Brian 'Bán' Mág Tighearnán

Brian 'Bán' Mág Tighearnán (anglicised 'Blonde' Brian McKiernan) d. 4 September 1622, was chief of the McKiernan Clan of Tullyhunco, County Cavan from 1588 until his death on 4 September 1622.

Chieftainship

On the death of the previous chief, Fergal Mág Tighearnán, the Third in 1588, Brian took the chieftaincy and resided in the castle of Croaghan of the Cups (Irish- Cruachan O'Cúbhrán, now the townland of Croaghan), besides the modern town of Killeshandra. In 1595 Hugh Roe O'Donnell, chief of the O'Donnell clan began a rebellion against the English. He marched into Connacht destroying many settlements. On his way back he camped on the McKiernan lands in Tullyhunco. The Annals of the Four Masters for 1595 state-

The son of the Prior O'Reilly was taken prisoner by others of the army. As much of the property of the country as they wished to have was collected and gathered, and brought to them from every quarter. They then proceeded with their preys and spoils, and pitched their camp that night in Teallach-Dunchadha. On the next day they sent marauding parties to the monastery of Cavan, to see whether they could get an advantage of the English who were quartered in it; but as they did not find any of the English about the town, they carried off every thing of value belonging to them to which they came. They marched that night to Teallach-Eachdhach, west of Bel-atha-Chonaill; and from thence they returned home, after the victory of expedition on that occasion.

On 9 June 1602 Queen Elizabeth I of England granted a pardon (fiant No. 6657) to Bryne Bane M'Kernan for fighting against the Queen's forces.^[1]

Plantation of Ulster

In the Plantation of Ulster by grant dated 4 June 1611, King James VI and I granted 400 acres or 7 polls of land in Tullyhunco at an annual rent of £4-5s-4d, to Bryan McKearnan, gentleman, comprising the modern day townlands of Clontygrigny, Cornacrum, Cornahaia, Derrinlester, Dring, Drumlarah, Ardlougher and Kiltynaskellan.^[2] Under the terms of the Ulster Plantation grant, Brian was obliged to build a house on his grant of land. In a visitation by George Carew, 1st Earl of Totnes in autumn 1611 it states that McKyernan removed to his proportion and is about building a house.^[3] On 23 March 1615 Brian granted a lease on the above lands to Sir James Craig.^[4]

Death and Family

An Inquisition of King Charles I of England held in Cavan Town on 14 March 1630 stated that the aforesaid Brian Bane Mc.Kiernan died on 4 September 1622 and his lands comprising 7 poles and 3 pottles in Clonkeen, Clontygrigny, Cornacrum, Derrinlester, Dring, Killygorman, Kiltynaskellan and Mullaghdoo went to his nearest relatives (probably his nephews)- Cahill son of Owen McKiernan, Brian son of Turlough McKiernan and Farrell son of Phelim McKiernan, who were all aged over 21 and married.^[5]

References