MCGOVERN ENTRIES IN THE ANNALS OF IRELAND

(THE FOUR MASTERS)

The Annals of Ireland are a compilation of Gaelic recorded history from its legendary beginning with the arrival of Caesair, Noah’s granddaughter. It is based upon many sources that are now lost, but rescued much early Irish history from oblivion.

It was written at the monastery of Dun na nGall (Donegal) by a number of authors: The Franciscan lay brother, Michael O’Clery; his cousin Cucogry, or Peregrine; Conary O'Clery, who transcribed the greater part; Ferfeasa O’Mulcrony, a hereditary antiquary (the Four Masters of the title) and many others.  It is not without error, such as having Bishop Magauran dying two years in a row, but for the most part, accurate, and the only thing we have to go on in terms of early Irish history.

Again, the spelling of names varies, as it does so often in other sources about the McGoverns, but we give it as we get it. The McGoverns, Magaurans, Mag Shamhradans, were obviously of some note since they received fifty-three entries over the years that this information was recorded.

Here are the McGovern entries, by year, from The Annals:

1220:   Farrell Magauran was killed by Hugh, son of Donnell, son of Farrell O'Rourke and by the Clann Fermaighe.

1231:   Gilla Isa Magauran, Lord of Tealach Eachdhach, died.

1258:   O’Brian Magauran, Chief of Tealach Eochdhach, was slain by Conacians.

1264:   Friar Patrick Ua Muireadhaigh, abbot of the monastery of the Apostles Peter and Paul, was deposed and the abbot of Daire, namely Christian Mag Shamhragan was substituted.

1271:   Donnchadh Mag Shamhrudhain rested in Christ. (other sources say he was murdered by his brother, Thomas.)        

1272:   Donough, son of Gilla na Naev Magauran was slain by his brother, Thomas.

1275:   Thomas Magauran was slain by Kinel-Luachain.

1298:   Brian Mag Shamradhain, the Bregian, Chief of Tellach-Eathach, was killed by Aed Ua Concobuir the Brefnian and by the Clann Muircertaigh besides.

1303:   Maghnus Mag Shamhradhain, chief of Tellach-Eathach, died.

1323:   Farrell Roe Magauran and Gilla Isa Magauran were slain by the sons of Auliff Maguire.