O'Conor dynasty explained

The O'Conor dynasty (Middle Irish: Ó Conchobhair; Modern Irish: Ó Conchúir) are an Irish noble dynasty and formerly one of the most influential and distinguished royal dynasties in Ireland. The O'Conor family held the throne of the Kingdom of Connacht up until 1475. Having ruled it on and off since 967, they ruled continuously from 1102 to 1475. Moreover, the O'Conor parent house the Uí Briúin and Síol Muireadaigh ruled Connacht on many occasions – but not continuously – between 482 and 956. The house of O'Conor also produced two High Kings of Ireland, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland. The family seat is Clonalis House outside Castlerea in County Roscommon.

The current O'Conor Don is Desmond O'Conor (b. 22 September 1938) who lives in Rotherfield, East Sussex in England.^[1]

History

The Ó Conor Don is the head of a lineage which provided about one hundred Kings of Connacht,^[2] thirty Chiefs of the Name and two High Kings of Ireland, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156), and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (c. 1115–1198), the last High King.

During the late 14th century, the Ó Conor dynasty was grouped into two main divisions, one led by Toirdhealbhach Óg Donn Ó Conchobair, the other by Felim MacAedh Ó Conchobair. From these descended the families of Ó Conchubhair Donn anglicized as O'Conor Don and Ó Conchubhair Ruadh anglicized as O'Conor Roe (now extinct). The O'Conor family like all Gaelic Nobility followed Brehon law system up until the 16th century. Therefore, they did not follow primogeniture. The Kings, or Chiefs of the O'Conor family would be elected by a close kinship group. This did frequently result in bitter feuds and lead to civil wars within the Kingdom, therefore at times dramatically weakening the family's power in Connacht and in Ireland.

Descent from Conchobar mac Tadg, King of Connacht

Conchobar mac Tadg, King of Connacht and Eponym of the O'Conor's of Connacht.
- Cathal mac Conchobar mac Taidg O’Conor, King of Connacht.
  - Dub Chablaigh O’Conor; she was a wife of Brian Boru.
  - Tadg in Eich Gil O’Conor, King of Connacht.
    - Áed in Gai Bernaig O’Conor, King of Connacht.
      - Tadhg O’Conor (Slain in 1062).
      - Ruaidrī na Saide Buide O’Conor, King of Connacht.
        [Niall O’Conor]] (Killed in 1093).
        
        Tadc O’Conor, King of Connacht (Killed in 1097).
        
        Conchobhar O’Conor (Murdered in 1103).
        
        Domnall O’Conor, King of Connacht
        
        Turlough Mor O'Conor, High King of Ireland and King of Connacht

He had six wives and 26 children among them were:

- - - - Conchobar O’Conor, King of Dublin & King of Meath (Killed at Bealach Muine-na-Siride, by Ua Dubhlaich, lord of Feara-Tulach in 1144)
        Brian Mainech O’Conor, (Killed at the battle of Ath na caisberna in 1159)
        
        Aedh “Dall” O’Conor
        Tommaltach O’Conor, Archbishop of Armagh (d. 1201)
        
        Ruaidhri O’Conor, Last High King of Ireland (d. 1198). He had at least 15 children among them were:
        Aed mac Ruaidrí O’Conor
        Rose O’Conor who married Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath Conchobar Maenmaige O’Conor, King of Connacht (died in 1202).
        
        Cathal Carragh O’Conor, King of Connacht (died 1202).
        Melaghlin O’Conor (died 1212).
        
        Mathghamhain mac Conchobar Maenmaige O’Conor (He was slain by Donnell O’More and the men of Leix in 1196).
        Muirchertach Tethbhach O’Conor (Killed in 1204).
        
        Donnchadh Conallagh O’Conor (Killed in 1207).
        
        Tadhg mac Conchobar Maenmaige O’Conor.
        
        Mael Seachlainn mac Conchobar Maenmaige O’Conor (He was slain in 1219).
        
        Aodh mac Conchobar Maenmaige O’Conor (He was an Irish Crusader and died on his return from the Holy Land in 1224).
        
        Diarmait O’Conor (Slain by Thomas Mac Uchtraigh as he was coming from Insi-Gall, whilst collecting a fleet for the purpose of acquiring the sovereignty of Connacht in 1221)
        Diarmait O’Conor (died 1237).
        
        Donnchad O’Conor (died 1237).
        
        Muirchertach O’Conor (died 1237).
        
        Cormac O’Conor.
        
        Muirghis Cananach O’Conor. Monk and noted Poet and Singer. (died in 1224)
        
        Aedh mac Ruaidri O’Conor, King of Connacht
        Conchobar O’Conor
        
        Toirdhealbhach mac Ruaidhrí O’Conor, King of Connacht
        Bean Mhídhe O’Conor married Maol Mhuire an Sparáin, son of Murchadh Mac Suibhne
        
        Conchobar Buide O’Conor
        
        Brian O’Conor
        
        Cathal Crobhdearg O'Conor, King of Connacht
        Aedh O'Conor, King of Connacht
        Cathal Dall O'Conor
        Aedh MacCathal O'Conor
        
        Ruaidri MacAedh O'Conor
        Eoghan mac Ruaidri Ó Conor
        Aedh O'Conor, King of Connacht
        Turlough O'Conor, King of Connacht (Ancestor of the O'Conor Don Sept)
        
        Felim O'Conor, King of Connacht (Ancestor of the O'Conor Roe Sept)
        
        Felim O'Conor, King of Connacht
        Aedh O'Conor, King of Connacht
        
        Aedh Muimnech O'Conor, King of Connacht
        
        Donnell Mor Mideach O’Conor
        
        Brian Breifne O'Conor
        
        Brian Luighnech O'Conor, Lord of Cairbre Drom Cliabh (Ancestor of The O’Conor Sligo).
        
        Maghnus O'Conor
        Muircheartach O'Conor
        
        Diarmaid O'Conor
        Manus O'Conor (Killed in 1237)
        
        Conchobhair O'Conor (Killed in 1279)
        
        Domnall O'Conor
        
        Riocaird O'Conor
        
        Mór O’Conor; married Tairdelbach O’Brian, King of Munster; Among their children was Domnall Mór O’Brien, King of Thomond.
        
        Murtogh Moynagh O'Conor (His line was known as Clan Murtagh O'Conor).
        Maghnus mac Muirchertaig O'Conor.
        
        Conchobair Ruadh mac Muirchertaig O’Conor.
        Cathal O’Conor, Abbot of Lough Key.
        
        Magnus O'Conor, King of Connacht.
        
        Tuathal mac Muirchertaig O’Conor.
        
        Toirrdelbach mac Muirchertaig.
        
        Máel Ísa O’Conor, Abbot of Roscommon.
  - Brian O'Conor
  - Conchobor O’Conor
  - Tadhg O'Conor

The O'Conor Don line

Turlough O'Conor, King of Connacht
- Aedh O'Conor, King of Connacht
  - Turlough O'Conor, King of Connacht
    - Aedh O'Conor, King of Connacht
      - Ruaidhri O'Conor
        Turlough O'Conor
    - Felim Geanach O'Conor, The Last King of Connacht
      - Owen Ceach O'Conor, O'Conor Don
        Carbery O'Conor, O'Conor Don
        Dermot O'Conor, O'Conor Don
        Sir Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Ballintubber Castle (1541-1632). Member of Parliament.
        Calvach O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Ballintubber Castle (1584–1655).
        Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Ballintubber Castle (1617–1669).
        Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Don.
        
        Charles O'Conor, O'Conor Don
        
        Hugh Og O'Conor of Castlerea.
        General Daniel O'Conor of Castlerea. He served in the Spanish Army.
        Colonel Andrew O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Clonalis
        Daniel O'Conor, O'Conor Don.
        Dominick O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Clonalis
        
        Alexander 'Sandy' O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Clonalis.
        
        Thomas O'Conor.
        
        Brigadier General Sir Hugh O'Conor.
        
        General Sir Thomas O'Conor. He was in the Irish Brigade.
        
        Cathal O'Conor of Bellanagare (1597–1634).
        Major Owen O'Conor of Bellanagare (d. 1692).
        
        Charles og O'Conor (d.1696)
        Denis O'Conor of Bellanagare (b. 1674).
        Charles O'Conor of Bellanagre (1710–1791).
        Denis O'Conor of Bellnagare (1732–1804).
        Owen O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Clonalis and Bellanagare(1763–1831), Inherited the O'Conor Don on the death of his distant cousin Alexander 'Sandy' O'Conor, O'Conor Don of Clonalis in 1820.
        Denis O'Conor, O'Conor Don (1794–1847).
        Charles Owen O'Conor, O'Conor Don (1838–1906).
        Denis Charles Joseph O'Conor, O'Conor Don(1860–1917).
        
        Owen Phelim O'Conor, O'Conor Don (1870–1943).
        
        Charles Hugh O'Conor of Lucan House, Co. Dublin (1872–1939).
        Rev. Charles Denis Mary Joseph Anthony O'Conor, O'Conor Don(1906–1981). As he was a Jesuit Priest, the title was inherited by his second cousin Denis Armar O'Conor.
        
        Roderick Joseph O'Conor (1872–1878).
        
        Denis Maurice O'Conor (1840–1883).
        Charles William O'Conor (1878–1963).
        Denis Armar O'Conor, O'Conor Don (1912–2000). He inherited the title from his second cousin, the Rev. Charles O'Conor.
        Desmond Roderic O'Conor, O'Conor Don (born 1938).
        Phillip Hugh O'Conor (Born 1967).
        Eochy Jack O'Conor (Born 1993).
        
        Piers Montgomery O'Conor (Born 1995).
        
        Barley Josh O'Conor (Born 2006).
        
        Kieran Denis O'Conor (Born 1958).
        Eoin Roderic O'Conor (Born 1992).
        
        Hugh Armar O'Conor (Born 1996).
        
        Rory Dominic O'Conor (Born 1963).
        
        Roderic Charles O'Conor (1913–1985).
        Brian O'Conor (Born 1957).
        
        Edward O'Conor. Agent to his father and then to his brother.
        
        Dr Charles O'Conor(1764–1828).
        
        Denis O'Conor (b.1770).
        
        Roderick O'Conor (b.1772).
        
        Matthew O'Conor of Mount Druid (1773–1844).
        Denis O'Conor of Mount Druid (d.1862)
        Charles Matthew O'Conor of Mount Druid.
        
        Owen Denis O'Conor (b.1851).
        
        Denis A. O'Conor (b.1853).
        
        Arthur O'Conor of the Palace, Elphin (d.1870)
        Arthur Matthew O'Conor of the Palace, Elphin (b.1855).
        
        Charles Matthew O'Conor (b.1859).
        
        Major Maurice Matthew O'Conor.
        
        Martin O'Conor.
        
        Owen O'Conor.
        
        Matthew O'Conor.
        
        Charles O'Conor of Mount Allen (1736–1808)
        Denis O'Conor
        
        Thomas O'Conor (d.1865).
        Charles O'Conor of New York
        
        Daniel O'Conor.
        
        Hugh O'Conor.
        
        Rev. Roger O'Conor. He was a Roman Catholic priest.
        
        Rev. Matthew O'Conor. He was a Roman Catholic priest.
        
        Bryan Roe O'Conor.
        Roger O'Conor.
        Owen O'Conor (d.1766).
        Roderic O'Conor (d. 1781).
        Bernard O'Conor.
        
        Thomas O'Conor(d.1832).
        Patrick O'Conor of Dun Dermott (d.1860).
        Patrick Hugh O'Conor of Dundermot. (d.1877).
        
        Roderick Thomas O'Conor (1839-1858). Died in a shooting accident.
        
        Sir Nicholas Roderick O'Conor of Dun Dermott (1843–1908).
        
        Roderic O'Conor(1791–1879).
        Thomas Roderick O'Conor (b.1849)
        
        Thomas Nicholas O'Conor (b.1793)
        
        Patrick O'Conor.
        
        Major Thomas O'Conor of Miltown.
        Roderic O'Conor of Miltown.
        Dillon O'Conor
        
        Richard O'Conor.
        
        Roderic O'Conor of Miltown (1794-1868).
        Roderick Joseph O'Conor (1835-1893)
        Roderic Anthony O'Conor (1860-1940).
        
        Joseph Owen Edward O'Conor.
        
        Alfred John O'Conor.
        
        Eugene O'Conor
        
        Aylward O'Conor (1805–1877).
        Roderick O'Conor
        
        Bindon Blood O'Conor
        
        William Frederick O'Conor
        
        Dillon O'Conor
        
        Aylward Owen Blood O'Conor (1842–1911).
        Captain Aylward Robert O'Conor (1872–1952).
        Lt.-Colonel Roderic Aylward O'Conor (1910–2003).
        Turlough Roderic Rosetti O'Conor (b. 1937)
        Roderic Arthur Allen O'Conor (b. 1960)
        
        John Gabriel Turlough O'Conor (b. 1964)
        
        Reverend William Owen O'Conor (1878–1919).
        
        Captain Owen O'Conor.
        
        Rev. Bernard O'Conor

The O'Conor Roe line

Felim MacHugh O'Conor, King of Connacht (died 1316)
- Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Roe(died 1368)
  - Owen Finn O'Conor (d.1362)
  - Felim Cleireach O'Conor
  - Turlough Roe O'Conor, O'Conor Roe (died 1425)
    - Teige O'Conor, O'Conor Roe(died 1464)
      - Turlough O'Conor(d.1452)
      - Dermot Roe O'Conor(d.1446)
        Rory O'Conor(d.1468)
        
        Teige O'Conor(d.1478)
      - Conor O'Conor(d.1466)
      - Felim Finn O'Conor, O'Conor Roe(died 1490)
        Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Roe(died 1503)
        Carbry O'Conor, O'Conor Roe
        
        Turlough O'Conor(d.1489)
        Teige O'Conor(d.1502)
        
        Con O'Conor(d.1493)
        Brian O'Conor(d.1489)
        
        Hugh O'Conor
      - Brian Duv O'Conor(d.1466)
        Dermot O'Conor(d.1489)
    - Donagh Dubhshuileach O'Conor
    - Cathal Duv O'Conor
      - Rory O'Conor
        Owen O'Conor(d.1466)
        
        Hugh Duv O'Conor (d.1466)
      - Cathal Roe O'Conor(d.1451)
        Teige Buidh O'Conor, O'Conor Roe(died 1534)
        Calvagh O'Conor of Cloonakilly
        Brian Ballagh O'Conor
        
        Teige O'Conor
        Hugh O'Conor
        Teige O'Conor (d.1693)
        
        Charles O'Conor (d.1692 in Germany)
        
        Turlough O'Conor, O'Conor Roe
        Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Roe
        
        Charles O'Conor, O'Conor Roe
        Hugh O'Conor, O'Conor Roe
        Roger O'Conor, O'Conor Roe He was the Governor of Civitavecchia. He was Living in 1734. After his death the title of O'Conor Roe became extinct.
        
        Roderic O'Conor(d.1552)
        
        Teige O'Conor, O'Conor Roe (died 1592)
        Teige Boy O'Conor(d.1588)
        Charles O'Conor
        
        Donagh O'Conor(d.1631)
        Dermot O'Conor
      - Brian O'Conor
        Teige O'Conor(d.1466)
        
        Brian Oge O'Conor(d.1482)
    - Hugh O'Conor
      - Rory O'Conor
  - Brian Balagh O'Conor(d.1418)
    - Brian O'Conor(d.1487)
      - Teige O'Conor(d.1466)
      - Hugh O'Conor(d.1484)
    - Turlough Roe O'Conor(d.1452)
      - Turlough O'Conor(d.1478)
        Rory O'Conor(d.1492)
      - Felim O'Conor(d.1468)
    - Donagh O'Conor(d.1478)
      - Teige O'Conor(d.1467)
      - Hugh Duv O'Conor(d.1467)
    - Rory O'Conor(d.1485)
      - Cathal O'Conor(d.1488)
      - Hugh O'Conor(d.1481)
        Carbry O'Conor(d.1474)
        Calvagh O'Conor(d.1497)
        
        Teige Roe O'Conor(d.1497)

Key figures

Kings of Connacht

Conchobar mac Taidg Mór 872–882
Áed mac Conchobair 882–888
Tadg mac Conchobair 888–900
Cathal mac Conchobair 900–925
Tadg mac Cathail 925–956
Conchobar mac Tadg 967–973
Cathal mac Tadg d. 973
Cathal mac Conchobar mac Taidg 973–1010
Ruaidrí na Saide Buide 1087–1092
Tadg mac Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair d. 1097
Domnall Ua Conchobair 1102–1106
Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair 1106–1156
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair 1156–1186
Conchobar Máenmaige Ua Conchobhair 1186–1189
Cathal Carragh Ua Conchobhair 1190–1202
Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair 1202–1224
Aedh Ua Conchobair 1224–1228
Aedh mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair 1228–1233
Felim mac Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair 1233–1256
Aedh Ó Conchobair 1256–1274
Murtogh Moynagh O'Conor 1274–1280
Magnus O'Conor 1288–1293
Hugh McOwen O'Conor 1293–1309
Ruaidri Ó Conchobair 1309–1310
Felim McHugh O'Connor 1310–1316
Rory na-bhFeadh Ó Conchobair 1316–1317
Toirdelbach Ó Conchobair first reign 1317–1318 second reign, 1324–1350
Cathal mac Domhnall Ó Conchobair 1318–1324
Hugh McHugh Breifne O'Conor 1342; died 1350
Aedh mac Tairdelbach Ó Conchobair
Ruaidri mac Tairdelbach Ó Conchobair 1368–1384

Chiefs of the name

Toirdhealbhach Óg Donn mac Aodha meic Toirdhealbhaigh, d. 9 December 1406.
Cathal mac Ruaidhri Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 19 March 1439.
Aodh mac Toirdhealbhaigh Óig Ó Conchobhair Donn, d.15 May 1461.
Feidhlimidh Geangcach mac Toirdhealbhaigh Óig Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1474 – last fully recognised King of Connacht.
Tadhg mac Eoghain Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1476.
Eoghan Caoch mac Feidhlimidh Gheangcaigh Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1485.
Aodh Og mac Aodh Ó Conchobhair Donn
Toirdhealbhach Óg mac Ruaidhri Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1503
Conchobhar mac Eoghain Chaoich Ó Conchobhair Donn
Cairbre mac Eoghain Chaoich Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1546
Aodh mac Eoghain Chaoich Ó Conchobhair Donn, deposed 1550
Diarmaid mac Cairbre Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1585
Sir Hugh/Aedh Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1632
An Calbhach mac Aedh Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1654 – popularly inaugurated king in 1643.
Hugh Óg mac Aedh Ó Conchobhair Donn, d. 1662.
Andrew O'Connor Don of Clonalis
Dominick O'Connor Don of Clonalis, d. 1795
Alexander O'Connor Don, d. 1820
Owen O'Connor Don of Clonalis and Ballinagare, d.1831
Denis O'Conor Don of Clonalis, 1794–1847
Charles Owen O'Conor Don, 1838–1906
Denis Charles O'Conor Don, 1869–1917
Owen Phelim O'Conor Don, 1870–1943
Fr. Charles O'Conor Don, 1906–1981
Denis O'Conor Don, 1912 – 10 July 2000
Desmond O'Conor Don (Former Chairman of the British-Chile Chamber of Commerce, former banker, resides in Sussex), b.1938

Other notable members of the family

Hugo Oconór (Spanish Army Officer and Governor of Texas)
Thomas O'Connor (Writer)
Charles O'Conor (Irish American Lawyer and Politician)
Nicholas Roderick O'Conor (British diplomat)
Roderic O'Conor (Artist)
Charles O'Conor (historian) (Historian)
Charles O'Conor (priest) (Priest and historical author)
Matthew O'Conor (Historian)
Denis O'Conor (Politician)
Charles Owen O'Conor (Politician)
Denis Maurice O'Conor (Politician)
Denis O'Conor Don (Prior Chief of the Name O'Conor, died 10 July 2000)

References

Footnotes

https://web.archive.org/web/20101128140613/http://ria.ie/publications/journals/eriu/online-access/57-(2007).aspx

Bibliography

Book: Byrne, Vincent. The Hidden Annals: A Thousand Years of the Kingdom of Connaught, 366-1385. 2003. Universal Publishers. 1581125682.
O'Connor, Roderic, A Historical and Genealogical Memoir of the O'Connors, Kings of Connaught, and their Descendants. Dublin: McGlashan & Gill. 1861.
O'Donovan, John and the Rt. Hon. Charles Owen O'Conor Don, The O'Conors of Connaught: An Historical Memoir. Dublin: Hodges, Figgis, and Co. 1891

External links

O'Connor family pedigree at Library Ireland

Notes and References

Curley, W. Vanishing Kingdoms. Dublin. Lilliput Press.
Book: O'Donovan . John . The O'Conors of Connaught: An Historical Memoir . 1891 . Hodges, Figgis, and Co. . Dublin.