Hugh Duff O'Donnell

Sir Hugh Duff O'Donnell was a leading figure in Gaelic Ireland during the Tudor era. He was part of the ruling O'Donnell dynasty of Tyrconnell which later became County Donegal.

He was the son of Hugh Roe O'Donnell who ruled Tyrconnell between 1461-1505 except for a brief period when his son Con O'Donnell, Hugh Duff's eldest brother, came to power. Hugh Duff succeeded his father in 1505, and was head of the O'Donnells until 1537 when he died and was succeeded by his own son Manus O'Donnell.[1]

Like his father, Hugh Duff was a strong ruler who was able to keep the rival O'Neills in check and expanded O'Donnell power into northern Connaught.[2] His rule saw the gradual development of an alliance between the O'Donnells and the Crown which would last for most of the century. O'Donnell fought alongside Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare in Munster in 1510 (and may have taken part in the earlier Battle of Knockdoe). In 1511 he went on a pilgrimage to Rome, and was knighted by Henry VIII in London on the return journey.[3] On 6 May 1531 he formally submitted to Henry VIII's representative in Ireland Lord Deputy William Skeffington at Drogheda.[4]

Amongst his great-grandchildren were Hugh Roe O'Donnell and Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell known for their roles in Tyrone's Rebellion and the Flight of the Earls respectively.

References

  1. ↑ Ellis p.379
  2. ↑ Ellis p.103
  3. ↑ Ellis p.113
  4. ↑ Ellis p.5

Bibliography

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