Ua Maolagain, Ireland
O Maolagáin, O Maelagáin, Omolegane, Omolgan, Omulghan, Mulghan, Molgan, etc.
Extracts of Irish Documents and Sources
1200-1500
[1] Muircertach O'Maelagain
1207: Domhnall Ua Muiredaigh, chief lector of Daire of Colum-cille, after great suffering felicitously finished his life. And Muircertach O'Millugain (or O'Maelagain) was chosen in his stead.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. II, p 245]
[2] Mailgun, uncle of Llewellyn
May 16, 1218: Mandate to Geoffrey de Marisco, justiciary of Ireland, to cause an inquisition to be taken by liege men of the venue of Dublin, whether Mailgun, uncle of Llewellyn, Prince of North of Wales, had seisin of the land held by Adam le Savonier in Dublin; and if by verdict of the inquisition it appear that Mailgun had seisin of and a right in the land, then the justiciary shall cause seisin there-of to be given to Llewellyn, his nephew and heir, Tower of London. Further mandate to the justiciary to remit any portion remaining unpaid of the fine which Kenewrek Fitz Rigerie made with King John to have entry into his Land, as the K. Had pardoned that fine on Llewellyn’s petition.
[Calendar of Documents relating to Ireland 1171-1251 (1974), p. 123, no. 830]
[3] Muircertach O'Maelagain
1220: Fonachtan Ua Bronain, successor of St. Colum-cille, rested in peace. And there ensued contention between the Community of Daire and the Cenel-Eogain, respecting the selection in his stead. It is this was done then: the Community of Daire chose Mac Cathmail into the succession and Aedh Ua Neill and the Cenel-Eogain chose Flann Ua Brolcain. After that, moreover, there ensued, contention between the Community of Daire and O'Brolcain and O'Brolcain was put out of the succession. After that, moreover, the Community of Daire and the Cenel-Eogain chose Muircertach Ua Millugain, namely, lector of Daire, into the succession. And he had the lectorship and the succession for a year, or a little more. And there ensued contention between Geoffrey Ua Daighri, namely, herenagh of Daire and O'Millugain, that is, the abbot, respecting the lectorship, so that they appealed to the judgment of the successor of Patrick and he made peace between them. And John, son of the late Lector, was chosen into the lectorship, according to the successor of Patrick and the successor of Colum-cille and the community of Daire besides.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. II, p 269]
[4] Molior Omolegane
1257-63: Nomia juratorum de veritable dicends, apud Castrum Kevyne, super articulis eisdem expositis: Thomas, prior Sancti Salvatoris de Glyndelache; N, prior magne ecclesie de Glindelache; Donohu prior de Rupe juxta Glindelache; dominus Willielmus Anglicus, Gilbertus de Beufo, Ricardus Lailes, Thomas Lailes, Willielmus Dogget, Johannes de Horseye, Ricardus de Estham, Elias Othothel, Simon Othoelle, Molawelyne Macduulle, Thomas Chapman, Philippus Miave, Johannes Wilens, Johannes Lukere, Robertus Lukere, Robertus Oclouir, Ricardus clericus, Johannes Crumpe, Molkalle Omaille, Padyne Regane, Adam Hille, Aleuane Obigannus, Molleuch Orothegane, Molior Omolegane.
[Gilbert, J. T.: Historic and Municipal Documents of Ireland A.D. 1172-1320 (1870), p. liii, 150-54]
Note: The inquisition at Castle Kevin was held to inquire into the temporal jurisdiction exercised in the manorial courts of the archbishop of Dublin under the three first prelates promoted to the see by the influence of the kings of England. John Cumin, the first of them, was ordained in 1181, and succeeded by Henry de London in 1213 and Luke in 1229. The inquisition was held during the time of Fulk de Stanford, bishop of Dublin 1257 to 1271. All the matters to which the inquiry was directed to address were decided by an inquisition in parliament at Castledermot on Wednesday in Trinity week (April) 1264, before the justiciary and the principal officers of state. It may be concluded that the manorial were held with the years from 1257 and 1263.
[5] Maoilire O’Maolagain
1293: The celebrated Giolla Iosa Roe O’Reilly (1293-1330) succeeded his brother Matthew O’Reilly, as prince of Breifne in 1293. During his reign Maoilire O’Maolagain flourished as Giolla’s chief poet. One of Maoilire’s poems has survived and celebrates the deeds of this chief in the poem entitled “We went on a hosting with Giolla Iosa the valiant”.
Note: This poem appears to be the source of O’Hart’s statement that the O’Mulligans of Breifne were hereditary Bards to the O’Reilly’s of East Breifne. The personal name Maelagain along with Maelcain appears in the Book of Fenagh, which takes its name from the old Abbey of Fenagh in West Breifne now County Leitrim.
[6] Ric de Malegan
1302: At the Justiciar’s Court held at Kildare the following Pleas were heard.
‘In as much as Will son of William, Ric son of William, Walter Britt, Roger Britt, Gregory Hopper, Will son of Maurice, Donald Ofgryt, Will the cook, Hugh Stapylton, Will Owyt, Ric Brun, Will the miller, John Owyt, Ric Lacy, Conyn Oduffy, John Connyl, Walter Bromyard, Walter Broun, Ric de Malegan, Moryertagh Offogrith, Roger the cook, Walter de Valle, Gillesse Ocrescy, Will Rath, and Philip Hohgan, were in the last war of the King in Scotland in the company of John de Fresyngfeld, suit of the King’s peace of all trespasses by them done to the octave of S. Michael last, is pardoned to them. Therefore let letters be made to them’.
[Mills, James (editor): Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls of Ireland (1905), p. 428]
[7] Ralph Mulghan
July 8, 1310: Yet of Pleas of the Crown at Dublin before John Wogan, 8 July Justiciar, in the Quinzaine of St John Baptist, a. r. 4. Ralph Mulghan, charged that he, together with other malefactors, came by night to Miriyonge with horses and sacks and there stole from the hastivel of William le Devenys to the value of five shillings, comes and defends, etc. And John the clerk, John Davy, Alan de Crosse, John Halfide, Gregory Tauntoun, Thomas Tauntoun, John de Roche, Ph., son of David, Peter de Achdodenagh, Jordan le Waleys, William Chaumbirleyn, and Geoffrey Chevere, jurors, say that Ralph is not guilty and is not suspected, etc. Therefore he is quit.
[Calendar of Justiciary Rolls or Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland, 1 to VII years of Edward II, (Dublin), p. 153]
[8] Hencelin Mulghan
October 17, 1317: Grant confirming that William Londoun (Londres) may give in perpetual aims to the brethren of the order of St. Marie of Mount Carmel a site (placea) in Athboy, lying between the river-bank of the town and the land of Hencelin Mulghan.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 22/30]
[9] Adam Omolgan
1324: Bartholomew, a burgess, was indicted in the court of the Liberty of Kilkenny, that is, in the external court before Arnold le Poer, seneschal of the lord of the Liberty, and an extra jury for wounding one Adam Walsh in the belly with a lance. Of which wound Adam died. Evidence was given that certain men of Walter de la Pille came out from the town, with horses and arms and went to the land of certain burgesses, broke open their stacks and carried off their corn. A hue and cry was raised upon these men, and Bartholomew Folyn, hearing it in his house, went forth with a lance to keep up the hue and cry like a man of peace, as he was. He ran across Adam Walsh and called upon him to surrender to the king’s peace. For answer, Adam set upon Bartholomew with a lance, and in defending himself Bartholomew inflicted the wound with which he was charged, so that if the said Adam had any harm or loss, the fault was his own not Bartholomew’s.
In the second place, Bartholomew pleaded that the dead man’s name was really Omolgan, and that he was Irish and not English.
In the third place, he pleaded that the present jury had no right to pass upon him. They were, he said, outsiders, and he and the other burgesses of the town of Kilkenny had such liberty that no outsiders should be upon them only burgesses of the town.
The sovereign and commons of Kilkenny now appeared in court and sought that they might be allowed their liberties and free customs held by them from time immemorial. They produced two charters from Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester and of Hertford, addressed to this seneschal at the complaint of his well beloved burgesses of Kilkenny, commanding him to respect their liberties and “of outsiders to take no outsiders upon the said burgesses for no trespasses done to them or by them within the said town.” The liberties claimed were allowed; the former jury, or indicters, were discharged and one of burgesses was sworn. They found that the dead man was Adam Omolgan, a mere Irishman, so that no offence had been committed, and Folyn was acquitted.
[The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1927), Vol. XVII, 6th Series, p. 31-32]
Note: Omolgan in Irish is O Maolagain.
[10] Thomas Malecken
September 8, 1358: Henry of Rathfaygh, parson of Trubyhull, and Thomas Malecken, parson of Fynnore, in the diocese of Meath, intend to [exchange] dioceses. Presentation to the bishop of Meath of that Henry to the said church of Fynnore. At Dublin.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 73/34]
Note: Trubyhull is Trubley or Tubberville near Trim in the barony of Lower Deece in Co. Meath.
[11] Dermot Omolgan
1397: In his Account, John Colten, Archbishop of Armagh, mentions the name Dermot Omolgan, presbyter of the rectory of Dromogarvan in County Londonderry about 1397.
[Reeves, Rev. William: Acts of Archibishop Colton in the Metropolitan Visitation of the Diocese of Derry A.D. c.1397 (Dublin, 1850), p.54]
Note: Omolgan in Irish is O Maolagain. The parish and rectory of Dromogarvan or Drumogaruan, now Drumagarner, ceased to be a separate parish in 1609 and was merged with Tamlaght O’Crilly. It survives in the name of the townland of Drumagarner in the north-east of the parish near Kilrea.
[12] John Mulghan
[April 30], 1400: Appointment of to assess and collect a subsidy granted by the commons of co. Meath.
Stephen Palmer and Rudolph Regan in the barony de Dees.
John Madok and Henry Elyot in the barony of Moyfynrath.
Richard Wotton and Richard Barrett in the barony of Dunboyne.
Richard Motyn and Richard Heyron in the barony of Slane.
Bertram Taaff and John Herdeman in the barony of Margallyn.
Adam Rowe and Nicholas Rowe in the barony of Kells.
Nicholas Taaff and John Bataill in the barony of Navan.
John Mulghan and Walter Meset in the barony of Luyn (Lune).
Alexander Palmer and John Fay in the barony of Foure.
Thomas Golding and John Comyn in the baronies of Delvin, Mullingar and Ferbill.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 158/115]
Note: The parish of Athboy lies in the barony of Lune and is located next to the parish of Killua in the barony of Delvin. The barony of Lune was granted to Robert Misset after the Norman settlement of the province of Meath. So, who was John Mulghan?
[13] John Omulghan
December 20, 1407: John Omulghan alias John Omullylgaunt gives 20s for a charter of English liberty. At Dublin.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 18/37]
Note: It is very likely this is Sean O’Maolagain.
[14] John Mulghan
February 12, 1412: William Smyth of Coventry merchant has letters of general attorney under the names of John Mulghan and Maurice Lawless.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 170/81]
[15] John Mulgan otherwise Sean O’Maolagain
July 3, 1419: Pope Martin V to John [Mulgan]. Provision to him, rector of Lyn in the diocese of Meath, priest, of the see of Leighlin which, on account of his age and weakness, bishop Richard lately with consent of the apostolic see resigned, as far as was possible, before a notary public and witnesses, which he has recently resigned by his proctor Donatus Odeoragain, clerk, of the diocese of Leighlin, to Anthony, bishiop of Porto, who had verbal mandate from the pope to receive it, and which is thereby void at the apostolic see and therefore reserved.
[Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland A.D. 1417-1431 (London, 1906), Vol. VII, p. 135]
[16] Thomas Mulghan
August 20, 1419: Reginald Moynagh has petitioned showing how he was seised in his demesne as of fee of 1 messuage, 24 acres of land, 12 acres of meadow and 10 acres of pasture in Rentaghestoun in the barony of Kells, Co. Meath, until he was removed from the same by colour of a certain inquisition taken before Henry Stanyhurst, formerly deputy of Ralph Standysshe, former escheator of Ireland, by which it was found that one John Littoun was lately seised in demesne as of fee of the said messuage [etc.], and he killed one Thomas Mulghan, for which felony John was outlawed; and he died, thus outlawed, seised of the same. For that reason the said messuage [etc.] were taken into the K.'s hand, although John never had any [right] in that messuage, nor was he ever outlawed for that felony. Because the premises contain the truth, by assent of the deputy and council, Grant to him [Reginald] of restoration of the said messuage [etc.]. At Dublin.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p.215/23]
[17] John Mulghan in Drysshok
April 4, 1427: Commission, on account of service, and by mainprize of James Alleyn kt of Co. Meath and Walter Whitey of Co. Wexford;to Henry Fortescu of custody of the manor of Rathmore, except for 2 messuages, 48 acres of land, 6 acres of meadow, 20 acres of pasture and 2 acres of more in Litylclone, parcels of the said manor; and also custody of the manor of Ardmulghan, together with all lands [etc.] in Rathcarran and 100s chief rent issuing from 1 messuage and 1 carucate of land that formerly belonged to John Mulghan in Drysshok; to have for as long as they are in the K.'s hand, rendering the true value p.a. At Dublin.
[Rotulorum patentium et clausorum cancellariae Hiberniae calendarium (Dublin, 1828), p. 241/7]
[18] Sean O’Maolagain
1431: An t-epscop O Maolaccain, .i. epscop Leithglinne de ecc.
The Bishop O'Mullagan, i.e. Bishop of Leighlin, died.
[O'Donovan, John (editor): Annala Rioghachta Eireann: Annals of the kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, from the earliest period to the year 1616, 1st edition (1848-51), Vol.4, p. 882]
Note: Prior to his accession as bishop of the Diocese of Leighlin in 1419, Sean O’Maolagain, also known as John O’Mullagan, was rector of Lynn, in the diocese of Meath. The parish of Lynn lies in County Westmeath next to parish of Mullingar. Sean did not gain actual possession of his Episcopal temporalities of Leighlin until 1422. He died at Leighlin in 1431, having sat in the this See nine years. He was burned near his Church, near the Monument of Gurmund the Dane.
[19] Sean O’Maolagain
May 4, 1432: Pope Eugenius IV to Thomas Fleming, elect of Leighlin. Provision to him, a Friar Minor, S.T.B., in priest’s orders, of the said see, void by the death of John [Mulgan], during whose life it was specially reserved by the present pope.
[Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland A.D. 1427-1447 (London, 1909, Vol. VIII, p. 426]
[20] Domnall O'Mulligan
March 3, 1433-4: Pope Eugenius IV to the prior of St. Mary's, Durmach, in the diocese of Meath. Mandate—the pope having been informed by Donald Omaeyladgayn [O’Mulligan], scholar, of the diocese of Meath, that formerly Fergallus Oluonaym, perpetual vicar of Laindela [Lynally] in the said diocese, made a simoniacal bargain with the late Rory Oluonaym, priest, about the said vicarage, which Fergallus was claiming, to the effect that if Rory would give up his possession in favour of Fergallus the latter would give him for life, and did give him, a moiety of the said vicarage and, amongst other things, a certain chapel annexed to the vicarage, further promising that if Rory died first a certain son of Rory should have the said chapel, in virtue of which bargain Rory duly resigned and Fergallus obtained possession of the vicarage; and that the said Fergallus is also a notorious fornicator—if and after Donald (who was recently ordered to be dispensed by papal authority, as the son of unmarried parents, to be promoted to all, even holy orders and hold a benefice even with cure) has been so dispensed and has been tonsured, and if he be found fit, and if he will accuse Fergallus etc. before the above prior, as usual, to summon Fergallus and others concerned, and if he find the above to be true, to deprive Fergallus, and in that event to collate and assign the said vicarage, value not exceeding 18 marks sterling, which was formerly, as some allege, of lay patronage, although for the past forty years three or four perpetual vicars have been successively instituted and held it without being presented by any lay patron, nor is a patron to be found in Ireland; whether it become void by such deprivation, or be void by the subsequent death without the Roman court of the above Rory, or by the resignation of the above Fergallus and Rory, or in any other way. (An. and G. Gonne. | An. xx. Tercio Non. Martii Anno Terciodecimo. de Adria.). Dated at St. Peter’s, Rome, on 8 Kal., 1433-4.
[Twemlow, J. A. (ed): Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland: Papal Letters A.D. 1431-1447 (London, 1912), Vol. 9, p. 337]
Note: The dating of this entry has been misplaced from 1443-4 to 1433-4. In the Papal Letters it is dated 13th year of Pope Eugenius IV, which fell in 1443-4. The parish of Lynally is located in the barony of Ballycowan and King’s county. In 1421, the major and senior pars of the inhabitants of the district of ‘Fearakyeal’ [Feara Ceall] presented a memorial to pope Boniface IX, representing that their parish church, St. David’s of Auchanurcyr [Ardnurcher] being six English miles away from them, and the country at times much disturbed, they have found it very difficult to go there for divine service, for the reception of the sacraments, the baptism of their children, and the burial of their dead, especially in the cold and rainy seasons of the year. Therefore, they prayed that the chapel of St. Colman of Lynnela [Lynally] might be separated from the parish of Ardnurcher, and erected with Rachayn, Kylleacy, Raliffen, Habuge, Drumculynd [Drumcullen], Eglays [Eglish], all situated in the same district of Feara-kyeall, and belonging to Ardnurcher parish, be untied to it. Pope Boniface IX erected of the chapel of Lynally into a parish church and its confirmation was made by pope Martin V, 4 May, 1421. See Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland: Papal Letters A.D. 1417-1431 by J. A. Twemlow (London, 1906), Vol. 7, p. 174. Also, De Annatis Hiberniae; A Calenar of the First Fruits’ Fees, Levied on Papal Appointments to Benefices in Ireland A.D. 1400 to 1535 by Rev. M. A.Costello (Dundalk, 1909), Vol. 1, p. 90-91]
[21] Patrick O Maolagain
April 5, 1435: Appeal to the Apostolic See, and to Armagh Metropolitan court for protection and Apostles, by Patrick Omolachan, rector of Eanga parish church, Termonfeckin, in the diocese of Derry, who has been disturbed in his possession by Maurice Okathan, claiming to be co-orb (commubano) of St. Kanice, and Donatus Okerulan, official of Derry, and Hugh McKathmayll, claiming to be rector of Drumratha, and Commissary of the Archbishop, who is custodian of Derry bishopric during vacancy. He complains of the conferment of his said rectory on Philip Othogan, asserted to be priest of said diocese of Derry. Omolachan wishes appeal to be made a public instruction. This was done, witnesses Walter Evot and Simon Mongan.
[Chart, D. A.: The Register of John Swayne, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland 1418-1439 (Belfast, 1935), p. 156]
[22] Patrick O Maolagain
April 16, 1435: Easter Eve, St. Feghin’s parish church, Termonfeckin. Ordained by [John] bishop of Connor the following persons:
Acolytes: Bro. Maurcie Smyth, Augustine, Thomas Manduvyll, Armagh diocese.
Subdeacons: Bro. John Owye, Dmen; William Okyannay, herenach of Ardtraa (Artrea) exhibiting title of said herenachy; William Odoggyn, vicar of Desertleyn (Desertlyn); Charles Oneyll, vicar of Kylsleue (Killeavy in Co. Armagh) in diocese of Armagh.
Deacons: Donatus McGyllyndyr, Armagh diocese; Patrick Omulkene, rector of Kyllone in the diocese of Armagh; Manus ODoven, rector of Drumfade in Armagh diocese.
Priests: John Cagan in diocese of Meath, see being vacant; Walter Werdon, Armagh diocese; John Whiteby, Armagh diocese; John Trumlet, Carm.; Patrick Omolachan, rector of Ganga of Derry diocese.
[Chart, D. A.: The Register of John Swayne, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland 1418-1439 (Belfast, 1935), p. 157]
[23] Patrick O Maolagain
April 29, 1435: Letters tuitory by Primate as custodian, to Donald Okathan, Archdeacon of Derry, and Patrick Okylt, of Rathlory, and Terrence Oneyll, of Ballyneskyny, rectors of parish churches, and all priest, etc., throughout the suffrage diocese, on behalf of [Patrick] Omolachan and to inhibit the said Maurice, Donatus, Hugh and Philip from doing anything to appellant’s prejudice pending appeal. The Archbishop enjoins the parishioners of Ganga, [blank] Oneyll, Roger, son of Barnabas Oneyll, and Patrick Otheogan and their children and all other subjects of said diocese to obey, etc. Omolochan as rector and answer him for the fruits, etc., under pain of excommunication.
[Chart, D. A.: The Register of John Swayne, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland 1418-1439 (Belfast, 1935), p. 156]
Note: The ordination of Patrick Omolachan (O Maolagain) is recorded in The Register of John Swayne, archbishop of Armagh and primate of Ireland 1418-1439. Eanga is Termoneeny. The name Maolagain also survives in the place name Ballymulligan in the parish of Artrea.
[24] Giolla-Iosa O Maolagain
June 6, 1438: Pope Eugenius IV to the abbots of Ballintober (Fontis Sancti Patricii) and St. Mary’s, Asdara, in the diocese of Mayo and Killala, and Cornelius Omochan, canon of Killala. Mandate, the pope having been informed by Cornelius Orothlayn, canon of Killala, that Nicholas Omacnayd, perpetual vicar of Caslean Conchubayt (sic) alias de Castro Carnelii in the diocese of Killala, has committed simony and perjury and many other crimes [not here mentioned], seeing that Cornelius, fearing Nicholas’s power, cannot safely meet him in the city or diocese of Killala, if Cornelius will accuse Nicholas before them, to summon Nicholas, and if they find the above or enough thereof to be true, to deprive Nicholas, and in that event to collate and assign the said vicarage, value not exceeding 10 marks Sterling, to Cornelius; whether it become void by the said deprivation, or be void by the death of Gelasius Ymallagayn (Omallagayn), or by the resignation of Thomas Yflandayle (Oflandayle), or be void in any other way; and notwithstanding that Cornelius was lately received by authority of the ordinary as a canon of Killala. Dated at Ferrara on 6 Kal. June, 1438.
[Twemlow, J. A. (ed): Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland: Papal Letters A.D. 1431-1447 (London, 1912), Vol. 9, p. 16]
Note: Gelasius Ymallagayn (Omallagayn, O Maelagain), vicar of the church of Castleconor in the barony of Tyreragh and county of Sligo. Gelasius is the latinised from of the Gaelic Giolla-Iosa.
[25] Rector of the Church of Lynally
July --, 1438: Pope Eugenius IV to the bishop of Clonmacnoise. Mandate, the pope having been informed by Huathne Omailmuaid [O’Molloy], clerk, of the diocese of Meath, that Donald Omailmuaid [O’Molloy], rector of the parish church of St. Colman, Layndeala (Lynally), in the said diocese, has committed simony with Odo Oheygeyn, clerk, of the same diocese, is a wilful murderer, often neglects to read the canonical hours, celebrate divine offices and administer the sacraments and, living like a layman (ut laicus incedens) and wandering hither and thither, has taken part in secular and enormous acts, and has perpetuated other crimes [not here mentioned]—if Huathne (who is in his twenty-third year, is born of a lawful marriage, and by both parents of noble race, and, fearing Donald's power, cannot safely meet him within the city [sic] or diocese of Meath) will accuse Donald before him, to summon Donald, and if he find the above or enough thereof to be true, to deprive Donald, and in that event to collate and assign to Huathne, if the lay patrons consent, the said rectory and its annexed chapels, value not exceeding 30 marks sterling. Huathne is hereby specially dispensed on account of the said defect of age etc.
[Twemlow, J. A. (ed): Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland: Papal Letters A.D. 1431-1447 (London, 1912), Vol. 9, p. 16]
[26] Brian O Maelagain
1439: Brian Ua Maelagain died.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. III, p 144]
[27] Cathal O Maelagain
1441: Cathal Ua Maileigen died on the 16th of the Kalends of December Nov. 16.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. III, p 148]
[28] Domnall O Maelagain
1443: Dicta die (x. Martii), Donaldus Omulmoyd [O’Molloy], principalis, obligavit se Camere super annata rectorie parrochialis ecclesie Sancti Colmani de Layndela [Lynally], Midensis dioces, cuius fructus, etc., trigintaquatuor marcharum sterlingorum communi extimatione, vacantis per non promocionem ad sacerdocium. Coll. eidem Rome (ut supra) [apud S. Petrum, anno etc., mccccxliij], xv. Kal. Marcii, anno xiij.
Item prefatur Donaldus, ut principalis, etc., obligavit se Camere, nominee Donaldi Omaeyladgayn [O'Maelagain], super annata perpetue vicarie parrochialis ecclesie de Laindela [Lynally], dicte diocese, cuius fructus, etc., decem et octo march. Coll. eidem Rome ut supra (anno mccccxliij), viij. Kal. Marcii anon xiij.
[Costello, Rev. M. A.: De Annatis Hiberniae; A Calendar of the First Fruits’ Fees, Levied on Papal Appointments to Benefices in Ireland A.D. 1400 to 1535 (Dundalk, 1909), Vol. 1, p. 66]
[29] Domnall O Maelagain
1446: Domnall Ua Mailigen, a poor person devoted to God, died.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. III, p 158]
[30] Richard Mulghan
October 21, 1447: To Richard Mulghan, a canon of St. Patrick’s, Dublin. Absolution, as below. His recent petition contained that formerly, upon a number of pure Irish, enemies of king Henry and his lieges, invading the province and diocese of Dublin and the lands of the church of Dublin, which are under the temporal lordship of the said king, Richard, archbishop of Dublin, justiciary and governor for the said king of the province of Ireland, convoking the inhabitants (whereof the said Richard was one) of those parts of the said diocese to which the said enemies had betaken themselves, hastened thither for self defence for the repelling of the said enemies: that upon a numerous multitude of the said enemies coming upon a part of the army in which Richard was with the archbishop and a few of his men, a battle raged and at length the enemy were in great part routed; that in the course of it Richard, alarmed and almost beside himself, thoughtlessly gave to one of his companies, who asked it like a madman, the naked sword which he was carrying in his hands, wherewith the said companion shortly afterwards cut off the head of one of the said enemies; and that he was, for self defence and the defence of the said church, present at divers other conflicts in which divers homicides were perpetrated, but without slaying or mutilating anybody with his own hands. At the said petition (adding that he committed the aforesaid, in which both clerks and laymen were wont to join, not so much of free will as from obedience to the orders of his prelate, for self defence and the defence of the said church, and is not otherwise guilty in respect thereof, and that he desires to be promoted to the priesthood and minister therein, and to minister in the orders of subdeacon and deacon which were inadvertently received by him, after the aforesaid, and without his having obtained any canonical dispensation, and in the other orders which he has received, the pope hereby dispenses him, who holds a canonry of Dublin and the prebend of Typyt (rectius Typyr), on account of irregularity contracted by the aforesaid, dispenses him to the promoted to the priesthood and to minister therein and in the said other orders, and to receive and hold any benefice with or without cure, and rehabilitates him. Solet sedis apostolice.
[Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland A.D. 1447-1455 (London, 1915) Vol. X, p. 426]
[31] Nicholas O Maelagain
1452: Deed of award (a) made by Nicholas O’Muloghane and other arbitrators between John son of Walter Blake, (b) on the one part, and Robert Stephen and his brethren on the other part, concerning the title to eight acres of land in the franchises of Athenry called Gort-Bernard. Recites that Richard Stephen, brother of the said Robert Stephen, granted by feoffment to Walter Blake, father of said John Blake, all the grantor’s equity of redemption in said lands which were in mortgage to Thomas Bodykyn of Athenry, and that the said lands had been acquired by the said Richard Stephen by deed of release from William Blake of Glaway, burgess; the arbitrators awarded said lands to John fitz Walter Blake. Dated A.D. 1452. Witnesses: Thomas O’Mulbrenayn, William O’Mulbrenayn, Nicholas O’Lachnan, Thomas O’Kerwyck, burgesses of Athenry. Attested under the seal of Walter Lang, cleric and notary of Athenry.
[Blake, Martin J.: Blake family records, 1300 to 1600: a chronological catalogue with copious notes and genealogies of many branches of the Blake family (London, 1902), page 35, no. 51]
[32] Aed O Maelagain
October 12, 1454: To the bishop and the dean of Derry and the prior of St. Mary's, Dungemyn (Dungiven), in the diocese of Derry. Mandate to cause Odo Omalegan, priest, of the diocese of Cambrai (mistake for Connor), who was lately dispensed by papal authority, on account of illegitimacy as the son of a priest and an unmarried woman, to be promoted to all, even holy orders and hold a benefice even with cure. After this he was so promoted to be received as a monk of the Cistercian monastery of St. Mary de Cumur in the diocese of Down (Dunen), and to receive his regular profession. Cupientibus vitam. (O. and M. A[mici]. | O. Gratis pro deo.Pontanus. Dated at St. Peter’s, Rome, on 4 Id, 1454.
[Twemlow, J. A.: Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland, Papal Letters 1447-1455 (London, 1915), Vol. X, p. 676]
[33] Aed O Maelagain
October 12, 1454: To the prior of St. Mary's, Dungemy[n]g in the diocese of Derry. Mandate (the pope having been informed by Odo Omalegan, priest, of the diocese of Connor, that Z[e]fanus Okyeonnayc (rectius Okyeonnaye), abbot of the Cistercian monastery of St. Mary, Cumur (Comber), in the diocese of Down, has committed simony, publicly kept a concubine, and dilapidated and alienated and uselessly consumed its possessions, and is much defamed about these things in those parts; and the pope having this day ordered the above prior and two colleagues to cause the said Odo to be received as a monk of the said monastery) if and after Odo, who was lately dispensed by papal authority on account of illegitimacy as the son of a priest and an unmarried woman, to be promoted to all, even holy orders, and hold a benefice even with cure, after which he had himself so promoted, and who from fear of Zefanus's power has no hope of obtaining justice in the city and diocese of Down) accuses Zefanus before the above prior, to summon him, and if he find the foregoing to be true, to deprive and remove him, and in that event to make provision of the said monastery, value not exceeding 6 marks sterling, to Odo, whom the said prior is to cause to be blessed by any catholic bishop, and whom the pope hereby dispenses to be appointed abbot and to rule the monastery, etc., notwithstanding the said defect etc. Ex suscepte servitutis. (O. and G. Gonne. Dated at St. Peter’s, Rome, on 4 Id, 1454.
[Twemlow, J. A.: Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland, Papal Letters 1447-1455 (London, 1915), Vol. X, p. 699]
[34] John Molgan
October 10, 1463-4: Municipal Records of Waterford: Memorandum: That in the x. day of October, in the thyrde yere of Kyng Edwarde the Fourthe, John Cor being Maire, Jeames Brewere and John Molgan, bailiffs of the saide citie, in the dern hundred day, by commene assente it was grant it and ordayned that hereafter every citsaine and freman of the saide citie shal declare in the courte al manere actions, as dette, covenant, trespace, accompte, detieneve, disceite, and al other manere actions that ony of the said citsains or fremen wil take or may take againste other, within the francheise of the saide citie, withoute ony exception or abatynge of his tale by the defendaunt or his attorney in no manere wise, and also that the defendaunt shal not be takin ne convicted in his answere gyving, however he aunswere, but bothe parties to tell the playne of the matire. And if it hap, that ony citsaine or freman sue or vexe ony other oute of the francheise of the saide citie, by ony manere wyse, or afor ony estraunge Judge within the saide francheis, save only before the Maire and bailiffs and mynsters of the saide citie, that thanne he that doethe the contrary shal forfett his francheis and pay to the reparations of the wallis x. Li tociens quotiens, lasse than he be warne[d] and may have no right before Maire and bailiffs.
[The Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, Historical Manuscripts Commission (London, 1885), 10th Report Appendix, Part V, p. 301]
[35] William O Maelagain
July 22, 1468: Marriage settlement entered into between John Blake, son of Henry Blake, burgess of Galway, and Peter Lynch, burgess of the same town. Witnessed by the said John Blake bound himself to give as the dowry of his daughter Evelyne Blake, whom he had given in marriage to said Peter Lynch, the sum of 60 marks, or the value thereof in certain specified goods. And said Peter Lynch bound himself under penalthy of 60 marks to marry said Evelyne, and to obtain the dispensation necessary by reason of the consanguinity between them. Said John and Peter to bear the expenses of obtaining said dispensation equally; and any issue begotten between said Peter and Evelyne before obtaining of said dispensation and solemnization of said marriage to be treated by said Peter as being as much legitimate as the issue begotten after the publication of the banns, and the solemnization of the said marriage. Attested under the seals of both parties interchangeably. Witnesses: Father David Valencis, Canon of Enaghdune; Brother Henry Joyce, of the Order of Preachers; Roger Worlock, Nicholas French, and Walter Lang and William O’Maellagayn, clerks of the Dioceses of Tuam and Enaghdune. Dated at Galway on the morrow of Blessed Mary Magdalen, A.D. 1468, in the eighth year of King Edward IV.
[Blake, Martin J.: Blake family records, 1300 to 1600: a chronological catalogue with copious notes and genealogies of many branches of the Blake family (London, 1902), page 39, no. 60]
[36] Patrick O Maelagain
November 25, 1469: To the abbot of St. Mary's, Macosquin (de Clarofonte), in the diocese of Derry (Deren.), and William Oqueruolan and Cornelius Odubii, canons of Derry. Mandate, as below. The pope has been informed by John Otehegan, rector of the parish church of Enga in the diocese of Derry, that Patrick Omolachan, perpetual vicar of the parish church of Rathlurach in the said diocese, priest, has committed simony and has been publicly proclaimed excommunicate as such, has celebrated masses and other divine offices wittingly in contempt of the Keys, and is greatly defamed about these things in those parts. The pope, therefore, hereby orders the above three, if the said John (who lately, after having been dispensed by papal authority on account of illegitimacy, as the son of a priest and an unmarried woman, to be promoted to all, even holy orders and hold a benefice even with cure, obtained canonical collation of the said church of Enga, and who alleges that its fruits etc. are too slight for his maintenance etc., and that if to the said rectory were united, for such time as he shall hold it, the said vicarage, both of them with cure, and value not exceeding 3 and 5 marks sterling respectively, he could conveniently exercise the cure of souls of both churches, which are near one another, and the parishioners of which inhabit in common, and that he could be better maintained), [will accuse] the said Patrick [before the above three, to summon Patrick and others concerned], and if they find the foregoing to be true, to deprive and remove Patrick, and in that event to unite the said vicarage to the said rectory for such time as the said John shall hold the latter, etc. Dated at St. Peter’s in Rome 7 Kal. December, 1469.
[Twemlow, J. A. (ed): Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland: Papal Letters A.D. 1458-1471 (London, 1933), Vol. 12, p. 692]
Note: Patrick Omolachan, priest, was ordained rector of the church of Eanga in the diocsed of Derry in 1435. The church of Rathlurach is the old name for the church of Maghera.
[37] Domnall O Maelagain
1485: Feidhlimidh, son of Donchadh Mag Uidhir, was wounded and taken and Donchadh junior, his kinsman, in the same way, by Mac Gilla-ruaidh (namely, Brian) and by two sons of Edmond Mag Uidhir, namely, Aedh and Gilla-Isu. And Gilla-Padraig, son of Maghnus, son of Domnall Ua Mailigein the Tall and Cathal Ua Timain the Tawny, son of Aedh the Left-handed, were slain there by them. The son of John Mac Gilla-ruaidh (namely, Gilla-Padraig) was slain after that on a night incursion by that Feidhlimidh, son of Donchadh and by the Muintir-Maelagain and by Muintir-Timain and so on.
[Airt, Seán Mac & Niocaill, Gearóid Mac (Ed): The Annals of Ulster (Dublin (1983), Vol. III, p 296]
Note: According to Peadar Livingstone, the O’ Maolagain kindred were chiefs of Baylagh and Raphoe, before coming to Fermanghan. He thinks they settled in the Maghersteffany and Clankelly, and probably gave their name to Mullowulligan and Eshywulligan townlands near Clones.
[Livingstone, Peadar: The Fermanagh Story: A Document History of the County Fermanagh from the Earliest Times to the Present Day (Enniskillen, 1969), p. 434]
[38] Nicholas O Maelagain
August 20, 1485: To the abbot of the monastery of Saul (de Saballo) in the diocese of Down, and Mark Macgyn and Denis Omwsteagh, canons of Dromore. Mandate to collate and assign to Bernard Obyrnd, clerk, of the diocese of Down (who was lately dispensed by authority of the ordinary on account of illegitimacy, as the son of a priest and an unmarried woman, to be made a clerk, after which he had himself made a clerk), the rectory of the parish church of Kyllwynchy in the said diocese, of lay patronage, and yearly value not exceeding about 1½ marks sterling, void because Nicholas Omaeylygan held it for more than a year without having himself ordained priest, and without dispensation, although he has detained it for some years after the said year without having acquired any new title or right, the said Nicholas being summoned and removed. The pope hereby specially dispenses the said Bernard to be promoted to all, even holy orders and receive and retain it, notwithstanding the said defect, etc.
[Twemlow, J. A.: Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers relating to Great Britain and Ireland, Papal Letters 1484-1492 (London, 1960), Vol. XIV, p. 108]
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