Cathaill chiefs descending from Deaman King of the Ulaid (d.627). (This pedigree can be found in Margaret Dobbs work.)

The ZCP text continues after Cenel Fiachna to identify the origins of the Ui Earca Cein (the Ui-Erachein of O’Donovan note) as from “Aed Anglondach and Caeldub Bec two sons of Crund and Coirpre Mor of the Munster Eoganacht from whom by the one womb are sprung the Ui Earca Cein. These are the highest aristocracy viz., the race of Fiachra Anchride from whom is Dunchad so Loichene, Fingin Inmescorach; and the race of Fiacha Laib from whom is Mael Cothaid son of Cellachan.”

This says the Ui Earca Cein are of Eoghnacht descent and are hence from Munster.

Margaret Dobb in ZCP volume 14 also states that the MacGilmores and Leath-Cathail descend from the royal house of Ulaid; descendants of Blathmac mac Mael Choba mac Fiacha mac Deaman.

This creates an origin conflict if O’Morna and the Ui Muirein are the same families, which I believe they are. Because the Gilmuire (Mac Giolla Muire) family are also said to descend from Cu Uladh O’Morna, the chief of Ui Earca Chein and Leath Chathail. (Mac Giolla Mhuire Ó Morna is record dying in 1276.)

[ZCP Volume 13 my hold the answers; however my local copy in the NYC library is crumbling quite literary into dust.] [The pedigrees of Rawlinson B.506 may also hold answers]

From Onomasticon Goedelicum:

“Loch gort: the 4 Aicme Ua mBriuin, viz.—Cenel nAedain and Hi Muirein of L. G., &c. (Geneal. of Cenél Findain), Lec. 287; ¶ Hui Muirer of L. G. of the Dal Fiatach, Fir. 510; ¶ Ui Muirer of, I. 68 a.” (I find this interesting due to the variation of ending with n replace with an r, as with two names O’Morgain and O’Morgair).

As for study of place names there is the parish of Kilmoremearan Big Church of Mearan in the barony of Kinelarty (Cineál Fogartaígh) and nearby is Ballymearan. The area of the barony of Kinelarty bordering barony of Lecale was part of a once larger Leth Cathail. While the townland of Ballymorran aka Ballymorn is found in the parish of Killinchy, barony of Dufferin which also bordering Lecale.

Connection with the Monach people and Na Bretcha

From Ireland's History in Maps:

“Monaig - The Journal of the Ulster Place-name Society places the Monaigh Uladh in the region of Downpatrick, which is located in the barony of Lecale (Leth Cathail). The Book of Lecan notes the Monaich Ulad of Rusat, and the Monaigh of Lough Erne. O'Curry in his Manuscript Materials mentions Monaigh Arad, being called from one of the three grandsons of Capha, in county Down.

<snip>

The Book of Lecan mentions the place-name Magh Monaigh, the four "prímthuatha na Bredcha" in Magh Monaigh in Ulster being the Cenél Dogfa, Clann Corcráin, Ui Thacain, and Artraidi. It goes on to note the Cenél Cridain in Magh Monaigh, in Ulster.”

[The Cenél Echach ín chodaig are noted (in H. 2, 7, T.C.D.) as a branch of the Bredcha (Brédach) in descent from Eochaid mac Eogain.]

continues:
“As tradition has it the ancient Manaigh or Monaigh occupied the area near Lough Erne, giving their name to the modern county of Fermanagh. The Journal of the Ulster Place-name Society also noted their presence in county Down. The Monaig are often associated with the Manapioi (Menapii), a maritime Belgic tribe of Northern Gaul who are noted on Ptolemy's 2nd century map of Ireland in southeast Ireland. They spread northwards as the Fir Manach, or Monaig in Irish. Early Irish genealogists claim they migrated from south Leinster, their descent from the ancient Laiginian ancestor-god, Catháer Máir.”

Truly I cannot wait for a DNA map of Ireland to sort out the truth of these stories. I took the DNA test and became second Morgan to come up as R1b1c7 or kin to the Ui Neill, however my family are not from Ulster.

Is there a relationship between the Ui Muirein rulers of eastern Ui Eachach and the Ua Muireagain relatives to the Ua Ruadhacan rulers of western Ui Eachach?

(Highly unlikely, however if not explored there would never will be an answer.)

Referring back to from Ireland's History in Maps

“Coba vs. Arghialla: Were there two adjacent Ui Echach territories with two separate genealogies? The Ui Ethach Coba (Ui Ethach Uladh in the baronies of Iveagh, in co. Down) were a powerful group (of Dál n-Araidhe descent) in adjoining county Down, however the Book of Fenagh and Leabhar na gCeart make note of an Ui Echach (baronies of Iveagh, co. Down) as a sub-territory of Airghialla. In Place-Names of Northern Ireland, for County Down, it cites The Ui Echach were also known as the Ui Echach Coba to distinguish them from similarly named groups, to the east in the Ards peninsula (Ui Eachach Arda), and to the west in Airgialla. The diocese of Dromore reflects the earlier boundary between Ui Echach Coba and Airgialla, in that it includes the Armagh parishes of Seagoe and Shankill and follows the river Bann all the way to Lough Neagh . . . The north-western boundary of the diocese follows the River Bann from Knock Bridge (on the modern boundary with Co. Armagh) all the way to Lough Neagh, and includes the district of Clanbrasil, now the barony of Oneilland East. Clanbrasil was traditionally part of Ui Echach but was annexed to the new County of Armagh in 1605.

Other northern septs: The Uí Echach na hÁrda, of the ards of county Down, are given in descent from Eochaid Gunnat in the Book of Leinster. The Cinel-Eachach are noted by Seamus O Ceallaigh in the Airghiallian kingdom of Ui Fhiachrach of Ard Sratha (Ardstraw, Co. Tyrone). [The Cenél Echach ín chodaig are noted (in H. 2, 7, T.C.D.) as a branch of the Bredcha (Brédach) in descent from Eochaid mac Eogain.]

In summation the Ui Muirein/O’Morna are presented as outsider from either Munster of Connacht from the Ui Erca Cheinn and rule over an Ui Eachach kingdom. As for the name origin can say is that there are no Mugrons given in the index to the pedigrees that Margaret Dobb’s ‘The History of the Descendants of Ir’, leaving the door open to Muirein being from a contraction of Muireagain.

[The O'Flynns of Sil Mael Ruanaigh located in Clan Cremthainn, Galway, descend from the same king of Connacht Eogan Srem mac Dulach]

Ui Muroin of Clan Conchobhar Sunn of Ui Neill

Clan Connor a younger branch of the Cenel Eoghain moved into county Derry about the 10th-11th century, pushing Cenel Eachach Binnigh before them.The O’Cathain (O’Kane) are branch of this family and became lords of Creeve (Coleraine area) and Keenaght after conquering the Ciannachts of Derry around the 12th century.

The genealogies only have placements for the family:

From Laud 610: Cinaeth, a quo Hói Mamáin & Hói Mothlacháin & Húi Mugrón & Hói Gartnén & Húi Uittitén

From O’Clery: Cionaeth, a quo .h. Cinaith et .h. Manannan et .h. Mothlachan et hui Muroin et .h. Gartnen et .h. Muididen.

The older Laud 610 peidgrees points the origin of the name from Mugron; a popular first name in early medival Ireland.

O Merain of Na Bredcha of Ui Neill

O’Merain family proves problematical in that they are identified with Inishowen in county Donegal and the territory known as Na Bredach derived from a topographical feature. As quoted above there is an actual Cenel Na Bredach family that existed on the other side of Ulster in the plains out Belfast as part of the Monaig; they where also descendants of Eogain. Supprting the Donegal location I do find in the 1659 “Census” six O’Moran in Inishowen. So are they Na Bredcha or from the Cenel Conchabar? Or may be O’Morans moved with the MacDunvealy of Ui Eachach in 1602, however they moved to north Connacht not Inishowen… (Additionaly I have read claims that the O’Marron of Monaghan are linked to the O’Marron of Sligo).

The genealogies:

Laud 610: Ó Dallán, Óe Erchén & Óe Chuliúin & Óe Reócáin & Óe Chellaig & Óe Meráin & cland Chúán

Rawlinson: Dallán a quo Cenél n-Dalláin

Rawlinson does have a genealogy for under GENELACH NA BRÉTCHA however this at odds with the other sources: Domnall m. Áeda m. Cuind m. Cathail m. Duib Dírma m. Cathmoga m. Ruarcáin m. Duib Dírna m. Bicín m. Cuangaile m. Immainich m. Condálaich m. Toimtig m. Findchraid m. Fínáin m. Cremthaind m. Feidelmid m. Éogain m. Néill. (No mention of Dallan or Meran)

Book of Ballymote: O Dallan immoro U Eirrgind & U Chuiliuin & U Reochan & U Cellaig & U Meran & U Fhindaine & Cland Cuan

O’Clery: O Dallan, .h. Eircinn, ocus .h. Cuiliun et .h. Reodan, .h. Ceallaigh, .h. Meran, ocus clann Cuan.

O’Clery also has a genealogy under Genelach Na Bredcha .i. Cenel Dallain: Eachdhond m Raghnaill m Diermada m Tuathail m Gerrgind m Ruarcan m Corcain m Gormghusa m Snedhgaile m Murgaile m Oirechtaigh m Suibne m Guaire m Cairill m Laisre m Dallain m Eogain m Neill. (However no Meran is identified)

The topographical appendix to Keatings’s “History of Ireland” has O'Kernaghan and O'Dallan as the chiefs of the Tuath Bladhaidh in Donegal. However the topographical poem which is the source to the reference identifies O'Dalachain, not O’Dallain.

[From Ireland's History in Maps: www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/tribe_index.htm

Cenel mBógaine - e.g. ua Murchadha

From Ireland's History in Maps: www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/breifne2.htm

Cenél mBógaine, of the Cenél Conaill, named from Énna Bóguine, son of Conall Gulban. O'Donovan describes Tír Boghaine as the barony of Banagh, and part of the barony of Boylagh, in county Donegal.
St. Crona (Croine Bheag) who was living in the 7th century was the daughter of Diarmuid, son of Garbhan, son of Brandubh, son of Melge, son of Enna Boghuine, son of Conall Gulban, Son of Niall Naoighiallaigh (Niall of the Nine Hostages).

An early Cenel Bóguine genealogy: (Rawlinson)
Murchad m. Máel Ograi m. Echdach m. Forbassaich m. Sechnassaich m. Dúngalaich m. Máel Tuili m. Sechnassaich m. Garbáin m. Branduib m. Meilge m. Énnae Bóguine m. Conaill Gulban m. Néill Noígiallaig.

(Cenel mBógaine aka Cenel Enda of the )]

1602 Gilligroema O'Morine appears in the Pardon lists of Sir Cahir O'Dogherty

1602 Donogh O Morryn appears in the Pardon lists of Neyle garrows O'Donnell

1602 Brien and Connor O Morryn appears in the Pardon lists of Neyle garrows O'Donnell

1602 Brien O Morryn appears in the Pardon lists of Neyle garrows O'Donnell

1609 Brian o'Murrine appears in the Pardon lists of Phelime oge O'Doghertie

1609 Thady otherwise Teige O'Murreine appears in the Pardon lists of Phelime oge O'Doghertie

1609 Gillchrist O'Murrine appears in the Pardon lists of Phelime oge O'Doghertie

O Mudroin of Ui Fiachach of MacUais of Arigailla

From Book of Ballymote: Genelach Ua Mc. Uais

Gilla Padraic m. Duibrois m. Donnchada m. Mudroin m. mBrain m. Muiredaig m. Aedha m. Flaithbertaich m. Fhirdacrich m. Mailbrigti m. Robartaich m. Coibdeanaich m. Caemain m. Branduib m. Aeda m. Crichain.

This genealogy seems to be a branch of the Ui Fachrach Ardstratha family found in Tyrone and their relative the Ui-Fiachrach Finn located in the barony of Massarene in county Antrim (south of the barony of Toome and north barony of Iveagh).

[This genealogy is only one I have some far found to include the first name Duibrois as per the origin of Ua Muireagain above.]

O’Hart has Mudroin the stem to the O'Murain (Murrin) family. What is obvious is this surname derives from first name Mugron and assuming thirty years a generation would put Mugron living the mid-eleventh century.

MacMoruinn of Muniter Mhainle from Conall Oirshlimeadha of Ui Briuin, in Fermangh

The genealogy of MacMorainn in the Fermangh Genealogies of O’Luinin gives Conall Oirshlimeadha as the origin to the family. Making them share the same origins as the O’Malley of Umhall in Mayo. However this puts them in conflict with Ui Muiren family that lives in Umhall as well as in Glean Maoilduin. For the genealogy in the ‘Book of Ui Fiachach’ by O’Donovan has them descending from Laighaire mac Eochaidh Breac.

In Fermangh

lism'moran (Slutdonogh) Esch. Co. Map 1609
~Ráth Moráin "Moran's fort" J O'D (OSNB) 1833

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