BATTLES

The warrior ethic of the McGinleys has long been known in north Donegal, which at one point led to some suggestions that they were a clan of Gallowglass origin, but there is little to support this theory. They served under the Sweeneys for many centuries, even though they would seem to have been principly a clan of religion. Most of the conflicts that the McGinleys took part in were part of the so called Nine Years War. There is little or no evidence to suggest warfare between McGinleys and neighbouring clans although they did take part in two important battles over the leadership of Donegal. On both occasions it is likely that, as a small clan, there participation was minor. In both of these conflicts the McGinleys were on the winning side.

 

THE BATTLE OF BINNION HILL. 1557

Cath Beainín

This was an important leadership battle for the control of Donegal which was fought between the related Cineál Chonaill and the Cineál Eoghain. Although both sides recognised their blood relationship it did not stop occasional battles from happening. On this occasion the Cineál Eoghain under the leadership of the renowned leader Seán Ó Néill/Shane O'Neill marched into Donegal intent on taking control. It all started with an argument between Calbhach Ó Domhnaill/Calvagh O'Donnell and his father Mánus and half brother Aodh/Hugh over the future leadership of Donegal. Calbhach did not agree with the other two and decided to fight over the successorship. He enlisted help from Scotland through his allies the Caimbéal/Campbell clan who sent over some of their warriors. Calbhach deposed his father and took control to become 'Lord of Tyrconnell'. His half brother Aodh appealed to Seán Ó Néill/Shane O'Neill for help. Seán was only too pleased to help as he saw himself as the future leader of the whole of Ulster! He and his troops marched from a place called Carraig Liath and went across the River Finn, close to Raphoe and they travelled up the Lagan district. They stopped at a place called Baile Aighidh Chaoin which was near a stream flowing from the well of Cabhartach. Here they stopped and set up their tents and booths. They rested and dined. Meanwhile Calbhach and his son Con had met that same day, not too far away at Binnion Hill, a location that is not very high, but because the surrounding land is flattish, you get a good view of the greater area. With these great leaders was a small army consisting of thirty horsemen and two companies of the feared Gallowglass warriors led by Sweeney Doe and Sweeney Fanad. A small group of McGinleys, according to local folklore of the area, accompanied one of these battalions but it is not known which.

When Calbhach heard that Seán had arrived nearby with his army, he decided to send two of his most trusted men to infiltrate the opposition. The two chosen were Donnchadh Rua Mag Uidhir/Donough Roe Maguire and Muiris Mac Ailín/Maurice MacCallion. The two were able to enter the camp of O'Neill with ease, not being noticed and mingled among the varied group of mercenaries, clans and individuals. They slowly made their way to the central tent of O'Neill. Outside stood 60 Gallowglass warriors armed with axes and 60 Scots armed with broadswords.

The two spies were able to return to O'Donnell with a full report on the enemy camp. Straight away he summoned his men to assemble and prepare for battle. By this point more vagabond troops arrived from different locations to back him. They advanced towards the camp of O'Neill at night time. The battle started instantly with O'Neill's side caught off-guard. The attack was quick and ferocious but O'Neill noticed what was happening and escaped from the back of his tent without anyone knowing. The troops of the Cineál Eoghain were heavily defeated with much slaughter by the Cineál Chonaill. The battle took place in heavy rain and the swollen streams were coloured with the blood of the dead. Calbhach Ó Domhnaill died a few years later in 1566 at a spot near Derry. Seán Ó Néill died in 1567 near Cushendun in Co Antrim. Today the area is full of lush farmland and the nearest village is St Johnston a little to the north.

 

THE BATTLE OF SCARRIFFHOLLIS. 1567

Cath Scairbh Sholuis

This was a small but important battle for the control of Donegal which was fought between the O'Donnell and the O'Neill factions. The O'Donnells had the Sweeneys of Doe, Sweeneys of Fanad, O'Friels and other north Donegal tribes on their side. The O'Neill side, under the leadership of Seán 'an Díomais' Ó Néill had varied clans from Derry and Tyrone on his side. Scarriffhollis is located a few miles outside of the town of Letterkenny. One of the Sweeney leaders afterwards referred to as Murchadh Mall (Murchadh the late one) was so called because he turned up late for the fight. The O'Donnell exclaimed as he approached..."Is tú Murchadh Mall" ("You are Murchadh the late arrival"), to which Murchadh replied..."Chá ní, ach is mé Murchadh in am" ("oh no, but I am Murchadh in time"), in otherwords, although he was late he arrived in time to play a desisive part. This he did, because the timely arrival of the Sweeney Galloglass warriors, backed up by their territorial followers, McGinley, Begley and some Friels, swung the battle in The O'Donnells favour and the O'Neill troops scattered. The onslaught was fierce until victory had been gained.

A number of Cloughaneely and Tullaghobegly men took part in this battle, on O'Donnells side, most notable Donnchadh Carabreach, Domhnall Ultach and Mac an Robhartaigh who were all killed. O'Donnell had the full support of the north Donegal clans. Folklore sometimes mentions the McBride clan of Bloody Foreland taking part also. It should be remembered that there was another, more famous Battle of Scarriffhollis that took place nearly a century later during Cromwellian times. There is no evidence or suggestion that the McGinleys were active at that battle.

 

THE BATTLE OF DERRYLAHAN. 1590

Cath Doire Leathan

It is generally agreed within the McGinley clan, based on family/clan folklore, that we were represented at the Battle of Derrylahan in the year 1590. Deryylahan or in Irish Gaelic Doire Leathan is located close to the village of Teelin on the south Donegal coast. The events of this battle are described in the Annals of the Four Masters. It took place on 14th September 1590. This was not a battle against the old enemy England, but rather an important and bloody war among two factions for control of the kingship of Donegal, factions of the Cineál Chonaill.

The natural successor to the chieftainship of the O’Donnell clan, therefore the leadership of the whole of Donegal (since they were the supreme and ruling family) was Aodh Rua Ó Domhnaill, known in English as Red Hugh O’Donnell. Unfortunately he was imprisoned by the English in Dublin. During his imprisonment, a brother called Domhnall/Donnell, who was the eldest brother, decided to claim the leadership for himself and arranged an army comprising followers from south and west Donegal. They included MacSweeney Banagh, the MacSweeney Connachtach, the Sweeneys of Munster, the Ó Baoill/Boyle clan and various peoples from the Boylagh and Tír Boghaine districts. On the other side, the side of the rightful heir, Aodh Rua, were according to the Annals ‘all the Cineál Chonaill who were obedient to him’, including among the loyal O’Donnells, the O’Dogherty clan, Mac Sweeney Doe, MacSweeney Fanad and a large party of Scots mercenaries with various others from the north Donegal area. The chief of the Sweeney Doe was Eoghan Óg and folklore tells us that it was under his command that the McGinleys fought. The battle turned out to be a roughly north and north east Donegal versus a south and south west Donegal affair. The outcome of the battle was a decisive win for the Aodh Rua side. He had the powerful Gallowglass (among them most likely were McDonalds and McCleans) on his side and they discharged a shower of deadly arrows which wounded or killed great numbers. Donnell O’Donnell was slain along with more than two hundred of his supporters. It should be noted that under Brehon Law, it was not neccessarily the elder son who took control, but whoever the leader and the clan had ordained. Their mother, and the wife of the present chief (who was growing old and feeble) was extremely angry at Domhnall's actions, and following her husband's choice and the customary Brehon Law, she had to support Aodh Rua/Red Hugh. It was her, in the absence of the imprisoned Aodh Rua, who rallied the clans who supported him.

 

THE BATTLE OF THE YELLOW FORD. 1598

Cath Béal an Atha Buí

This battle was a very famous and important one from an Irish context. It was fought on August 14th 1598 at a location now known as Athboy in south Armagh. The site of the battle was close to the River Blackwater. On one side we have the Irish, under the command of Aodh Ó Néill/Hugh O'Neill. Other leaders under him were Red Hugh O'Donnell, The Maguire, Sweeney Doe and the McDonnells of the Glens (an important Gallowglass offshoot of the Scottish Gaelic McDonalds). These were all leaders of great ability and experience. Some other noted clans of Ulster were said to be there including some O'Kanes, McLoughlins and McCloskeys. Also on the Irish side we find the McGinleys backing up the Sweeney Doe along with, according to local folklore, other north Donegal families. The Irish also had a noticeable contingent of Spanish soldiers in their ranks and other Gallowglasses. The Irish had in total about 4,000 troops and the English had about the same. The Irish losses were about 200 while the English were more than 2,500 (according to the Annals). On the English side, under the leadership of Henry Bagenal (who was killed early on) could be found two notable Irish chieftains Maolmhuire Ó Raghallaigh (O'Reilly) who was known as Myles the Handsome. He was slain in the battle, and very surprisingly The O'Rourke.

The Irish were well versed in using the available terrain to their advantage. They dug secret pits, covered bog-holes, made ellaborate ditches and fences covered with thornbushes. They made the landscape as tough as possible for the English soldiers. The night before the battle, the Irish had 500 lightly armed Kern warriors concealed overnight in the woods and thickets nearby.... waiting. They attacked the English early with a barrage of arrows. They English were caught unaware and never really got into the battle, especially after their leader Bagenal was early killed when hit through the face. During the battle, the Irish had some warriors on horses and their speed was useful. The Irish horse was generally a little smaller, lighter and more agile than the English ones and could dart in and out of trees easier. The English had many pikes, muskets, swords and pistols. The Irish mostly fought with swords, spears/javelins and battle-axes. It was said to be the heaviest defeat that the English suffered in Ireland during all of her campaigns here. Some of the English soldiers managed to escape and rushed to the Cathedral at Armagh seeking sanctuary.

 

THE BATTLE OF KINSALE. 1601

Cath Cinn tSáile

It is known that the McGinleys fought at this, one of the most famous battles in Irish history. Although no records survive with our name on it, the folklore among the McGinleys is strong on the matter. The McGinley surname can be found on the island of Achill and surrounding parts of County Mayo. It is said that many Donegal surnames found there such as McGinley, Sweeney, O’Donnell, Cleary etc settled there after Kinsale. What is known for sure is that many McGinleys were banished there by the English, or given a 'pardon' to use their polite term. This happened in 1602 as a result of taking part in the battle. The McGinley surname can be found around the south Cork area prior to the 1700’s which would suggest that some at least arrived for the battle. The battle was a great disaster for the native clans of Ireland. The Sweeney chief who took the troops of Sweeney and McGinley to the battle was Maolmhuire Mac Suibhne. He was also the last of the original line of chiefs to have occupied Doe Castle.

The trek from the north of Donegal to the far south of Ireland was a long and arduous one and presumably only the youngest and strongest of warriors would have gone. The journey was done at the end of November in terrible weather conditions. The English, having heard of the approach of the Irish troops sent out an army under the command of George Carew to meet them, but the Irish forces of O'Donnell and O'Neill bypassed them and continued on to Kinsale. They arrived at the end of the first week of December. They had an estimated 6,500 plus warriors of the tribes of Conall and Eoghan. They were joined at Kinsale by 700 Spanish troops who had recently arrived at Castlehaven under the leadership of Don Juan d'Aguila. The typical Irish form of warfare was the 'hit and run' tactic and basic geurilla tactics, the classic ambush, using the environment to full advantage. This had served them well for years. Open field warfare was not a possibility as the English had superior weapons and guns.

Secret messages had been sent back and forth between the Irish and Spanish. After many weeks suffering in the rain and snow, it was decided to attack on Christmas Eve at dawn. For more than six years the Irish had won battles against the English and these constant campaigns had almost broken the English Exchequer. This battle was to be the final one to rid Ireland of the English. Unfortunately things did not go the Irish way. A mixture of things caused the downfall of the Irish. There seems to have been confusion (and arguments) between the two great leaders O'Donnell and O'Neill as to the best method of attack, tiredness and cold no doubt played a part, the Spanish did not turn up for some unexplained reaso and the Irish were forced to fight in open ground 'by English rules'. The English cavalry tore down the Irish horsemen. The English horses were larger and their cavalry better protected. The Irish horses were better suited to fighting in tighter spaces, woodland etc. The defeat at Kinsale brought about the end of Irish hopes for freedom.

 

THE BATTLE OF KILMACRENNAN. 1608

Cath Cill Mhic nÉanáin

This battle was fought outside the town of Kilmacrennan near to a spot called Doon Rock, the ancient coronation site for the leading Donegal clans. It had been an important sight for hundreds of years before. The Battle of Kilmacrennan was the 'last stand' for the native Gaelic clans. It was here that the McGinleys fought alongside the Sweeneys and the Doughertys behind the great leader Cathaoir Ó Dochartaigh/Cahir O'Dougherty. Unfortunately Cathaoir was killed at this battle, after a point when the native clans were in control of the battle. One of our leaders, Toirealach Mag Fhionnghaile was taken prisoner after the battle. After a while as a prisoner, he was given a 'Queens Pardon'. After that we do not know what happened to him.

The battle was fought on July 5th 1608. It was a short battle; some sources say it last only half an hour. The Irish started off well and were making advances. As the O'Neill troops advanced, they discharged a volley of shot and arrows towards the English. Unfortunately their own valiant general, the great Cathaoir Rua Ó Dochartaigh was caught in the middle of the attack. A true leader, he was not afraid to advance and command from the front. A shot struck him in the head and pierced his brain and he died instantly. This resulted in panic among the Irish ranks. Two of their leaders, Dubhghall Mac Ailín and Feidhlimidh Riabhach tried to settle their troops but to no effect. The English side noticed the confusion and disarray among the Irish and quickly attacked across marshy ground. As the Irish were trying to collect the body of their leader, which slowed down their retreat, the English caught up and took control of the battle. The English won and captured the body of Cathaoir Rua Ó Dochartaigh, the last native chief of the Irish.

This moment was the start of the downfall of the 'Irish world'. Ireland was never going to be the same again. Shortly afterwards, the Plantation of Ulster started. At the Battle of Kilmacrennan, on the Irish side stood the Doherty clan together with their offshoots the McDaids, McAllens and surely the McBrides. Others included the McLoughlins and remnants of the O'Donnells left behind after the Flight of the Earls, the Maguire chief and his supporters and the Sweeneys with their followers the McGinleys and possibly the Begleys.

 

THE BATTLE OF DOE CASTLE. 1641

Cath Caisleán na dTuaith

Doe Castle was the seat of power for the Sweeney clan, the ‘overlords’ of the greater part of north Donegal. There were many attempts by the English to gain control of this strategic castle. In fact it changed hands many times in the late 1500's and early 1600's. Historical notes on the battle that occured here in 1641 is scarce. It may actually have been more of a skirmish than a battle. Numbers on both sides may have been low. One estimate gives twenty to thirty on the English side and slightly more on the Irish side.

In 1641 Ireland was in rebellion against the English once again. Doe Castle was under English control. At this point in time, the castle was occupied by a Mulrooney O'Carroll, an Irishman who was on the side of the English. O'Carroll was married to the daughter of John Sandford, a previous English occupier of Doe Castle. The Sweeneys and their allies were determined to regain the castle. It was a very important strategic location in the north of Donegal. The occupant Mulrooney O'Carroll was offered the chance to join with the insurgents but he steadfastly refused. Shortly afterwards, the Sweeneys and their supporters attacked the garrison which probably numbered more than twenty. It took a few hours to gain some control as the fortifications were always strong despite many years of wars and attacks. The moat on the landward side was cut out of the solid rock and difficult to pass over without being attacked. The English were eventually subdued and the castle was safely back in Irish hands. Casualties are not recorded but suspected to have been low. O'Carroll was allowed to leave the castle unharmed. The castle was then put under the control and protection of Domhnall mac Néill Mac Suibhne. Folklore tells us that the Sweeneys were backed up by some McGinleys. Other folklore sources also mention some McBrides and Breslins. The attack on Doe Castle in 1641 was a fore-taster for the arrival of Eoghan Rua Ó Néill and his Spanish forces the following summer and a large assault on the English position in Ireland.

 

CONNACHT SKIRMISHES

It is known that the McGinleys were 'active' in north Connacht for a short while under the leadership of Rory O'Donnell. In 1602, Rory O'Donnell (1575-1608) fought at the Battle of Kinsale with his brother Red Hugh. O'Donnell's right hand man was Maolmhuire Mac Suibhne, the celebrated Sweeney chief and among his followers were the McGinleys. Following the defeat at Kinsale, Rory O'Donnell assumed the leadership of the O'Donnells after Red Hudh departed for the Continent as part of the 'Flight of the Earls'. In 1602, Rory submitted to the English Crown. In exchange for 'accepting peace', he was knighted and given the English title of Earl of Tyrconnell. Both however did not sit well on his young rebellious shoulders. Furthermore, he was granted extensive tracts of land in some of the rockiest and poorest parts of north Connacht, around the Achill and Kilmore areas of Co Mayo. The condition imposed on him was that he had to settle there and take many of his followers with him...in otherwords...'to Connacht or hell'. He left in that same year, taking with him the remnants of many Donegal clans including the McGinleys who became better known in the area as McGinnelly and Ginnelly.

When settled in north-west Co Mayo, Rory got together with the chief of the O'Connors of Sligo. Together they took part in many small battles and skirmishes with the English all across north Connacht. The McGinleys as well as other Donegal clans took part in these events that only survive in folklore now. Rory O'Donnell together with the chief of the Maguires took part in an audacious plot to seize Dublin Castle. The plot was mismanaged and a failure. It seems unlikely that any McGinleys took part in this event. The heat was now on for Rory and he escaped to Rome where he died shortly afterwards aged only 33.