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The Coleman Lineage

When I visited Ireland in the September of 2002, I spent some time at the Reference Department or Archives of the Thurles Library in County Tipperary studying John O'Hart's Irish Pedigrees or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. The first edition of this work, which is probably the best known Irish genealogical publication in the world, appeared in 1876 and was followed by several subsequent editions that added greatly to its overall size.

 

John O'Hart was born in Crossmolina, County Mayo, in 1824. He was both an Irish nationalist and committed Catholic, and both of these factors permeated his work. The principal sources for the information in his book were Gaelic genealogies like those of O'Clery, MacFirbis and O'Farrell. Using the Gaelic annals and especially the Annals of the Four Masters, O'Hart was able to reconstruct many medieval and ancient Irish pedigrees, although it should be noted that he was obviously unaware of the existence of many other equally important Irish vellums. He died in 1902 in Clontarf, County Dublin at the age of 78. The following information is taken from his book which contains over 1000 genealogies and many appendixes of additional information.

ROLL OF THE MONARCHS OF IRELAND
since the Milesian Conquest

NAMES Of the one hundred and eighty-four Kings* or Monarchs Of Ireland, from the conquest thereof by the Milesian Nation, Anno Mundi, 3,500, down to Roderick O'Connor, the Monarch of Ireland, A.D. 1186: a period which embraces two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five years. The date opposite each name tells the year in which the Monarch began to reign:-

                                                                                                                                         Before Christ  

1.H. Heber and Heremon , jointly, began to reign
A.M. 3,500; or ....................
2. E. Heremon, alone ................
3. E. Muimne........Three Brothers
4. E. Luighne
5. E. Laighean
6. H. Er........ Four brothers
7. H. Orba
8. H. Feron
9. H. Fergua
10. E. Irial Faidh
11. E. Eithrial
12. H. Conmaol
13. E. Tighearnas
14. L. Eochaidh Edghothach
15. 1. Cearmna .......Brothers
16. 1. Sobhrach
17. H. Eochaidh Faobhar-glas
18. E. Fiacha Lamhraein
19. H. Eochaidh Mumha
20. E. Aongus (or Æneas) Ollmucach
21. H. Eanna Airgthach
22. E. Rotheacta
23. 1. Seidnae
24. 1. Fiacha Fionn-Scothach
25. H. Munmoin
26. H. Fualdergoid
27. I. Ollamh Fodhla, A.M. 3882
28. 1. Finachta Fionn-sneachta
29. 1. Slanol

1699
1698
1683

 

1680

1680
1670
1650
1620
1543
1532

1492
1472
1448
1427
1409
1382
1357
1352
1332
1327
1317
1277
1257


*Kings: As the kings descended from Heber, Ir and Heremon (the three sons of Milesius of Spain who left any issue), as well as those descended from their relative Lughaidh, the son of Ithe, were all eligible for the Monarchy, the letter H, E, I or L, is employed in the foregoing Roll of the Monarchs of Ireland, before the name of each Monarch there given, to distinguish his lineal descent. Thus H, E, and I refer to the three brothers Heber. Heremon, and Ir, respectively. H is placed before the names of the Monarchs who were descended from Heber; E before those descended from Eremon or Heremon: I before those descended from Ir; and L before those descended from Lughaidh.  
                                                                                                         
Before Christ 

30. I. Gead Ollghohach
31. I. Fiacha (3)
32. I. Bergna
33. 1.Olioll
34. E. Siorghnath Saoghalach lived
250 years and reigned 150 years
35. H. Rotheacta (2)
36. H. Eiliomb
37. E. Gialleadh
38. H. Art Imleach
39. E. Nuadhas Fiotinfail
40. H. Breas Rioghachta
41. L. Eochaidh Apach
42. I. Fionn,
43. H. Seidnae Innaraidh
44. E. Simeon Breac
45. H. Duach Fionn
46. E. Muireadach Bolgach
47. 1-1. Eanna Dearg
48. H. Lughaidh lardhoun
49. 1. Sior lamhach
50. H. Eochaidh Uarceas
51. E. Eochaidh (Brother of No. 53)
52. H. Lughaidh Lamhdearg
53. E. Conang Beag-eaglach
54. H. Art (2)
55. E. Fiacha Tolgrach
56. H. Olioll Fionn
57. H. Eochaidh(7)
58. I. Argethamar
59. E. Duach Ladhrach
60. H. Lughaidh Lagha
61. I. Aodh Ruadh,
62. I. Dithorba
63. I. Cimbath.

1240
1228
1208
1196

1180
1030
1023
1022
1013
1001
961
952
951
929
909
903
893
892
880
871
855
843
838
831
811
805
795
784
777
747
737
730

These three, Nos. 61, 62, and 63, were grandchildren of Argethamar, No. 58; and they mutually agreed to reign by turns, each of them for seven years. They accordingly ruled until each of them reigned three times seven years; and Aodh Ruadh (No. 61), before it came to his fourth turn to reign, was drowned at Eas Ruadh ( Easroe), now Ballyshannon, in county Donegal (eas..Irish, a cataract; Heb. eshed, a pouring of water) ,leaving issue one daughter named Macha Mongrua, who succeeded to the Monarchy.  

64. I. Macha Mongrua (that daughter)
65. H. Reacht Righ-dearg
66. E. Ugaine Mor (Hugony the Great)
67. E. Bancadh (survivid his elevation to the Monarchy only one day)
68. R Laeghaire Lore
69. E. Cobthach Caoil-bhreagb
70. E. Labhra Longseach
71. R Melg Molbhthach
72. H. Mo,ghcorb
73. E. Æneas Ollamh
74. E. larn Gleofathach
75. H. Feareorb
76. E. Coula Caomb
77. E. Olioll Casfiacalach
78. H. Adhamhair Foltchaion
79. E. Eochaidh Altleathan
80. E. Fergus Fortamhai
81. E. Æneas Turmeach-Teamreach
82. E. Conall Collaimrach
83. H. Niadhsedhaman
84. E. Eanna Aigneach
85. E. Crimthann Cosgrach
86. 1. Ruadhri Mor
87. H. Ionadmaor
88. 1. Bresal Bodhiobha
89. H. Lughaidh Luaighne
90. I. Congall Clareineach
91.11. Duach Dalladh-Deadha
92. I. Fachna Fathach
93. E. Eochaidh Feidlioch
94. E. Eochaidh Aireamh
95. E. Edersceal
96. E. Nuadhas Neach
97. E. Conaire Mor
667
653
633
593
593
591
541
522
505
498
480
473
462
442
417
412
397
384
324
319
312
292
288
218
209
198
183
168
158
142
130
115
110
109

After the death of Conaire Mor, there was an Interregnum of five years. 

98. E. Lughaidh Sriabh n-Dearg34
99. E. Conchobhair 8
100. E. Crimthann Niadh-Nar, 7
34
8
7

In the seventh year of this Crimthann's reign, our Lord Jesus Christ was born. 
                                                                                                                                                                                              Anno Domini

101. - Cairbre Cean -cait* (of the Firbolg race)
102. E. Feareadach Fionnfeachtnach
103. E. Fiatach Fionn (a quo. 11 Dal Fiatach
104. E. Fiacha Fionn-Ola
105. 1. Eiliomh MacConrach
106. E. Tuathal Teachtmar
107. I. Mal MacRochraidhe
 9
14
36
39
56
76
106

Coan-cail : This word cean-cait (" cat," gen. " cait :" Irish, a cat ;'Gr. Vulg! kat-is," "gat-as," and "kat-a"; Lat. ,"cat-us;" It. and Span. "gat-o ;" Pr. "chat ." BeL " kat-te "; Russ. " kot-e ; Arm, " kas;" WeL and Cor. " kath ;" and Turk. " ket.i " means cat-headed Anno Domini. 

108. E. Felim Rachtmar,
109. R Cathair Mor,
110. E Conn Ceadcatha
111. E. Conaire MacMogha Laine
112. E. Art Eanfhear* (ancestor of O'Haro)
113. L. Lughaidh Maccon
114. E. Fergus Dubh-Dheadach
115. E. Cormac Mac Art (or Cormac Ulfada)
116. E. Eoctiaidh Gunta
117. E. Cairbre Liffechar
118. L .Fothadh Airgtheach) Brothers
119. L Fothadh Cairpeach )
120. K Fiacha Srabhteine(ancestor of O'Neill)
121. K Colla Uais (ancestor of MacUais)
122. F. Muireadach Tireach
123. 1. Caolbadh
124. E. Eochaidh Muigh Meadhoin
125. H. Crimthann (3)
126. E. Niall Mor ( Nial of the Nine Hostages)
127. F. Dathi

110
119
123
157
165
195
225
226
266
267
284

285
322
326
356
357
365
378
405

All the foregoing Monarchs were Pagans; but some authors are of opinion that Nos. 112, 115, and 126 were enlightened by the Holy Spirit in the truths of Christianity. Others are of opinion that the Monarch Laeghaire, son of Niall Mor, and who is No. 128 on this Roll, died a Pagan, although reigning at the time of the advent of St. Patrick, in Ireland.  

128. K Laeghaire MacNiall
129. E. Olioll Molt, son of Dathi
130. F- Lugbaidh; son of Laeghaire
131. E. Muirceartach Mor MacEarea, brother of Fergus
Mor MacEarca, the Founder of the Milesian
Monarchy in Scotland
132. E. Tuathal Maolgharbh
133. E. Dairmid, son of Fergus Cearrbheoil
134. E. Donall (1) 1 Brothers-both died of the Plague
135. E. Fergus (3) in one day
136. E. Eochaidh (13)
137. E. Boitean (1) Nephew and Uncle, 561
138. E. Anmire, 563
139. F. Boitean (2) 5

428
458
478


503
527
538

558

561
563
566

Art Eanfhear : It is stated in the "History of the Cemeteries," that this Monarch believed in the Faith, the day before the battle (of Magh Mucroimhe, near Athenry, where he was slain by Lughaidh Maccon, A.D. 195), and predicted the spread of Christianity. It would appear also that he had some presentiment of his death for, he directed that he should not be buried at Brugh on the (river) Boyne, the pagan cemetery of his forefathers, but at a place then called.Dumha Dergluachra (the burial mound of the red rushy place), " where Trevait (Trevet, in the county Meath) is at this day," (see Petrie's " Round Towers," page 100).-Irish Names of Places.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                   Anno Domini

140. E. Aodh (2) 567
141. R Aodh Slaine 594
567
594

Some annalists state that this Aodh Slaine was a brother of Lochan Dilmhain, who, according to the "Book of Armagh," was ancestor of Dillon; but (see the "Dillon" pedigree) Lochan Dilmhain was brother of Colman Rimidh, the next Monarch on this Roll, who reigned jointly with Aodh Slaine, for six years.

142. E. Colman Rimidh.
143. E. Aodh Uar-iodhnach
J44. E. Mallcobh
145. E. Suimneach Meann
146. K Donall (2)
147. E. CeaIlach
148. E. Congall (3)
149. E. Diarmid (2) Reigned jointly
150. E. Bladhmhac
151. K Seachnasacb,
152. E. Ceanfail
153. E. Finachta Fleadhach
154. R Longseach
155. E. Congall (4)
156. E. Fergall
157. E. Foghartach
158. F. Ceneth
159. E. Flaithertach
160. E. Aodh Olann
161. E. Donall (3)
162. R Niall Frassach
163. E. Doncha (1)
164. F- Aodh Ornigh
In this Monarch's reign the Danes* invaded Ireland.

600
607
610
623
639
652
656

664
669
673
693
701
708
718
719
722
729
738
759
765
792

* The Danes: " Ten years with four score and seven hundred was the age of Christ when the pagans went to Ireland." The Vikings (or Danes) having been defeated in Glamorganshire in Wales, invaded Ireland, in the reign of the monarch Aodh Ornigh. In A.D. 798, they ravaged the Isle of Man, and the Hebrides in Scotland ; in 802 they burned "Hi Colum Cille ;" in 807, for the first time in Ireland, they marched inland ; in 812 and 813, they made raids in Connaught and Munster. After thirty years of this predatory warfare had continued, Turgesius, a Norwegian Prince. established himself as sovereign of the Vikings, and made Armagh his head quarters, A.D. 830. Sometimes the Danish Chiefs mustered all their forces and left the island for a brief period, to ravage the shores of England, or Scotland; but, wild, brave, and cruel, they soon returned io inflict new barbarities on the unfortunate Irish. Turgesius appropriated the abbeys and churches of the country; and placed an abbot of his own in every monastery. A Danish captain was placed in charge of each village ; and each family was obliged to maintain a soldier of that nation, who made himself master of the house, using and wasting the food, for lack of which the children of the lawful owners were often dying of hunger. All education was strictly forbidden: books and manuscripts were burned and "drowned"; and the poets , historians, and musicians, imprisoned and driven to the woods and mountains. Martial sports were interdicted, from the lowest to the highest rank; even nobles and princes were forbidden to wear.By A.D. 948, the Danes were converted to Christianity; and at that time possessed many of the sea-coast towns of Ireland-including Dublin, Limerick, Wexford, and Waterford. 
                                                                                                                                   Anno Domini

165. E. Conchobhair (2)
166. E. Niall Caille
167. E. Malachi I
168. E. Aodh Fionnliath
169. E. Flann Sionnach (ancestor of Fox)
170. E. Niall Glundubh (aquo O'Neill)
171. E. Doncha (2)
172. E. Congall
173. E. Donall (4)
174. E. Malachi I1. (ancestor of 0'Melaghlin)
817
831
844
860
876
914
917
942
954
978  

Malachi the Second was the last absolute Monarch of Ireland. He reigned as Monarch twenty-four years before the accession to the Monarchy of Brian Boroimhe [Boru], and again after Brian's death, which took place A.D. 1014, at the Battle of Clontarf. 

175. H. Brian Boroimhe (ancestor of and aquo O'Brien) 1001
Brian Boru reigned sixty-six years, twelve of which as Monarch he was eighty-eight years of age when slain at the Battle of Clontarf. 
After Brian's death, Malachi II was restored to the Monarchy in 1014. After nine years' reign, Malachi died a penitent at Cro Inis (or the " Cell on the Island"), upon Loch Annin in Westmeath, A.D. 1023 ; being the forty-eighth Christian King of Ireland, and accounted the last absolute Monarch of the Milesian or Scottish (Irish) line: the provincial Kings and Princes always after contesting, fighting, and quarrelling for the sovereignty, until they put all into confusion, and that the King of Leinster brought in King Henry the Second to assist him against his enemies.
 
Those and such as our histories mention to have assumed the name and title of Monarchs of Ireland, without the general consent of the major part of the Kingdom, are as follows.-
 
176. H. Doncha (or Donough) 1022
This Doncha was son of Brian Boru and was King of Munster till the death of the Monarch Malachi the Second. He then assumed the title of Monarch, till defeated and banished from Ireland by Dermod, son of Donough, called the Maol-na-Mho," King of Leinster, who is accounted by some to succeed Doncha in the Monarchy; yet is assigned no years for his reign but that he contested with the said Doncha until he utterly defeated and banished him, A.D. 1064 : from which time it is likely that Dermod reigned the rest of the fifty-two years assigned for the reign of Doncha, who died at Rome, A.D. 1074. 
177. E. Diarmid (3), or Dermod  
By the Irish historians this Dermod, son of Doncha or Donough, King of Leinster, is assigned no date for his accession to the Monarchy.
178. H. Tirloch O'Brien 1074
This Tirloch was the son of Teige, eldest son of Brian Born; and was styled Monarch of Ireland from his uncle's death at Rome A.D. 1074. 
179. E. Donall MacLoghlin, son of Ardgal, King
Aileach, was styled Monarch, and ruled alone for
twelve years; began to reign.
180. H. Muirceartach O'Brien, King of Munster, was,
from 1098 up to his death, A.D. 1119, jointly in the
Monarchy with Donall MacLoghlin
Donll reigned alone, after the death of Muirceartach
O'Brien, to his own death, A.D. 1121; began to
reign alone the second time, and reigned two
years.
From Donall's death, A.D. 1121, to A.D. 1136, though
many contested, yet, for fifteen years, none
assumed the title of Monarch.

1086


1098


1119

181. E. Tirloch Mor O'Connor, King of Connaught for
fifty years, and Monarch from A.D
182. E. Muircearth MacLoghlin, grandson of Donal (No.
179, above), was styled Monarch from A.D
183. E. Roderick O'Connor,*
184. (E. Brian O'Neill ** No. 113 on the O'Neill" pedigree 1258)
1136

1156


1166
Roderick O'Connor, King of Connaught, was the last Monarch of Ireland from his predecessor's death, A.D. 1166, for twenty years, to the year 1186, within which time, by the invitation Of Dermod MacMurrough (Diarmait macMurchada, King of Leinster), the English first invaded Ireland, A.D. 1169. The Monarch Roderick, seeing his subjects flinch and his own sons turn against him, hearkened to and accepted the conditions offered him by King Henry 11, which being ratified on both sides, A.D. 1175, Roderick continued in the government (at least the name of it), until A.D. 1186, when, weary of the world and its troubles, he forsook it and all its pomp, and retired to a Monastery, where he finished his course religiously, A.D. 1198. 
** Brian O'Neill: It is worthy of remark that at A.D. 1258, the Four Masters mention that " Hugh, the son of Felim O'Connor, and Teige O'Brien, marched with a great force to Caol Uisge (near Newry), to hold a conference with Brian O'Neill where the foregoing chiefs, after making peace with each other, granted him the sovereignty over the Irish." And, two years later, at the Battle of Down, this Brian gallantly laid down his life in defence of the Kingdom of Ireland, which he claimed to govern. (See D'Arcy MeGeel's History of Ireland, Vol. I., p. 208.) Again, the Four Masters, at A.D. 1260, in giving the names of the killed at the Battle of Drom Deirg, mention Brian O'Neill as " Chief Ruler of Ireland.". In his letter to Pope John XXI1, Donal, the son of the said Brian, says he is " Donald O'Neill King of Ulster, and by hereditary right lawful heir to the throne of Ireland." — See Connellan's " Four Masters", p. 722.