Donegal’s Franciscan Chapter
Archived: 18 October 2026
In 1530, Ireland remained divided among the Pale, Anglo-Irish magnates and Gaelic lordships. Gerald FitzGerald, ninth Earl of Kildare, returned from England alongside the new deputy, Sir William Skeffington, whose government relied uneasily on Kildare’s influence. Their forces compelled midland submissions from the O’Mores and O’Connors. Aodh Dubh O’Donnell raided Connacht and Breifne, extracting tribute, burning settlements and making temporary peace. Donegal hosted a Franciscan chapter lavishly supported by O’Donnell patronage. Annals also record deaths, dynastic killings and hospitality, illustrating authority founded on armed followings, negotiated settlements, religious patronage and household generosity rather than stable national rule throughout the island.