Ireland's History in Maps - Tribes of Mide & Brega, the Southern Uí Neill, et al
Kingdom of Midhe
The Middle Kingdom

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Background on Midhe

The Middle Kingdom, in this context refers, to the ancient Irish territories referred to as Mide and Brega, which very roughly equated to the areas about modern counties of Meath and Westmeath. The plain north of the river Liffey has been referred to anciently as Brega, or Breagh, which held one of the great ritual and royal sites in ancient Ireland, that of Tara. Early sources suggest that a king who held the title "rí Temro" (king of Tara) was often held in greater respect above the other kings and lords on the island. It has been said that Ollam Fodla first gave historic fame to Tara by founding the Feis (or Triennial Parliament) there, seven or eight centuries before Christ. Prior to the arrival of the sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages in the 5th and 6th centuries, this area of Ireland was probably inhabited by the tribes of the Ui Failge, Ui Enechglaiss and Dal Messin Corb, who later retreated into Leinster; the Cianachta, of Munster origin; the Deisi and Corco Roída, claimed to be descended from nephews of Conn of the Hundred Battles; the Uí Maic Uais, descended from one of the Three Collas; the Delbna septs; the Gailenga Brega, the Luigni Mide and Fir Chul, the Saithne Brega, and the Mugdorma, among others.

Niall of the Nine Hostages (Niall Noígiallag) established himself as king of Tara around the turn of the 5th century AD. Almost without interruption his descendants were considered among the highest kings (Ard Rí) of Ireland for 600 years. It was in the early 5th century that a son of Niall, named Lóegaire, succeeded his father at Tara (c. 427-430) and welcomed St. Patrick to his court (c. 432). Niall's sons and grandsons continued a conquest of the northern Laigin (north Leinster) territories to carve out the sub-kingdoms of Mide and Brega for their descendants, most notable among those were the Sil Áeda Sláine (of Brega) and Clan Cholmáin (of Mide).

The sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages included Lóegaire (a quo Cenél Lóigaire), Conall Cremthann (a quo Sil Áeda Sláine and Clan Cholmáin), Cairpre (a quo Cairpre Gabra and Uí Cairpre Laigen), Maine (a quo Tethba), Fiachu (a quo Cenél Fiachach and Fir Cell). Their descendants later came to be referred to as the southern Uí Néill, some of whom alternated as Ard Rí's (high-kings) of Ireland with their cousins in northwest Ulster, the northern Uí Néill. The southern Uí Néill were overlords in territories which included counties Meath and Westmeath, as well as portions of counties Longford, Offaly, Louth, Dublin and Kildare. Click here for a Physical Map of the Midland region.

By the 8th century the area within and surrounding the modern counties of Meath (roughly Brega) and Westmeath (roughly Mide) included the leading southern Uí Néill septs of Clann Cholmaín and Síl nÁedo Sláine, as well as the Middle Kingdom dynasties included in the territories of the Clan Cernaich Sottail, Muinter Tadgáin, Delbna, Cianachta, Fir Chul, Deisi Brega, Fir Tulach, Uí Maic Uais, Conmaicne, Saithne, Luigne, Gailenga, Muintir Maoil Sionna, Fir Bile, Corco Roidhe and Corco Adaim, Muintir Tlamáin, Muintir Laoghachain, Calraige, Breaghmhaine, Caílle Follamhain, Crich na Cetach, Fir Calatruim, Brecrighe, (among others).

Cenél Lóigaire
In descent from Lóegaire, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, and sovereign of Ireland in the mid 5th century. The O Caíndelbáin (Kennelan, Connellan, Quinlan) were a senior branch of Cenél Lóigaire with their namesake cited as lord of Cenél Laoghaire in the 10th century. Úi Loeghaire were cited in modern co. Meath, their chief dwelt at Telach Ard, now Steeplestown, 2 miles northeast of Trim.

An Early Cenél Lóigaire genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Domnall m. Gillai Ultáin m. Óengusa m. Caíndelbáin m. Máel Chróin m. Domnaill m. Cináeda m. Con Ruii m. Óengusa m. Feradaich m. Máel Dúin Dergainich m. Colmáin m. Áeda m. Libir m. Dallíni m. Énnai m. Lóegaire m. Néill Noígiallaig.

The annals cite for Cenél Lóigaire:

Clan Lugdach of the Cenél Lóigaire, in descent from Lugdach, son of Lóegaire, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

An Early Cenél Lugdach genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Máel Maith m. Ciarhuidir m. Máel Pátric m. Lennáin m. Nárgusa m. Máel Rubae m. Rechtcride m. Moga m. Dóer m. Ultáin m. Rónáin m. Cellaich m. Faílbe m. Flaind Dubthaire m. Ailella m. Guaire m. Lugdach m. Láegaire m. Néill Noígiallaig.

Clan Colmain
In descent from Colman mór, 2nd son of king Diarmaid Mac Cerbheoill, and a g-g-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages. He was ancestor of the Clan Cholmain line of high-kings of Ireland in the 8th through the 10th centuries. A senior sept of Clann Colmáin included the Ui Maelechlainn (O'Melaghlin, MacLoughlin of the southern Uí Neill, near Tailtiu, barony of Clonlonan in modern co. Westmeath).

Early Clan Colmain genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Murchad & Máel Sechnaill & Murcherdach & Diarmait cethri m. Domnaill m. Flaind m. Máel Sechnaill m. Domnaill m. Donnchada m. Flaind m. Máel Sechnaill m. Máel Ruanaid m. Donnchada m. Domnaill m. Murchada m. Dermata m. Airmedaich m. Conaill Guthbind m. Suibni m. Colmáin m. Diarmata m. Fergusa Cerrbéoil m. Conaill Cremthainni m. Néill Noígiallaig

The annals cite:

Sil Áeda Sláine
Aedh Sláine, in descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages, and a sovereign of Ireland in the 6th century. Branches of the Sil Áeda Sláine included Mac Giolla Seachloinn (Mac Glaughlin, later confused with MacLoughlin) and Ua hAirt (O'Hart), Ua Congalaig (O'Connolly), among others.

An early Sil Áeda Sláine genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Donnchad m. Dondchada m. Domnaill m. Congalaig m. Máel Mithig m. Flannacáin m. Cellaich m. Congalaig m. Conaing m. Amalgada m. Congalaich m. Áeda Sláine m. Diarmata m. Fergusa Cerrbéoil m. Conaill Cremthainni m. Néill Noígiallaig

The annals cite for Sil Áeda Sláine or for Brega:

Loch Gabor
Clan Cernaich Sottail appear to have been early kings of Loch Gabor, in Deisceart Breagh. Loch Gabor is described as a lake (now dried up) northeast of Dunshaughlin, in modern county Meath.

Clan Cernaich Sottail (of the Sil Áeda Sláine) genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Gilla Mo Chonna m. Fogartaich m. Ciarmeicc m. Congalaich m. Fócarta m. Máel Dúin m. Fergusa m. Fogartaich (c.724) m. Néill m. Cernaich Sottail m. Diarmata Ruanada m. Áeda Sláine m. Diarmata m. Fergusa Cerrbéoil m. Conaill Cremthainni m. Néill Noígiallaig

The annals cite for Loch Gabor:
Sil Áeda Laigen (of Clan Cernaich Sottail) genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Máel Dúin m. Cathacáin m. Óenacáin m. Máel Dúin m. Domnaill m. Áeda Laigen m. Néill m. Cernaich Sottail m. Diarmata m. Áeda Sláine.

The annals cite:
Clan Fínsnechtai genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Máel Mugnai m. Cernaich m. Cummascaich m. Tommaltaich m. Cathail m. Fínnachta m. Dúnchada m. Áeda Sláine.

The annals cite:

Cenél Cairpri
In descent from Cairbre, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. A branch of Cenél Cairpri included Ua Chiardha (O'Keary, O'Carey) of Uí Cairpri Laigen, in Carbury, co. Kildare. There is some indication the Ui Neill kingdom in the area of co. Kildare did not come into existence before the 12th century, Ua Ciarda of Cairpre being driven from north-east Longford (i.e. Cairpre Gabra) due to pressure from Ua Ruairc of Breifne and the Conmaicne expansion in the region.

Cairpre Gabra - northern Co. Longford, barony of Granard,... O'Ronan (Ó Ronáin) were chieftains in the barony of Granard until dispossessed by the O'Farrells in the 13th century.
In the Annals of the Four Masters about 476 AD, the battle of Granard was fought by Eochaidh, son of Cairbre, son of Oilioll, son of Dunlaing, son of Enda Niadh (A quo Ui Dunlainge, Ui Briuin Cualann and Ui Fergusa of North Leinster).

Another branch included Cenél Cairpre Mor, of co. Sligo.

An early Cairpri Mor genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Uallgarg m. Máel Ruanaid m. Máel Fábaill m. Ciardai m. Máel Bennachtai m. Écneicháin m. Dúnchada m. Arttgaile m. Donngaile m. Loingsich m. Lóegaire m. Con Gamna m. Moínaich m. Fiangusa m. Congaile m. Máel Dúin m. Scandláin m. Roitich m. Ainmerech m. Cormaicc m. Cairpri m. Néill Noígiallaig.

The annals cite for Cairpri Laigen (Ua Chiardha):
The annals cite for the general terms Cairpre, Coirpri, et al.:

Cinel Fiachach and Fir Cell (Fercal)
Cited in the annals for the year 507 AD was the battle of Druim Deargaighe, which was gained against Foilghe Berraidhe, by Fiacha, son of Niall. From that time forward the land extending from Cluain In Dibhair to Uisneach belonged to the Cinel Fiachach. This Fiacha is claimed to be the ancestor of some of the septs of the Cinel Fiachach. By the 12th century the septs of Cinel Fiachach included Mac Eochagain (Mac Geoghegan) of Moycashel, Ua Braonain (O'Brennan) of Moycashel, and Ua Maoil Mhuaidh (O'Molloy) of Fir Cell (Ballyboy & Ballygowan baronies, Offaly).

In Onomasticon Goedelicum, the Cenél Fiachach mic Néill were noted as the Mageoghegans and O Molloys, their land originally from Birr to Killare. Later the name applies to the Mageoghegan territory alone, the O'Molloy territory referred to under Fer Cell.

O'Curry and O'Donovan describe Cenél Fiachach meicc Néill centered in the barony of Moycashel, in modern co. Westmeath, however it anciently extended from Birr in Tipperary to Uisnech hill in Westmeath.

O'Donovan in his Ordnance Survey letters cites the boundaries of O'Molloy Country of Fear Ceall as comprising the three baronies of Eglish, Ballyboy and Ballycowen, forming also that part of the present day County of Offaly which is in the diocese of Meath. He goes on to state that the name of this territory is still preserved in the Barony of Fercall, which sometimes goes by the alias name of Eglish from a castle of that name. He also goes on to note that part of the Barony of Garry Castle lying south of the River Brosnagh was cut off from Fear Ceall after the establishment of the Territory of Dealbhna Eathra.

An early genealogy of Mheg Eochacan (from O'Clery):
Cu coiccriche m. Neill m. Diermada m. Donnchadha m. Muircertaigh m. Congalaigh m. Muirchertaigh m. Con calma m. Con coiccriche m. Congalaigh m. Muircertaigh m. Mail t-sechlainn m. Cosccraigh m. Anluain m. Congalach m. Donnchada m. Murchada m. Amhlaibh m. Ruaidri m. Inneirghe m. Eochagan m. Coscraigh m. Amhalgaidh oirdnide m. Tuathail an tuaiscirt re raiter Daimin m. Fiacha m. Neill.

The annals cite for Cenel Fiachach: The annals cite for Fir Cell:

Fir Tethba
Anciently, the kingdom of Teffia (i.e. Teathbha) was said to extend through much of modern counties Longford and Westmeath. Hogan's Onomasticon Goedelicum mentions that Tethba comprised in co. Westmeath the Foxs' country, Calraige, Bregmuine, Cuircne, and Cairpre Gabra (N. Teffia in which is Granard, co. Longford), South Teffia (in which is Ardagh, co. Longford), and parts of Westmeath south of the river Inny. South Teffia contained a division known as Cenél Maine (aka Ua Maine) from an early date, a name with ties to the southern Ui Neill (i.e. Maine, son of Niall), and it is perhaps more than a coicindence that the separate Ui Maine of Connacht were one-time neighbors across the river Shannon.
About the 5th and 6th centuries a portion of Teathbha was divided between the two sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages, i.e. Cairbre ruling the northern portion from Granard, and Maine ruling southern Teathbha (Teffia) from Ardagh. A prinicipal sept of northern Teathba were the Ui Cairbre Gabra, represented among others by Ó Ronáin (O'Ronan). By about the 10th and 11th centuries a branch of the Conmaicne Rein, the Muintir Anghaile, who had earlier occupied part of Breffini to the north, were making inroads into Teathbha. In time the Muintir Anghaile, and their chiefs respresentatives Ó Fearghaill (O'Farrell), gained control over a greater portion of Tethba, and their country came to be known as Annaly (Muintir Anghaile). The O'Farrell lords of Annaly were seated at Longphuirt Ui Fearghaill, a name which later became the name of the county, i.e. Longford. A principal sept in southern? Teathbha included the Muintir Giollagain, said to be of Conmaicne origins, with the Ó Cuinn (O'Quinn) as their representatives.

The early chiefs of Teathbha were claimed in descent from Maine, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Medieval chiefs within the territory of Teathba included Ó Catharnaigh (O'Carney, Sinnach and Fox of Muinter Tadhgáin), and Ua Flannaccáin (Lords of Comar). Other septs noted as chiefs by the Annals included Ó Lachtnain (O'Laughnan), Ó Con Fhiacla, Ó Muiregáin, Ó h-Aghdha, and others.

An early Ua Maine genealogy of Fir Tethba:   (Rawlinson)
Lachtnán m. Máel Chiaráin m. Conaing m. Congaile m. Béicce Tethba m. Condbae m. Congaile m. Blaithmeic m. Óengusa m. Áeda m. Brénaind m. Breccáin m. Maine m. Néill Noígiallaig.

O'Clery's genealogies cites the following in descent from Clann Maine Mic Neill: Muintire Tadhgain (Fox of Teffia), Breghmaine (O'Breen of Brawney, co. Westmeath), Muinter Laedagain (MacConway of no. Tipperary and/or in co. Longford), Muinter Maol tSinna (McCarroon of co. Westmeath), Sil Ronain (O Ronain of Cairbre Gabra), Sil Aedha Beos (of Muinter Tlamain).

The annals cite for Tethba:

Muinter Tadgáin - The sept of Ua Catharnaigh (O Carney, Sinnach, Fox) are noted as chiefs of Muinter Tadhgáin, and of Fir Tethba, perhaps centered in a part of western co. Westmeath (Foxs' country).

An early an-Shionnaigh (O Catharnaigh) genealogy:   (Book of Ballymote)
Niall mac Ruaidri m. Congalaigh m. Mail Ecloind m. Neill m. Ruaidri m. Taidg m. Taidg m. Ruaidri m. Fagartaig m. Catharnaig m. Cathalin m. Cearnachain m. Breassail m. Concobair m. Beice m. Tadgain m. Mail Bendachta m. Bruidi m. Colla m. Congalaigh m. Blathmeic m. Aedha m. Brenaind m. Briain m. Maine m. Neill Naoigiallagh.

The annals cite:

Delbna
Geoffrey Keating describes seven areas referred to as Delbna, that is Dealbhna Mhor, Dealbhna Bheag, Dealbhna Eathra, Dealbhna Iarthair Mhidhe, Dealbhna Shithe Neannta, Dealbhna Chuile Fabhair, and Dealbhna Thire da Loch in Connaught.
At least four regions in southern Uí Neill territory are denoted as Delbna. Around the 12th century these included: Mac Cochlain (Mac Coughlan) of Delbna bEthra (Garrycastle, Co. Offaly), Ua Finnallain (O'Finnallan, Fenelon) of Delbna Mor (Delvin barony, Westmeath), Ua Scolaidhe (O'Scully) of Delbna Iathair (Delvin and Rathconrath baronies, Westmeath), Ua Maoil Challan (Mulholland) in Delbna Bec (Fore barony, co. Westmeath).
In addition, Delbna regions were noted in the province of Connacht, one of those cited as Delbna of the Two Lakes (Dealbhna Thire da Loch) near the River Shannon. Reference to this is under (see Connaught).

An early Delbna bEthra lineage:   (Rawlinson)
Máel Domnaich m. Anbítha m. Dub Thíre m. Cuangusa m. Dotchada m. Guasachtaich m. Máel Ruain m. Dadaill m. Sinill m. Lorcáin m. Dalláin m. Trechuirne m. Tréin m. Sige m. Andiled m. Beccáin m. Delbaíth m. Tháil m. Conaill Echluaith m. Lugdach Mind.

An early Delbna Mor lineage:   (Rawlinson)
Gormucán m. Anfída m. Máel Míchíl m. Cochláin m. Coimded m. Donngusa m. Clothchon m. Comgaill m. Sáráin m. Brócáin m. Comgaill m. Blait m. Sige m. Aindiled m. Beccáin m. Delbáeth m. Tháil m. Conaill Echluaith m. Lugdach Mind.

The annals cite for Delbna:


Ciannachta Breagh and Fir Arda Cianachta
The annals record for 226, Cormac mac Art, king of Ireland, defeated the Ulster forces under Fearghus Duibhdeadach with the assistance of Tadg (or Teige), son of Cian. For this service the king bestowed on Tadg a large territory in Magh Breagh which extended from the Liffey (in Dublin) northwards to Drumskin in Co. Louth. Tadg's descendants were called Cianachta, "the race of Cian", from his father and the territory was afterwards known by this name. The sons of Tadgc mac Céin (of the 3rd century) were Condla (a quo Ciannacht) and Cormac Gaileng (a quo Sil Cormaic Gaileng). The ancient territory of Fir Ard Cianachta in modern co. Louth became known as the barony of Ferrard.
Geoffrey Keating cites an ancient genealogy for the Ciannachta thus, "Tadhg son of Cian, son of Oilill Olom, had two sons, namely, Connla and Cormac Gaileang. From Iomchaidh son of Connla comes O Cearbhaill, and from Fionnachta son of Connla comes O Meachair. From Cormac Gaileang son of Tadhg, son of Cian, comes O Eadhra and O Gadhra and O Conchubhair Ciannachta. The following are the territories they acquired, namely: Gaileanga, east and west; Ciannachta, south and north; Luighne, east and west."
Donnchadh Ó Corráin cites the Ciannachta were divided into three groups, Ciannachta Glinne Gemin, Ciannachta Midi and Ciannachta Breg. The O Conchubhair Ciannachta occupied the area of Glinne Gemin (Glengiven, barony of Keenaght, County Derry) with authority from about the 5th century, and were succeeded by the O'Cathains in the 12th century. For more information see Ciannachta Glinne Geimin under Clan Conchobhair of the Cenél Éoghain.
Also see O'Carroll of Éile, in descent from Cian, son of Oilill Olom.

Early Ciannachta genealogy:   (Rawlinson)
Murchertach m. Taidg m. Con Duib m. Máel Fábaill m. Indéirge m. Máel Temin m. Daithgiusa m. Lachtnáin m. Fuluda m. Concellaich m. Lúth Lethshéta m. Crecháin m. Dubáin Cianachta m. Find m. Findcháin m. Féicc m. Findchada m. Imchada m. Condlai m. Taidgg m. Céin m. Ailella Auluimb.

Early Genealogy of Sil Cormaic Gaileng:   (Rawlinson)
Clothna m. Colggan m. Móenaich m. Crunnmáel m. Báetáin m. Báeth m. Findich m. Gossa m. Tálgluind m. Brócáin m. Cormaicc m. Taidgc m. Céin m. Ailella Auluimb.

The annals cite for the Cianachta of the Brega area:


Fir Cúl Breg and Fir Cúl Tethba
In or near Tethba (approx. Co. Longford) the sept of Síl Ronain were noted as chiefs of Fir Cúl Tethba, east of Lough Ree in Westmeath. The Fir Chul Tethba are noted around the barony of Rathconrath in Co. Westmeath, while the territory of Fir Chul Brega is cited near the barony of Upper Kells in Co. Meath, just north of Luigne. In the Yellow Book of Lecan the Fir Chul are cited with an affiliation to the territory of the Luigne.

An early Sil Ronan genealogy   (H.2.7)
Domnall mac Gillai-na-noem m. Con Meda m. Gilli Chainnig m. Cuind m. Ruairc m. Anfith m. Laegacain M. Cernaig m. Cuind m. Ruairc m. anfith m. Laegacain M. Cernaig m. Duibrein m. Suibni m. Flaind m. Fergail m. maili Duin m. Crundmail m. Forannain m. Ronain m. Anmere m. Crimthaind m. Brenaind m. Briain m. Mane m. Neill.

The annals cite for the Fir Chul:


Deisi Brega
Cited in the annals for the year 265 AD is mention of the expulsion of the Deisi from the territory of Brega, by Cormac macAirt, grandson of Conn of the Hundred Battles. This was caused by an act against King Cormac by a son of Fiacha Suighdhe, son of Feidhlimidh the Lawgiver. Fiachna is claimed to be the common ancestor of the Deisi in the Brega (Meath and northern Dublin counties) and in the Muman (southeast Munster) areas of ancient Ireland. Although some of the noble families of the Deisi settled in the Waterford region of Muman, the Deisi of Brega (or Breagh) were still noted in the midland region in later centuries. Their name is remembered in the barony of Deece in co. Meath.

The annals cite for the Deisi Brega:

Fir Tulach - The territory gave its name to the barony of Fartullagh, in modern Co. Westmeath. A leading sept of Fir Tulach included Ua Dubhlaoich (O'Dooley). After the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, O Dubhlaighe (O Dooley) was driven south into Eile by O Maeileachlainn and the Tyrrells. Ui Domhnallan and Ui Carraigh are also noted (of Feara Tulach) by MacFirbis' Book of Genealogies.

The annals cite:

Uí Maic Uais - There were a number of tribal groups affiliated with the name Uí Maic Uais, traditionally descended from Colla Uais (Airghialla). 12th century septs in the midland region of Ireland included Ua hAonghusa (O'Hennessy) of Uí Mac Uais Breagh and Ua Comhraidhe (O'Curry) of Uí Mac Uais Mide. For additional information, also see Úi Meic Uais.
Note: For O'Hennessy, also see Gailenga (below), as well as Clann Cholgain of northern Offaly.


Conmaicne Mide - The Conmaicne Mide la Cuirccne (Cuircne in Teffia, on the margin of Lough Reagh) were cited as early arrivals in the midland region of Ireland, represented in medieval times as the Conmaicne of the western co. Westmeath area, likely extending into southern co. Longford. Their common ancestor is given as Copchass, in descent from Conmac, son of Orbsen mor, in Rawlinson B502.

The Conmaicne territories (about modern co. Longford) were said to include the Upper Conmaicne (part of northern Co. Longford) and that of the Lower Conmaicne (part of southern Co. Leitrim). At an early date, the overlords in much of Upper Conmaicne were the Ui Cairpre Gabhra, while the overlords of the Lower Conmaicne were the Conmaicne of Magh Réin in Breifne. In early times the general area about Upper Conmaicne, and most of modern co. Longford, was part of a region referred to as Teffia (Tethba), a region which extended into modern co. Westmeath. A greater part of the co. Longford region was later renamed Annaly, after the Muintir Anghaile of the Conmaicne Réin, represented by their ruling family, the O'Farrells.

This description above appears to give precedence to the Conmaicne Réin in the upper co. Longford area (centered about southern co. Leitrim), and neglects the Conmaicne Mide la Cuirccne of the lower co. Longford area (centered about western co. Westmeath). They were related, yet apparently separate, Conmaicne tribes of the midland region. Perhaps upper and lower Conmaicne are more descriptive of these two tribes.

By the 12th century midland septs with affiliation to Conmaicne territories were the O Fearghaill (O'Farrell) of Muintir Anghaile (a large portion of modern co. Longford), the Mac Ruaircs (Mac Rourke) of Teallach-Conmasa (Moycashel, co. Westmeath), the Ua Braoins (O'Breen) of Conmaicne (Clonlonan barony area of Westmeath), and the Ua Tolairg (O'Toler) of Quirene (aka Conmaicne Bec, centered in the barony of Kilkenny West. co. Westmeath). In this case Quirene, a former name of the barony of Kilkenny West, refers to the term Cuircne of earlier times. Other septs in the region of west co. Westmeath and south co. Longford at this time included Mac Carrgamhna of Muintir Mailsinna, and Mac Con Meadha of Muintir Laoghachain [or Laedagain].
Also see the Conmaicne of Connacht

An early genealogy of the Conmaicne:   (Rawlinson)
Cúscrach (aka Cumascrach) m. Cécht m. Eircc m. Erccdail m. Duib m. Ma Druaid m. Nertai m. Fhernertai m. Cécht m. h-Uisli m. Béirre m. Beidbi m. Luigdech m. Conmaic (a quo Conmaicne) m. Oirbsen Máir (a quo Loch n-Oirbsen).

An early O Fearghaill (of Annaly) genealogy:   (O'Hart Pedigrees)
Feargal, son of Congal, son of Braon, son of Angall, son of Eimhin, son of Croman, son of Mairne, son of Fiobrann, son of Finghin, son of Neidhe, son of Onchu, son of Fionnlogh, son of Fionnfhear, son of Cuscrach, son of Eachdach, son of Earc, son of Earcall, son of Dubh, son of Meadhrua, son of Neart, son of Forneart, son of Eachdach, son of Uisle, son of Bearra, son of Beibhdhe, son of Lughach, son of Conmac, son of Orbsen mor, descended from Clanna Rory of Ulster.

Saithne - Ua Caitheasaigh (O' Casey) were chiefs of Saithne Brega. Saithne, alias Fingal, is described in various texts as that part of county Dublin north of the river Liffey. Reeves and O'Donovan give Saithne to be in or centered in the barony of Balrothery West in modern co. Dublin.

The annals cite:

Luigne - Ua Braoin (O'Breen) and Ua Cernachain (O'Kernaghan) of Luigni Mide. The barony of Lune in modern co. Meath is said to derive its name from Luigne in Mide. Other Luigne septs were also located in Connacht.

The annals cite:

Gailenga - Septs included Ua Leochain (O'Loughan) of Gailenga Mora (Morgallion barony, Meath), as well as Ua hAonghusa (O'Hennessy) of Gailenga Becc (Co. Dublin/Meath border). A more obscure Gailenga group is described of North Teffia (co. Longford). Also see Breifne. Another tribe of the Gaileng was located in Co. Mayo/Sligo (see Connacht).
Note: For O'Hennessy, also see Clann Cholgain

The annals cite:

Muintir Maoil Sionna - Muinter Maoil tSinna is described of Cuircne in Teffia (Four Masters), placing it in or near west co. Westmeath & south co. Longford. The sept of Mag Cargamna (Mac Carroon) are noted as chiefs.

An early Muintiri Mail Sinna genealogy:   (H.2.7)
Imar mac Cargamna m. Thaidg m. Gilli Ultain m. Fiachra m. Indrectaig m. Mail Sinna m. Fhlaitiled m. Brocain m. Duib-da-thuath m. Nechtain m. Flaind m. Maili Duinn m. Crunmail m. Foronain m. Ronain m. Anmere m. Crimthaind m. Brenaind m. Briain m. Mane.

The annals cite:

Fir Bile - The territory gave its name to the barony of Farbill, in co. Westmeath. The Book of Lecan notes the Fir Bili are of the Corco tri; i.e. of the Síl Fiacha Raeda (see Corco Raidhe below). The sept of Ua hAinbheith (O'Hanfey) are noted as chiefs of Fir Bile.
Note: Not to be confused with Ua hAinbheith or O'hAinbhidh, lords of Ui-Meith and of South Airghialla.

The annals cite:

Corco Roidhe and Corco Adaim - Corco Raidhe, Raeidhe, or Roíde was a territory now represented in the name of the barony of Corkaree in co. Westmeath. The sept of Ua hIonnradhain (e.g. O'Heneran) of Corco Roide was noted in and near the baronies of Corkaree & Moyashel baronies in co. Westmeath. Ua Dalaigh (O'Daly Mide) of Corco Adaim [Uí Maine branch of southern Uí Neill] was noted in Moyashel & Magheradernon barony in co. Westmeath, and noted as a chief of Corca Raidhe and Corca Adain.
An early genealogy (Rawlinson) cites their descent from Fiachu Roída a quo Corco Roíde.

The annals cite:

Muintir Tlamáin - Mac Aodha (MacGee) of Rathconrath/Moyashel baronies, co. Westmeath

An early Muintire Tlamain genealogy:   (Book of Ballymote)
Giolla-na-naomh mac Siagnatain m. Con Caille m. Con Coigriche m. Aeda m. Cathachan m. Cathail m. Cellaig m. Cumascaig m. Tlamain m. Selbaig m. Brocain m. Duib-da-thuath m. Nechtain m. Floind m. Maili Duin m. Crundmail m. Forandain m. Ronain.

The annals cite:

Muintir Laoghachain [or Laedagain] - The sept of Mac Con Meadha (MacConway), aka Úa Laeghechan, were noted as chiefs of Muintir Laoghachain, and Síl Ronaín, centered in the territory of Tethba.

An early Mec Con Medha a Tir Ele (Síl Ronaín) genealogy:   (Book of Ballymote)
Domnall mac Gilla-na-naem m. Con Meda m. Gilli Caindig m. Cuind m. Ruairc m. Ainbitha m. Laegachain m. Cernaigh m. Duibren m. Suibne m. Floind m. Fergail m. Mael Duin m. Crundmail m. Forandan m. Ronan m. Ainmiri m. Crimthaind m. Briain m. Maine m. Neill.

The annals cite:

Calraige - A number of Calraighe territorial names are cited in the midland region of Ireland. These included the Calraighe of Brí Leith. Brí Léith, aka Breagha Léith, or Brigh Léith, now Sliabh Calraighe, is described as west of the village of Ardagh, in southern county Longford. The Calriaghe in this area apparently extended into the western portion of modern county Westmeath as well.

Just south of this area were noted other Calraighe territories in old Tethba, i.e. western Westmeath and southern Offaly. They were represented in the Calraige in Chalaigh, the chiefs in this region cites as Mac Amhalghadha (MacAuley) centered near Ballyloughloe, Clonlonan barony, county Westmeath. The region of the Calraige of Breaghmhaine, in the neighboring barony of Brawney, co. Westmeath, were later represented by the southern Uí Neill chiefs of Ua Braoin (O'Breen of Uí Domnaill) of Bregmuine.

Also see Calraige of Connacht for other Calraige tribes, and citations in the Annals.

An early Meg Amhalgaidh genealogy   (Mac Firbis)
Amhalgaidh mac Amalgaidh m. Muircertaigh m. Aodha Find m. Maghnusa m. Muircertaigh m. Domnuill m. Floinn m. Aodha m. Amlaibh m. Ferghail m. Con Choicrice m. Forandain m. Suibhne m. Domnuill m. Ruairc m. Cathusaigh m. Aodha m. Cuinn m. Maoil Fothartaigh m. Criomthaind m. Breunaind m. Briain m. Maine.

The annals cite for Calraige (possibly of this region):

Breaghmhaine - A territory described in Teffia, perhaps centered in the barony of Brawney in the west of modern co. Westmeath. The sept of Ua Braoin (O'Breen) [Uí Domnaill] were noted as chiefs of Bregmaine Mide, their genealogy attached to that of the Cenel Maine mac Neill. Mag Bregmaine is described as Moybrawne in the barony of Shrule, and extending into the baronies of Ardagh and Moydoe, in modern co. Longford.

The O Braoin of Bregmaine are mentioned in various texts as part of a larger population group, referred to as Ui Néill in Deiscirt, which also included: O Coindelbain of Ui Laegairi, O Molloy of Fir Cell, Mageoghan of Cenél Fiachach, Fox of Muinter Tadgáin, Magawly of Calrige, O Braoin of Bregmaine, MagCargamni of Cuircne, O Daly of Corca Duin (aka Corca Adaim), and O Quin of Munter Gilgain in Longford.
The Síl Rónáin Bregmaine (Fir Cúl?) are also described of this region, named for their ancestor, Ronan Mac Crimthaind. The Callraighe of Breadhmhuine (Bregmaine), of the Síl Ailiolla, are mentioned in the Book of Ballymote, perhaps indicating a possible relationship with the Calraige territory held by Magawley (above).

An early genealogy of Ua Braoin:   (H.2.7)
Conchobor mac Domnaill m. Echthigirnd m. Shitriucca m. Fhlaind m. Brain m. Ruairc m. Lachtna m. DOmnaill m. Crimthaind m. Brenaind m. Briain m. Maine m. Neill Naoigiallaigh.


The annals cite:

Caílle Follamhain - was centered in or near the barony of Moygoish, in the north of county Westmeath. Ua Lorcáin and Ua Cleircein are cited as chiefs in the Annals. Their genealogy is claimed from the southern Uí Neill, i.e from Colmán Bec (brother of Colmán Már and Aed Sláine) m. Diarmata m. Fergusa Cerrbéoil m. Conaill Cremthainni m. Néill Noígiallaig. A later portion of their genealogy is cited in Rawlinson as: Fiachra m. Cathaláin m. Brótuda m. Óengusa m. Fiachrach m. Fallomuin m. Con Congalt m. Fáelchon m. Findmóna.
There was also an Ua Fallamhain (O'Fallon) sept (of Crich na Cetach) in Upper Moyfenrath barony, Meath. The term Caílle Follamhain is not to be confused with O'Fallamhain (O'Fallon), chieftains of Clann Uadach in co. Roscommon, whose genealogy

The annals cite:

Crich na Cetach - centered in or near the baronies of Warrenstown, co. Offaly and neighboring Upper Moyfenrath, co. Meath. The parish of Crinagedagh, in Offaly, derives its name from Críche na Cetach. Ua Follamhain (O'Fallon) of Crioch na Cetach, are noted as chiefs in the 12th century. Their genealogy is noted in MacFirbis' Book of Genealogies originating from Colmán Bec (as were the people of Caílle Follamhain). There is some indication the Caille Follamhain sought refuge in Críche na Cetach about the 12th century, due to pressure from Ua Ruairc of Breifne.
The old genealogies cite Céthech, son of Cathaír, from whom descend the Crích na Cétach. For reference, also see Uí Cheithig of north Kildare.

The annals cite:

Calatruim - or Caladruim, given to the name Galtrim, in the barony of Lower Deece, co. Meath.

The annals cite:

Brecrighe - a tribe seated in Magh Brecraighe, in northern co. Westmeath, adjoining co. Longford, who were "annihilated" in 751 by the Cenél Coirpri at Telach Findin. According to MacFirbis' Book of Genealogies, it was from Bracan, son of Maine, son of Niall naoi Giallaigh, the Breacraighe are named.
As Donnchadh Ó Corráin notes: "For 752, the annals record: foirddbe Brecrige do Cheniul Coirpri i Telaigh Findin ‘the destruction of the Brecrigi by Cenél Cairpre in Telach Findin’. After this Brecrigi disappear from history. They were totally absorbed by Cenél Maine, a rising branch of Uí Néill who invented a pseudo-eponym for them, Breccán mac Maine, and from the grandson of this Breccán the new ruling family of Brecrigi is said to descend."



Further Midhe Reference: Kings and Dynasties * Annals of Midhe

Further Province Reference: Index * Connacht * Leinster * Mide * Munster * Ulster

Further Reference at this site:
Ireland's History in Maps - Home Page
Old Irish Surnames
Kingdoms and Clans

Further External Reference:
The Genealogies of the Sil Maine


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