THE ANCIENT ANCESTORS

In this section we will give brief accounts of the verified and ancient figures from whom the McGinleys descend, (along with nearly all of the other clans found in Co Donegal). The McGinleys are of Cineál Chonaill origin, a kinship group who occupied a territory known as Tír Chonaill. Tír Chonaill, or in English Tyrconnell, eventually became the modern Donegal. They were a branch of the ancient Uí Néill line.

UÍ NÉILL

The term Uí Néill means 'the descendants of Niall'. The Niall in question is the great and reknowned Niall Naoighiallach. The great 'House of Niall' was early divided into two main branches, by the sons of Niall namely Conall and Eoghan, who travelled north in search of new kingdoms (in which they succeeded very well). It was infact three brothers who went north, Conall, Eoghan and Éanna, but Éanna managed to control only a very small area of land and bears very little on our story. The two main branches were the Cineál Chonaill and the Cineál Eoghain. From Conall we get the territory of most of Co Donegal and the main families of O'Donnell, O'Doherty, Gallagher, O'Cannon, Boyle and McGinley. From Eoghan we get the peninsula of Inishowen, much of Co Derry and parts of present day Co Tyrone. The leading families of this branch are O'Neill, Kane, Hagan, McLoughlins, Mullan etc. The Uí Néill were the dominant tribal dynasty of the north west of Ireland, and later in central parts of Ulster too. They were the central figures in medieval Irish politics. They controlled most of the northern half of Ireland from the 600's until the 1100's. From around the 700's, the Kingship of Ireland was dominated by different members within the Uí Néill confederation. After the 1100's the kings of Connacht and Leinster came more into contention. Among the important and illustrious High Kings of Ireland who were of Uí Néill descent were... Domhnall Midheach (d. 763), Maol Seachnaill 1 (d. 863), Flann Sionna (d. 917), Niall Glúndubh (d. 919), Muircheartach mac Néill (d. 942), Maol Seachnaill 11 (d. 1022) and Muircheartach Mac Lochlainn (d. 1166). Two of the earliest and important members of the Irish Church were of this line, St Colm Cille and St Ádhamhnán.

 

NIALL NAOIGHIALLACH

b.c. 350 AD - d.c 405 AD

It has been said that Irish history begins with Niall Naoighiallach. Prior to him, we are into the world of folklore and tradition, although no doubt based on some facts. In the English language, this great and esteemed Irish warrior and progenator of tribes is called Niall of the Nine Hostages. He was so called because he got submissions and loyalty from nine nations or regions by kidnapping important members of their areas and reflects the power and success of his career. The nine locations were Connacht, Leinster, Meath, Munster, and Ulster (the ancient five provinces of Ireland), together with Scotland, England, Saxony and Brittany. He was a noted warrior and infact spent most of his time on raiding missions and warfare instead of governing. He is reported to have been killed on one of these forays into France, at the River Loire, no doubt trying to expand his realm!. Another source says he was killed in the English Channel by a Leinster king called Eochaidh mac Éanna, as he was attempting to raid Brittany. At the time Brittany (or Amorica as it was then called) was part of Roman Gaul. His name Niall is properly pronounced Neeil and is anglicised as Neill. It means 'cloud'.

He was the youngest son of the High King of Ireland, Eochaidh Muighmheadhon by his second wife Caireann Casdubh (Karen of the dark/black curly hair). She was reputedly the daughter of a British Celtic king. As a young man, Niall was fostered out to the reknowned poet of the day, Torna. Fosterage was an important part of Irish life up until the eighteenth century. According to folklore he was born at royal Tara. He had four brothers, Ailill, Brian, Fiachra and Fergus. He is said to be buried at Faughan Hill, near Navan in Co Meath. Descendants of his include St Colm Cille/Columba, a long line of Scottish Gaelic kings, Chiefs of Cineál Chonaill (most families in Co Donegal), Chiefs of Cineál Eoghain (families of Inishowen, Derry and north Tyrone), some Royal lines in England as well as numerous leaders and officers in the governments and armies (after 1609) of France, Spain, Russia and the Austrian Empire!

 

CONALL GULBAN

b.c.390 AD - d. 465 AD

Conall was a historical figure who flourished in the fifth century and was therefore a contemporary of St Patrick. He was of Royal Irish lineage being a son of Niall Naoighiallach ‘Niall of the Nine Hostages’ the High King of Ireland. Niall is regarded as the ancestor of a number of royal dynasties in the north west and midlands of Ireland. He was also an ancestor of the great St Colm Cille. Colm Cille’s father was Feidhlimidh, his father was Feargus, and his father was Conall Gulban. It would appear that he was fostered out to his uncle Fiachra. Fostering among blood relations (sometimes simply among allied or friendly tribes) was a common Irish and Celtic custom from ancient times down to the eighteenth century. His uncle sent him to be educated and trained under Muireadhach Meann, king of the Calraighe tribe in north Co. Sligo. Part of his physical training was to run a little further each day to build up his strength. He continued until he could run up to the top and back down (apparently every day) the nearby mountain called Benbulben, or in Irish Gaelic Beann Ghulban. So impressive was his running and athletic feats that he was afterwards called Conall Gulban, after the mountain. This spot was to become the southern most point in his territory.

In one early story, Brian, the uncle of Conall visits Muireadhach and one of Brian's warriors claims that he could do the same feat as Conall. He attempts to run up Benbulben but collapses and falls dead before he could finish! Another story recalls that a war broke out between the warriors of Ulster (meaning, at this point in time, East Ulster) and those of Connacht. The Ulstermen burn the fortress of Muireadhach and then kill him. Conall and his brothers Eoghan and Éanna then go to royal Tara for help. Niall their father and High king tries to calm things and urges Conall and his followers to accept compensation from the Ulstermen, but on the advice of his foster father Fiachra, Conall declines. A fierce battles ensues at Áth Cró ‘the ford of blood’, a place now known as Ballyshannon, in the south of county Donegal. The Ulstermen are defeated and their king is killed. Folklore recalls that Conall Gulban settled at a place called Mullaghnashee, meaning 'the hill/knoll of the faeries' which is situated near the present town of Ballyshannon.

Conall becomes involved in a lot of battles after this, and according to tradition, wins them all. We understand from medieval texts that he met his death at Dún Conaing (near Fenagh, Co. Leitrim). He was chasing a group of raiders of the Masraighe tribe of Co Leitrim who had stolen horses from royal Tara. During a break in fighting, and apparently unarmed, Conall was slain. He was buried at a place called Dún Bhaile (Fenagh, Co. Leitrim). From the great Conall Gulban, the heroic warrior of the fifth century, most of the clans of Donegal are descended of which the leading clan was Ó Domhnaill/O'Donnell. They were responsible for promoting his name and fame in the Middle Ages. He carved out a large territory for himself and his descendants that was there-after called Tír Chonaill...the land/territory of Conall. The Donegal clans are also called the Cineál Chonaill....the seed/progeny of Conall. For example, if a McGinley is asked his surname he should say Mag Fhionnaile....if asked what is his tribe name, he should say Cineál Chonaill. Conall's prowess and skill as a leader and warrior was legendary and well known among his peers. An important text associated with him is called 'Eachtra Chonaill Gulban' and dates from the 1500's. It celebrates his life in the typical romantic style of the medieval period. He was most likely born at Tara. The Cineál Chonaill are first mentioned in the Annals under the date 563 AD.

 

EOGHAN

b.c. 390 AD - d. 465 AD

The equally famous brother of Conall was Eoghan, an ancient Irish personal name pronounced as Owen in English. Eoghan with his brothers Conall and Éanna marched northwards from Connacht to make new territories for themselves. Eoghan took Inis Eoghain/Inishowen which was named after him. Later this area became part of modern County Donegal. He also controlled much of the present Co Derry and Co Tír Eoghain/Tyrone, another location bearing his name.

For a few hundred years there was a power struggle between these two branches for ultimate control of the greater north west of Ireland. Eventually Eoghan's descendants gained control through the powerful Ó Néill/O'Neill clan. The seat of power whether with Cineál Chonaill or Cineál Eoghan was always based at Aileach. Here is a very ancient structure going back thousands of years, long before the descendants of Niall came to the area. Conall and Eoghan no doubt saw the importance of this ancient place. The ancient circular stone structure which they used, can still be seen on the hilltop of Aileach and overlooks a very large part of the north west (on a sunny day of course!). From the 500's until the 1100's this power struggle went on. Aileach was the main centre for these two branches up until the 1100's when the leaders Cineál Eoghain decided to move their base a little eastwards (as part of their further territorial expansion). They made Tullyhoge their new central base. The Cineál Chonaill placed more importance with Doon Rock (afterwards their place of coronation). After that, the importance of Aileach decline dramatically.

Eoghan survives in tradition as a patriarchal figure. Despite the warrior ethics of his descendants, he himself does not seem to have been so wild! History and tradition recall that he was baptised by St Patrick while the saint was on one of his evangelical tours of Inishowen. Eoghan apparently accepted the new form of religion straight away. This fact is recorded in the ancient "Tripartite Life of St Patrick". While on missionary work in Inishowen, St Patrick blessed the 'Children of Conall' and then the 'Children of Eoghan'. St Patrick covered much of Inishowen and stopped at Mevagh, a location where, centuries later, the McGinleys were 'perpetual Vicars'. The death of Eoghan is recorded in the Annals for the year 465 AD. Accordingly, he died of heartbreak when his brother Conall was slain not long before. He died at Eskaheen in the south of the Inishowen Peninsula. The place is now St Patricks Church and no grave or marker exists. There is however a stone plague commemorating the event. The plaque reads..."Eoghan, Prince of Inishowen, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Died 465 of grief for his brother Conall. Baptised by Patrick and buried at Uisce Chaoin". Uisce Chaoin is the Irish form of Eskaheen. According to folk tradition Eoghan lived near to the stone fort of Grianán Ailigh in the district of Aileach.

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We can trace the ancestors of Niall back to Conn Céadchathach (Conn of the Hundred Battles), generations before. Set out below is an acurate genealogical table accepted by nearly all Irish historians.

 

Conn Céadchathach b.c. 150 AD

Art Aonfhear b.c. 175 AD

Cormac mac Airt b.c. 200 AD

Cairbre Lifeachar b.c. 235 AD

Fiacha Sraibhtine b.c. 265 AD

Muireadhach Tíreach b.c. 295 AD

Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin b.c. 330 AD (at Royal Tara)

Niall Naoighiallach b.c. 350 AD (at Royal Tara)

Conall Gulban — — — — — — — — Eoghan

b.c. 390 - d. 465 AD — — — — b.c. 390 - d. 465 AD

 

CONN CÉADCHATHACH

Conn was an all conquering leader, as his name suggests 'of the Hundred Battles'! The earliest folklore account of Conn comes from a text dated to the 800's. The material contained within it recalls earlier times and traditions. According to the text, the story recalls a certain Finghein mac Luchta who was visited each Samhain/Halloween (the ancient Celtic New Year) by an 'otherworld' woman named Rothniamh. Each year she would tell him of great wonders and news from around Ireland. One year she told him that many wonderous things were to occur on that night. A son would be born to a king called Feidhlimidh, and that son would unite the five provinces of Ireland. On the same night a stream would break forth from the earth and that would be the River Boyne. Also, an ancient, special tree called Mughain which had been sown by Fiontán mac Bóchna would be uncovered, and Fionntán himself would awake from a long slumber and would relay ancient stories. Further, lost treasures would be discovered by the ancient Tuatha Dé Danann people in their 'otherworld' dwellings, the five great roads of Ireland would be discovered; and among other wonders great lakes and rivers would appear and nine great birds would sing beautiful music over the ramparts of Tara. Later, when Conn became king of Ireland, he was told by his druid that Finghein was the only man in the country who did not accept him as king. Conn then sought out Finghein to persuade him. Finghein then accepted Conn as King of Ireland and served him for fifty years before falling in battle. Conn reigned for fifty three years.

Conn had a treacherous brother called Eochaidh 'Yellow Mouth' who was always causing trouble. Eochaidh went to Ulster and Conn sent envoys after him to make sure that he was behaving himself. Eochaidh did not like this treatment and started a fight with the envoys just north of Slane on Sliabh Bréagha. Eochaidh was slain and the Ulstermen did not like this and were ready for war. An Ulster king called Tiobraide set out for Tara, the home of King Conn, with a group of his men disguised as women during the time of the Samhain/Halloween festival. Conn was standing on a height looking over Tara and noticed the group arriving and presumed that the women were coming to show fealty and join in the celebrations. Seizing an opportunity, the 'women' attacked Conn and killed him. There was sadness throughout the land of Ireland.

According to folklore, it was Conn who first discovered the Lia Fáil, or in English...The Stone of Destiny. It was supposed to scream under the feet of the rightful king or heir the same number of times as he would have reigning heirs! This is the same Stone of Destiny that the Scots claim as their own. Ancient folklore tells how the sacred stone was lent to a Gaelic Scots king for a coronation and it was never returned to its rightful place. The Irish province of Connacht derives its name from Conn.

 

ART AONFHEAR

His first name means 'like a bear', an ancient Celtic name of mythical prowess. His sobriquet Aonfhear (Old Irish Oenfer) means either 'lonely/singular man' or possibly 'champion'. A story developed around him at an early date that tried to explain the meaning of his name. When his brother Connla departed in a boat on a long journey to discover the 'otherworld' or 'Tír na nÓg' (a recurring theme in Celtic/Gaelic literature), the sad father, Conn, looked at Art and remarked that he shall be 'the lone one'.

Afterwards, his father Conn took a new wife, a horrid woman called Bé Chuma. Nobody liked her, including Art. She twisted Conn against his own son and ordered that Conn banish Art for one year, which he did. After one year Art returned and saw how badly his father was ruling the country and how much under his wifes control he was. Bé Chuma challenged Art to a game of Ficheall (an ancient Irish form of Chess). Art won the first game and demanded as his prize the warriors wand which the great warrior Cú Roí once had. Bé chuma had to search all over Ireland for this wand as a matter of honour and duty. She eventually found it for him. She then won the second game and imposed a tough task on him. He was to search for the beautiful lady called Dealbhchaomh ( a name meaning 'slender beautiful frame/shape'). Art searched high and low throughout Ireland until he came to a magical island on which dwelt only women. He then had to go through a tough series of tasks before he could meet her which included crossing treacherous seas, wild forests, fierce hags and fighting an undefeated warrior. Art passed all tests put in front of him and reluctantly passed the ultimate test, to defeat the warrior parents of Dealbhchaomh. He and Dealbhchaomh fell in love, despite her heartache. He brought her back to Ireland. As they were approaching Royal Tara, Dealbhchaomh felt an uneasy feeling and insisted that Art expell the evil Bé Chuma from the country. This he duly did, which resulted in relieving Conn of his problems and freed the people from the bad rule of that woman. This text dates from the 1200's but is said to be based on much earlier sources.

Art was said to have been a just king, just like his father. He lived just before the Christian period in Ireland, being a pagan. However, folklore tells us that 'two angels' hovered over his head during battle on account of the 'truth and honesty of his rule'. He had one son, Cormac mac Airt. The night before the Battle of Magh Mucramha (in east Galway), he slept with the daughter of a druid (she was called Achtan). From this occasion sprung Cormac. Art did not live to see his son as Art died in battle the following day.

 

CORMAC MAC AIRT

Cormac, the only son of the High King Art Aonfhear. He is probably the most celebrated of all the early mythical/historical high Kings of Ireland. He was sometimes given the epiphet Ulfhada which means 'long beard'. His first name Cormac derives from Ancient Celtic Corbmac meaning 'chariot son'. There is much debate over the origins of Cormac and Irish historians argue over this. He most likely came from, or lived in (for part of his life) the province of Leinster. According to Irish folklore of a later period he is associated with Connacht. It was said that Ireland flourished during his reign as High King. He is often portrayed as the Solomon of the Irish, always showing wise council and making good decisions for his people.

In medieval literature, much elaborate description is given to Cormac's celebrated banqueting hall at Royal Tara called Teach Miodhchuarta, as well as descriptions of himself and his forms of judgement. According to legend, Cormac had a wonderous sword which shone in the darkness like a bright candle and so sharp that it could cut a strand of hair in water! The sword had belonged originally to a man called Socht, but one of Cormac's administrators called Duibhdhriú took it from him when he was drunk. Duibhdhriú etched his own name on the inside of the hilt and claimed the sword as his own. Duibhdhriú used the etching as proof that it belonged to him. Socht however, said that the sword was found driven through the body of his grandfather and that proved that Duibhdhriú was the murderer! Cormac on hearing this backed Socht and Duibhdhriú asked for mercy and told of his lies and treachery. Word then came to Cormac that the sword had actually belonged to the great Cú Chulainn and that it had actually been used by the Ulstermen to kill Cormac's own grandfather Conn. The judge Fíothal agreed with Cormac and he was allowed to keep the sword.

Cormac, according to a late ninth century Irish text, gives great advice to his son Cairbre concerning how to govern correctly and be a good leader for the people. He ordered that after his death, he should not be buried at Brugh na Bóinne/Newgrange, where all previous pagan kings had been buried, but instead he wanted to be buried at Ros na Righ/Rosnaree, a short distance away, with his face facing eastwards towards the rising sun.

 

CAIRBRE LIFEACHAIR

Cairbre, the son of Cormac, and next High King of Ireland. His first name derives from an Ancient Celtic Corb meaning 'chariot'. It is an element fairly common for the period and is found within the name of his father. The second name given to him is of unclear meaning. Some Irish historians have linked it to the River Liffey, in Irish Abhainn Life, coupled with the word for friend, hence 'friend of the River (or Goddess) Liffey'. Today it solely represents the River Liffey but in ancient times it meant both the Goddess of the river and the large plain of Kildare through which the river flows. Some traditions give his mother as a daughter of the great Leinster King Cathaoir Mór.

Not so much is recorded about Cairbre compared to others of his time or compared to his father and grandfather. The early writers did not hesitate however, to depict Cairbre as a staunch scion of the Connacht people. He is often mentioned as a prince at the court of his father in stories relating to his father, but also in stories relating to the great Leinster hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. According to some sources Cairbre was killed in battle against the Fotharta tribe of Leinster. This was at a battle at Gabhra (Gowra, Co Meath) in the year 284 AD. He was apparently a strong warrior in battle.

 

FIACHA SRAIBHTINE

Fiacha was the son of Cairbre Lifeachair and became the High King of Ireland in the year 286 AD, aged around twenty one. Fiacha had a long reign lasting a reputed thirty seven years, unattested. He died in 322 AD in battle. He was replaced by the famous and notorious Three Colla's, of whom the most noted, Colla Uais was High King of Ireland for only four years. He was in turn deposed by Muireadhach Tíreach, the son of Fiacha Sraibhtine, thus bringing the kingship back into a direct family line.

His name Fiacha is an old Celtic name which derives from fiach meaning 'a raven', which was an old symbol of both death and a mighty warrior (associated with death and destruction). His epiphet was given to him after he was 'fostered' at a place called Dún Sraibhtineach.

 

MUIREADHACH TÍREACH

Muireadhach was the next in line for the kingship of Ireland. He was the son of Fiacha Sraibhtine. He became High King of Ireland in the year 325 AD. His first name derives from ancient Celtic (and linked to Latin) muir which means 'the sea' which probably indicates that he was a mariner or spent some time 'overseas' probably marauding. The second name given to him simply means 'land' or 'of the land'. This is ofcource descriptive of him and many centuries before proper surnames.

Muireadhach was born circa 295 AD and died in battle around the year 356 AD at Portrigh in Ireland. He was slain by Caolbhadh, son of Crunn, King of Uladh (an ancient territory in east Ulster). He was sometimes called Muireadhach Tíreach mac Fiachaidh in the histories. He held the position of High King of Ireland for thirty three years. Muireadhach banished the Three Colla's to Scotland and the King of Scotland greeted them and their 300 followers.

 

CONCLUSION

From this great line, descendants of Niall Naoighiallach, come the McGinleys through the line of Conall. Ultimately we can go further back in time to the great Conn Céadchathach/Conn of the Hundred Battles, according to folklore a powerful warrior as his name clearly suggests. This great line has produced many High Kings of Ireland that we can be proud of. The McGinleys became an integral part of religious life among the Cineál Chonaill tribes for many hundreds of years. With very little outside interferance (until the Plantation), the blood line of the Donegal clans remained fairly pure and localised. The shadow of holy Muckish still finds many McGinleys living there!

According to the respected Irish historian Seathrún Céitinn/Geoffrey Keating (1580-1644), the inauguration ceremony for a new chieftain among the Cineál Chonaill went thus.....'He sits amidst his nobles, a chief of a sub sept stands before him with a straight white wand in his hand, and then presents it to the king. The king was asked to receive the leadership and to maintain rights and equality. The wand represented rights and equality, straight and white (pure) in colour. The wand was to remind him of his duties. To be just and pure and upright in his actions'. This important ceremony took part at Grianán Aileach up until the 1100's and thereafter at Doon Rock, Kilmacrennan until the early 1600's.

It has always been known among the McGinleys through the great Irish system of Oral tradition, that we descend from Niall Naoighiallach/Niall of the Nine Hostages. We have always known that our origins are in the north of Donegal. In recent years, the science of DNA has been a great help to scientists and genealogists. Recent investigations have proven the McGinley link to the Great House of Niall. DNA has shown that all the great families in Donegal are linked to the same ancestor, some more closely than others. That the Donegal families can trace their origins back to Niall is now backed by science (we always knew that anyway!). Unfortunately DNA has not yet been able to find the individual 'thread' that shows on which long line we come from, either the Cineál Chonaill or the Cineál Eoghain. I'm sure that this small problem will be overcome in time, but according to family lore and general Donegal folklore, the McGinleys are part of the Conall line, and there is no reason to doubt that.

The ancient seat of power of the early Cineál Chonaill leaders was at An Grianán, an ancient Iron Age stone fort located close to the Derry border in east Donegal. The photograph on the left is an ariel view of the circular fort showing the countryside all around. The fort sits on top of a hill with commanding views for miles around. The photograph on the right shows the entrance way into the fort.

A most marvellous view can be got from the top of An Grianán fort. The walls of the fort are 17 feet thick at the bottom. A series of stone stairways guide you to the top. The view shown in this photograph is northwards towards Inch Island. You can clearly see the causeway linking the island to the Inishowen mainland. Lough Swilly is the expanse of water visable and it heads out to the north Atlantic.