O'Neil's & Descendants

02/09/2025

01/06/2024

Borrowed from Irish History & Folklore

The Battle of Belahoe or Ballyhoe (Irish: Béal Átha hÓ) was fought in 1539 between the O'Neills and O'Donnells against English forces, in which the O'Neills and O'Donnells were defeated.

The battle occurred while the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Leonard Grey, was mounting an armed tour around Ireland to secure the submission of the allies of the Fitzgeralds of Kildare, who had recently been in rebellion against the Crown. While Grey was in the south at Cork, a raid was undertaken into Meath by the Fitzgeralds' allies, O'Neills, led by Conn O'Neill, and the O'Donnells, led by Manus O'Donnell into the English Pale, around Dublin. They destroyed and looted the towns of Ardee and Navan, before English forces in the Pale could be mobilised. However, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Leonard Grey, returned with a force of about 800 men to oppose them.

The O'Neills and O'Donnells were returning to their territories with treasure and spoils when the English overtook them at the Ford of Belahoe, four and a half miles south of Carrickmacross, on the boundary of the modern counties of Meath and Monaghan. The forces of the O'Neills and O'Donnells were quickly overwhelmed and fled in disarray, leaving their treasure and spoils in the hands of the Lord Deputy of Ireland. His subordinate commander Gerald Aylmer, later Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, was knighted in the field for his part in the victory.

09/04/2024

From: History of Ireland

The O'Neills, one of the greatest Irish clans, date back to the 10th century and boast a lineage that includes two High Kings of Ireland. Hugh O'Neill, who became leader of the clan in 1595, was known as The O'Neill.

This clan was renowned for their bravery, intelligence, and strategic thinking. They were instrumental in resisting English rule during the 16th and 17th centuries. The O'Neills were known for their military prowess and their ability to unite other clans against a common enemy.

Hugh O'Neill, was a skilled diplomat and military leader. He was able to form alliances with other clans and even with Spain to resist English rule. His leadership during the Nine Years' War against the English was remarkable. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he was able to hold his own against the English for nine years.

The O'Neills were not just warriors, they were also patrons of the arts and culture. They supported poets, musicians, and artists, which helped to preserve Irish culture during a time of great turmoil.

The legacy of the O'Neills lives on today in Ireland. They are remembered as one of the greatest clans in Irish history. Their bravery, intelligence, and strategic thinking continue to inspire people today.

31/03/2024

From: History of Ireland

Hugh Dubh O'Neill, 5th Earl of Tyrone ("Black Hugh", meaning "black-haired" or "dark tempered") (1611–1660) was an Irish soldier of the 17th century. He is best known for his participation in the Irish Confederate Wars and in particular his defence of Clonmel in 1650 against Oliver Cromwell.

19/03/2024

From: History of Ireland

Hugh O'Neill (Irish: Aodh Mór Ó Néill; literally Hugh the Great O'Neill; c. 1550 – 20 July 1616) was an Irish Gaelic lord, Earl of Tyrone (known as the Great Earl) and was later created The Ó Néill Mór, Chief of the Name. O'Neill's career was played out against the background of the Tudor conquest of Ireland, and he is best known for leading a coalition of Irish clans during the Nine Years' War.