Northern-Tir Conaill

Arda Midhair, The Ó Dochartaigh (O'Dohertys), of Cenél Conaill, were cited as chiefs of Arda Midhair (Ardmire, perhaps the Finn Valley) in the barony of Raphoe, county Donegal. At the turn of the 13th century two Ó Dochartaigh were noted as kings of Tír Chonaill, breaking a long hold the O'Cannons and O'Muldorys (Mulderrys) had on this title. Soon after the O'Donnells rose to prominence in Tír Chonaill. By 1247 the O'Donnells are noted as Lords of Inishowen for the first time (Annals), an apparent indication of Cenél Conaill expansion into a region traditionally held region by the Cenél Éoghain (Mac Lochlainn).

LC1188, Ruaidhri O'Canannáin, king of Cenel-Conaill for a time, and also royal heir of Érainn, was slain by Flaithbhertach O'Maeldoraidh, through treachery, at the bridge of Sligech, i.e. after being enticed out from the middle of Druim-cliabh; and a brother of his was slain along with him, and a number of his people. O'Gairbh (namely, Maghnus), chieftain of Feara-Droma, it was that laid (violent) hands on O'Canannáin; and he was himself slain by the people of Echmarcach O'Dochartaigh, in revenge of O'Canannáin.

LC1195, The Gilla-sron-mhael O'Dochartaigh, and the Cenel-Conaill likewise, turned against O'Maeldoraidh.

LC1196, Echmarcach O'Dochartaigh assumed the sovereignty of Cenel-Conaill...

MCB1197, A battle between John de Courcy and Cinéal Conaill at Cnoc na Sgam, in which slaughter was inflicted on them, and Eachmharcach Ó Dochartaigh, their king, was killed.

LC1199, Domhnall O'Dochartaigh, king of Cenel-Enna and Ard-Midhair, in pace quievit.

LC1202, Domhnall Carrach O'Dochartaigh, king-chieftain of Ard-Midhair, was slain by Muinter-Buighill, after plundering many churches and territories.

U1203, Domnall Carrach Ua Dochartaigh, king of Tir-Conaill was killed by Muinnter-Baighill after pillaging many churches and territories.

U1252, Conchobur Ua Dochartaigh, chief of Ard-midhair for a time, died.

U1288, Aindiles O'Dochartaigh, chief of Ard-Midhair, rested in Christ.

The arrival of the Norman de Burgo family by the latter half of the 13th century saw the building of fortifications in the region. Any fear of further Anglo-Norman expansion in Inishowen and Derry, however, was halted by the murder of Earl William de Burgh in 1333, and the absenteeism of his heirs kept the path open for Gaelic dominance in the region. It was perhaps during this time the Ó Dochartaigh began to make inroads into Inishowen, as chieftains under O'Donnell.

U1339, Domnall Ua Dochartaigh, arch-chief of Ard-Midhair -and it is not this alone, for there was little wanting from his having the lordship of Inis-Eogain and the lordship of the Cantred of Tir-hEnna and there was scarcely in Ireland a chief that had more people and a larger horse-host and better spirit and valour, hospitality and bestowal than he - and he died in the centre of his own house and John Ua Dochartaigh took his place.

U1356/LC1359, John O'Dochartaigh, chieftain of Ard-Midhair, was taken prisoner.

LC1413, Conchobhar O'Dochartaigh, i.e. chieftain of Ard-Midhair, and lord of Inis-Eoghain, and a man of universal bounty, died this year.

By the early 15th century the Ó Dochartaighs are noted as lords of Inishowen (Annals), and the peninsula later became known as "O'Dogherty's Country". An early Ua Dochartaigh genealogy: (O'Clery)
Diarmada m Conchobhair m Domhnaill finn m Donnchadha duinn m Domhnaill droma fornochta m Maenghuile m Donnchadha m Moenghuile m Dochartaigh (o raiter .h. Dochartaigh) m Maenghuile m Fiamhain m Cinnfaeladh m Gairbh m Ronain m Luigdheach m Setna m Ferghusa cennfhoda m Conaill gulban.

Cenél Conaill
Conall Gulban was the son of Niall who established his kingdom, among other places, in Mag Ithe in the valley of the Finn. His territory was co-extensive, more or less with the present baronies of Tir Hugh, Bannagh, Boylagh and Kilmacrenan. Conall's sons included Óengus Gunnat, Nath Í, Tigernach Duí, Énna Bóguine, Fergus Cennfota (or Taulán), and Eochu. Some of the clans or territories of the Cenél Conaill included those of Síl Lugdach (O'Donnell, O'Boyle, O'Doherty, ...) Cenél Bóguine, Tir Ainmireach & Tir Aedha (O'Cannon, O'Muldorey, O'Gallaghers, ...), and Cenél Duach, among others. An early Cenél Conaill (O'Muldorey) genealogy: (Rawlinson) Máel Ruanaid m. Muirchertaich m. Óengusa m. Máel Bresail m. Máel Doraid m. Óengusa m. h-Irchada m. Máel Bresail m. Flaithbertaich m. Loingsich m. Óengusa m. Domnaill m. Áeda m. Ainmerech m. Sétnai m. Fergusa Ceannfhoda m. Conaill Gulban m. Néill Noígiallaig.

For 464, Conall Gulban, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages (from whom are descended the Cenél Conaill), was slain by the old tribes of Magh Slecht, he having been found unprotected, and was buried at Fidhnach Maighe Rein, by Saint Caillin, as the Life of the aforesaid saint relates.

For 564, The first yeare of Ainmire, son of Sedna, son of Fearghus Ceannfhoda, in the sovereignty of Ireland.

For 566, After Ainmire, son of Sedna, son of Fearghus Ceannfhoda, was three years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain by Fearghus, son of Nellin.

For 567, After Baedan, son of Ninnidh, son of Fearghus Ceannfhoda, had been one yeare in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain at Leim An Eich.

For 568, The first yeare of Aedh, son of Ainmire, over Ireland. Fearghus, son of Nellin, was slain by Aedh, son of Ainmire, in revenge of his father. Aedh was ancestor of the families O'Gallachubair (O'Gallagher), O'Canannan (O'Cannon) and O'Maeldoraidh (O'Muldory of Loch Erne)

For 579, The battle of Druim Mic Earca, was gained by Aedh, son of Ainmire, over the Cenél Eogain, where was slain Colga, son of Domhnall, son of Muircheartach, son of Muireadhach.

For 586, Baedan, son of Níndedha, son? of Conall Gulban, king of Tara.

Cenél Duach,of the Cenél Conaill, named from Tigernach DUí (Duach), son of Conall Gulban. Nainnid son of Daui is mentioned in Chronicon Scotorum 563 at the battle of Móin Daire Lothair which was won over the Cruithin by the Uí Néill of the North. Chronicon Scotorum, in the yeare 586, notes the killing of Baetán son of Ninnid son of Daui son of Conall Gulban, king of Temair. The Annals of Tigernach cite Baedan, son of Níndedha, grandson of Conall Gulban, as a king of Tara in AD 586, i.e. Baedan mac Níndedha, maic Conaill Gulban, rí Temrach. In the Annals of Ulster, for 586, his obituary appears as "the killing of Baetán son of Ninnid son of Daui alias son of Fergus Cennfhata son of Conall of Gulbu, king of Temair, who reigned one year."

A Cenél Duach genealogy: (Rawlinson) Nuadu m. Duinechda m. Cuircc m. Duach m. Sechnassaich m. Conaill m. Báetáin m. Ninnida m. Duach m. Conaill Gulban m. Néill Noígiallaig.

For 594, After Aedh, son of Ainmire, son of Sedna, had been twenty seven years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain by Bran Dubh, son of Eochaidh, in the battle of Dun Bolg, in Leinster, after Aedh had gone to exact the Borumha, and to avenge his son Comusgach upon them. Some nobles fell in this battle of Bealach Duin Bolg, together with Beg, son of Cuanach, Lord of Oirghialla.

For 605, Seachnasach, son of Garbhan, chief of Cenél Boghaine, was slain by Domhnall, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire.

For 608, The first yeare of Maelcobha, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, in the sovereignty of Ireland.

For 610, After Maelcobha, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, had been three years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain by Suibhne Meann, in the battle of Sliabh Toadh.

For 624, The first yeare of Domhnall, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, in the sovereignty of Ireland.

For 634, The battle of Magh Rath was gained by Domhnall, son of Aedh, and the sons of Aedh Slaine, over Congal Claen, son of Scannlan, King of Ulidia, where fell Congal, and the Ulidians and foreigners along with him.

For 639, After Domhnall, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, had been sixteen years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he died at Ard Fothadh, in Tir Aedha, after the victory of penance, for he was a yeare in his mortal sickness; and he used to receive the body of Christ every Sunday.

For 640, The first yeare of Conall Cael and Ceallach, two sons of Maelcobha, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, over Ireland, in joint sovereignty.

For 641, Maelbreasail and Maelanfaidh died; and Flann Enaigh was mortally wounded. These were of the Cenél Conaill Gulban.

For 646, The battle of Dun Crimhthainn was gained by Conall and Ceallach, the two sons of Maelcobha, over Aenghus, son of Domhnall; and Aenghus was slain in this battle; and there was also slain in this same battle Cathasach, son of Domhnall Breac.

For 656, After Conall and Ceallach, the two sons of Maelcobha, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, had been seventeen years over Ireland, Conall was slain by Diarmaid, son of Aedh Slaine; and Ceallach died at Brugh Mic An Og.

For 622, Conall and Colgu, two sons of Domhnall, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, were slain by Ceirrceann.

For 670, Dungal, son of Maeltuile, chief of Cenél Boghaine, was slain by Loingseach, son of Aenghus, chief of Cenél Conaill.

For 694, The first yeare of Loingseach, son of Aenghus, in the sovereignty of Ireland.

For 701, After Loingseach, son of Aenghus, son of Domhnall, had been eight years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he was slain in the battle of Corann, by Ceallach of Loch Cime, the son of Raghallach. There were slain also his three sons along with him, Artghal, Connachtach, and Flann Gearg.

For 721, The battle of Druim Fornocht was fought by Flaithbheartach, son of Loingseach, and the Cenél Conaill, against Aedh Allan, son of Fearghal, and the Cenél Eoghain. Aedh Allan was defeated. These chieftains were slain on the side of Aedh, namely Flann, son of Erthaile, and Snedgus Dearg Ua Brachaidhe.

For 723, The first yeare of Flaithbheartach, son of Loingseach, son of Aenghus, in sovereignty over Ireland.

For 727, A battle was fought between Aedh, son of Fearghal, and the Cenél Conaill, at Magh Itha, where Conaing, son of Congal, son of Fearghus, and many others of the Cenél Eoghain, were slain.

For 728, Flaithbheartach sent for a marine fleet of Dal Riada to Ireland, and on their arrival they made no delay till they arrived in Inis hOinae; and there was a battle fought between Flaithbheartach with his guards and the Cianachta, and others of the Ulidians and the Cenél Eoghain; and a countless number of the Ulidians, Cenél Eoghain, and Cianachta, were cut off, together with Conchubhar, son of Loichene, and Branchu, son of Bran; and a countless number of them was drowned in the Banna, after their having been defeated.

For 749, Loingseach, son of Flaithbheartach, lord of Cenél Conaill, died.

For 762, Murchadh, son of Flaithbheartach, lord of Cenél Conaill, was slain.

For 782, A battle (i.e. the battle of Ircoir) between the Cenél Conaill and Cenél Eoghain, in which Domhnall, son of Aedh Muindearg, was routed.

Medieval chiefs of Uí Fiachrach Arda Strátha were cited as Ó Críochain (O'Crehan or Creighton?) of Ardstraw, Co. Tyrone, as well as Ó Aedha (O'Hayes or Hughes?) who were also chiefs of Fir Luirg. Arda Srátha was part of a wide area in modern county Tyrone that was tributary to the Cenél Eoghan (the northern Uí Neill). The Uí Fiachrach of Arda Sratha are unrelated to the other Uí Fiachrach groups, which are located in Connacht. Instead, their descent is given from Fiachra mac Eirc mic Colla Uais.

John O'Dubhagain in his Topographical Poems cites the sept of "O hEirc, over Uí -Fiachrach Finn," a reference to the territories of Airghialla. The sept of O hEirc, chiefs of Hy-Fiachra Finn, are noted by O'Hart in the barony of Massarene, modern co. Antrim. They also claim descent from the three Collas.
Francis Byrne in his Irish Kings and High Kings states the Uí Maic Caírthinn south of Lough Foyle, the Uí Fiachrach Arda Sratha and Uí Thuirtri west and east of the Sperrins were collectively known as the Uí Macc Uais.

An early genealogy of the Uí Fiachrach Arda Sratha is: (Book of Ballymote)
Niall m. Focartaich m. Maelruanaid m. Mailpadraic m. Aedha m. Muirmuire m. Mailruanaid m. Mailcairarda m. Mailbresail m. Aedha m. Crichain m. Cathasaich m. Mailcothaig m. Guairi m. Forannan m. Ainmerech m. Cormaic m. Dochairtaig m. Fiachach m. Eirc m. Eachach m. Colla Oss.

For 787, Mael Bresail, mac Aedha, mic Crichain, tigherna Ua Fiachrach.

For 799, Domhnall, son of Aedh Muindearg, son of Flaithbheartach, son of Loingseach, son of Aenghus, son of Domhnall, son of Aedh, son of Ainmire, lord of the North, died.

For 810, Colman, son of Niall, was slain by the Cenél Conaill. A hosting was made by Aedh Oirdnidhe against the Cenél Conaill, by which Roghallach, son of Flaithghius, was slain.

For 817, A battle between the Cenél Conaill and Cenél Eoghain, in which Maelbreasail, son of Murchadh, lord of Cenél Conaill, was slain by Murchadh, son of Maelduin.

For 868, Dalach, son of Muircheartach, lord of Cenél Conaill, was slain.

For 874, The battle of Claideach, between the Cenél Eoghain and Cenél Conaill, in which Domhnall was routed.

For 879, A hosting was made by the king, Flann, son of Maelseachlainn, with the Irishand foreigners, into the North; and they halted at Magh Eitir Di Glais, so that Ard Macha was plundered by some of the troops; and he took the hostages of the Cenél Conaill and Cenél Eoghain on that expedition.

For 896, Maelbreasail, son of Maeldoraidh, lord of Cenél Conaill, was slain in the battle of Sailtin, by Murchadh, son of Maelduin, lord of Cenél Eoghain.

For 899, Fogartach, son of Maeldoraidh, lord of Cenél Conaill, fell upon his own javelin, and died of it the wound.

For 901, Eigneachan, son of Dalach, son of Muircheartach, lord of Cenél Conaill, died.

For 1033, Fogartach h-úa h-Aedha, rí Fer Luirg & h-Úa Fiachrach Arda Sratha, was slain by the Fir Manach.

For 1044, Ua h-Aedha, lord of Uí -Fiachrach-Arda-Sratha, was slain.

For 1069, Ua hAedha, king of Uí-Fiachrach of Ard-Sratha, died.

For 1076, Domhnall Ua Críochán, toiseach Ua Fiachrach Arda Sratha, was slain by the Uí Tuirtri, & the Cenél m-Binnigh Glinne.

For 1102, Flaithbhertach, mac Fothaidh, tigherna Ua Fiachrach Arda Sratha

For 1129, Niall Ua Críochain, tigherna Ua Fiachrach Arda Sratha, was slain by the Uí Cenneidigh.

For 1150, Ua Ceallaigh, tigherna Ua Fiachrach Arda Sratha, was slain.

For 1160, Domhnall Ua Criocháin, & the Uibh Fiachrach Arda Sratha.

for 1164, h-Ua Críocháin, tigherna Ua Fiachrach Arda Sratha.