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MacGUIRE is a distinguished Gaelic or [K]Celtic family. "According to the publication 'Genealogy of Irish Families' by Miss Ivy Rooney, the Clan Mac UIdhir originated in that part of Ireland now know as County Westmeath in the province of Leinster (as seen below), and to have moved from there to the county of Fermanagh in the province of Ulster, modern day Northern Ireland." (Source: Kathleen Neil <Msource.html> Maguire Bulletin 1996 p.11)
The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic, Mag-Uidhir (Mag, Mac - son of & Uidhir - Dun colored, sallow). You can hear the actual pronunciation in Irish of the name at the PBS site Irish in America <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/Irish/genealogynames.html> - Maguire.
Uidhir is the possessive form of the proper name of Odhar & an interesting fact about that name is that it was in common use at the time of our progenitor because people are prone to name their children after hero's, Odhar being the name sake of a "hero-saint" who was St. Patrick's servant & chariot-driver, who reputedly saved his master's life by taking his place when his life was sought by pagans in about 452 AD
(For more information on this please consult The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11554a.htm> and do a search on the page for the name of Odhran. Thanks to Carmel Reynolds <mailto:C.A.M.Reynolds@Bradford.ac.uk> daughter of Maguire for this information.)
Today, the Maguire surname is approximately 39th place of the most common surnames in Ireland, but it definitely holds first place in the County of Fermanagh! The majority of those who use the spelling Maguire are chiefly associated with County Fermanagh, in Northern Ireland, and those who use the spelling MacGuire or McGuire usually originated from Mayo or Roscommon. Other various spellings of this surname are; MacGiver, MacGuier, MacGuiver, MacGuire, MacGwire, Macquer, Macquire, Maguier, Maguir, Maguyre, Magwire, McGuire, McQuire.
There is also the Scottish sept of MacQuarrie <http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macquar.html>, of the isle of Mull, that is possibly related to the Irish clan of Maguire, but there seems to be no conclusive history on this. (Note: In relation to this I found an interesting link called A MacLean Souvenir <http://www.gillean.com/jpmclean/NP8.htm> that shows "St. Oran's Chapel, located in the principal cemetery, called Reilig Odhran. This building is the oldest on the island, and belongs to the close of the eleventh century. The Reilig Odhran <http://www.highlanderweb.co.uk/iona44.htm> was the great place of interment for monarchs, chiefs and potentates of the isles and their lineage, notably the kings of Scotland, Lords of the Isles, Macleans, Macleods, MacKinnons, MacKenzies, MacQuarries(McGuires), and other powerful families." Also this St. Odhran was an Abbott <http://users.erols.com/saintpat/ss/1027.htm> of Meath & accompanied St. Columba to Iona & Mull on the west coast of Scotland. He came about a 120 years later than the St. Odhran that was St. Patrick's charioteer. I am still not sure what to make of this but it is interesting that both the Scottish McGuire's & the Irish Maguire's have a St. Odhran connected to them! Another site that may be of interest is the Scottish Clan associated with the MacQuarries that of MacLean <http://www.gillean.com/Roots/septs/mcquarri.htm>.)
The names of some unrelated families derived from the same Gaelic root word that makes up the surname of MacGuire (Mac Uidhir) "son of dun colored" :
MacAldrin (Mac Odhrain) "son of Odhran."
MacCorran (Mac Gille Odhrain) "son of the servant of St.Odhran."
MacNair (Mac an Uidhir) "the dark one."
Dwyer (O Dubhuidhir) "black and dun."
McClure, McALEER (Mac Gille Uidhir) "servant of the brown lad."
The surnames above give us a clue as to how to go about pronouncing their root words. It seems that from the above the proper name of Odhrain is pronounced - Alrin & Oran or Orin. Also it's possessive form of Uidhir seems to be pronounced - Uir, Ir, Yer, Ur & Eer. So with the inclusion of Mac making MacUire the sound seems to be that of maybe (Mac-Er or Mac-yer). As time moves on the name changes to MacGuire and we begin to hear the emphasis of a 'G' sound giving us something like (Ma-Gear) on to other sounds like (Ma-Qear & Ma-Qwar) then a consonant or vowel is dropped giving us Maguire & McGuire moving toward a sound something like (Mac-Wire and Ma-Gwire). These are only my speculations.
The first mention, known to date, of Maguire in ancient documents comes from the 'Annals of the Four Masters' quote translated by John O'Donovan <http://www.ucc.ie/celt/odonovan.html>, Dublin, 1851.
AD 956 : ".... Tanaidhe Mac Midhir, Successor of Comhgall, was killed by the foreigners." (note: Successor refers to the office of Abbott for the Abbey of Bangor <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/martin_sloan/abbey.htm> in Co. Down founded by St. Comgal <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/martin_sloan/lives1.htm> in 555 AD. Also foreigners refers to Vikings.)
Adjusting the approximate dates on the Maguire pedigree it seems probable that the Maguire progenitor came into the picture not to far behind the date above of 956 AD.
Getting back to our pedigree from [19]Mac Uidhir, believed to be the family's progenitor, we are then lead to [20]Fearaigh or Searrach, [21]Uidhar (The "Fermanagh Genealogies" names this Uidhar as the first Maguire but an older document "Book of Leinster" has Uidhir #19 as the first Maguire.), [22]Oirghiallaigh, [23]Fearaigh, [24]Uidhir.
Around this time of the Maguire pedigree circa (1001 AD) a few things were happening, for one, an interruption of the O'Neill line of hegemony occurred when, Brian Boru become High King of all Ireland and fought the Viking invaders off, he was killed the day of his victory (1014 AD). The Annals of the Four Masters record that in AD 1014 : "Maguire, Prince of Fermanagh fought at the Battle of Clontarf." (Clontarf is on the north side of Dublin)
Later on in 1172 AD we come to Dermott McMurrough, King of Leinster, who in his struggle for the position of Ard Righ (High King), of all Ireland, he had requested King Henry II of England for assistance. This was the first intrusion into Ireland of the Anglo/Normans (English).
We continue with [25]Randal, [26]Donn Mor(the Elder) Established the Maguire's in a narrow patch of Fermanagh from Cuilcagh to possibly as far as Lisnaskea (cir. 1180-A.D.), [27]Giolla Iosa (descends the Gilleece & Maguire Families), [28]Domhnail, and he had a son who became the first Maguire to be a Chief of Fermanagh, his name was [1]Donn Carrach Maguire (1264-1302).
During the the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries after Christ we read in the annals the names of many head chiefs (kings) of the Fermanagh territory. All these bear the surnames of one or other of three families: Ó Dubhdara (O'Darrah), Ó hÉignigh (Hegney, Heaney), Ó Maolruanaidh (Mulrooney, Rooney). All three belong to Clann Lugain, that branch of the Oriel Ui Cremhthainn who were driven from the Clogher area by the Cineal Eoghain of Aileach. Of the three the most prominent were the Ó hÉignigh - O'Hegnys (FS p.20). These families were probably of the same race as the Maguires, who afterwards became Princes of Fermanagh. Others who are said to be of the race of Clan Colla, of Oriel, are the Ó Flanagans, the McMahons of Monaghan, the Ó Hanlons of Armagh, & the Ó Kellys of Galway & Roscommon.
The O'Donnells of Tir Chonaill had ambitious eyes on Fermanagh as early as 1200. In 1208 their gallant prince, Eineachan, was slain by the Fermanagh men while trying to realize that ambition. Eineachan's successor, Donall Mor, was much more successful. When he died in 1241, he was described as King of Tir Chonaill, Fermanagh, Cairpri and Aileach. Donall invaded Fermanagh in 1231 and joined by the King of Fermanagh, Aonghus Mac Giolla Fhinnein. Where have the Ui hÉignigh - Ó Hegnys family gone and who was this Aonghus Mac Giolla Fhinnein? The Mic Giolla Fhinnein were taoisigh (Lords) of Muintir Pheodachain down till 1452. The peculiar thing is that their genealogy goes back to Cineal Conaill. This would suggest that they hailed from Donegal and that they were planted in Fermanagh as satellites of O'Donnell. The experiment did not work at any rate, for we see O'Donnell return, defeat and kill Mac Giolla Fhinnein in 1234. But the Ui hÉignigh - Ó Hegnys have vanished from history (FS p.24). The next king of Fermanagh after these families was Ua Daimhín - (Ó) Devine, lord of Tirkennedy. MacLysaght (Addenda p.304) has Devine of Fermanagh as a branch of the MacGuires. Is it possible that the Maguires took over their cousins throne in Fermanagh, presumably by the agency of the O'Donnells?
The predominance of Maguire began in 1264 when they unseated Flaithbheartach Ua Daimhín - Flaherty O'Devine, lord of Tirkennedy from being king of Fermanagh <http://www.advernet.ie/fermanagh/>, the Devines remained lords of Tirkennedy but their unseating as King of Fermanagh lead to the Maguires, in the 14th century, being numbered among the highest ranking nobles in Ulster. They were Gaelic Lords & English Barons of Fermanagh for the next three centuries, their chief being the most important there. They were kinsmen of the kingly O'Neills & the princely O'Donnells. (FS p.25)
The Maguires had many places of importance in medieval Fermanagh, Six of which we will make note of here.
(Note: Colebrooke & the ruins of Castle Balfour you see down below were constructed by Scottish Planters over Maguire historic sites where as Enniskillen & Tempo were completely renovated by them.)
First place of importance was CUILCAGH <http://www.simonstewart.ie/Longwalk/cuilcagh.htm> It was on the summit of this mountain near Swanlinbar on the borders of Counties Cavan <http://www.cavannet.ie/ca-intro.htm> & Fermanagh that the Maguires were first inaugurated as Princes of Fermanagh. (Source: Kathleen Neil - Maguire Bulletin 1997 p.23)
In fact, possibly around the time of Brian Boru, the Maguire's migration from the Westmeath area landed them in the Breifne area and they probably first entered into Fermanagh by way of Cavan making their first Stronghold in the area of Knockninny (still a part of Breffny at the time), which by the way, is named for the hill (Knoc) of St. Ninnidh <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01632a.htm> on the southern shore of Upper Loch Erne. He founded the monastery of Inishmacsaint. From the beginning the Maguire protectorate would grow under the dominion of Donn Carrach first Maguire King of Fermanagh. Through his sons like Auley <mbranch.html> the rest of Knockninny would be taken & the territory of Clanawley would be established, eventually Maguire dominion would extend to Lisnaskea where a new inauguration seat would be established on the site of an ancient mound (FS p.28). Also through his son ~Gafraigh <http://home.mindspring.com/martinmc/mccaffery.html> the area between Lisnaskea and the Tyrone territory would come under the Maguire Clan control as well as bringing Maguire influence to the ClanKelly area.
Second seat of importance was LISNASKEA <http://www.irishnews.com/k_archive/150299/nnews7.html> the Maguire ancestral home. According to the Fermanagh Story (p.410) "The actual form of the name Lisnaskea <http://www.irishnews.com/k_archive/150299/nnews6.html> seems to be of comparatively recent origin...It may possibly be a combination of other names existing in the locality much earlier. A few of these we will consider now.
Firstly, there is the name Sciath Gabhra. This was the name of the place where the Maguires were crowned. All the authorities take it that Sciath Gabhra was the Moate Fort, in the townland of Cornashee, about a mile from Lisnaskea on the old road of Enniskillen. The Moate is a large earthen mound about 35 yards in diameter, which rises from the surrounding field and is surmounted by a cairn-like pile of stones. It is flat-topped and the pile of stones has a depression in the center. It is very likely the site of the pre-Christian burial place and because of its hallowed past was probably chosen as the coronation place of the Maguires...The Irish word sciath means shield and it is used frequently to name a fort situated on the summit of a hill, e.g. Donaskeagh in Tipperary, Liskeagh in Galway. This use may derive from the fact that these sites offered protection like a shield, or probably because their circular form resembles the small Irish wood or bronze shield. Taking the second part of the name, Gabhra, we may possibly accept it as a proper name, in which case Sciath Gabhgra would simply mean 'the circle of Gabhra'. We may probably go a little further. The Irish word 'gabhar' can mean either a goat or a steed. As goats are unlikely to be associated with a crowning site, we may take it that steeds are referred to. Now, as men traveled generally by horse in Gaelic Ireland, any assembly of horses would also mean an assembly of men. Hence the word 'gabhar' came to be used as referring to an assembly place. In brief, then, Sciath Gabhra means simply 'the circle of the assembly', i.e. where men gather to proclaim the Maguire chiefs. It is interesting that a knight on horse is used as the main heraldic symbol <Mherald.html> on one of the Maguire coat of arms.
Secondly, we must consider the name Skea. As the Moate or Sciath Gabhra was a famous place, its name began to be applied to the surrounding district. This is a common occurrence. Hence in Plantation times, Skea is used to refer to an area around the modern Lisnaskea. Moreover, just as the place Sciath Gabhra gave its name to the area, so too the area began to give its name to a place within the area. Hence, the site of Castle Balfour was called Skea. This was probably the site of the castle of the senior-branch Maguires, including Conor Rua, the last of the clan to live there. Moreover, Skea is used to refer to the little hamlet that grew up beside Balfour's Castle. It must be remembered that both Castle Balfour (or Castle Skea, as it was called) and the village of Skea are both a mile from the original Sciath Gabhra and that Skea was used to refer to the whole district.
Thirdly, we must consider the name Lisoneill. In the closing stages of the Nine Years War (1594-1603), Conor Rua Maguire of Lisnaskea, now fighting on the English side, was defeated in battle by the Maguire chief, Cuchonnacht, and Donal O'Sullivan from Kerry. In his retreat Conor Rua rested at Lios Ui Neill which Philip O'Sullivan described as "a deserted old fort, constructed of small stones, surrounded by a fosse, covered with tall trees at the edge, and known to the natives as 'O'Neill's Stronghold' because in it O'Neill used to inaugurate Maguire". Now Lisoneill is the townland on which part of the modern Lisnaskea is built. Moreover, there is the site of a fort in it. This fort could have been the famous Sciath Gabhra, and not the Moate. Nevertheless, when O'Sullivan, wrote, boundaries were not precise and it is probable that the fort which he visited was in fact the Moate. The Moate may have been the Lios Ui Neill in question although today Lisoneill is the townland adjoining the Moate.
To sum up, it is suggested that (i) Sciath Gabhra alias the Moate alias Lisoneill was the crowning place of the Maguires, (ii) the surrounding district became known as Sciath or Skea, (iii) the castle of the senior branch of the Maguires (a mile away from the Moate) and later Balfour's castle were known as Castle Skea, (iv) the Plantation village beside the castle was known as Skea, and finally, (v) the name Lisnaskea was a combination of Lios from Lios Ui Neill and Skea from Sciath Gabhra." I know that was a large quote but the information in it was just to good!
This seat would be held by the senior branch after its split with the junior branch. After the plantation the Balfours would own the area until 1738, when William Balfour died. The estates then passed to the Townley family. Later the castle was occupied by the Haires, eventually the castle was burned down in 1803 and Mrs. Haire was buried in the ruins. In 1821 the estates and the town passed to John, First Earl of Erne. Under the direction of the Earls of Erne, Lisnaskea began to improve (FS p.413).
Third and perhaps the most prominent seat was that of ENNISKILLEN <http://www.interknowledge.com/northern-ireland/ukiher01.htm> which can still be seen today. Enniskillen in Gaelic is Inis Ceithleann which translates into English as Kathleen's Island it is the administrative seat of County Fermanagh. "Its name is owed to a legend. Ceithleann, according to legend, was a heroine of the Formorians, a pre-Celtic legendary people who inhabited Ireland. In the battle of Moytura, Ceithleann inflicted fatal wounds on the King of the Tuatha De Danann who were challenging the supremacy of the Formorians. In retiring from the battle, Ceithleann swam for refuge to the Lough Erne island which has since borne her name." (FS p.390.)
The founder of Enniskillen was Aodh an Einigh Maguire (Hugh the Hospitable) brother & tanaiste or heir-apparent to Thomas the Elder 6th Prince (The Black Gillie) 1375-1430. Although not a Maguire chief, this Hugh outshone many of the leaders of his name. He was the outstanding Maguire in the first quarter of the fifteenth century. He died at Kinsale after returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1428. One of his many accomplishments was the foundation of Enniskillen castle. Once established, this castle became a Maguire stronghold and soon became a challenge to the territory's capital Lisnaskea. When the junior branch of the Maguires assumed the chieftainship in 1484 under John I, Enniskillen became Fermanagh's capital for the first time.
The castle itself fell to the Scottish Planters after an eight day siege in 1594. It was refurbished and remodeled in 1607 under Captain William Cole who received it and the accompanying lands between May 28, 1612 & June 19, 1612. Cole had so much success in colonizing & anglicizing Enniskillen that King James I officially established it, incorporating it as a borough on February 27, 1613. The castle again would be remodeled in the 18th century as the Castle Barracks. Later the British Government dissolved the borough of Enniskillen on October 25, 1840 and transferred management of the town from the Cole family to the provisional government of the Poor Law(barony) Guardians. On September 18, 1846 the Town Commissioners came into existence, 53 years later, in 1899 the Enniskillen Urban Council was created, 48 years later, on October 18, 1947 the Enniskillen Urban Council passed a resolution to have the town made a municipal borough again, finally on May 30, 1949 the borough of Enniskillen was restored (FS p.399). Today the castle keep houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Regimental Museum <http://www.cruithni.org.uk/overview/over_8.html> of the Royal Enniskilling Fusiliers <http://www.army.mod.uk/army/press/museums/details/m213inni.htm> to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne <http://www.worldbook.com/fun/bth/html/boyne.htm> (the victory of William III of Orange forces over James II forces, which in turn was a victory for the Planters against the indigenous Irish of the time). There is also a section, in the museum, devoted to the Maguire chieftain past.
~ <http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/abrooke/>
Fourth seat of importance was ~BROOKEBOROUGH http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/abrooke/> (Achadh Lon) : Even in English, Brookeborough was originally known as Aghalun and is mentioned by that name in a patent from Queen Anne for holding fairs there. Achadh Lon means the 'field of the blackbirds' and tradition held that Lady Maguire, the wife of the Lord Enniskillen, of the senior branch, who was executed in 1644, was very fond of blackbirds. These Maguires of Deerpark had their castle at Derryheely and the village probably originated from the few huts that were built near this castle. The Brooke family took over these Maguire lands after the Cromwell Plantation. Eventually they gave their name to the village. (FS p.406).
<http://www.tempomanor.com/> <http://www.tempomanor.com/>
Fifth seat of importance would be that of TEMPO <http://www.tempomanor.com/> (an tIompu Deiseal) : This means 'the right turn', where, according to legend St. Patrick turned; or more probably, the turn in the river. Tempo was the seat of the junior branch of the Maguires, who survived the Nine Years War (1594-1603). This family which became Protestant, maintained its position in the area until the 1830's. Tempo was described in 1834 as :
'a collection of irregular houses, inhabited by farmers and laborers. Captain Maguire owns the townland on which it is mainly built. It contains a chapel, church, post office, chemist's shop, barracks, mill, 12 public houses, 2 grocers, 2 bakers, 3 shoemakers, 3 tailors, 3 carpenters, 2 coopers and 2 blacksmiths. The population is made up of 170 Protestants and 163 Roman Catholics.'
This village was once called Milltown. (FS p.416).
Sixth seat of note is MAGUIRESBRIDGE <http://www.mni.co.uk/farmhol/fermanagh/kmaguire.htm> (Droichead Mhig Uidhir). Not as important as the previous five but it is significant to us because of its name. "Maguiresbridge may have taken its name from the Maguire family of Derryheely. In any case, Brian Maguire of Tempo got permission on March 23, 1760 to hold a Wednesday market here and in addition a fair on January 23 and on September 20. The old road from Enniskillen used to cross the river at a ford above the present bridge. It was only in 1770 that a bridge was built at the present site. The contractor was Philip Maguire, who widened the East Bridge in Enniskillen.
Before long the fairs of Maguiresbridge became famous, particularly the horse fair. About 1800, Maguiresbridge held as many as sixteen fairs in the year. In consequence, the little town grew. By 1841, its population was 685 as against 339 today. It had 3 blacksmiths, 4 bakers, 7 butchers, 4 carpenters, 2 coopers, 1 chandler, 3 jailers, 3 apothecaries, 16 shoemakers, 6 tailors, 1 hatter, 3 wheelwrights, 3 weavers, 2 painters, 20 publicans. At the same period Lisnaskea had only 12 publicans, 5 tailors, 6 shoemakers and 2 bakers. Of the two towns, Maguiresbridge was the more important. It had 155 houses for Lisnaskea's 72.
Then the decline began. The new line of road from Enniskillen to Dublin bypassed Maguiresbridge. The fairs began to decline because of 'the curse of faction fights' Moreover, Lord Erne worked hard to bring the Maguiresbridge traders and sellers to Lisnaskea. Lieutenant Greatorex described the town in 1835 :'But there are no buildings of note. The market house has nothing whatever in appearance, and the inns are very inferior in accommodation and comfort. The houses are generally built of stone but have nothing remarkable for architecture and beauty. The town, as a whole, exhibits a very poor appearance and (in wet weather, particularly) is very dirty!' This decline was also witnessed by James Macartney who spoke to the Devon Commissioners in the 1840s 'I leased a house in Maguiresbridge for £13 for 3 lives. I had to pay the £13, though trade and business has completely left the town and is now absorbed in Lisnaskea. A house valued at £32 has sold for £7. Twenty or thirty houses are without a tenant.' " (FS p.414-415)
There are more seats but these, it seems, were the most important. As mentioned before for over three centuries the Maguires would be, Kings, Princes, or Barons of Fermanagh. It is believed that the Maguires became Kings of Fermanagh by the agency of the O'Donnells used as sort of a pawn in the conflict with the O'Neils. They are said to have been above average administrators bringing peace in Fermanagh while the rest of Ireland was in turmoil. They are even noted for having settled manners between feuding clans and other warring factions. The Maguires of Fermanagh were also well known for their philanthropy toward the Arts and the Church. They made regular pilgrimages to Rome and ~Santiago, Spain <http://www.pnc.com.au/voyager/Postcards/galicia.htm> (Santiago, named after Saint James, is located in Galicia <http://www.galinor.es/galicia.html> the mythic home <http://www.hume-travel.com/cgp/cgp.htm> of King Milesius of Spain 1060 B.C.). In their devotion to the Church they introduced and supported new religious orders and dedicated many sons & daughters to its service.
[1] Donn Carrach Maguire (1264-1302), son of [28] Domhnail who was son of [27] Giolla Iosa. He would be the first Chief Maguire, King of Fermanagh. The first mention of Maguire in the "Annals of Ulster" would come in 1302, "Donn Maguire, King of Fermanagh, namely the first King of Fermanagh of the sons of Maguire, rested in Christ." Donn probably came from the Aghalurcher parish (as seen above). Donn earned the title of Ireland's most generous Lord. His main rival for the title was MacCarthy, Prince of Desmond, although both were great men in there own right the poets of the time seem to side with Donn Maguire as being the kindest between the two "Donn Maguire is this man's name, Desmond is greater than his terrain. For kindness true Donn has twice his fame, though Desmond is greater than Donn's demesne." Donn expanded his lands and laid the foundation of the Maguire dynasty, leaving the title of "The Maguire" well established among the other ruling Chiefs of Ireland. According to Peadar Livingstone's "The Fermanagh Story (p.28)" five hundred years after his death his ghost haunted the mountain of Benaghlin <http://www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/culture/talk/banshees/coppal.shtm> (part of the Cuilcagh Mountain Range) prophesying the deaths of the Maguires by throwing down boulders from the face of the mountain. Following Donn the line of Chiefs is as follows:
[2] Flaherty (1302-1327) Son of Donn
Gaelic Laws of Inheritance & the (deirfine) In the old Irish Brehon law of Tanisty (succession & inheritance) the taoiseach or leadership of a tuath or kingdom was not only handed down from father to eldest son, like in a system of Primogeniture, but all male line descendants in a family of a common great-grand-father were considered brothers of inheritance, this would include second cousins. This basic four generation group was called a deirfine or land ruling family which defined the way in which property would be handled after the death of the head of a family. The property was held in common & when the son's formed new deirfines, the land was re-distributed accordingly for private ownership within the new deirfines. This periodic re-distribution was named the gabhail cine or the gavelkind. At times, because so many were eligible for the chieftaincy within a family, there would be squabbles & murder would occur. In an attempt to stop the squabbles an election of sorts was developed to choose a king elect called a tanaiste (tanist), this was done during the life of the present princes reign by freemen of the tuath or kingdom and only for a member of the deirfine or land ruling family. In time many seemingly unimportant qualifications developed to weed out competitors for example the law of "being without blemish." In an attempt to maintain peace & order many noble Irish families turned to a system of alternating succession between two or more branches. So although there is a change in the branch (below) the lines of Rory and Hugh seemed to have maintained peace and order through it. This will again be seen with the splitting between the Senior Lisnaskea branch & the Junior Tempo or Enniskillen branch.
[3] Rory an Einigh 'the Generous' (1327-1338) Son of Flaherty.
Here is the first branching of the Maguire's royal lineage from Rory to his brother Hugh
[4] Aodh Ruadh I (Red Hugh I) (1338-1363) Another son of Flaherty and brother to Rory. Due to the rules of Tanisty the line of descent continued through Aodh(Hugh).
[5] Philip na Tuaghe (Philip the Battle axe) (1363-1395) Philip was the warrior Maguire who established what is known today as Fermanagh. He used both land and water to lay claim to this territory. In his reign he is noted for defeating the O'Neills, the MacMahons of Monaghan and the O'Donnells from west Ulster. Because he was able to defeat the O'Donnells he gained complete control of the Erne. With the help of his allies the O'Rourkes and O'Reillys he defended against the incursion of the O'Connors of Roscommon driving them all the way back home. The warrior would know peace for the remaining 25 years of his reign and his white sailed vessels would dominate the Erne. On his death he is believed to have had control of around a million acres.
[6] Thomas Mor I (The Black Gillie - Dark Attendant or Guard) (1395-1430) Thomas the Elder was Philip's son so the Kingdom he inherited was secure and prosperous. He made his Kingdom all the more secure by reducing the power of his sub-Chiefs. Among the septs under the protection of Maguire at that time were the MacAuley/MacCawley, MacCaffrey, Betty, McCaugherty, MacCamly/Comley, O'Corrigan, MacCusker, Fitzpatrick of Fermanagh of the Maguires, Godfrey - MacGothraigh - MacCorry - McCurry - McGarry, MacLilly/MacAighile, MacManus, O'Mannis, Mayne an alias of Maguire, Weir, Guire and those that may or may not have had blood links but never the less were septs under Maguire were O'Cassidy, O'Kennan, O'Hussey, O'Condron, O'Doonigan, O'Drum, MacEntaggart, MacEvinney/MacEvinney, Farmer, Feddis, MacGarrahan/Garraghan, Macllroy/McElroy, Gunn/MacElgunn, Leonard -Lineen - O'Luinin, O'Mulroony, O'Slavin/Slevin, & O'Tally. Thomas brother Hugh - his "Tanaiste" (successor) is said to have assisted Thomas by ruling half the Kingdom under his brother while his brother was still alive.
Senior Line - Stronghold at Lisnaskea
[7] Tomas Og (Thomas the younger) 7th Prince (1430-1471) It is at the time of Thomas the Younger that it was said that "If any person be found in the County of Fermanagh not named Maguire then he must be a foreigner. For the Maguire Clan truly made Fermanagh there own. But with more power comes more reason for dissension and Thomas' brothers Philip & Donall Ballagh contested for power in Fermanagh wishing to usurp his authority. Things even became so bad that at one point in 1439 Thomas was imprisoned by Philip in Enniskillen Castle but he was finally released by an old friend Henry O'Neill. Donall Ballagh Maguire took over Enniskillen Castle from Thomas and two years later Philip took over control of the Castle from him eventually it would end up rivaling the Lisnaskea fort of Thomas. Luckily blood was thicker than water and the two sides never fought each other, in fact they often worked together for the greater good of Fermanagh. Philip died in 1470 one year after Thomas retired. Thomas died after a 41 year reign. After this point Fermanagh would have a split leadership and later be ruled from both Thomas's line the Senior Lisnaskea branch and from Philip's line the Junior or Cadet Enniskillen branch.
Senior Line - Stronghold at Lisnaskea
[8] Eamonn 8th Prince (1471-1484) Son of Thomas Og. After this most unluckiest of all Maguire Chiefs the Chieftainship would permanently be split between the Senior Lisnaskea branch and the Junior branch. It took only 13 years of Plague, storms, minor wars, invasions, famine and poor ruler-ship to end Eamonns reign. In 1483 both O'Neill and O'Donnell raided Maguire territory and havoc took over the whole of Fermanagh and in 1484 the final blow to this unlucky prince was when his own son Giolla Patrick was murdered. The Junior branch gave support to their own John the son of Philip and the Senior branch did not stand in the way, thus ended not only Eamonns reign but also the exclusive right of the Senior branch to rule as well as the end of any of Eammons sons inheriting the leadership in Fermanagh, his brother would latter take over instead.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
Pilib McThomas Mor & Brother Donall Ballagh The sons of Thomas Mor or Thomas the Elder the 6th Prince & brothers to Thomas Og the 7th Prince. Uncles of Eammon the 8th Prince of the senior line.
Here is the second branching of the Maguire's royal lineage from Eamonn to his cousin Sean
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[9] Sean or John (I) 9th Prince (1484-1503) First Prince of the Junior Line, Son of Philp McThomas. Johns 19 year rule was marked with competence and justice. It is at this point that Enniskillen Castle completely overshadowed that of Lisnaskea. John would succeed in bringing a difficult but much needed peace to Fermanagh.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
Brian Brother of Sean or John (I) above the 9th Prince.
Senior Line - Stronghold at Lisnaskea
[10] Conor Mor (I) 10th Prince (1503-1527) Conor the Elder was the brother of Eamonn the unlucky 8th Prince above. He would rule 24 years.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
Cuchonnaght Son of Brian.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[11] Cuchonnaght (I) (The Coarb) 11th Prince (1527-1537) Son of Cuchonnaght. During a Clan dispute Cuchonnaght was killed, the only Maguire Prince to have been assassinated. He was first buried on Devenish Island <http://www.domainireland.com/fermanagh3.html>, his remains were later removed to Donegal Abbey <http://www.donegaltown.ie/attractions/> by the Friars Minor.
Senior Line - Stronghold at Lisnaskea
[12] Giolla Patrick (Servant of St. Patrick) 12th Prince (1537-1540) Son of Conor Mor the 10th Prince. This would be the last official Prince of the Gaelic Order from the Senior branch. Giolla Patricks reign would be shaky & short lived because of the power of the Junior branch that had support from the O'Neills and the O'Donnells. Giolla would be deposed and John II of the Junior branch set up as Chief.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[13] Sean or John (II) 13th Prince (1540-1566) Son of Cuchonnaght the 11th Prince. After an invasion by O'Neill & O'Donnell John would be set up as Chief, this was considered an illegal act under Gaelic Law to place a Junior branch over the Senior branch all with the agency of the O'Neills. The Lisnaskea Maguires (Senior) never acknowledged the claims of the Enniskillen Maguires (Junior) so that they never enjoyed their title of "Maguire" without opposition. In 1542 Conn O'Neill would renounce his title of O'Neill and place his Princedom of Tyrone <http://tyrone.local.ie/> in the hands of King Henry VIII of England, Henry in turn created him Earl of Tyrone and confirmed him in possession of all his lands by Letters Patent, most all Irish Chiefs would follow, among the Maguire allies to make submission to the English where the O'Reillys and MacMahons. John would accompany his father in law Conn O'Neill to London and be created an English Knight. Ultimately John too would be deposed and replaced but with someone form his own Junior line.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[14] Cuchonnacht (II) 14th Prince (1566-1589) Son of Cuchonnaght the 11th Prince and brother to John (II) the 13th Prince. Cucconacht II would prove to be a very able leader successfully maneuvering between the English, the O'Neills and the O'Donnells. Cucconacht would wait 50 years before accepting English suzerainty and make submission to Queen Elizabeth I of England. He successfully negotiated for complete religious freedom, to retain the native Irish government in Fermanagh under Gaelic Brehon Law, and all hereditary lands with a standing army. Cucconacht would marry more than once, one of his wives would be Margaret O'Neill. In the "Annals of the Four Masters" it says of him that "He was truly a lord in his munificence towards the churches, ollaves (learned men of ancient Ireland), soldiers and servants, and a learned and studious adept in Latin and Irish" Cucconacht would be the last Gaelic Prince from the Junior Maguire line to have peace with England.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[15] Sir Aodh(Hugh) (II) 15th Prince (1589-1602) Son of Cucconacht the 14th Prince. The last and one of the greatest Gaelic Chieftains in family history was Sir Aodh(Hugh) II, who led the Irish army to defeat the English, in 1598, at "The Battle of the Yellow Ford" one of the last true victories the Irish would see in its struggle with the English of the time. The battle was fought in hope of ending the incursion of the English & the "Ulster-Plantation" or colonization in Ireland which was contrary to all previous agreements with England. This incursion would lead to the later Cromwell-ian and William-ite Confiscations where lands, property and life would be taken without even a pretense. Unfortunately this rising was not meant to be, in 1603 Sir Red Hugh who was at the head of King O'Neil's cavalry, on the way to battle the English at Cork, intercepted Sir Warham Sentleger (St. Leger) quite by accident, the two great warriors fought and despite the fact that Sir Warham Sentleger had a gun Hugh dispatched him. The wounds of the battle would eventually prove to be fatal to Hugh and a few hours later he would also die. Of Hugh Maguire the "Annals of the Four Masters" say "The death of Maguire was a cause of profound sorrow and severe affliction to O'Neill and the Irish Chiefs in general and that was not to be wondered at for he was a pillar of battle and conflict, the shield of protection and deliverance, a tower of defiance and fortitude, the mainstay of hospitality and generosity" O'Donovan has one last note on Hughs family (cir. 1830's) he is said to have found the direct descendants of Great Hugh working as sailors in cross-channel coal ships. Ultimately the English defeated the Irish at the battle of Kinsale (Kinsale is located in the south-west of Ireland south of Cork). This was the end of the Gaelic Order, the time the Anglo-Norman took Ireland over.
Junior Line - Stronghold at Enniskillen
[16] Cuchonnacht (III) (1602-1608) (numbered as the 16th Prince but never inaugurated) Son of Cucconacht the 14th Prince and half brother to Hugh (II) the 15th and last official Gaelic Prince of Fermanagh. Cuchonnacht would be instrumental in the "Flight of the Earls" although he was never inaugurated by the Clan of Maguire he was the last recognized as heir to the Chieftainship of Fermanagh after the death of his half brother Hugh II supported by Owen Roe O'Donnell. But there were two claimants to the title of "Maguire," his claim being disputed by Roe Maguire, grandson of Connor Mor of the Senior line supported by an O'Neill. Neither would be inaugurated as Chief of Fermanagh. In 1607 in what is known as "The Flight of the Earls" the Northern Chiefs, their families and retainers exiled themselves from Ireland. It was Cuchonnacht that obtained the ship and organized the exodus from Ireland for O'Neill and the other Northern Chiefs. Cuchonact Maguire would receive the last sacraments and die of a fever in Genoa on the 12th of August 1608. He was buried in the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Genoa. Cuchonnachts death would be the end of Gaelic rule by Maguire in Fermanagh. Maguire rule in Fermanagh would go on but under Gaelic Kings made British Lords. Many Maguires fled to the European Continent, where along with other Irish nobles, their aristocratic lineage was recognized by European courts, French and Austrian, to name two. They found prominence in serving these courts in what came to be called "the Wild Geese," the exiled Gaelic nobles that served & died for foreign Lords instead of there beloved Ireland. They were accepted as noble until the title became extinct in about 1795.
Senior Maguire Line of Fermanagh after the end of the Gaelic Order & beginning of British Rule
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Magherasteffany (Derryheely, ~Brookeborough <http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/abrooke/> Deerpark)
[17] Sir Conor Rua - Master of Aghalun died 1625 (numbered as the 17th Prince but never inaugurated as a Gaelic Lord). Grandson to Conor Mor or Conor the Elder. Contested for the 15th & 16th chieftaincy supported by an O'Neill after Hugh of the Junior line died but was disappointed again when Hugh's half brother Cuchonnacht was held to be Chief at a gathering of Ulster princes, feeling jilted he sided with the English in the Nine Years War (1594-1603) through this he obtained lands and authority. He was first promised all of Fermanagh but by the time the English were through he only had the Barony of Magherasteffany (as seen below) minus the Maguire ancestral home of Lisnaskea, which went to the ~Scottish planter <http://wwwvms.utexas.edu/jdana/history/unionhist.html>, Michael Balfour, Lord Burleigh.
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Magherasteffany (Derryheely, Brookeborough Deerpark)
<http://users.sisna.com/justinb/ujack.html> <http://users.sisna.com/justinb/ujack.html>[1] Brian Maguire - Lord Enniskillen, 1st British Baron of Enniskillen d. 1633 Son of Conor Roe great-grandson of Conor the Elder of the Senior Line. Created a Peer of Ireland by King Charles I of England. Patron to Michael O'Cleirigh of the Four Masters when he recompiled the "Leabhar Gabhala," also know as the Book of Invasions, in the 1620's Which was latter copied in 1638 by O'Luinin for his cousin Sir Brian I - Master of Tempo (The Traitor).
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Magherasteffany (Derryheely, Brookeborough Deerpark)
<http://users.sisna.com/justinb/ujack.html> <http://users.sisna.com/justinb/ujack.html>[2] Conor Maguire - Lord Enniskillen, 2nd British Baron of Enniskillen. Son of Lord Brian Maguire. Some accounts paint him as notorious for bungling plot by the remaining Gaelic nobles to regain Ireland but in truth he was betrayed and ambushed before he could take ~Dublin Castle <http://www1.shore.net/amybatt/dublin.html>. He was held at the Tower of London <http://www.tower-of-london.com/> and after an escape was recaptured & later hanged at ~Tyburn <http://www.unc.edu/charliem/>,(2) <http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/tourism/london/tyburn-gallows.html> in 1644. The English title died out with him and is now extinct for his part in the 1641 uprising <http://www.worldbook.com/fun/bth/html/setl.htm> against the English throne. His vast estates were confiscated and sold out cheaply to new planters. It should be noted here how easy it was for the English & new planters to exploit the weakness of the divided Maguire rule over Fermanagh (the Senior & Junior lines) playing both sides against each other until they successfully took over all of Fermanagh.
A question about the title comes into view after this point when many of the senior line are styled "Lord Enniskillen" when the British title has been striped from them. We also have it reported that the title becomes extinct in 1795 a strange date when you consider that Alexander, probably the last of the senior line, dies six years later. The answer may be that the Maguires being Jacobite supporters, are recognized by the French government as disfranchised Catholic Lords along with King James who fled to France, so when all titles in France disappeared on Oct 5th 1795 <http://www.swishweb.com/trivia/History/history09.shtml> when royalists were crushed by Bonaparte, so did the Maguire title of "Lord Enniskillen." It may be illegitimate to think of the title of "Lord Enniskillen" coming from the English throne, after 1641, but maybe not from the French Catholic throne which hoped for the eventual reinstallation of a Catholic Monarch in England and thus gave a courtesy recognition to the 'wild geese' in respect of that hope. To be sure, the Maguire's were not the only exiled Gaelic lords to be given a courtesy recognition by a foreign power.
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands (unknown)
Thomas, Brian Oge & Rory sons of Brian Maguire, the first Lord Enniskillen and brothers of Conor Maguire, the second & last Lord Enniskillen. Rory was a distinguished leader in the 1641 rebellion & was killed in a fierce battle near ~Carrick-on-Shannon <http://www.iol.ie/gartlan/tour.htm> in 1648. The Protestants of the time (Trimble) described him as an "inhuman monster!" but most historians mention him as being considerate & kind. That he was brave & a leader that endeared himself to his men. Before 1641, Rory was well thought of, even by the Planters of Fermanagh. His wife was Deborah Blennerhassett, sister of the great Planter leader, Audley Mervyn of Trillick. Rory's home in Crevenish Castle was a rendezvous for both Irish and English before the revolt. (FS p. 83)
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands (unknown)
Rory Og & Philip, sons of Rory son of Brian Maguire, the first Lord Enniskillen. Both were Irish patriots who helped James II <http://encarta.msn.com/index/conciseindex/4A/04A4E000.htm>, the last Roman Catholic King of Great Britain (1685-88).
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands (unknown)
Theophilus, son of Philip son of Rory.
Senior Line - Stronghold & lands (Pau, France)
<http://fotw.digibel.be/flags/fr.html> <http://fotw.digibel.be/flags/fr.html>Alexander, son of Theophilus son of Philip. This seems to be the last of this line of Maguire's. According to the Fermanagh Story (p.114) "Alexander retired from the French army and died in 1801. His residence was in Pau, France <http://www.123voyage.com/realsw/towns/pau.htm>. He was a captain in Colonel Buckley's regiment of the Irish Brigade. Alexander named Justin Mc Carthy of Toulouse as heir, but Mc Carthy renounced the claim, as the estate was small & encumbered. John O'Donovan <http://www.ucc.ie/celt/odonovan.html>,<http://www.cassidyclan.org/odonovanletters.htm> mentions his visit in Enniskillen, in 1834, to Thomas Maguire, a hardware merchant, who claimed to be a lineal descendant of Lord Conor Maguire. Of this we have no proof."
Junior Maguire Line of Fermanagh after the end of the Gaelic Order & beginning of British Rule
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Sir Brian - Master of Tempo (I) died April 24, 1655, son of Cuchonnacht II the 14th Prince and brother to Cuchonnacht III the 16th Prince. Also know as Brian the Traitor for siding with the English, & along with some others, informing against his cousin Conor Maguire, Lord Enniskillen during the 1641 rising, which managed to get him a fair estate in the Plantation of Ulster. Notorious for being very anglicized, perhaps because he was so English he thought to appease through the commissioning of O'Luinin to recopy the "Leabhar Gabhala." Married to a daughter of Shane O'Neil. Their son Hugh would die before them and his grandson would succeed him.
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Colonel Hugh son of Brian of Tempo (I). Unlike his father he was an Irish patriot & was killed while fighting on the Irish side at the 'battle of Glenswilly' which took place near Letterkenny, Donegal in 1650 against Cromwell's campaign. "This battle was the defeat that completely ended Irish hopes in the North although hostilities did not officially end till June 13, 1653." (FS p.93)
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Cuchonnacht of Tempo son of Colonel Hugh. According to The Fermanagh Story (p.155) "He served as a representative of Fermanagh at the Irish Parliament in 1689." Also (p.115) "He was King James's principal lieutenant in Fermanagh. Killed at 'the battle of Aughrim <http://www.local.ie/general/history/williamite/aughrim/>' in 1691 fighting William of Orange. O'Doirnin carried back his head to bury it at Devenish. Some of the local planters tried to have the Tempo estates declared forfeit but Cuchonnacht's wife, a daughter of Ever Magennis(McGuinness) of Down, managed to hold on to them for the Maguire family."
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Brian of Tempo (II), son of Cuchonnacht of Tempo. Brian, ruled in Tempo till his death on October 31, 1712. He served for a period in the Austrian army and turned Protestant. Nevertheless, he seems to have been popular with the Irish poets.
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Constantine, Robert, Hugh the scoundrel <http://www.tempomanor.com/lady_cathcart.htm>, Brian & Philip, sons of Brian of Tempo (II). Robert was the head of the Maguire family in 1734. Constantine, Robert & Hugh went to France. Brian's youngest son, Philip, was master of Tempo at Robert's death in 1789. Philip's wife was Frances Morris, the daughter of Nicholas Morris of Lateragh in Tipperary.
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Hugh of Tempo, only son of Philip Master of Tempo. The county's sheriff in 1780 and one of the county's most generous hosts. Married to Phoebe MacNamara of Cong in County Mayo and he was master of Tempo from 1789 till his death on October 1, 1800. His extravagant habits had brought the family into debt and part of the estate was mortgaged.
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo (also Taureen Lodge, Tipperary)
Constantine <Robert.html>, Brian & Stephen, sons of Hugh master of Tempo. According to the Fermanagh Story (p.115) "Constantine became master of Tempo and lived at Tempo till after 1830. An Orangeman, named Rutledge, was hanged in Enniskillen jail for firing a shot at Constantine in 1829. Maguire soon afterwards sold most of the Tempo estates to a merchant, named Samuel Lyle(1), and Samuel Lyle sold the property to the Sir William Tennent(2) family of Belfast. Sir James Emerson Tennent rebuilt Tempo Manor <http://www.tempomanor.com/>. Constantine and family moved to live in Taureen Lodge, near Cahir in Tipperary <http://www.tipp.ie/cahir1.htm>. Maguire became involved in some land agitation and was murdered, while out walking, on November 1, 1834. His head was battered to pieces. Constantine's older brother Brian was found dead in 1835 in a farm near Finglas, Dublin with the mummified body of one of his sons, George, by his side & Brian's other son, Charles, was lost at sea, his daughter Margaret died of starvation. Constantine's younger brother, Stephen, enlisted as a private soldier and died young." So the only heirs come from Constantine. (Note: The Fermanagh Story p.115 has (1)Kyle not Lyle & (2)Trent not Tennent.)
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo (?)
Hugh & Judge Philip, sons of Constantine of Tempo & Taureen, Tipperary. Hugh became head of the Maguire family after Constantine's death.
Junior Line - Stronghold & lands re-granted by British at Tempo
Constantine, Hugh & Philip, sons of Hugh. "Constantine was head of the family for a time and died in 1907, then Hugh became the head of the family. He returned to Tempo to claim what remained of the Maguire estate minus the Manor which passed through marriage to the Langham family. He represented Tempo on the Fermanagh Feis committee in 1909 and succeeding years and was well-known in the locality. He died in 1915 and was succeeded by his brother, Philip. Philip died in 1921." All three it seems died without issue.
Here a branching comes to the Junior line not unlike that which occurred between Rory the 3rd prince and Hugh the 4th prince
Junior Line - Ireland / Canada / U.S.A.
James Maguire, eldest son of Judge Philip brother of Hugh who were both sons of Constantine of Tempo who was killed in 1834. James had nine other siblings. "He was head of the family & was educated in Trinity College, Dublin. He left Ireland after 1885 and settled for a period in Canada. He quickly established himself as an accountant of repute and served with different companies. He moved from Canada to Chicago where he lived with relatives, the Suffield family. His business brought him to many parts of the U.S.A. He died in 1936."
Junior Line - U.S.A.
Philip, James Hamilton & Ronald Hugh, sons of James Maguire. Philip was the first to succeed James Maguire as head of the Maguire family but he only has daughters so after he died, July 11, 1980 the head of the family was James Hamilton who died, April 3, 1986 and one male heir, Michael has no interest in being head of the family. Lastly Ronald Hugh the youngest brother became head of the family and died on October 13, 1986.
Junior Line - U.S.A.
Ronald Hugh, Charles "ROBERT" <Robert.html> & James Patrick, sons of Ronald Hugh. Today Robert the middle son is head of the Maguire family. He lives in Charleston, NC U.S.A. and is married to wife Debbie & they have four children - daughter Katrina, two sons Michael & Robert, and they are grandparents twice over from Robert's children Alexandria and Robert Jr.. The Royal lineage of Maguire survived & is still going strong!
In 1541, King Henry VIII of England became king of Ireland. The Reformation, during which Henry changed England from a Roman Catholic to a Protestant nation, had little effect on Ireland. English rule there was ineffective, and most Irish people remained Catholics.
In 1607, local Irish chieftains who opposed the English fled from Ulster, a large province in northern Ireland. King James I of England then gave the chieftains' land to English and Scottish Protestants. This action was partly responsible for the Protestant majority found in Northern Ireland today.
In the 1600's, two attempts were made to reestablish Catholic power in Ireland. The first was an uprising that began in 1641 and was not put down by English forces until 1653.
The second attempt was made under James II, a Catholic who became king of England in 1685. Many English people were unhappy with James's policies and feared that a Catholic succession to the throne would be established. In 1688, the English invited William of Orange, a Protestant, to invade England with Dutch forces. James fled, and William of Orange was crowned as King William III in 1689. Meanwhile, James went to France and then to Ireland, where he organized an army to fight William. But James was defeated by William in the Battle of the Boyne <../html/boyne.htm> in 1690. After the battle, Anglican Protestants owned most of the land in Ireland, controlled Ireland's Parliament, and restricted the rights of Catholics and Presbyterian Protestants alike.
This information is taken from the World Book™ Multimedia Encyclopedia.
In 1541, King Henry VIII of England became king of Ireland. The Reformation, during which Henry changed England from a Roman Catholic to a Protestant nation, had little effect on Ireland. English rule there was ineffective, and most Irish people remained Catholics.
In 1607, local Irish chieftains who opposed the English fled from Ulster, a large province in northern Ireland. King James I of England then gave the chieftains' land to English and Scottish Protestants. This action was partly responsible for the Protestant majority found in Northern Ireland today.
In the 1600's, two attempts were made to reestablish Catholic power in Ireland. The first was an uprising that began in 1641 and was not put down by English forces until 1653.
The second attempt was made under James II, a Catholic who became king of England in 1685. Many English people were unhappy with James's policies and feared that a Catholic succession to the throne would be established. In 1688, the English invited William of Orange, a Protestant, to invade England with Dutch forces. James fled, and William of Orange was crowned as King William III in 1689. Meanwhile, James went to France and then to Ireland, where he organized an army to fight William. But James was defeated by William in the Battle of the Boyne <../html/boyne.htm> in 1690. After the battle, Anglican Protestants owned most of the land in Ireland, controlled Ireland's Parliament, and restricted the rights of Catholics and Presbyterian Protestants alike.
Among many other noteworthy Maguires in history their are the following:
Cathal MacManus Maguire (1439-1498) Irish historian & one of the main authors of the 'Annals of Ulster'.
Nicholas Maguire (1460-1512) the Bishop of Leighlin.
Patrick Maguire (1492) who was the first one in Columbus' crew to step onto American soil. In the archives of Madrid it is recorded by Father Tornitori, an Italian priest in the 17th century who witnessed the landing of Columbus. Father Tornitori states that:
"on the eventful morning of the landing, boats bearing Columbus and some of his crew were launched; but approaching the land the water shallowed and Patrick Maguire jumped out of the boat to lighten the load and then waded ashore,"
Thus making his landing before Columbus. (Story of the Irish Race pp.343-344)
The Fermanagh Story has "Though not belonging directly to the royal line of the Maguires, the Gortoral* family deserve some mention because of their subsequent history. They were descended through Art of Coole <http://www.domainireland.com/fermanagh16.html> from Philip of the Battle Axe. They were represented by Rory Maguire, whose tombstone remains in Kinawley old cemetery (which, incidentally, is right near Cuilcagh mountain). Rory had three sons, Captain Alexander, Dr. John, and Thomas. Of these Alexander emerged as the leader, and was prominent in the fight for Catholic Emancipation. His son, Edward, became the only Catholic sheriff of Fermanagh since Cuchonnacht Maguire in 1688. Edward was known as the 'Councillor' and was Fermanagh's only Catholic J.P. at his death in 1874. His son, Hugh O'Rourke Maguire, died in 1888, and the family seems to have ended." (FS p.116)
(* Note: Gortoral is located in the Barony of Knockninny.)
Further "a descendent of Eamonn of Coole, the 8th prince, who resigned as chieftain in 1484 was Brian Maguire <briknock.html> (cir. 1710) who was very prominent in Fermanagh society at the beginning of the eighteenth century. His 'castle' at Knockninny (The estate was called Doobally), the remains of which are still seen, was a rendezvous for Gaelic scholars." (FS p.117)
The controversialist Father Tom Maguire (1792-1847).
There was also John Francis Maguire <http://www.aardvark101.com/cork/examiner.html> (1815 - 1872), founder of the Cork Examiner(now The Examiner). As well as being a journalist, he was a successful politician, Lord Mayor and M.P. for Cork for many years, and published numerous books, including The Irish in America, the first examination of the position of his fellow-countrymen in Canada and the U.S.A.
The first Catholic to be elected to a fellowship at Trinity College, Dublin - Thomas Maguire (1831-1889).
Socialist pioneer, Tom Maguire <http://www.qbradley.freeserve.co.uk/maguire.html> (1864 - 1895) was one of the founders of the British labour movement. A dynamic union organiser and political strategist, he was noted for his support for women's rights and his opposition to racism.
The Rt. Rev. John Aloysius Maguire (1851 - 1920) who was born in Glasgow on the 8th of September. He was of Irish descent, his parents having emigrated from Antrim to Glasgow a few years after their marriage. As a boy he attended St. Mungo's Academy and St. Aloysius' College, where he received his early education and was initiated in the rudiments of Latin, Greek, and French. In 1867 he became a pupil of the Jesuit College at Stoneyhurst, and one year later entered the Glasgow University, where he attended the law classes with a view to adopting the legal profession. The strong religious bent which characterized the family induced him to become an ecclesiastical student, and in 1871 he became an alumnus of the College of Propaganda, Rome. On the completion of the usual curriculum of studies in preparation for the priesthood, he was ordained by Cardinal Patrizi in the Basilica of St. John Lateran on the 27th March 1875. In the following June he returned to Scotland and was appointed assistant in St. Andrew's Cathedral under the late Dr. Munro of happy memory. There he remained about four years building for himself a reputation as an erudite and eloquent preacher, and winning the esteem of all by his genial urbanity and ivariable courtesy. His qualifications were recognised by the late Archbishop Eyre, and he was appointed secretary to the Archbishop -- a post which he filled with the greatest ability for over twenty years. In 1883 he was given charge of St. Peter's, Patrick, and there found ampler scope for the display of his energetic zeal and organising capacity. The success attending his ministry was so conspicuous that in 1885 he became Vicar-General of the Archdiocese. He was then but thirty-four years of age, and had attained a dignity which most men might hope for only after a long lifetime of service. His mission in Patrick extended over six years. On his departure from Patrick he resided in Renfrew Street.
At this time no religious function in Glasgow or even throughout Scotland was considered complete without the attendance of the versatile, gifted, and brilliant young Vicar-General. His persuasive eloquence was appreciated all over Scotland, and self-abnegation being the keynote of his life, he never refused his presence to even the most distant parishes when his doing so was at all within the bounds of possibility. In January 1893 he was exalted to the high dignity of Provost, and from that time until his elevation to the episcopacy his commanding powers were continually before the Catholic public. Owing to the enfeebled health of Archbishop Eyre the management of the Diocese devolved upon the Provost. He performed the extra duties in a masterly manner. In the organisation of the different missions, with their multitudinous confraternities and societies, he was truly indefatigable. His magnetic personality attracted clergy and laity towards him, endearing him to the hearts of all ; and thus his path was made smooth, and his suggestions were taken up with zest by the clergy of the city. During his nineteen years as Vicar-General he earned for himself the admiration of his colleagues ; and when in 1894 it was found necessary to provide Archbishop Eyre with an Auxiliary-Bishop there was no surprise that the choice fell on the eminent ecclesiastic who for some time had borne willingly on his shoulders the greater part of the diocesan work. On Monday, 11th June 1894, the new prelate was consecrated Auxiliary-Bishop of Glasgow and Titular Bishop of Trocmadae in St. Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow. His Grace Archbishop Eyre presided. The consecrating Prelate was the Most Rev. Dr Macdonald, Metropolitan and Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, the assistant Bishop being the Right Rev. James Smith, Dunkeld, and the Right Rev. Wm. Turner, Galloway.
From that date onwards the history of his career would be the story of the Archdiocese of Glasgow, and in a measure the history of Catholicity in Scotland. No event of importance took place with which he was not connected. There exists no record of his many activities ; but a list of many prominent events in which he took a leading part during this period of his life, taken from the Glasgow Observer, furnishes some indication of the busy life he led and the dominant part he played in Catholic affairs.
In 1894 a new Convent and Training College for Teachers was opened at Dowanhill, Patrick, Glasgow, under the charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame. In October 1895 he was present at the important ceremony in Dundee, when the newly-appointed Canons of the restored Chapter of the Diocese of Dunkeld were formally installed in the Pro-Cathedral, and preached a memorable sermon on the occasion. On Sunday, 22nd December 1895, the opening of the completed church of St. Francis, Glasgow, took place. Cardinal Vaughan was present and Solemn High Mass "Coram Cardinale" was sung by Bishop Maguire. On the 17th of March following (1896) he had the pleasure of seeing the foundation stone of St. Patrick's Church, Glasgow, laid, and on the 17th May of the same year he officiated at the opening of the new church of St. Patrick, Coatbridge, and was present on 17the June at the opening of St. Margaret's Memorial Church, Dunfermline. This fruitful year was also marked by the laying of the foundation stone of the New College of Blairs, and the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of St. Alphonsus', Glasgow, on which occasion he preached in the evening, the morning sermon being delivered by Bishop Healy, of Clonfert, since Archbishop of Tuam -- both preachers, then suffragan Bishops, being destined to ascend the archiepiscopal throne. On 13th June 1897 Dr Maguire preached at the re-opening of St. Mungo's Church, Glasgow, and on the 3rd September of the same year was present at the laying of the foundation stone of Shieldmuir Church, and on the 26th of the same month pontificated at the opening of St. Saviour's, Church, Glasgow. On the occasion of the opening of St. John's New Church, Glasgow, on 21st November 1897, Solemn Pontifical Benediction was given by the Bishop-Auxiliary for Glasgow, and on 25th September 1898 he was present at the opening of St. Patrick's Church, Shieldmuir, the foundation stone of Shieldmuir Church, and on the 26th of the same month pontificated at the opening of St. Saviour's, Church, Glasgow. On the occasion of the opening of St. John's New Church, Glasgow, on 21st November 1897, Solemn Pontifical Benediction was given by the Bishop-Auxiliary for Glasgow, and on 25th September 1898 he was present at the opening of St. Patrick's Church, Shieldmuir, the foundation stone of the chancel arch of which he blessed and laid on the 4th September of the previous year. On 24th February 1899 the Right Rev. Æneas Chisholm, D. D., LL. D., was raised to the episcopacy, and on that occasion Dr Maguire preached the consecration sermon in St. Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen ; and on 2nd July he pontificated at Solemn Mass on the occasion of the opening of St. Augustine's Langloan. In that same year (1899) the first Scottish national pilgrimage to Lourdes took place, and its success was a source of much gratification to the future Metropolitan of Glasgow. On 28th December 1899 Dr Maguire took Archbishop Eyre's place at the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of St. Peter's College, Glasgow, and the opening ceremony of the new buildings.
In 1900 he was the principal figure at the opening of St. Saviour's, Govan. He preached at the opening of a school at Holy Cross, Glasgow ; a school at Whiterigg, Airdrie ; and the Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, Motherwell. The silver jubilee of his priesthood was marked in 1900 by the presentation of an address and testimonial from the clergy and from the Catholic laity, the latter amount exceeding £1000, subscribed with remarkable alacrity and cheerfulness in all parts of the Diocese. Bishop Maguire preached the funeral sermon at obsequies of the Most Rev. Angus Macdonald, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, who died in April 1900, taking as his text the following verse from the eighth chapter of the Book of Wisdom : "Wisdom marcheth from end to end mightily and ordereth all things sweetly." The new Church of St. James, Paisley, was formally opened on 3rd November by Bishop Maguire, and ge assisted the consecrating Prelate at St. Mary's, Leith, on 16th March 1902, when the Right Rev. Matthew Gaughran, O.M.I., was made Titular Bishop of Tentyra and Vicar-Apostolic of the Orange River Colony. Illness prevented his presence at the opening of the completed buildings of Blairs College on the 23rd September of the same year, but earlier (5th March) he was able to take part in the celebration of the semi-jubilee of the Restored Hierarchy of Scotland. On 1st November he preached at the ceremony of the opening of the Church of Our Holy Redmeemer, Clydebank, and officiated at the opening of St. James's, Renfrew, St. Peter's, Patrick, and St. Patrick's, Dumbarton. Space prevents us attempting any complete enumeration of the Catholic schools and churches opened during this period. These were verily the "seven fat years" and the zeal displayed under the shepherding of the dead Prelate has a memorial in these buildings that eill testify to all future generations what a spring-tide burst of faith was manifested in Glasgow and the West of Scotland under the administration of the Most Rev. Dr Maguire. For the rest we can only throw into a summarized form the more important ecclesiastical events with which he was associated : 1905 -- Opening of the new Mission at St. Luke's, Glasgow ; opening of a new church at Stirling ; opening of the Church of St. Alphonsus', Glasgow. 1906 -- Opening of new Mission at Carntyne, Glasgow ; opening of the new church at Linwood ; opening of the College Chapel of St. Peter's, New Kilpatrick ; opening of the new school at Dalry ; opening of new Nazareth House, Glasgow ; opening of the new chapel school at Tollcross, Glasgow. 1907 -- New Mission of St. Roch's, Glasgow. 1908 -- Opening of the new church at Glenboig ; opening of the new church at Burnbank. 1909 -- Opening of the new church at Dalmuir. 1911 -- Opening of the new Home for Working Girls at Barrhead ; opening of Holy Cross Church, Glasgow ; opening of the new Chapel of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Garngadhill, Glasgow. During the years of the Great War there were, of course, a lull in Catholic activities.
Archbishop Eyre died on 27th March 1902, and by a Brief of the 4th August of that year his Auxiliary was appointed his successor. At the early age of fifty-one, therefore, the deceased Prelate had attained to the dignity of the Archiepiscopal See of Glasgow. There was a renewal all over the Diocese of the good-will and affection manifested towards him eight years earlier, and Archbishop Maguire took his place in the chair of St. Kentigern amid the sincere and joyous acclamations of his people. On the 10th September 1903 he was invested with the Pallium in St. Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow. About the year 1912 Archbishop Maguire's health had broken down so much that it became necessary to appoint a Coadjutor to assist in administering the Archdiocese. The choice fell upon Right Rev. Provost Mackintosh, St. Margaret's Kinning Park, who nominated titular Archbishop of Chersona and Coadjutor of Glasgow on 11th July 1912. Archbishop Mackintosh filled the Coadjutorship for seven years, his death occurring in October 1919. Within the last few years the Archbishop's health became more and more enfeebled. Despite his failing strength he kept in touch with current events and maintained a keen interest in Catholic progress and in affairs generally. His war pastorals were among the finest things of their kind -- persuasive, eloquent, convincing -- and they elicited a direct tribute of thanks from the highest quarters. Of recent months his Grace's growing malady cut him off entirely from the work he loved, and it became necessary to appoint as Administrator-Apostolic the Right Rev. John Toner, Bishop of Dunkeld.
Never at any time a robust man, the Archbishop had his first serious illness about six years ago, when he had continuous internal hæmorrhage which brought him to the point of death. The Last Sacraments had been administered and the end seemed at hand, but he miraculously recovered. God gave him three years before his next serious illness began, and the clergy and public knew well how much work he got through in that brief time. He visited his vast diocese confirming and preaching, and presiding over innumerable meetings, both clerical and lay ; he threw himself heart and soul into the education question, and finally made two long journeys to consecrate Bishop Graham in Edinburgh and Bishop Bennet in Aberdeen. The journey to Aberdeen for the consecration there was his last public appearance. He received the Last Sacraments from the Right Rev. Mgr. Ritchie, V.G., on Thursday the 30th September. On Saturday the 9th October his illness grew worse and he was again given Viaticum for the last time. A fresh hæmorrhage on the brain occurred, and loss of speech and movement followed, but the Archbishop remained conscious until the end and was able to follow the prayers of the Church. He expired shortly before midnight on the 14th October.
The remains were taken to St. Andrew's Cathedral on Sunday evening, and vast throngs of mourners came from all parts to pay their last tribute of homage to their beloved prelate and father-in-God. Thus was fulfilled a hope he had entertained and to which he had given expression in a letter to the Very Rev. Canon Ritchie : -- "As a Glasgow Catholic I may say my connection with St. Andrew's Cathedral has been almost unbroken. I was baptized in that mission, said in that church my first Mass as a missionary priest in Scotland, was there consecrated, and later installed as Archbishop. And there I look forward to making my last visit surrounded by the loving friends who will pray for my soul."
The funeral took place on Tuesday the 19th October. Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Andrew's Cathedral, the Right Rev. James W. M'Carthy being celebrant ; Right Rev. Mgr. Ritchie, Glasgow, assistant priest ; Very Rev. Canon Hughes, M.R., Bridgeton, deacon ; Very Rev. Canon De Backer, Pollokshaws, sub-deacon ; Rev. Father P. Keating, of the Cathedral, master of ceremonies. There were also in the sanctuary -- Right Rev. John Toner, Bishop of Dunkeld and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Glasgow ; Right Rev. George H. Bennett, Bishop of Aberdeen ; Right Rev. Donald Martin, of Argyll and the Isles ; Right Rev. Henry G. Graham, Bishop of Tipasa and Auxiliary-Bishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh ; Right Rev. Mgr. Morris, V.G., and Right Rev. Mgr. Miley, of Edinburgh ; Right Rev. Mgr. Turner, V.G., Dundee ; Right Rev. Mgr. Meany, V.G., Aberdeen ; Right Rev. Mgr. Provost Brown, V.G. (Southwark) ; Right Rev. Mgr. M'Gregor, Rector, Blairs College ; Very Rev. Canons J. J. Dyer, J. Ritchie, T. P. O'Reilly, P. Houlihan, J. Montgomery, W. P. O'Brien, M. M'Nairey, Hubert Van Stiphout, Wm. Davidson, and P. Hackett, all of Glasgow ; Very Rev. Canon Malcolm (Dundee). There were also present in the Church a great number of priests from all parts of Scotland and representatives from the various Religious Communities. The Panegyric was preached by the Right Rev. John Toner, Bishop of Dunkeld. The Absolutions were pronounced by the Bishops. The interment took place in Dalbeth Cemetery, where the prayers at the graveside were said by the Right Rev. Bishop M'Carthy.
An Appreciation by Monsignor Provost Brown.
I first met the Archbishop at the London Eucharistic Congress, 1908. It will be remembered that much excitement was caused by the prohibition of the public procession of the Blessed Sacrament. A huge crowd had assembled outside the Albert Hall for the evening meeting, and very few police were present to regulate admissions. The result was a mass of humanity, some with tickets, others without, struggling to get into the hall. Having arrived early I was inside the main entrance, and I saw the Archbishop making vain efforts to reach the door. At last I managed to get a passage made for him, and breathless and exhausted he got within the porch. He always said that but for my timely intervention he would never have got in at all, and I think he was right.
The hall was packed to the utmost, and a feeling of disappointment and resentment weighed down the spirits of the vast audience. It was not until the Archbishop began his speech that people recovered their equanimity and began to cheer and laugh. Instinctively he did the right thing. He opened with a few humorous allusions to himself, his nationality and his accent, and at once put himself en rapport with his hearers. His speech was the speech of the evening, and raised the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm.
I next met His Grace at Blairs College -- I think in 1911 -- and we got to know each other well. Unfortunately his health was poor, and he was evidently struggling against the depression that often assails strong natures in sickness. But I had enough opportunity to gauge his great mental attainments. Not only was he brilliant linguist, a man of almost encyclopedic information, but he possessed par excellence, the power of getting straight to the heart of a question, and of coming to a decision regardless of irrelevant or immaterial considerations. Such powers make a man predominant in discussion and debate, and often lead people to regard him as overbearing and intolerant, but these qualities in his case belonged to the head rather than to the heart. No man could be more generous to those who differed from him so long as he was convinced that they were sincere in their opinion.
The last time I met him was on the day of the consecration of Bishop Graham in 1917. I was prevented from going to the consecration of the Bishop of Aberdeen, otherwise I should have been present at the final public appearance of the Archbishop of Glasgow. From what I have been told he rose to the occasion and made a splendid impression upon all who saw him. Alas ! it was his last great effort, and he went home to spend two years in the weariness of sickness, yet in patient preparation for the hour of death. Scotland has lost a great Archbishop. May he rest in peace.
Thanks to Mrs Carmel Reynolds (nee Maguire) <mailto:C.A.M.Reynolds@Bradford.ac.uk> for this obituary on one of her relatives. From an email of hers to me "My father used to speak of a great or great-great uncle of his who was Archbishop Maguire of Glasgow. Quite by chance last week I found him!" A Maguire for us all to be proud of !