O’Donnell Crest

Last week I introduced the early O’Donnell Clan and discussed the significant religious leaders who came from this clan in the early Christian era. This week I will discuss the evolution of this clan into medieval times.

The crowning of the O’Donnell chieftains at the Inauguration Place on the Rock of Doon near Letterkenny was a major ceremony. Here on this outcropping of rock the head of the clan was chosen to be ‘of the blood of the original conqueror (O’Donnell), free from blemish and of a fit age to lead his people in the field’. The inaugurator was a successor of St. Columba. The ruler-elect removed his footwear, stood in the footprints of the first chieftain carved into the rock. The O’Cleary, the Ullamh (see below) read the laws and customs. The leader’s sword was taken and replaced by ‘an Slat Bhan’ a white rod symbolizing purity for his judgements and actions on behalf of his people. Having been thus proclaimed, the Chieftain would step off the rock turn thrice backwards and forwards looking at all points of his domain. Many of these ceremonies of three were meant to honor the Christian Trinity.

Ireland was comprised of many waring clans who fought each other for territory and wealth. Most historians would call them barbaric by modern standards. The O’Domhnaills (O’Donnells) continued to grow in strength during the period between 500 CE and 1200CE.

Their main adversaries were the neighboring O’Neills of Tyrone, the other powerful Clan in northeastern Ireland who periodically attempted unsuccessfully to conquer the O’Donnells. English King Henry III (1207-1272), also Lord of Ireland recognized Tyrconnell as an independent kingdom.

Through marriages, alliances, and conquests other clans became septs under the O’Donnells as they grew in power, population, and land centered at Donegal Town in northwestern Ireland (Tyrconnell). These sept clans were organized under Irish Brehon Law.

McSweeneys – Gallowglass Marshals (marching army)
O’Gallaghers – Commanders of the Calvary
O’Clearys       – Historians and Scribes
Breslin            – Brehons or Judges
Donleavys      – Physicians
Roartys           – Custodians of an Cathach of St. Columba

In another weekly blog I will discuss how these laws were remarkably civil given the military brutality of medieval times in Ireland. Separately I will discuss an Cathach of St. Columba, what it is, how it came to be, and why it is so important for there be a separate sept clan to care for and protect it.

Over time the O’Donnell Kings of Tyrconnell became known as the Fisher-Kings because they traded fish for wine in La Rochelle, the French port of Knights Templar fame. Perhaps this is why in the 14^th century the O’Donnell Chieftains aided the Templar knights fleeing from persecution through western Ireland through Sligo (Templar priory and castle at Ballymote) and Tyrconnell to Scotland. It may be during this period that the O’Donnells accumulated most their wealth, monetary and otherwise. As discussed last week the O’Donnell Shield is the red cross of Constantine. Note the motto on the crest, ‘In Hoc Signo Vinces’ meaning ‘In this Sign you will Conquer’ as prophesized by St. Patrick. It is curious to note that this was also a motto of the Knights Templar.

There is much to be uncovered about this powerful religious and military Clan in Ireland. Next week I will write about their leaders during the waning years of the 16^th century in the ultimate struggle to save their territories, Gaelic culture, Catholic religion, and Brehon Laws against the onslaught of the Protestant English invaders.

Stephen’s novel series “The Irish Clans” can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3gQNbWi