O' BEIRNE, BRIAN OSWALD (pseud. BYRNE, DONN) 1889-1928

Brian O'Beirne was born in New York and came to Forkill, County Armagh, as an infant. He was educated locally and at the National University. In 1911 he went to America, but returned eight years later. As well as factual works, he wrote novels, which include Brother Saul; Blind Raftery; Hangman's House and Destiny Bay. He accidentally drowned at Courtmacsherry, County Cork. [Biography by T. Macauley]

O'BRIEN, BARNABAS d.1657

Barnabas O'Brien,was member of parliament for Coleraine in 1613. In 1639 he became 6th Earl of Thomond and in 1640, Lord Lieutenant of Clare, a position which he held for one year. In the rebellion he relinquished Bunratty Castle and fled to England. He was made Marquis of Billing and compensated for his losses by King Charles.

O'BRIEN, CATHERINE d.1963

Catherine O'Brien was an artist in stained glass with An Tur Gloine (the Tower of Glass). She has windows in Killoughter Church, Ballyhaise, County Cavan, in St Nicholas's Church, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, in Downpatrick Church, in St John the Baptist's Church, Clontarf, Dublin, and in many other locations throughout Ireland.

O'BRIEN, DONOUGH d.1624

Donough O'Brien was brought up at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1581 he became Earl of Thomond. He assisted in quelling Tyrone's rebellion and defended Newry, County Down, on behalf of the English. In 1601 he took part in the Battle of Kinsale and in 1605 became President of Munster. In 1615 he was appointed Governor of Clare.

O'BRIEN, EILEEN 1925-1986

Eileen O'Brien was born in Galway and was educated at University College, Galway. She was a journalist and worked on various newspapers in England and Ireland, eventually becoming Belfast editor for the Irish Press. She became Irish language editor and columnist for the Irish Times in 1965.

O'BRIEN, FLANN, see O NUALLAIN, BRIAN

O'BRIEN, NORA CONNOLLY d.1981

Nora Connolly O'Brien formed around she and her sister, Ina, a young republican party in Belfast. She was principal organiser of the Belfast section of Inghinidhe, a branch of Cumann na mBan. In her book We Shall Rise Again she discusses the Easter Rising of 1916 and her father, James Connolly's role in it. She went to America as a propagandist and in 1923 was Acting Paymaster General in Ireland. She also published Memoirs of a Rebel Father and she was a Senator in the Dail.

O BROLCHAIN, FLAITHBHERTACH d.1175

Flaithbhertach O Brolchain, as Abbot of Derry, was responsible for raising funds to rebuild the city when it had been burnt. In 1158 he was given jurisdiction over all Columban churches, and he completed the rebuilding of Derry Cathedral in 1164.

O'CAHAN, DONNELL BALLAGH d.1617

Donnell O'Cahan inherited property and land around Dungiven, County Londonderry, but lost a third of this to Tyrone. In 1607, after the Flight of the Earls, he was knighted. Suspicion rested on him when his brother joined Sir Cahir O'Doherty's rebellion, and though he was never brought to trial, he was imprisoned in the Tower until his death.

O'CAHAN, RORY DALL c.17th century

Rory Dall O'Cahan was a harper and composer. He composed 'Tabhair Dom Do Lamh' (Give me your hand), and also, it is said, the Londonderry Air, which in 1851 was noted down at Limavady by Jane Ross from a traditional fiddler named MacCormick. George Petrie included the air in The Traditional Music of Ireland, 1855.

O CARAIN, GILLA AN CHOIMHDED d.1180

Gilla an Choimh Dedh O Carain witnessed the charter granted to the Abbey of Newry, County Down, and was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in 1175. It is said that he was present at the battle near Downpatrick when John de Courcy defeated the Ulstermen in 1177.

O CASAIDE, TOMAS 18th century

Tomas O Casaide was born in either Roscommon or in Ulster and entered the Augustinian novitiate. However, he was expelled and went to Europe, where he joined the French army, from which he soon deserted. He travelled to Germany where he was captured by bandits, but eventually made his way back to Ireland as a travelling story-teller. Eachtra an Bhrathair Ultaigh is an account of his adventure; a copy of the manuscript is in the Royal Irish Academy and another in the British Library.

O CIANAIN, TADHG c.1575-1625

Tadhg O Cianain was born in County Fermanagh and was a chronicler of the Maguires of Fermanagh. He left for Europe with Hugh O'Neill during the the Flight of the Earls and kept a journal of the departure and the journey to Rome which is a valuable and detailed account. An edition was translated into English.

O CLEIRIGH, CUCHOIGRICHE c.1590-1664

Cuchoigriche O Cleirigh was born in Kilbarron, County Donegal. He was asked by his cousin Micheal to help with what became the Annals of the Four Masters. During the period when he was living and working in Donegal from 1625 to 1636 he forfeited his land. He settled in Ballcroy, County Mayo. His poems in Irish still exist in manuscript form.

O CLEIRIGH, LUGHAIDH c.1570-c.1620

Lughaidh O Cleirigh was probably born in Donegal. He contrbuted to the Convention of the Bards of 1617 to 1620. Among other works, he wrote a life of Red Hugh O'Donnell in Irish.

O CLEIRIGH, MICHEAL 1575-1643

Micheal O Cleirigh was born in Kilbarron, County Donegal. He was baptised Tadhg, and was the son of a chieftain, but he took the name Micheal when he entered Louvain as a member of the Franciscan Order. Hugh Ward, the Franciscan Guardian at Louvain, sent him to Ireland to collect manuscripts on the lives of the Irish saints. He collected material avidly and in 1630 compiled Reimh Rioghraidhe, which was a list of kings and lives and genealogies of the saints. He later prepared a definitive redaction of the Leabhar Gabhala, which dealt with the invasions of Ireland, and Annala Rioghachta Eireann, covering the history of Ireland to 1616. It is said that this book was written by O Cleirigh and three assistants between 1632 and 1636 in a cottage on the banks of the River Drowes, which flows from Lough Melvin to Donegal Bay. The work is known as the Annals of the Four Masters. In 1634 a Martyrologium of Irish saints and a glossary of Irish words was printed at Louvain. He died there.

O'CLERY, CUCOIGCRICHE, see O CLEIRIGH, CUCHOIGRICHE

O'CLERY, MICHAEL see O CLEIRIGH, MICHEAL

O'COLGAIN, SEAN see COLGAN, JOHN

O CONCHUIR, TOMAS early 19th century

Tomas O Conchuir lived at Greaghnaroog, County Monaghan. He flourished in the Carrickmacross, County Monaghan area in the early part of the 19th century. He was a scribe and story-teller, and he translated Topography of Ireland, by Gerald Cambrensis, into Irish. The manuscript is in the Royal Irish Academy.

O'CONNOR, DANIEL 1843-1919

Daniel O'Connor was born in Cornenty, County Monaghan, and was ordained priest for the diocese of Clogher in 1868. He became Dean of the diocese in 1914. In 1916 he transferred to Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. He wrote a History of St Patrick's Purgatory in 1879, and this became the standard work on the subject.

O'CONNOR, JOHN 1830-1889

John O'Connor was born in County Londonderry, and was orphaned at the age of twelve. He was educated in Dublin at the Church of Ireland Education Society, and when he came to Belfast he was a call-boy in the theatre and assisted in scene-painting. He worked in the Dublin theatre for a short time and in 1845 joined a travelling company as scene-painter, but the tour failed and he was reduced to making silhouettes with the pantograph. He went to work in the Drury Lane and Haymarket theatres in London and became principle scene-painter. He took up landscape painting and architectural drawing and visited Italy, France and Spain. He taught drawing in London and exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Hibernian Academy. In 1864 he painted the scenery for the Shakepeare Tercentenary performances at Stratford-on-Avon. His work is represented at the National Gallery of Ireland, the British Museum, the Ulster Museum and others.

O CREAG, SEAMUS 1861-1934

Seamus O Creag was born in County Donegal and collected Irish songs which were published as An Craoibhin Ur and An Craoibhin Ceoil. He also arranged the music for many of the songs. In 1900 he wrote a Modern Irish Grammar.

O'DEVANY, CONOR (CORNELIUS) 1533-1612

Conor O'Devany was born in Ulster and educated at the Franciscan convent in Donegal. He was consecrated in Rome in 1582. He was imprisoned twice and compiled Index Martyralis, which was a list of his fellow-prisoners. He was tried for high treason in Dublin, and was hanged there.

O'DOHERTY, CAHIR 1587-1608

Cahir O'Doherty was Lord of Inishowen and knighted for his bravery in the Battle of Augher. He was received in London by Queen Elizabeth I and had his territorial rights confirmed. When he returned to Ireland he was made Justice of the Peace and alderman of the new city of Derry. He was foreman of the jury that found those participating in the Flight of the Earls in 1607 guilty of treason. The Governor of Derry, Sir George Paulet, charged O'Doherty of treason and in 1608 struck him during an argument. O'Doherty killed Paulet, slaughtered the garrison and sacked and burnt Derry. A force which was dispatched from Dublin shot him at the Rock of Doon near Kilmacrenan, County Donegal.

O DOIRNIN, PEADER d.1768

Peader O Doirnin was born in Tipperary and moved to Drumcree, County Armagh. He was tutor to Arthur Brownlow's children in Lurgan, after which he was a schoolmaster at Forkill, County Armagh. He wrote nature poems, political verses and humorous verse. Some of his manuscripts are in the Cambridge University Library.

O DOMHNAILL, MAGHNUS, see O'DONNELL, MANUS

O'DONNELL, FRANK HUGH 1848-1916

Frank Hugh O'Donnell was born in County Donegal and educated at St Ignatius' College, Galway and Queen's College, Galway. He worked as foreign editor on the Morning Post. He was elected Home Rule member of parliament for Galway in 1874 and served as member of parliament for Dungarvan from 1877 to 1885. He stirred up the Parnell controversy because of Parnell's refusal to allow him to be nominated in the general election of 1885. For many years he lived in Europe and he died in London. Among his publications are A History of the Irish Parliamentary Party (2 vols, 1910); The Stage Irishman and pseudo-Celtic Drama and The Message of the Masters.

O'DONNELL, HUGH 1739-1814

Hugh O'Donnell was born in Glenarm, County Antrim, and was educated at Salamanca in Spain. He was sent to Belfast as curate and in 1784 opened St Mary's Church. In 1808 he was appointed parish priest of Belfast, where he opened St Patrick's Church, Donegall Street, in 1811.

O'DONNELL, HUGH BALLDEARG d.1704

Hugh Balldearg O'Donnell was born in County Donegal and he joined the Spanish army. After the Battle of the Boyne he raised ten thousand men in Ulster. Following a quarrel with Tyrconnell, he joined the Williamite forces and helped to attack Sligo. Before returning to Spain, where he died, he fought for the Austrians in Italy.

O'DONNELL, (RED) HUGH c.1571-1602

Red Hugh O'Donnell was the son of Sir Hugh O'Donnell. He undertook his first military action at twelve years of age. At the age of sixteen he was taken hostage and after four years as a prisoner in Dublin Castle, managed to escape to his father's castle in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. The frostbite sufferred during the winter journey necessitated the amputation of his two big toes. He married Finula, daughter of Hugh O'Neill, which consolidated his power. He was inaugurated as chief of the O'Donnells in 1592 and took Sligo and Connaught. Together with Hugh O'Neill he achieved a crushing victory over the English army at the Yellow Ford in 1598. In 1600 the Spaniards sent help, but nonetheless the Irish lost to Mountjoy at the Battle of Kinsale. O'Donnell went to the court of the Spanish king, Philip III, to ask for further assistance, but he fell ill and died there, possibly as a result of poisoning by an ally of Mountjoy. He is buried at the Franciscan monastery at Valladolid. [Biography by Lughaidh O Cleirigh, published 1948-57]

O'DONNELL, MANUS c.1500-1563

Manus O'Donnell was born in Donegal and in 1537 was inaugurated Lord of Tyrconnell at Kilmacrenan. He invaded the Pale in 1539, but two years later submitted to the Lord Deputy. His son Calvagh deposed him in 1555. He wrote love poetry and satiric verse and undertook to supervise the writing of a life of St Colmcille at Lifford Castle, where he was captive. This was completed in 1536. The manuscript is now in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

O'DONNELL, MARY STUART fl.1632

Mary Stuart O'Donnell was born in Eng-land and reared in Ireland until she was twelve years old, when she returned to England to the care of her grandmother, Lady Kildare. She was the daughter of Brigid Fitzgerald and Rory O'Donnell, who fled with the Earls in 1607. In 1626, because she objected to her grandmother's choice of suitor, she dressed in men's clothes and with friends, made her way to Bristol where she boarded a vessel to Brussels. It was in Europe that she met her brother Hugh for the first time, but is said to have antago-nised him by continuing to dress and behave as a man. She was betrothed to O'Neill, but married Dudley O'Gallagher who was killed in 1635. She remarried four years later, a `poor Irish captain', and returned to Rome. Nothing further is known of her.

O'DONNELL, NIALL GARBH 1569-1626

Niall Garbh O'Donnell was born in County Donegal and opposed the election of Red Hugh O'Donnell as chief. He took Lifford and Donegal from him and was himself inaugurated at Kilmacrenan. In 1608 he was accused of conspiring with Cahir O'Doherty in a rebellion, and in 1609 he was committed to the Tower of London where he remained until his death.

O DONNELL, NUALA fl. 1608-1617

Nuala O Donnell was a daughter of Hugh O'Donnell, and probably of Finula O'Donnell. She was a sister of Red Hugh, and the subject of a poem, 'Truagh liom Maire agas Mairghreg', by Fearghal Og Mac an Bhaird. She was exiled in Rome, returning to Louvain some time after the death of the last of her four brothers, in 1608. She is believed to have brought the son of the Earl of Tyrconnell, who was seven years of age, to be educated by the Irish Franciscans in Flanders, and she herself also tutored him. A letter addressed to James I prior to 1613, mentions her request that the boy be pardoned, be permitted to return to Ireland, and have his father's lands restored to him. She died some time after 1617 and is buried in the chapel of the Franciscans at Louvain near the high altar. It is probable that she was the owner of the Book of O'Donnell's Daughter, which contains sections by Eoghan Ruadh Mac an Bhaird, Ferghal Og Mac an Bhaird and Eochaidh O hEoghusa.

O'DONNELL, PATRICK 1856-1927

Patrick O'Donnell was born in Kilraine near Glenties, County Donegal, and was educated locally and at Letterkenny. In 1880 he was ordained at Maynooth and was appointed Professor of Theology. In 1888 he became Bishop of Raphoe. He instigated the building of many churches, including Letterkenny Cathedral, a school at Killybegs, County Donegal, and a seminary at Letterkenny. In 1896 he was chairman of the Irish Race Convention, and in 1900 chaired the National Convention. In 1908 he was instrumental in founding the National University of Ireland. In 1924 he became Archbishop of Armagh and in the following year was created a Cardinal. In 1927 he introduced reforms at a Synod at Maynooth. He was a native Irish speaker and an active member of the Irish Convention in 1917. He died in Carlingford, County Louth.

O'DONNELL, PEADAR 1893-1986

Peadar O'Donnell was born in Meenmore, near Dungloe, County Donegal, and educated at St Patrick's Training College, Dublin. He went to Arranmore and Inisfree islands as a teacher, but having witnessed the hardships of Irish migrant labourers in Scotland, in 1918 he became a full-time organiser for the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union. He opposed conscription, and in 1920 he became a member of the Irish Republican Army and was imprisoned for his opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. He escaped in 1924, but was imprisoned again in 1927. The Way It Was With Them was written on his release, when he went to the south of France. In 1930 he was President of the European Peasant Congress in Berlin. For a period he was editor of An Phoblacht, but left the Irish Republican Army to work for the Republican Congress, which was intended to establish a workers' republic. He recruited volunteers to fight in the Spanish Civil War on the republican side. Among his publications are Storm (begun in prison); Islanders; The Knife; On the Edge of the Stream; The Big Windows and Proud Island. The Gates Flew Open; Salud!: An Irishman in Spain and There Will Be Another Day are autobiographical works. From 1946 until 1954 he was editor of the literary monthly journal The Bell. He was a member of the Irish Academy of Letters and served as its President. His play, Wrack was performed in the Abbey Theatre in 1932. He was a campaigner all his life, and in his later years was in favour of nuclear disarmament. He died in Dublin.

O'DONNELL, RORY 1575-1608

Rory (Ruidhri) O'Donnell was born in County Donegal and became chief of Tyrconnell when Red Hugh went to Spain after the defeat at the Battle of Kinsale. In 1602 he submitted to Mountjoy and went with him in 1603 to London to visit King James I and was created first Earl of Tyrconnell. Later that year he was knighted in Dublin. Discontented with the lands granted to him, he decided to seize Dublin Castle, but his plans were discovered, and he and Tyrone fled in what became known as the 'Flight of the Earls' in 1607. He died in Rome.

O'DONOVAN, GERALD 1871-1942

Gerald O'Donovan was born in County Down and was educated in Cork, Galway and Sligo. After having attended Maynooth, he was ordained for the diocese of Clonfert. He was involved with the Gaelic League and the co-operative movement. He left the priesthood and went to London where he became a businessman and a novelist. His publications include Father Ralph; How They Did It and Vocations. His work was admired by Frank O'Connor. He died in Surrey.

O'DUFFY, EOIN 1892-1944

Eoin O'Duffy was born in Cargaghdoo near Castleblayney, County Monaghan. He worked as an engineer and architect in County Monaghan and then became an auctioneer. He was a prominent volunteer in the 1916 uprising. In 1917 he joined the Irish Republican Army and was imprisoned on several occasions. In 1921 he became Director of Organisation of the Irish Republican Army and in the following year was appointed its Chief of Staff. He supported the Treaty and became first chief commissioner of the Garda Siochana, but in 1933 de Valera dismissed him. He became leader of the National Guard (soon known as the Blueshirts) and was appointed President of the Fine Gael party upon its formation in 1933, resigning in 1934. In 1935 he founded the National Corporate Party and in 1936 organised an Irish brigade to fight for Franco in the Spanish Civil War. He described his campaign in Crusade in Spain. He was given a state funeral.

O DUILEARGA, SEAMAS see DELARGY, JAMES

O'FARRELLY, AGNES MARY WINIFRIDE d.1951

Agnes O'Farrelly was born at Raffenny House, County Cavan, and was educated at University College, Dublin. She was a member of the senate of the National University of Ireland and of the governing body of University College, Dublin. She pioneered the Irish language revival, was a member of the Executive Committee of the Gaelic League and President of the International Celtic Congress. She wrote many works both in English and Irish.

O'FARRELLY, FEARDORCHA 18th century

Feardorcha O'Farrelly was born in Mullagh, County Cavan. He was a farmer and a friend of the harper O'Carolan for whom he wrote poems in Irish. Among his poems are 'Beir Beannacht uaim sios go Baile na Croabh' and 'Siuibhal me Cuig Coige na Fodhla'.

O'FEE, THOMAS, see O FIAICH, TOMAS

O FHLOINN, RIOBARD, see LYND, ROBERT

O FIAICH, TOMAS 1923-1992

Tomas O Fiaich was born in County Armagh and was educated at Maynooth and University College, Dublin. He was ordained in 1948 and went to Louvain to further his studies. He was Professor of History at Maynooth and became deeply involved in the language revival. In 1977 he was consecrated Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and in 1979 he was created cardinal. In 1980 he received the Irish American Cultural Institute Award for translating the Bible into Irish. Among his publications are Gaelscrinte i gCein; Ma Nuad; Oliver Plunkett: Ireland's New Saint; Art Mac Cumhaigh; Danta and Saint Oliver of Armagh.

O GALLCHOBHAIR, SEAMUS (GALLAGHER, JAMES) 1681-1751p

Seamus O Gallchobhair was born in County Donegal and from 1725 to 1737 was Bishop of Raphoe and then Bishop of Kildare until his death. There were periods of his life as Bishop of Raphoe when he sought refuge from the authorities at Lough Erne. He preached in Irish, and his sermons, which were popular, were printed as Sermons in Irish Gaelic.

O'GALLAGHER, REDMOND 1521-1601

Redmond O'Gallagher was born in Raphoe, County Donegal. In 1545 he was consecrated Bishop of Killala. He was translated to Derry in 1569 and was appointed Vice-Primate in 1570. It is said that he helped survivors of the Spanish Armada in 1588, but he was killed by English soldiers at Killea, County Londonderry. [Biography by Bishop O'Doherty]

O'GARA, FERGAL 17th century

Fergal O'Gara was born in County Sligo and was the patron of the Four Masters while they were compiling the famous Annals in Donegal from 1632 to 1636.

OGILBY, DAVID 1755-1834

David Ogilby was born in Limavady, County Londonderry, and went to India to serve with the East India Company. After twenty-two years he was knighted and returned to Ireland. He wrote and published poems, which included translations of Indian poets, in Walker's Hibernian Magazine in 1804.

O'GLACAN, NIAL c.1590-1655

Nial O'Glacan was born in County Donegal, though few details of his early life remain. He was a physician, and it is possible he left Ireland when he was young because of his support for Hugh O'Donnell who died in 1602 in Spain. He spent many years practising in Salamanca and Valencia, using the latinised version of his name, Mellanus Galacanus, for professional purposes. By the 1620s he was treating cases of the plague in Claremont and Toulouse. In 1629 he published his famous Tractatus de Peste, which was printed by the university printers; it includes personal observations such as the fact that the plague doctors wore long leather gowns, gauntlets, leather masks with glass protection for the eyes and a long beak filled with fumigants for the nose. The University of Toulouse appointed him to its Chair of Medicine, and he was physician to the King of France. In 1646 he moved to Bologne and visited Rome. He edited a collection of poems with the Bishop of Ferns and Sir Nicholas Plunkett: Regni Hiberniae ad Sanctissimus Innocenti Pont. Max Pyramides Encomiasticae. In 1655 he published Cursus Medicus (2 vols), based on the writings of Galen.

O GNIMH, FEARFLATHA c.1540-1640

Fearflatha O Gnimh was the bard of the O'Neills of Clandedoye and went with Shane O'Neill to London to meet Queen Elizabeth I. His two best-known poems are 'Mo Thruaigh Mar Taid Gaoidhil' and 'Beannacht ar Anmain Eireann.'

O GORMAIN, (MAC GORMAIN), MUIRIS c.1700-1794

Muiris O Gormain was born in Ulster and was a schoolmaster, scribe and poet. The manuscripts upon which he worked are in the British Library and other Irish collections. He assisted Charlotte Brooke in her publication Reliques of Irish Poetry.

O'GOWAN, ERIC EDWARD DORMAN 1895-1969

Eric O'Gowan was born in County Cavan and was educated in England. He joined the British army and was commissioned. He fought in both world wars. In 1942 he was dismissed as Deputy Chief of the General Staff, British Middle East Command, though a footnote on a report by Sir Winston Churchill states that O'Gowan 'only became Deputy Chief of Staff on 16th June, 1942' and could not have been responsible for the fall of Tobruk. The Chief Herald, in 1949, authorised him as being the representative of the ancient sept of the O'Gowans of Ballygowan, County Down.

O GRIANNA, SEAMUS (pseud. MAIRE) 1891-1969

Seamus O Grianna was born in Ranafast in the Donegal Gaeltacht. He taught in Tyrone, Dublin and Donegal, and in 1919 was employed as an organiser for Dail Eireann's Ministry of Education. In 1921 he was imprisoned for two years because of his opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. When the first Fianna Fail government had taken office in 1932 he once more became a civil servant and was employed in making translations from English and French into Irish. Among his publications are two novels, Mo Dha Roisin and Caisleain Oir and many collections of short stories, including Cioth is Dealain. In 1945 Saoghal Corrach, his autobiography, was published.

O'HAGAN, JOHN 1822-1890

John O'Hagan was born in Newry, County Down, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was called to the Bar in 1842 and defended Gavan Duffy in 1848. He was made Queen's Counsel in 1865 and became a judge of the Land Court in 1881. Many of his poems were published in The Nation and he translated the Song of Roland in 1883.

O'HAGAN, JOHN TULLYHOGUE d.1979

John O'Hagan was born in Coalisland, County Tyrone. In 1939 he went to England to pursue a business career, and became known as a woodcarver. In St Michael's Church, West Bromwich hangs his carving 'Madonna and Child'. Another of his carvings was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. The artist's family possess his carved chairs and chests which carry the armorial bearings of the O'Neills.

O'HAGAN, MARY 1823-1876

Mary O'Hagan was born in Belfast and entered the Sisters of Poor Clares in Newry in 1844, where she became abbess in 1853. She founded the Convent of Poor Clares, Kenmare in 1861 and was abbess there until her death. [Biography by M. F. Cusack]

O'HAGAN, THOMAS 1812-1885

Thomas O'Hagan was born in Belfast and was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He was called to the Bar in 1836 and defended Gavan Duffy both in a libel action and when he was tried by the state in 1844. In 1860 he became Solicitor-General and in 1861 Attorney-General, and from 1863 to 1865 he served as member of parliament for Tralee. Within the next seven years he was appointed judge and Lord Chancellor in 1868 and became a peer in 1870 as Lord O'Hagan of Tullyhogue. He published Speeches and Papers and died in London.

O'HANLON, JOHN J. 1874-1960

John O'Hanlon was born in Portadown, County Armagh. He won nine Irish Chess Championship titles, from 1912 to 1940. He also won many minor chess tourna-ments in England and in Europe.

O'HANLON, REDMOND 1640-1681

Redmond O'Hanlon was born in Aghantaraghan, near Poyntzpass, County Armagh, and took up service in the French army. His family were dispossessed of property in Tandragee, their ancestral home, after the Cromellian wars. When Redmond returned he led a band of outlaws or rapparees and exacted tribute in Armagh, Down and Louth. In 1676 a reward of £100 was offered for his body, dead or alive. He was regarded by many people as a folk hero, and gave money he had robbed from the rich to the poor. It is said that he frequently evaded capture and once swam the width of Carlingford Lough to escape. He was shot in his sleep while hiding at Eightmilebridge, County Down, by his foster-brother. His head was placed on a spike over Downpatrick jail, and he is buried in the graveyard of Relicarn, adjacent to Balinabeck, outside Tandragee, County Armagh. He is the subject of many songs and stories.

O'HARA, HELEN 1881-1919

Helen O'Hara was probably born in Portstewart, County Londonderry. She exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, and the Society of Women Artists. She was elected Vice-President of the Belfast Art Society in 1904. She lived in Belfast and Waterford, and her work is represented in the Ulster Museum, Belfast.

O'HARA, WILLIAM 1816-1899

William O'Hara was born in Derry and was taken to Philadelphia when he was four. After studying in Rome he was ordained in 1843 and became Vicar-General of Philadelphia in 1860, and eight years later was consecrated first Bishop of Scranton.

O'HARTAGAN (ua hArtacain), CINAED d.975

Cinaed O'Hartagan was born in Ulster and was a Gaelic poet. Several of his poems have been printed in the Book of Leinster and the Book of Ballymote.

O'HEMPSY (HEMPSON), DENIS 1695-1807

Denis O'Hempsy was born in Craigmore, near Garvagh, County Londonderry. Owing to smallpox he became blind at the age of three years, but was taught to play the harp by Bridget O'Cahan when he was twelve. He travelled throughout Ireland for ten years playing his harp, and when he visited Scotland in 1745 he played before Prince Charles Edward at Holyrood. He lived in a house at Magilligan, County Londonderry, which had been given to him by Bishop Hervey, and in 1792 he attended the famous Harp Festival in Belfast. He is mentioned by Edward Bunting for his expertise as a musician. It is said that he lived on a diet of milk, water and potatoes, that he married when he was eighty-six and had a daughter, and that he lived until he was one hundred and twelve years old. Many of Ireland's very old harp tunes are attributed to him. His harp was made out of white willow with a back of fir which had been dug out of a bog.

O hEODHASA, EOCHAIDH, see O'HUSSEY, EOCHAIDH

O hEODHASA, GIOLLA-BHRIGHDE or MAELBHRIGHID, see O'HUSSEY, BONAVENTURE

O HUALLACHAIN, COLMAN 1922-1979

Colman O hUallachain was born in Dublin and was educated at Colaiste Mhuire, University College, Galway, and at Louvain. He was ordained a Franciscan priest. He studied linguistics at Georgetown University and proceeded to apply his knowledge to the Irish language. He initiated a television programme, 'Buntus Cainte' to promote Irish. He was lecturer in philosophy through Irish in University College, Galway, and held the Chair of Ethics and Logic at Maynooth. He was Director of the Institiuid Teangeolaiochta Eireann and a senior lecturer in Irish at the New University of Ulster. Among his publications is Ridire Mhuire gan Smal.

O hUIGINN, TADHG DALL 1550-1591/1617

Tadhg O hUiginn is thought to have been born in County Sligo, but fostered in County Donegal. He was a bard, and about forty of his poems survive, some of which are addressed to the O'Neills, the O'Rourkes and the Maguires. He was murdered by the O'Haras because he had satirised them in one of his poems.

O'HUSSEY, BONAVENTURE (O hEODHASA, GIOLLA-BHRIGHDE or MAELBHRIGHID) 1574-1614

Bonaventure O'Hussey was born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and was educated at Douay and Louvain, where he became a Franciscan in 1607. He was one of the original members of the community of St Anthony's at Louvain and was Guardian there at the time of his death. In 1608 he published An Teagasc Criostaidhe, a book on Christian doctrine, later publishing a long poem with the same title. His works were written in Irish, and his manuscripts are in the British Library, the Royal Irish Academy and the Vatican.

O'HUSSEY (O hEODHASA), EOCHAIDH c.1570-c.1617/30

Eochaidh O'Hussey was an ollamh, and the last of the bards of the Maguires of Fermanagh. The winter campaign of 1599 to 1600 is the subject of his most famous poem. His poetry celebrates the escape of Hugh O'Donnell from Dublin Castle and praises the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell. His manuscripts are preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.

OISIN or OSSIAN

Oisin was the son of Fionn Mac Cumhail and is the legendary warrior poet of the Fianna. The Transactions of the Ossianic Society have printed the poems which are ascribed to him. Local tradition in the Glens of Antrim associates his name with the Neolithic court cairn at Lubitavish, Glenaan, close to which a memorial has been erected to John Hewitt.

O'LAVERTY, JAMES 1828-1906

James O'Laverty was born in Lecale, County Down, and was educated at St Malachy's College, Belfast, and Maynooth, where he was ordained in 1851. He was curate in Ahoghill and Portglenone, and in 1857 he became dean of the diocesan seminary in Belfast and chaplain to the Belfast Workhouse. He was parish priest of Holywood, County Down, for over thirty years until the time of his death. He established a National School in 1869 and erected a church dedicated to to St Colmcille. He wrote many articles for the Ulster Journal of Archaeology. From 1878 until 1887 he produced the definitive Historical Account of Down and Connor (4 vols), which he acknowledged as owing a debt to the work of Bishop William Reeves. A fifth volume dealt with the bishops of the diocese. In 1904 he became Monsignor. He is buried in the church-yard in Holywood.

O LOCHLAINN, DOMHNALL 1048-1121

Domhnall O Lochlainn was King of Ailech. In 1083 he invaded Connaught, crossing into Ulidia, where he won the battle of Creeve in County Antrim in 1100. It is said that he cut down the great tree under which the kings were crowned. By 1091 he had become ruler of Ireland and in 1103 he defeated the Danes and Leinstermen at Donaghmore, County Down. He died in Derry.

O'MALLEY, ERNEST 1898-1957

Ernie O'Malley was born in County Mayo and as a medical student joined the Irish Volunteers in 1917. With the rank of captain he was sent as an organiser to north-west Ulster. He fought in both the Anglo-Irish War and the civil war (on the Republican side) and was wounded on several occasions and was told by a doctor that he would never be able to walk again. He recovered in Spain and travelled in Europe and America, where he collected funds for the establishment of the Irish Press. He was elected a Member of the Irish Academy of Letters and published On Another Man's Wound which was republished as Army Without Banners. He also published The Singing Flame and Raids and Rallies. He died in Howth.

O'MALLEY, GRACE c.1530-c.1600

Grace O'Malley was born in County Mayo; the name Granuaile, by which she is sometimes known, is a corruption of the Gaelic form of her name, Grainne Ni Mhaille. The O'Malleys were seafarers, and Grace spent her childhood on the islands off the west coast of Ireland, becoming a proficient sea-captain. She was accused of robbing from the Aran Islands, and a gallows was built for her execution. She fled to Ulster and stayed with the O'Neills until her eventual pardon from Queen Elizabeth I. It is believed that she is buried on Clare Island off County Mayo.

O MAOIL CHONAIRE, FEARFEASA 17th century

Fearfeasa O Maoil Chonaire (O'Mulconry) was a native of County Roscommon and one of the Four Masters who worked in Donegal transcribing the manuscripts which comprised the Annals of the Four Masters. He also recorded the lives of forty Connaught bards, c. 1636.

O MEALLAIN, FEARDORCHA 17th century

Feardorcha O Meallain is thought to have been born in County Down. Little is known of his life, but he may have been a priest. He has left only one known work; this deals with the act of parliament of 1652 which banished all opponents of the British parliament east of the Shannon to Connaught and Clare on pain of death.

O'MULCONRY, see O MAOIL CHONAIRE, FEARFEASA

O'NEILL, ARTHUR 1737-1816

Arthur O'Neill was born in County Tyrone and was a traditional harper who collected many ancient tunes. He was blind and played the harp with extraordinary skill, and was considered one of the last of the itinerant bards. He was one of the performers at the great Harp Festival in Belfast in 1792. He died in County Armagh.

O'NEILL, BRIAN MacPHELIM d.1574

Brian O'Neill was chief of the O'Neills of Clandeboye and was knighted in 1567. He had fought for the English against his cousin Shane O'Neill, but later joined with Turlough Luineach in attacking the Ards peninsula and resisting plantation. Essex compelled him to submit, but he disobeyed in 1573 and, although he was pardoned, Essex insisted on his execution.

O'NEILL, CONN BACACH c.1484-c.1559

Conn O'Neill was inaugurated chief of the Tyrone O'Neills in 1519. He attacked the Pale, and his lands were ravaged three times in reprisal. In 1537 he attacked Ardglass, but when he went to London he was given the title of Earl of Tyrone by Henry VIII, which made him unpopular in Ulster. He died in the Pale.

O'NEILL, DANIEL c.1612-1664

Daniel O'Neill served at the court of Charles II, and as a soldier fought abroad. After attempting to regain his own estates, he commanded the foot soldiers at Marston Moor (1644) and Naseby (1645), and for a period was in command of the Ulster Confederate army. He was committed to the Tower, but escaped wearing women's clothes. After the Restoration he was rewarded with an estate in England and was appointed Postmaster-General. He built Belsize House in London and died in Kent.

O'NEILL, DANIEL 1920-1974

Daniel O'Neill was born in Belfast and worked as an electrician. He attended Belfast Technical School for art classes, and held his first exhibition in Mol's Gallery in Belfast in 1940. He undertook night work so that he could use the day for painting. He had a very successful one-man exhibition in Dublin, and Victor Waddington subsidised him so that he could become a full-time artist. After a period abroad he returned to Kerry in the 1960s. He had occasional exhibitions at the Royal Hibernian Academy and in London and Boston.

O'NEILL, FELIM, see O'NEILL, PHELIM

O'NEILL, FLAITHBEARTACH d.1036

Flaithbeartach O'Neill was King of Ailech. He ravaged Lecale, County Down, and killed its king in 1004. In 1014 he attacked Kilmacrenan, County Donegal, and the Ards peninsula, County Down, and carried off great plunder. In 1031 he went on a pilgrimage to Rome.

O'NEILL, GEORGE 1863-1947

George O'Neill was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, and was educated at St Stanislaus' College, Tullamore, and at the Universities of Prague and Paris. In 1900 he became a Fellow of Royal University of Ireland. He was Emeritus Professor of English at University College, Dublin, and Professor of Modern Languages at Corpus Christi College, Melbourne. Among his publications are Could Bacon have Written the Plays?; Five Centuries of English Poetry; Golden Years on the Paraguay; The Psalms and The Book of Job, the last two being translations with commentary.

O'NEILL, GORDON d.1704

Gordon O'Neill was the son of Sir Phelim O'Neill and was Lieutenant and member of parliament for Tyrone in 1689. He fought in the Battle of the Boyne and at Aughrim and was left for dead on the battlefield. He later went to France and served in the Irish Brigade.

O'NEILL, HENRY d.1489

Henry O'Neill was King of Tyrone and was captured by the O'Donnells in 1431 but defeated them four years later. He fought on the side of the McQuillans against the O'Neills of Clandeboye. In 1470 he took Sketrick Castle and six years later demolished Belfast Castle. He received a gift of scarlet cloth and a gold chain from the king of England in 1463.

O'NEILL, HUGH d.1230

Hugh O'Neill was King of Tyrone from 1196 and opposed the Anglo-Normans, whom he defeated at Larne in 1198. He defeated the English at Narrow-water near Warrenpoint, County Down, in 1211 and destroyed the castle of Clones. Within the next few years he had razed Carrickfergus, Carlingford and Coleraine.

O'NEILL, HUGH c.1550-1616

Hugh O'Neill was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, and as an infant was fostered in Tyrone by the O'Hagans and the O'Quinns. After the death of his father, he became a ward of the crown and lived with an English settler family in the Pale. When war broke out between the crown and Shane O'Neill in 1566, he fought on Queen Elizabeth's behalf. Between 1573 and 1575 he soldiered for the Earl of Essex in Ulster, but in 1579, he reached an agreement with the crown which lasted until 1587. The English government became increasingly dependent upon him to defend the Pale, and he had the title Earl of Tyrone conferred on him. He was proclaimed a traitor when he declared himself The O'Neill, chief of Tyrone in 1595. He captured the Blackwater fort and fought in Munster during the Nine Years' War against the English. After many military successes he was eventually defeated at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 and returned to Ulster to find that the majority of his lands had been confiscated; though he accepted the terms of Queen Elizabeth I in order to retrieve them. Possibly learning that, in response to an alleged conspiracy, the English government was planning to arrest him, he fled to France and then to Rome, where he spent the rest of his life. In his later years he became blind. There is a memorial stone to him in the Church of San Pietro in Montorio. [Biography by John Mitchel]

O'NEILL, HUGH DUBH d.1660

Hugh O'Neill served in Spain with Owen Roe O'Neill, and when he returned to Ireland in 1642 he was taken prisoner in Monaghan, but in 1646 was released in an exchange of prisoners. He was appointed general of the Irish forces in Ulster and Governor of Limerick, where he fought Cromwell's army. In 1651, as Governor of Limerick, he capitulated and was sent as a prisoner to London. On his release he returned to Spain, where he died.

O'NEILL, JOHN 1740-1798

John O'Neill was born in Shane's Castle, County Antrim, and served as member of parliament for Randalstown from 1761 to 1793. He supported Catholic Emancipation and was raised to the peerage of Antrim in 1793 and created a viscount in 1795. In 1798 he was, as the Governor of Antrim, involved in the battle which took place there during the rebellion, and was killed by his own park-keeper.

O'NEILL, JOHN 1834-1878

John O'Neill was born in Drumgallon, County Monaghan. In 1857 he emigrated to America. He served throughout the Civil War with the Federal army. He joined the Fenians. With fifteen hundred men he crossed the Niagara into Canada and captured Fort Erie. He was imprisoned, and on his release he returned to the United States. He died in Omaha.

O'NEILL, JOHN BRUCE RICHARD 1780-1855

John O'Neill joined the British army and reached the rank of general. In 1841 he became 3rd Viscount O'Neill. He was Constable of Dublin Castle and Vice-Admiral of the coast of Ulster.

O'NEILL, MOIRA, see SKRINE , AGNES NESTA SHAKESPEARE (nee HIGGINSON)

O'NEILL, NIAL 1658-1690

Nial O'Neill was born in Shane's Castle, County Antrim, and in 1687 recruited regiments of dragoons for King James I. He was present at the siege of Derry and was wounded at the Battle of the Boyne. He died in Waterford.

O'NEILL, NIALL MORE d.1398

Niall More O'Neill was King of Tyrone and fought many battles against the Anglo-Irish in the fourteenth century. It is said that in 1387 he built a house at Eamhain Macha, now Navan Fort, near Armagh, and entertained there the learned men and the bards of Ireland. In 1397 he abdicated in favour of his son.

O'NEILL, OWEN c.1380-1456

Owen O'Neill was King of Tyrone. He defended east Ulster in 1417, and in 1422 with English assistance attacked Connaught. During 1435 he fought the Maguires of Fermanagh, and it is said that the people fled before him carrying their possessions across the frozen surface of Lough Erne. He was captured by the English at Trim, when he turned against them. He had been inaugurated O'Neill in 1432, but in 1455 was deposed by his son.

O'NEILL, OWEN ROE c.1590-1649

Owen Roe O'Neill accompanied his uncle, Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, when he fled to Europe in 1607. He was educated at Louvain, served in the army in Spain around 1610, and fought with distinction in the Netherlands and against the French. He returned to Ulster in 1642, and arriving Sheephaven Bay, County Donegal, was chosen by the Ulstermen as their general. He swore allegiance to King Charles I and won the Battle of Benburb, County Tyrone, in 1646. Shortly after Cromwell's arrival in Ireland in 1649, O'Neill died in Cloughoughter, County Cavan, on his way to join the royalist army.

O'NEILL, PHELIM 1604-1652

Phelim O'Neill was born in Kinard, County Tyrone, studied at Lincoln's Inn, and served as member for Dungannon in the Irish parliament. He was expelled in 1641 for his part in the rebellion. After seizing Charlemont castle, he was chosen leader of the Ulster forces at Monaghan. He was defeated at Lisburn, County Antrim, but captured Lurgan, County Armagh, and burnt Armagh. In 1650 he was forced to capitulate and was tried and executed in Dublin.

O'NEILL, PHELIM d.1709

Phelim O'Neill was a Jacobite who took part in the siege of Derry. He also fought at the Battle of the Boyne, at Aughrim, and at Limerick. When Limerick capitulated, he went into exile in France with his regiment and was killed at the Battle of Malplaquet, fighting with the Irish Brigade.

O'NEILL, ROSA (O'DONNELL, nee O'DOGHERTY) c.1582-1660

Rosa O'Neill was a sister of Cahir O'Doherty. She married Cathbar O'Donnell, brother of the Earl of Tyrconnell, and bore him a son, Hugh. In 1607 they accompanied the Earl of Tyrone to the continent, and then to Rome, having left Hugh in Louvain. A year later, when her husband died of fever, she returned to Louvain, and in 1613-14 marred Owen Roe O'Neill. They had one son, Henry. Rosa was politically active on Owen Roe's behalf, often representing him and acting as his intermediary and purchasing agent. In 1643, she and Henry Roe returned to Ireland, where her husband was campaigning, but six years later, Owen Roe died of a fever. In 1651 she gained permission to resettle in Flanders, from where she petitioned the Spanish authorities for Owen's military pensions. Towards the end of her life she lived in Brussels. She was buried at the Franciscan College of St Anthony of Padua in Louvain. Her crypt and Latin inscription survive.

O'NEILL, SEAMUS 1910-1981

Seamus O'Neill was born in Clarkhill, near Castlewellan, County Down and was educated at Queen's University, Belfast, and Innsbruck. He gave lecture tours in America and Canada and was, for forty years, Professor of History at Carysfort College of Education. He wrote short stories, An Sean Saighdiur agus Scealta Eile, poetry, essays and plays including Faill ar an bhFeart. His novel Tonn Tuile was a bestseller. He died in Dublin.

O'NEILL, SHANE c.1530-1567

Shane O'Neill, born in Ulster, was known as 'Shane the Proud' and was elected The O'Neill in 1559. In 1562 he submitted to Queen Elizabeth I, but she later withdrew her support in favour of Shane's step-brother. Despite being a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, he destroyed the Scottish settlements of the MacDonnells in County Antrim, burnt Armagh, and invaded the Pale. He defeated the MacDonnells and took Sorley Boy prisoner at Ballycastle in 1565, but they killed him at Cushendun, having invited him to a banquet as a guest.

O'NEILL, SHANE MacBRIAN d.1616

Shane O'Neill was the last chief of Clandeboye and took part in the rebellion of Hugh O'Neill. He captured Edenduffcarrick and Belfast from the English in 1597, but later surrendered and was pardoned. The O'Neills of Clandeboye were dispossessed of six hundred thousand acres under the Ulster plantation of James I. Shane was allowed to keep one hundred and twenty thousand acres, his castle in Edencarrickduff at Randalstown, County Antrim, and the baronies of Antrim and Toome. The castle, of which only a ruined tower now stands, is known as Shane's Castle.

O'NEILL, TURLOUGH LUINEACH c.1530-1595

Turlough O'Neill came from a subordinate branch of the O'Neills and was fostered amongst the Muintir Luinigh. He was inaugurated chief of the O'Neills after the death of Shane O'Neill. He resisted the colonisation of Antrim in 1572 and maintained his power base, west of the River Blackwater. He built the castle of Strabane, which developed into a small town. In 1583 he fought against the Scots. Although he had defeated the rival claimant, Hugh O'Neill in 1588, five years later he resigned in Hugh's favour. He died in Strabane, County Tyrone, and is remembered for his support for the bards and brehons.

O'NEILL, TERENCE 1914-1990

Terence O'Neill was born in London, the son of a Member of Parliament for Mid-Antrim at Westminster. When he was only three months old, his father was killed in the First World War. He was educated at Eton and became an army officer. In 1946 he was elected representative for Bannside, and from 1953 to 1956 was Deputy Speaker. For the next seven years he worked for the Ministry of Finance, and from 1963 to 1969 Captain Terence O'Neill was Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. He resigned in 1969 and returned to England. He became Lord O'Neill of Maine and died in Hamp-shire.

O'NOLAN, BRIAN see O NUALLAIN, BRIAN

O NUALLAIN (O'NOLAN), BRIAN (pseud. FLANN O'BRIEN and MYLES NA GOPALEEN) 1912-1966

Brian O Nuallain was born in Strabane, County Tyrone, graduated in Celtic languages at University College, Dublin, and for many years was a civil servant. He wrote a column for the Irish Times under the pseudonym of Myles na Gopaleen. His first novel, At Swim-Two-Birds, which was published in 1939, is regarded as a masterpiece. He wrote two plays, Thirst and Faustus Kelly which was produced in 1943 in the Abbey Theatre. Other books include The Hard Life, 1961; The Dalkey Archive, 1965 (dramatised by Hugh Leonard as When the Saints Go Cycling In) and The Third Policeman, 1967. The Poor Mouth (An Bheal Bhocht); The Best of Myles and Myles Away from Dublin were published posthumously.

O NUALLAIN, CIARAN 1910-1983

Ciaran O Nuallain was born in Strabane, County Tyrone, and was educated at Synge Street Christian Brothers' School, Dublin, Blackrock College and University College, Dublin. For some years he worked as sub-editor on the Irish Independent and was co-founder of the newspaper Inniu. He was the brother of Brian O Nuallain and published a memoir Oige an Dearthair in 1973. He also published a collection of essays Amaidi and a novel, Oiche i nGleann na nGealt. He died in Dublin.

O NUALLAIN, GEAROID 1874-1942

Gearoid O Nuallain was born in Omagh, County Tyrone, and was educated in Dublin and Germany. From 1909 to 1940 he was Professor of Irish at Maynooth. He wrote textbooks and short stories and among his publications are The New Era Grammar of Modern Irish; Dia Diabhail agus Daoine and Sean agus Mia. He was President of the Society for the Preservation of the Irish language.

O'QUINN, JEREMIAH d.1657

Jeremiah O'Quinn was born in Templepatrick, County Antrim. He was a native Irish speaker and a Catholic, but he converted to Protestantism and was educated in Glasgow, where he qualified as a Presbyterian minister. He was appointed to the parish of Billy, County Antrim, in 1645 and was suspended for his stand on the execution of Charles I, though he was later reinstated. He died at Billy.

O RAIFEARTAIGH, TARLACH 1905-1984

Tarlach O Raifeartaigh was born in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, and was educated at St Patrick's College, Armagh, and University College, Dublin. He was Professor of History at St Patrick's Training College, Drumcondra, Dublin before joining the Department of Education as a secondary schools inspector. Before becoming Chairman of the Higher Education Authority, he served as Secretary to the Department of Education. He was a member of the Royal Irish Academy and had bestowed upon him the Legion of Honour. Dublin University and the National University of Ireland gave him honorary doctorates and he received a papal knighthood.

O'REILLY, EDMUND 1606-1669

Edmund O'Reilly was born in Dublin and was educated abroad. In 1642 he became vicar-general of the diocese of Dublin. After being imprisoned and banished, he returned and was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in 1657, though as a Catholic archbishop he was only able to visit Armagh surreptitiously on a few occassions. Nine years later he was again imprisoned and deported to Europe. He died in France.

O'REILLY, EDWARD 1770-1829

Edward O'Reilly was born in County Cavan and moved to Dublin at the age of twenty. He compiled a dictionary of Irish, with the help of William Haliday, which was printed in Dublin in 1817 as Irish - English Dictionary, prefixed by an introduction to Irish grammar. The Iberno-Celtic Society, whose aim it was to preserve Irish literature, appointed him its assistant secretary. In 1820 it published his Dictionary of Irish Writers. The Royal Irish Academy awarded him two medals, one for his essay on the brehon laws, and the other for his discussion of the authenticity of the poems of Ossian. He catalogued Irish language manuscripts in Dublin libraries and provided Irish nomenclature for the maps of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland.

O'REILLY, HUGH d.1653

Hugh O'Reilly was appointed Bishop of Kilmore in 1625 and became Archbishop of Armagh in 1628. He died on Trinity Island, Lough Erne and is buried in County Cavan.

O'REILLY, MICHAEL d.1758

Michael O'Reilly was the parish priest of Drogheda and was appointed Bishop of Derry in 1739, during which period he lived in Maghera. He became Archbishop of Armagh in 1749. For many years his two catechisms, one in Irish and the other in English were used throughout Ulster.

O'REILLY, PHILIP MacHUGH d.1657

Philip O'Reilly lived in County Cavan and was a soldier. In 1639 he became a member of parliament. In 1641 he and his nephew, who was Sheriff of Cavan, captured Belturbet. He was one of those who signed the petition regarding the grievances of the Catholics in Cavan. In the following year he failed to capture Drogheda, though he took some castles in the vicinity. He was appointed a colonel in the army of Owen Roe O'Neill and fought at Benburb in 1646. In 1653 he laid down arms. He later went to Spain to command a regiment and died in Louvain.

ORR, ANDREW 1822-1895

Andrew Orr was born near Coleraine, County Londonderry, and wrote poetry, some of which was published in magazines. He went to Australia where he worked as a journalist. The poem for which he is remembered, 'In Exile', was often anthologised. He died in Ballarat.

ORR, JAMES 1770-1816

James Orr was born near Ballycarry, County Antrim. He was educated at home and was a weaver and small farmer. He wrote political pieces for the Northern Star and poetry in Ulster Scots dialect. In 1798 he went towards Antrim with the Ballycarry contingent of United Irishmen, but arrived too late. Nevertheless, he had to flee to America where he worked as ajournalist and published poetry until a government amnesty was declared and he was able to return home. His Poems were published in 1804 and in 1817, The Posthumous Works of James Orr: with a Sketch of His Life, was published. He founded the Masonic Lodge in Ballycarry, which he headed for many years. In 1816 they erected a monument over his grave.

ORR, WILLIAM 1766-1797

William Orr was born at Farranshane, County Antrim. He was arrested for administering the oath of the United Irishmen to two soldiers, and despite widely signed petitions and the jury's appeal, he was hanged in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, in 1797. William Drennan's 'The Wake of William Orr' was extremely popular. [Biography by F. J. Bigger]

O SEARCAIGH, SEAMAS 1887-1965

Seamas O Searcaigh was born in County Donegal and was educated at Queen's University, Belfast. He was a lecturer in the Department of Celtic Studies, University College, Dublin, and at Maynooth. He was President of the Irish College of Cloghaneely (Falcarragh), County Donegal. His publications include, Faire Phaidi Mhoir; Ceol Na nEan agus gealta ail; Foghraidheacht Ghaeilge an Tuaiscirt; Padraig Mac Piarais and Beatha Cholm Cille.

O'SHANNON, CATHAL 1889-1969

Cathal O'Shannon was born in Randalstown, County Antrim, and was educated at St Columb's College, Derry. He worked as a clerk in the Belfast office of the Heysham Steamship Company. He was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and of the Gaelic League. At James Connolly's request, he joined the staff of the Irish Transport and General Worker's Union in Belfast. He wrote for the Gaelic League's newspaper and other periodicals. In Coalisland, County Tyrone, on Easter Saturday 1916 he mobilised a hundred Volunteers, but without orders they dispersed. He was imprisoned in Wales and England, and after the general amnesty in 1917 he returned to Ireland and edited the Voice of Labour. He addressed meetings all over London in 1920, advocating Irish independence, and was arrested and imprisoned in Mountjoy Jail. He campaigned both as a trade union official and as a Volunteer, and in 1922 was elected to the Dail for Louth - Meath. In 1941 he became Secretary of the Irish Trade Union Congress, and afterwards of the Congress of Irish Unions. He served for twenty-three years as one of the workers' representatives when the Labour Court was established in 1946. He died in Dublin.

O'SULLIVAN, MORTIMER c.1791-1859

Mortimer O'Sullivan was born in Clonmel, County Tipperary. He converted to Protestantism and was ordained. He became the first headmaster of the Royal School, Dungannon, County Tyrone, and was known for his opposition to landlordism. Among his publications are Digest of Evidence of the State of Ireland.

O TIGHEARNAIN, POALL early 19th century

Poall O Tighearnain was an Irish scribe who flourished in Clones, County Monaghan. A composite volume of his tracts, prose and poetry is preserved in the National Library.