Archived: 18 October 2026
Abstract
In 1529, local violence, succession and cautious royal intervention shaped Ireland. In Tír Chonaill, Manus Ó Domhnaill captured and demolished Castleforward after a Scottish MacDubhghaill was killed there, weakening a rival power centre amid family conflict. Annals recorded killings and feuds across Ulster, involving lords, clergy and ruling kindreds. James fitz Maurice FitzGerald, earl of Desmond, died without a legitimate son, succeeded by his elderly uncle Thomas, whose alliances helped secure Munster interests. Sir William Skeffington negotiated peace between Desmond and Ossory while assessing royal authority. Learned jurists and poets also died, demonstrating the continuing importance of Gaelic professional culture.
Read Article
Archived: 18 October 2026
Abstract
In 1526, Ireland’s fragmented political order was shaped by failed diplomacy, raiding, fortification and contested successions. Gerald FitzGerald, earl of Kildare, unsuccessfully mediated between Conn Bacach O’Neill and Manus O’Donnell, whose rivalry centred on the Tír Chonaill–Tír Eóghain frontier and O’Donnell’s castle at Port na dTri Namhad. O’Donnell forces raided Tír Eóghain and defeated opponents in Connacht, securing hostages and destroying castles while warfare devastated crops and communities. Succession disputes followed deaths among O’Reilly, O’Dochartaigh and O’Rourke kindreds; church office also provoked violence. Severe weather killed raiders. Kildare’s English summons weakened mediation, leaving conflicts unresolved across the island’s competing lordships.
Read Article
