Daingean and Kilmacrennan
Archived: 18 October 2026
In 1537, Henry VIII’s government intensified its authority in Ireland, executing Silken Thomas FitzGerald and five uncles, investigating Lord Deputy Leonard Grey, and enacting Reformation statutes asserting royal supremacy, restricting Rome and enabling religious suppression. Their impact remained uneven beyond government-controlled districts. Grey’s expedition demolished Daingean castle in Offaly, yet O’Conor Faly recovered power. In Tír Chonaill, Aodh Dubh O’Donnell died and Manus O’Donnell was inaugurated at Kilmacrennan, though rivalry persisted; Manus subsequently campaigned in Lower Connacht. Conflict also disrupted Clandeboye and Fermanagh, where Cuconnacht Maguire was killed. Deaths, warfare and legislation reshaped lordships, but Gaelic structures proved resilient locally.