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Uí Bairrche (Leinster)

Origins and History

The Uí Bairrche (Huib Airrchi, Crioch mBairce, Uí Bairche, Uí Bairchi, Bairrce, Ua mBairrche, Chirch Om-Bairrche, mBairrchi, Oe-Barche, mBarchi, Barraidh, Úa mBarrche, Barrchi, Barridie, Uí Barrtha, mBerriuch) were an important Leinster dynasty. They ruled Leinster in the earliest centuries A.D.

In the ancient Irish genealogies, and as they regarded themselves, the Uí Bairrche were a Lagin tribe, the descendants of Daire Barrach, son of Cathair Mor, High King of Ireland (†123 AD). The Uí Bairrche are considered to be one of the Érainn or Firbolgs tribes of Leinster. Other similar tribes were the Uí Failge and Uí Enechglaiss. According to a Middle Irish poem in the Book of Leinster, Rus Failge, Dáire Barrach and Enechglas were triplets born to Catháir Mor by the goddess Medb (Clanna Falge Ruis in ríg).

It has been stated that the Uí Bairrche were originally from Wexford, but that their influence extended over a large part of Leinster up to the end of the 5th century. In the earliest known map of Ireland, made by a Greek called Ptolemy in the second century AD, the main tribe of south Leinster were the Brigantes. According to O’Rahily, they were the Uí Bairrche, who may have been related to the Brigantes tribe of northern Britain. It has also been stated that the name Uí Bairrche indicates decent from a goddess. In the Annals, there were references to two major groups, the Uí Bairrche Maighe (Laois/Carlow/Kildare) and Uí Bairrche Tire (Wexford, thought to be the barony of Bargy). The genealogies state the Uí Bairrche Maige hAilbe, Uí Bairrche Tire, Uí Bairrche Mag Argetrois (Laois/Kilkenny), Uí Bairrche Magh dá chonn (Carlow). In the Annals from 854 AD onwards, it states Uí Bairrche Maighe and Uí Bairrche Tíre. From 896AD onwards, the references only state Uí Bairrche. The founder of the Uí Bairrche, Dáire Barraig, was reported to have lived at Dun Aillin or Cnoc Aulin (Knockaulin) near old Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. Dun Aillin was an ancient fortress of the Kings of Leinster. Eoghan Mór (Mug Nuadat), the renowned King of Munster was the daltha or pupil of Dáire Barraig, and was fostered there, when he was forced to flee from his own country. With the aid of Dáire Barraig, he was able to assert his sovereignty in Munster and eventually clashed with Conn Cétchathach (Conn of a hundred battles) King of Ireland 125 AD. According to Dillon, he got the name Mug Nuadat from his having helped an architect named Nuada who was building the fort of Dún Aillinne.

The son and grandson of Dáire Barraig, Muiredach Mo-Sníthech and Móenach, were stated as kings of Leinster. Mo-Sníthech was also listed as a King of Ireland in the genealogical tracts. Laidcenn mac Bairceda said:

Lonhgais maro Muiredach Mo-Snítheach sóerchlann sochla sain comarddae comarbba cóemchlann Con-gab múru mórmaige macrí Móenech márgein

the boy-king Móenech a great offspring took the walls of a great plain

It has also been proposed by Carney, MacNiocaill and Charles-Edwards, that they both may have ruled over Tara, before the territory of the Laigen was reduced. However, the kingship of the Uí Bairrche, descended from another son of Dáire Barraig, Feicc. There may be a connection between the change in the descent of the kingship and the early legend of the forced migration of the Uí Bairrche. It was a decendant of Feicc who reclaimed the Uí Bairrche position. The Uí Bairrche were a more important dynasty in the sixth and seventh centuries than later records allow, as a result of a revision of history.

It is thought that the likely allies of the Uí Bairrche were the Fothairt, or Fotharta, who were the mercenary tribes of the Lagin and were possibly of Cruithin (Pict) origin. They were scattered throughout Leinster usually in close contiguity to one or other of the various groups of the Uí Bairrche. They left their name in the baronies of Forth (Fothairt Mara or Tire) in southeast Wexford and Forth (Fothairt Fea) in eastern Carlow. They were also found around the church of Kildare whose foundress St. Bridget was the most distinguished member of their race. St. Bridgit may have been proto-Irish for Briganti ie High Godess. It may be possible that the Fothairt Mara, on behalf of the Uí Cheinnsealaigh, drove the Uí Bairrche out of Southern Wexford. In later years, Uí Lorcán of Fothairt Mara controlled the territory and were Kings of Uí Cheinnsealaigh in 1024 and 1030 AD. At the time of the Norman invasion, they are listed as allies of Diarmait mac Murchada King of Uí Cheinnsealaigh and Leinster.

Early legends state that the traditional enemies of the Uí Bairche, the Lagin tribe of Uí Cheinnsealaigh, temporarlily drove them out of their territory.

a) According to the ‘Expulsion of the Dési’, the Uí Bairrche were driven out by Fiachu ba Aiccid, youngest brother of Dáire Barraig, who gave their territory to the Dési, who continued to occupy it until the reign of Crimthann (son of Énna Censelach founder of the Uí Cheinnselaig, son of Labraid, son of Bressal Belach, son of Fiachu Ba Aiccid.), when Eochu Guinech, a famous warrior of the Uí Bairrche, expelled them.

In the annals the date of the slaying of Crimthann is given as 465 AD or 484 AD, by his grandson Eochaidh Guinech of the Uí Bairrche. Later in 489 AD, Eochaidh Guinech aided the north Lagin Uí Dúnlainge in the battle of Cell Osnada or Cenn Losnada (Kellistown, Co. Carlow), in which Oengus mac Nad Froích, King of Munster and son-in-law of Cremthan, was defeated and slain.

b) According to the Tripartite Life of Patrick (ed. Stokes p.192), Cremthan (son of Censelach), King of Lagin, oppressed the Uí Bairrche, so that they migrated from their territory, and one of them, Oengus mac Maicc Erca, slew Cremthan in revenge. It is stated that Cremthann gave Slebte to Saint Patrick and that it is his burial place. Slievemargy is called by the older name of Cúil-maige (hill of the Bairrche), which would indicate that it was occupied by the Uí Bairrche. Of interest, the Uí Bairrche are not actually named in this account and Stokes confuses them with the Húi Ercáin of the Fothairt.

c) Another version, from the Monach or Manach of Ulster, state that their ancestor Monach, having slain Énna, King of Lagin, left Leinster and betook himself to his maternal uncle, Eochaid Gunnat, King of Ulaid, who gave him land. Of interest, among the Dál Fiatach kings of Ulaid, there is an Eochaid (circa 500 AD) and Bécc Bairrche (†718AD) who gave his name to the Benna Bairche or Boirche (Mourne Mountains). In the genealogies it states that the Uí Bairrche tribes in Ulster had to leave their original territory owing to the slaying of Ennae son of the King of Lagin by Echach Guinig of the Ulaid. MacFirbisigh states that they were decended from Muireadh Snithe in one part and from Féicc in another part.

St. Tigernach, Bishop of Cluain Eui (Clones, Co. Monaghan) (†549-550AD AU) is said to have given protection to the move of the Uí Bairrche tribes to Ulster, as he was their cousin.

d) According to O’Rahilly, another version by Flann mac Mael Maedóc (†979AD) of the migration of the Uí Bairrche seems to suggest that it was as a result of the death of Laidcenn mac Bairchid (5^th century) of the Ulaid tribe the Dál Araide:

“Ba de sain sóiset fo thuaid ó Inis Coirthi” (it was as a result that they {Uí Bairrche?} turned north at Enniscorthy)

Laidcenn, son of Bairchid, was the chief-poet of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Eochaid (brother of Cremthan) the son of Enna Cennselach, in revenge for being refused hospitality by the poet, destroyed his stronghold and killed his only son Leat. Then Niall went on a raid to Leinster and was given Eochaid as a hostage at Ath Fadat (Ahade “the long ford”) in Gothart (Fothartaibh) Fea (two miles south of Tullow, Co. Carlow) on the bank of the Slaney. Eochaid broke his chains and slaughtered his captors. He was pursued by Niall southward until they reached Inis Fail (Beggerin Co. Wexford). As the poet began to revile the men of Leinster, Eochaid killed him with a stone. Later the same Eochaid was responsible for the death of Niall.

O’Rahilly thought that Laidcenn mac Bairchid may have been of the Uí Bairrche due to the similarity of the names. Others have thought that there may have been a connection due the sympatric treatment of the Uí Bairrche by Laidcenn mac Bairchid in the genealogies. Of interest, Brii mac Bairceda, the brother of Laidcenn, was the poet of Cathair Már.

An indication of the importance of the Uí Bairrche in the sixth century is indicated by the marriage of Eithne (also known as Derbfhind Belfhota) an Uí Bairrche princess to Feidimid, great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages and prince of the Uí Néill dynasty of high kings. This is recorded as she was mother to St Colum Cille or Columba (†597AD) considered to be the greatest of Irish missionaries. In the record of her genealogy, there is Cairpe the poet, whom Keating describes as king of Leinster, and his father Ailill the Great, who is described as King of Ireland in the Book of Lecan.

In the second half of the sixth century, a prominent King of Uí Bairrche, Cormac mac Diarmata (†567AD???) (mac Echach Guinig of the Uí Breccáin, of the royal line of the Uí Bairrche), is shown in hagiography as a ruthless ruler of south Leinster. The Lives of St. Abbán of Adamstown, St. Cainnech of Aghaboe (†600AD), St. Finnian of Clonard, St. Fintain of Clonenagh (†603AD) and St. Comgall of Bangor (†602AD), refer to Cormac mac Diarmata as king of Leinster or of Uí Cheinnselaig (an anachronism for king of South Leinster). There is also a similar reference in the genealogical tracts. O’Hanlon, in the Lives of Irish Saints, states that his father Diarmata was also king of Uí Cheinnselaig. Extracts from the lives of the saints are given in the references below.

In the Life of St. Abbán, Cormac mac Diarmata is stated as attacking Abbán's monastery of Camaross, south-east of Adamstown Co. Wexford, and the implication is that it lay within Uí Bairrche territory.

In the Life of St. Cainnech of Aghaboe, Cormac mac Diarmata is shown as practising the savage custom of gialcherd (treatment of hostatges) or gallcherd (foreign art). The life is though to contain several important references to social customs. Aghaboe located in west Laois and Saigir in west Offaly were both churches of the Osraige and were only displaced by Cell Cainnich (Kilkenny) after the coming of the Normans.

The Life of St. Fintan states that he freed Cormac mac Diarmata when he was imprisoned by Colmán mac Cormac Camsrón of Uí Cheinnselaig at Rathmore (one mile south of Rathvilly, Co. Carlow). In this account Colmán mac Cormac Camsrón is styled king of north Leinster. The AFM state that Colmán mac Cormac died at Sliabh Mairge in 576AD.

The lands of the monastery of Dísert Diarmata (Castledermot, Co. Kildare) was apparently donated to the monastery of Bangor by a king of Uí Bairrche, who had been a disciple of St. Comgall. “Cormac (mac Diarmata), King of Leinster, bestowed Imblech nEch on Comhgall of Bendchuir (ie Bangor)”. Smyth identifies Imlech Ech as Cenn Ech (Kinneigh) to the east of Castledermot. According to the Life of St. Comgall he also had three castles; Carlow town on the Barrow, Foibran (Sligo?) and Ard Crema (Wexford). This is perhaps the earliest reference to Carlow town. The Irish name for Carlow is Ceatharloch which is traditionally translated as four lakes, but there is no evidence of these lakes. A more likely rendering of the name is Catharlogh (the spelling stated on early maps), which would be translated as stone or monastic enclosure on the lake. O’Hanlon, in the Lives of Irish Saints, states that this lake was located between Carlow town and Sleaty located two miles to the north. The only place identified as Foibran was a monastic settlement in Sligo. Smyth states that the Laigin had settlements in north west Connacht. Also when Fiacc met St. Patrick he was coming from Connacht. At the end of Cormac mac Diarmata reign, he left his kingdom to become a monk with St. Comgall at Bangor. In the Life of St. Comgall, we are told that he was overcome by homesickness, but did not abandon his pious exile:

“He dreamt that he had been walking round the borders of Leinster visiting his beautiful cities and fortresses, and that he had traversed the flowering plains and lovely meadows; he dreamt of his kingdom and of his fine war-chariots and he saw himself surrounded by his war-lords, princes and magnates, and with the symbols of his royal power.”

According to Shearman, Cormac mac Diarmata had a son called Gorman or Gordmundus who styled himself King of Ireland, and who invaded England as described by Geoffrey of Manmouth. This may be based on the enteries in the Annales Breves for 590AD for Burchardus Gurmundi otherwise know as O Gormagheyn, duke of Slieve Margi and Leinster. Gurmund(us) is also included in Giraldus Cambrensis ‘The Topography of Ireland’.

In the seventh century, a King of Uí Bairrche, was Suibne mac Domnaill (grandson of Cormac mac Diarmata). In the Life of Munnu of Taghmon (†635 AD), it would appear that he controlled the area of Leighlin at the time of the synod over the ordering of Easter (630 AD). It is stated that Munnu, as a result of being insulted by Suibne, prophesised that his head would be cut off by his brother’s son (Cind Faílad?) and would be thrown into the Barrow, near the Blathach stream. His brother Faílbe married Eithne daughter of Crundmael mac Rónáin (†656 AD) king of Uí Cheinnselaig and Lagen Desgabair (South Leinster) and Mugain, the daughter of Faílbe, married Cellaig Cualand, King of Leinster (†715 AD) from whom are the Uí Cellaig Cualand.

		Ancient Genealogy of Uí Treasaig, kings of the Uí Bairrche 36. Milesius of Spain. 37. Heremon: son of Milesius. 38. Irial Faidh ("faidh": Irish, a prophet): his son 39. Eithrial: his son; was the 11th Monarch; reigned 20 years; 40. Foll-Aich: his son; 41. Tigernmas: his son; was the 13th Monarch, and reigned 77 years; 42. Enboath: his son. 43. Smiomghall: his son; 44. Fiacha Labhrainn: his son; was the 18th Monarch; reigned 24 years; 45. Aongus Olmucach: his son; was the 20th Monarch; 46. Main: his son; 47. Rotheachtach: his son; was the 22nd Monarch; slain, B.C. 1357, by Sedne (or Seadhna), of the Line of Ir. 48. Dein: his son; 49. Siorna "Saoghalach" (long-oevus): his son; was the 34th Monarch; he obtained the name "Saoghalach" on account of his extraordinary long life; slain, B.C 1030 50. Olioll Aolcheoin: son of Siorna Saoghalach. 51. Gialchadh: his son; was the 37th Monarch; slain B.C. 1013. 52. Nuadhas Fionnfail: his son; was the 39th Monarch; slain B.C. 961. 53. Aedan Glas: his son. 54. Simeon Breac: his son; was the 44th Monarch; slain B.C. 903. 55. Muredach Bolgach: his son; was the 46th Monarch; slain B.C. 892; 56. Fiacha Tolgrach: son of Muredach; was the 55th Monarch. slain B.C. 795. 57. Duach Ladhrach: his son; was the 59th Monarch; slain B.C. 737. 58. Eochaidh Buadhach: his son; 59. Ugaine Mór: his son. 66th Monarch of Ireland. slain B.C. 593 60. Laeghaire Lorc, the 68th Monarch of Ireland 61. Olioll Aine: his son. 62. Labhradh Longseach: his son. 63. Olioll Bracan: his son. 64. Æneas Ollamh: his son; the 73rd Monarch. 65. Breassal: his son. 66. Fergus Fortamhail: his son; the 80th Monarch slain B.C. 384. 67. Felim Fortuin: his son. 68. Crimthann Coscrach: his son; the 85th Monarch. 69. Mogh-Art: his son. 70. Art: his son. 71. Allod (by some called Olioll): his son. 72. Nuadh Falaid: his son. 73. Fearach Foghlas: his son. 74. Olioll Glas: his son. 75. Fiacha Fobrug: his son. 76. Breassal Breac: his son. 77. Luy: son of Breassal Breac. 78. Sedna: his son; 79. Nuadhas Neacht: his son; the 96th Monarch. 80. Fergus Fairgé: his son; 81. Ros: son of Fergus Fairgé. 82. Fionn Filé ("filé:" Irish, a poet): his son. 83. Conchobhar Abhraoidhruaidh: his son; the 99th Monarch of Ireland. 84. Mogh Corb: his son. 85. Cu-Corb: his son; King of Leinster. 86. Niadh [nia] Corb: his son. 87. Cormac Gealtach: his son. 88. Felim Fiorurglas: his son. 89. Cathair Mór: his son. Monarch of Ireland 120 to 123 AD 90. Dáire Barraig: his son. 91. Féicc: his son. (brother of Muiredach Mo-Sníthe, King of Leinster) 92. Breccáin: his son 93. Meicc Ercca: his son. 94. Óengussa: his son. 95. Echach Guinig: his son. 96. Diarmata: his son. 97. Cormaicc: his son. 98. Domnaill: his son. 99. Suibne: his son. 100. Máel h-Umae: his son. 101. Coibdenaig: his son. 102. Echach: his son. 103. Gormáin: his son. 104. Dúnacáin: his son. 105. Gussáin: his son. 106. Luachdaib: his son. 107. Tressaig: his son. (from whom are Uí Tresaig) 108. Áeda his son. 109. Donnchada his son. 110. Muircherdaig his son. 111. Gormáin his son. 112. Meic Raith (died 1042) his son. 113. Muiredaig his son. 114. Gussán his son. 115. Óengus and Muircheartach his sons. Or 103. Arttgaile his son. 104. Fócartai his son. 105. Beccáin his son. 106. Tressach (King of Ui Bairrche Maighe slain 844 AD) (from whom are Uí Tresaig) 107. Braon his son. 108. Beacán his son. 109. Braon his son. 110. Beacán his son. 111. Colga his son.
From the middle of the ninth century, there are numerous entries for Uí Bairrche Maige and Uí Bairrche Tire in the Annals of the Four Masters, which may be an indication of their importance. At that time, a prominent king of the Uí Bairrche was Tressach, son of Becan, King of the Uí Bairrche Maighe. He is remembered in the Annals of the Four Masters and also in a number of poems in the Book of Leinster (46a and 47a). He would appear to the source of the Tracey family name. He was regarded as a hero of Leinster and the ruler of the river Barrow (Tressach Berba barr). According to the annal he died in 884 AD: Treasach, son of Becan, chief of Uí Bairche Maighe, was slain by Aedh, son of Ilguine. Of him Flann, son of Lonan, said: A heavy mist upon the province of Breasal, since they slew at the fortaliced Liphe, Heavy the groans of Assal, for grief at the loss of Treasach. Wearied my mind, moist my countenance, since Treasach lies in death. The moan of Oenach Lifi all, and of Leinster to the sea, is the son of Becan. The annal states that Treasach was killed by Aedh son of Ilguine who may have been of the Uí Bairrche. However, he is not named in the genealogies and the entries in the annal are confused. Ilguine is a very rare name and the only reference found may indicate that it has an Ulaid origin. In the Annals of Ulster (U883 & U886), there are references to Eolóir son of Iergne, who is thought to have been an aggressive leader of the Vikings of Dublin, who may be a more likely candidate. An indication of Treasach’s importance is that his memorial was written by Flann mac Lonan (†891 or 918 AD), the Vergil of Ireland and chief poet of all the Gael. The ‘province of Breasal’ may be a reference to Bressal Bélach, ancestor of both the Uí Dúnlainge and Uí Cheinnselaig and as such refers to all of Leinster, both north and south. The reference to ‘fortaliced Liphe’ may refer to the first Viking settlement on the Liffey at Islandbridge in Dublin. According to O’Cróinín (1995), the Irish did not have a name for the settlement at that time. In 866 AD Conn, son of Cinaedh, lord of Uí Bairrchi Tire, was slain while demolishing the fortress of the foreigners, which may also have been Dublin or Arklow/Wicklow or Wexford harbour. Assal may be a reference to one of the sons of Úmór, mythical leaders of the Fir Bolg, who had a magical spear. As such, it may be a combined reference to the Fir Bolg and the Lagin, whose name was derived from the spears they carried. Or it may be a reference to Meath. ‘Oenach Lifi’ refers to his funeral feast on the Liffey, which is another indication of his importance. According to O’Donovan, in an interpretation of an extract from the Book of Leinster, there were ancient roads from the Liffey to Slievemargy and Magh Airgead-Ros i.e. Bealach Gabhruain followed by Belach Smechuin and also the Gabhair which separated Laighin Tuath-Ghabhair and Laighin Deas-ghabhair (north and south Leinster).
	There are a number of townland place names that are derived from the Traceys of the Uí Bairrche. In Carlow, there is Tracey’s crossroads on the border of Carlow and Forth baronies. In Kildare, there are Baltracey (5 kilometres north of Clane on the road to Kilcock), Baltracey and Newtown Baltracey (3 kilometres south east of Naas) and Tracey’s crossroads (just south east of Kildare town). These locations also reflect Uí Bairrche monastic sites. In Kilkenny, there is Kiltrassy (Callan). However there is a reference that Kiltrassy (Cill Dreasa) is named after a Saint Teresa of Spain, of whom there is no record. In Wexford, there is Ballytracey (Boolavogue, east of Ferns) and possibly Traceytown East and Traceytown West (south-east and west of Taghmon), which could be of Norman origin. In Down, of peculiar interest, there is the Trassey Valley in the Mourne Mountains (Benna Bairche or Boirche). These townlands and placenames may be an indication of the boundaries of Uí Bairrche influence at the time of Treasach. Clane and Naas (3 & 4), are both close to the Liffey river where he died and had his funeral feast. In addition, he was King of the Uí Bairrche Maighe and he ruled the Barrow, presumable around Carlow town. u Maighe Ailbe, the Barrow river and Tracey’s crossroads (Carlow) v Tracey’s crossroads (Kildare) w Baltracey x Baltracey and Newtown Baltracey y Ballytracey z Tracystown East { Tracystown West | Kiltrassy

‘Bal’ or ‘Bally’ is the anglicised form of the Irish word ‘baile’ which roughly translates as town or townland. It is thought that it’s use dates from the middle of the Twelfth century. ‘Kil’ can be the anglicised form of the Irish word ‘Cill’ meaning church or ‘Coill’ meaing wood.

Also at this time, the church in Leinster seems to have administered from Gleann Uisean. In 916 AD at the battle of Ceannfuait (close to Leixlip, Co. Kildare) Arch-bishop of Leinster and Abbot of Gleann-Uisean, Maelmaedhog son of Diarmaid was killed. The reference to the rank of arch bishop or even bishop of Leinster is very unusual. Also he may have been of the Uí Conamla of the Ui Bairrche.

It has been stated that it may not have been until late in the ninth century that Uí Cheinnselaig domination of the lower Slaney in Wexford was complete. In the Annals, the last reference to Uí Bairrche Tire was in 906 AD. In the account of the Cath Bealaigh Mugna 905AD, it states that Cleirchén king of Uí Bairrchi came from Inis Failbe, which may be Inis Fail (Beggarin) on the north side of Wexford harbour. Of interest, the leaders of Uí Bairrche Tíre in the annals are not named in the genealogies. It has been proposed that the Uí Dróna of Uí Cheinnselaig broke the power of Uí Bairrche by moving southward, seizing the Slaney valley from Rathvilly to Tullow, thereby separating the Uí Bairrche of Laois/Carlow from those of Wexford.

By the tenth century, the main body of the Uí Bairrche had settled among their allies among the northern Lagin, mainly in the area of the barony of Slievemargy (Slievemarragy, Slievemarigue, Sleamerg, Sliabh Mairge, Sliabh Maircce, Cuil Maigi, Mairg Laighean, Temair ‘Tara’ Mairghe) (Sliabh mBairche = mountain of the Bairrche) in the south-eastern corner of Laois and the adjoining portions of Carlow and Kilkenny. Mairg is thought to have extended as far south to the present town of Belach Gabrán (Gowran Co. Kilkenny) and has been identified with the Ossraige. The Dinnseanchus states the appellation of Mairge is derived from Marga, the son of Giustan, Lawgiver of the Fomorians, who was killed on the mountain. Temar Mairge and Glenn Uissen were the birthplaces of Fin Mac Cumhal and of his son Uissen. In the will of Cathaeir Mór from the Book of Rights, the Uí Bairrche are stated to live on the southern frontier of their allies, the Uí Dúnlainge as a barrier to the Uí Cheinnselaig:

“Sit on the frontier of Tuath Laigin (north Leinster);

Thou shall harass the lands of Deas Ghabhair (south Leinster);”

However, the Book of Rights seems to have a northern Laigin emphasis. The Uí Bairrche are located between the Uí Drona and the Uí Buide and receive the following from the King of the Laigin:

“Eight steeds to the Ui Bairrche for their vigor,

‘Twas but small for a man of his (their chieftain’s) prowess,

Eight drinking-horns, eight women, not slaves,

And eight bondmen, brave [and] large.”

but unlike other tribes, except the Uí Dhúnlainge, they do not pay a tribute in return. However, this section does not seem to have been completed according to tradition.

A leader that is referenced in the annals was Donnchadh mac Aedh, lord of the Uí Bairrche. In 1024 AD, he defeated the men of Munster at Gleann Uisean. In 1041 AD, he took Faelan Ua Morcha, lord of Laeighis (Laois) prisoner, whom he delivered to the King of Leinster, Murchadh mac Dunlaing (of the Kildare Uí Muiredaig), who blinded him. Also in 1041 AD, Domhnall Reamhar, (i.e. the Fat), heir to the lordship of Uí Ceinnsealaigh, in a preying excursion into Uí Bairrche was slaughtered by Murchadh mac Dunlaing at Cill-Molappoc (Kilmolappogue, Lorum, Co. Carlow). Also Fearna-mor was plundered by Donnchadh mac Brian, and Murchadh mac Dunlaing. In revenge for both of these, Gleann-Uisean was plundered by Diarmait mac Mael-na-mbo of Uí Ceinnsealaigh, and the oratory was demolished, and a hundred were killed and several hundred were carried off as prisoners. In 1042 AD, in the battle of Magh-Mailceth in Laois, Donnchadh mac Aedh and Murchadh mac Dunlaing were killed by Gillaphadraig mac Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe (Kilkenny), and Cucoigcriche Ua Mordha, lord of Laeighis, and Macraith Ua Donnchadha, lord of Eoghanacht (west Munster). Also slain in this battle was Gilla-Emhin Ua h-Anrothain, lord of Ui-Cremhthannain (east Laois), and Eachdonn mac Dunlaing, Tanist of Leinster with many others.

Their chief representatives of the Uí Bairrche in historical times were the Uí Treasaig (Tracey) and Mac Gormáin (MacGorman). MacFhirbhishigh also makes particular reference to Uí Mhaoil Umha, Uí Domhnaill (O’Donnell), Uí Cearnaigh (O’Carny, O’Kearney), Ua mBrocain (O’Brogan), Uí Móenaig (from Móenach son of Muiredach Sníthe) (Mooney), Síol Cumaine (Cummin), Monaig Ulad (Mooney of West Co. Down), Fir Monach locha Éirne (Mooney of Loch Erne) and Uí Caindeachain (O’Canahan?). The Uí Treasaig were of the royal line and were cited as Kings of Uí Bairrche. In the annals the MacGormain were cited as lords of Uí Bairrche. MacFhirbhishigh names MacGormain as kings of Uí Bairrche. Both were cited as Lords of Slievemargy by historians.

The first reference to the Tracey surname in the Irish Annals was in 1008AD, where it states, "Gussan, son of Ua Treassach, lord of Ui-Bairrche, died." In the twelfth century, the MacGormáin family name appears to have superseded the Uí Treasaig family name. The MacGormain name is first referenced in 1103AD and in 1124AD the annals state “Muireadhach Mac Gormain, lord of Ui-Bairrche, who was the ornament and glory, and the chief old hero of Leinster, died.”

In time, the Uí Cheinnselaig became the dominant tribe of Leinster and by the eleventh century they had taken over the kingship of Leinster from the Uí Dúnlainge, the allies of Uí Bairrche. At the synod of Rathbreasil in 1111AD, the diocese of Leighlin included the lands of the Laígis, Uí Buide, Uí Bairrche, Uí Felmeda, Fortharta and Uí Dróna. This gives an indication of the land held by the Uí Bairrche at this time. It is thought that an original grant of land to the Cistercian abbey of Baltinglass (Belach Con Glais) in the first half of the 12^th Century was made by an Irish King, MacCorman (MacGormáin) before the conquest of Ireland, possibly in the form of a charter. According to the 1397 inquisition at Carlow, the land granted were the granges of Grangeford, Wryghteston (or Cluan Melsige possibly Clonmelsh) and Carrigtoman (or Cartuamain possibly Chapelstown). In the confirmation charter to Baltinglass by King John in 1185, the following lands were stated as being part of ‘Ua Barche or Barthe’: Dumetham, Chapelstown, Agaddarith, Godwin’s mill & Killamaster. This would indicate, as might be expected, that the barony of Carlow formed part of Uí Bairrche territory, along with the adjoining barony of Slievemargy. It has been suggested that the manuscript Rawlinson B502 also known as the Book of Glendalough was written at Killeshin in 1130AD, which may explain the detail given to the Uí Bairrche genealogies. One reference states that Uí Bairrche dynasty appear to have been deprived of these remaining territories in 1141AD by Diarmait Mac Murchada of the Uí Cheinnselaig, during a purge of the chief families of Leinster, including three sons of MacGorman (Annals of Tigernach) 1141AD Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, acted treacherously towards the chieftains of Leinster, namely, towards Domhnall, lord of Ui-Faelain, and royal heir of Leinster, and towards Ua Tuathail, i.e. Murchadh, both of whom he killed; and also towards Muircheartach Mac Gillamocholmog, lord of Feara-Cualann, who was blinded by him. This deed caused great weakness in Leinster, for seventeen of the nobility of Leinster, and many others of inferior rank along with them, were killed or blinded by him at that time. After this period the Uí Bairrche are not recorded in the Irish Annals. “A country without a chief is dead.” Ní ba tuath tuath gan egna, gan egluis, gan filidh, gan righ ara corathar cuir ך cairde do thuathaibh.

Diocesan Boundaries created by the synod of Raith Bressail in 1111 AD. (Smyth) u Laígis, v Uí Buide w Uí Bairrche x Uí Felmeda y Fortharta z Uí Dróna

Roderick O’Trassy is listed as one of the Bishops of Ferns, Co. Wexford during the period 1117 to 1155 AD. His name is listed on the wall of St. Aiden Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford as Rodericus O’Tracey †1145 AD. His position would indicate that the Traceys still held some power in that area at that time. It is stated that in 1166 AD Diarmait Mac Murchada, burned his capital of Ferns under threat of invasion by Rory O’Conor of Connacht. Of interest, up to that time, in the list of Bishops of Ferns there appears to be a number of surnames that may be of Uí Bairrche origin, which would indicate that the area may have been under their influence e.g. O’Kearney and Ballycarney on the Slaney, 3 miles west of Ferns, O’Treacy and Ballytracey four miles south east of Ferns, and O’Cahan. As such, Diarmait Mac Murchada may have burned Ferns in anticipation of a revolt. These lands formed the boundries of the ‘Manor’ of Ferns as described after the Norman invasion. In addition, Bargy was also claimed by Ferns. According to Colfer, Hervey de Montmorencey c1200 granted extensive lands in Bargy to the Cistercians. The Bishop of Ferns, Ailbe Ua Maelhuidhe, contested this grant claiming that they belonged to Ferns. By an agreement of c.1230, Canterbury retained the lands and church livings of Kilmore, Kilturk, Tomhaggard, Kilcowan, Bannow, Killag, Carrick and the Saltee Islands, all in the cantred of Bargy.

Bishops of Ferns (Flood & AFM) Cairbre O’Kearney †1095AD Cellach O’Colman †1117AD Maeleoin O’Donegan †1125AD Maelisu O’Cahan †1135AD Rory O’Treacy †1145AD Brighidian O’Cahan †1172AD (resigned) Joseph O’Hay †1185AD (of the Uí Deaghaidh of Uí Cheinnselaig) Ailbe O’Molloy, O.Cist. †1222-3AD (last Gaelic bishop)

The Uí Rónáin (Ronane or Royane) of Tig Mo Sacro are also considered to be an ecclesiastical family according to historians. The saint Mosachar is thought to have been the abbot of Clonenagh in Laois and Saggart in Dublin. There is some confusion that Tig Mo Sacro is Saggart rather than Tomhaggard in Wexford. Cináed Ua Rónáin (or Celestino) was bishop of Glendalough in 1162 when he witnessed Diarmait Mac Murchada’s charter to Ferns and also his charter granting Baldoyle to Edanus, Bishop of Louth. The name Ronane or Royane is still most common around Wexford.

It would appear that the Traceys dispersed and the majority settled in the general area of North Tipperary, Offaly, Laois and North Kilkenny, where they are still numerous today. They also settled in the other surrounding Leinster counties of Kildare, Carlow, Westmeath, Wicklow, Dublin and Wexford. Their descendants are the most numerous Traceys in Ireland. There are also early reference for the eastern seaports of Drogheda (Louth), Dublin and Arklow (Wicklow). It may be presumed that the Traceys of Louth are also of the Uí Bairrche, as there is also a high prevalence of Carney and Gormans in that area. There is also a high prevalence of Traceys in the Ui Enechglaiss territory of Arklow. Richter states that the Leinster kings had royal fleets, which may account for the presence of Traceys in these seaports. The historian Peadar Livingstone, expresses an opinion that the Traceys of Fermanagh are not natives to Ulster. It may be possible that these Traceys were also of the Uí Barriche, as there is a connection to Fermanagh in the genealogies.

The mac Gormáin settled in Monaghan and Tipperary (Doire Seinliath or Senlaith in Uaithne (Owney)). Some moved to Clare, and were noted as chiefs of Tullichrin (Uí Breacain, a name taken from one of the free tribes of the Uí Bairrche), a territory comprising parts of the baronies of Moyarta and Ibrackan. Their chiefs became marshalls (military commanders) under the O’Briens, where they acquired great wealth and influence. As early as 1168 (to 1185), Scanlan mac Gormáin is recorded as a witness to a charter by Domnall Ua Briain, King of Thomond to Holy Cross Abbey. In 1563, an account of their movement to Munster is given by Maelin Og Mac Bruaideadha (Mac Brody), chief poet of the Ui Breacain (O’Gorman) and Ui Fearmaic (O’Grady).

Bishop Finn of Kildare who died in 1160AD was an important religious figure. He is thought to have commissioned and to have been one of the scribes of the “Book of Leinster”. He may have been of the Mac Gormain of Uí Bairrche as in the annals he is named as “Mac Gormain” and “Ua Gormain”. However, the Ua Gormain may have been an important ecclesiastical family as there are a number of references to the family in the Annals and other sources.

Donnghal mac Gorman (†1070AD), chief lector of Leath-Chuinn, and Tanist-abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois; Finn mac Gussáin mac Gormáin (†1085AD) Bishop of Kildare, died at Cill-achaidh. Aenghus Ua Gormain (†1123AD), successor of Comhghall, died on his pilgrimage at Lis-mor-Mochuda. Finn Mac (or Ua) Gormain (†1160AD), Bishop of Cill-dara, and who had been abbot of the monks of Iubhair-Chinn-trachta for a time, died. Maelcaeimhghin Ua Gormain (†1164AD), master of Lughmhadh, chief doctor of Ireland, and who had been Abbot of the monastery of the canons of Tearmann-Feichin for a time, died. Máel Muire Ua Gormáin (c.1167AD) abbot of Arrouaisian house of Knock, Co. Louth (author of Martyrology of Gorman) Flann Ua Gormain (†1174AD) arch-lector of Ard-Macha and of all Ireland, a man learned, observant in divine and human wisdom, after having been a year and twenty learning amongst the Franks and Saxons and twenty years directing the schools of Ireland, died peacefully on the 13th of the Kalends of April [March 20], the Wednesday before Easter, in the 70th year of his age.

Other historians suggest that the Uí Barrche were driven out of their lands by the Norman invaders, a fate endured by many other clanns. It is thought that the Norman invasion in 1169AD landed at Bannow, part of the Uí Barrche territory in Wexford. This part of Wexford became the heartland of the Norman settlement in Ireland. After the conquest, Strongbow chose John de Clahull, as marshal of Leinster, to whom he granted Uí Bairrche territory of Slievemargy. It has also been stated that Slievemargy was controlled by Baron Walter de Riddlesford (Reddensforde), who became master of the territory around Carlow. In 1181, a castle was built for John de Clahull by Hugh de Lacy probably at Killeshin. O’Conor thinks that it may have been the castle at Carlow town, where a wooden structure predated the stone structure. In 1300, William de St. Leger held six knights fees in Obargy, the manor with a centre at Killeshin seemed to have been formed by John de Clahull. Harvey de Montmorency’s was granted an enfeoffment in Uí Bairrche on the sea in South Wexford. His lands also included the barony of Shelburne (where he founded the Abbey of Dunbrody), and a portion of the parish of Kilmokea formerly surrounded by the Barrow. The Normans called these areas ‘Obarthy’ or ‘Obargy’ a corruption of ‘Ui Bairrche’.

Indications of the territories held by the Uí Bairrche at this time are the placenames that may be attrituted to them or their clanns. There are a large number of placenames in Ireland that contain ‘carney’, ‘ronan’ or ‘gorman’ as part of the name. Less common are those containing ‘tracey’ which are mainly located in Leinster in the counties of Wexford and Kildare. It may be assumed that earliest names are ‘carney’ and ‘ronan’, followed by ‘tracey’, followed by ‘gorman’. The Normans did not change many Irish placenames or simply translated them into English. The baronies formed by the Normans were also based on the tuath or Irish tribal lands. The following are the placenames of the names located in Leinster:

In Carlow, there are Ballycarney south of Carlow town and Tracey’s crossroads on the border of Carlow and Forth baronies. Also the barony of Slievemargy, formed part of Carlow County until the reign of Queen Mary and the formation of Queens County. The adjacent barony of Carlow would also have formed part of their lands. There is also an indication that there was a castle at Carlow town at the time of the Norman invasion. At this time there were the churches of Sancti Congani de Clunussi (St. Comgan of Glen Uissen or Killeshin), Sancti Patricii de Slefta (Saint Patrick of Sletty), Sancti Congalli de Catherloc (Saint Comhgall of Carlow town).

In Wexford, there are Coolycarney (Templeshanbo) and Ballycarney (739 acres*) on the Slaney, both west of Ferns and Ballytracey (453 acres*) north of Boolavogue, east of Ferns in the middle of Wexford. There is the barony of Bargy in south Wexford. In Bargy, in the civil parish of Mulrankin, there is Rathronan. Tracystown East (204 acres*) and Tracystown West (401 acres*), south-east and west of Taghmon are on the border of the barony of Bargy. These last townlands may be of Norman origin but references to the Norman Tracys in south Wexford are scarce and they may not have remained in the area. Also in Bargy, there is Rathronan just north of Bridgetown. In north Wexford, there is the civil parish of Kilgorman.

In Wicklow, in the west of the county there is Kilcarney Upper and Lower in the civil parish of Hacketstown and in the north west Anacarney in the civil parish of Boystown. In north east Wicklow, there is Ballyronan in the civil parish of Kilcoole. In east Wicklow, there is Gormanstown in the civil parish of Dunganstown.

In Kilkenny, there is Kiltrassy (395 acres*) near Callan, which may not be connected to the family. In south east Kilkenny, there is Kearneysbay in the civil parish of Kilcolumb. The ancient name of Ballyragget in north Kilkenny was Dún Tulach Uí mBairrche (Tullabarry/Tulacbarry), translated as ‘hill fort of the Bairrche’, which is located in Moatpark townland.

In Offaly, in the east, there is Toberronan in the civil parish of Killaderry.

In Kildare, all in the north west of the county are Kearneystown Upper and Lower in the civil parish of Lyons, Baltracey (707 acres*) at Balraheen between Clane and Kilcock, Baltracey (175 acres*) and Newtown Baltracey (102 acres*), 3 kilometres south east of Naas and Tracey’s crossroads south east of Kildare town. In 1304, the Traceys of Balraheen are listed in the Red Book of Ormond for the Manor of Cloncurry. In east Kildare, there is Gormanstown in the civil parish of Kilcullen.

In Meath, in the north east there Donacarney town, Little and Great in the civil parish of Colp (beside Drogheda). In the south east there is Ballymacarney in the civil parish of Kilbride (Dunboyne) (Dublin/Kildare). In the south-west there is Coolronan. In the south there is Athronan in the civil parishes of Kilmessan and Kileen. There is a Gormanston and Gormanstown in the civil parish of Stamullin (east) and Gormanstown in the civil parishes of Rathbeggan (south east), and Trim (south west).

In Westmeath, in the east there is Gormanstown in the civil parish of Kilcumny.

In Louth, in the south of the county there is Kearneystown in the civil parish of Mullary (near Drogheda)

In Dublin, there is Donnycarney in the civil parish of Clonturk (north Dublin Bay). In west Dublin, there is Ronanstown in the civil parish of Clondalkin. West of Dublin bay there is the civil parish of Grangegorman and in the north Gormanston Demesne in the civil parish of Balscaddan.

(* Griffiths Valuation)

u Ballycarney (Carlow) v Kearneystown Upper and Lower w Donacarney town, Little and Great x Ballymacarney y Kearneystown z Donnycarney { Kilcarney Upper and Lower | Anacarney ” Coolycarney • Ballycarney (Wexford) ‹ Kearneysbay Œ Rathronan � Toberronan Ž Coolronan � Athronan (Kilmessan Meath) � Athronan (Kileen Meath) ‘ Ronanstown ’ Ballyronan

u Maighe Ailbe, the Barrow river and Tracey’s crossroads (Carlow) v Tracey’s crossroads (Kildare) w Baltracey x Baltracey and Newtown Baltracey y Ballytracey z Tracystown East { Tracystown West | Kiltrassy u Gormanstown (Kildare) v Gormanstown (Westmeath) w Gormanston and Gormanstown (Stamulin Meath) x Gormanstown (Rathbeggan Meath) y Gormanstown (Trim Meath) z Grangegorman { Gormanston Demesne (Dublin) | Gormanstown (Wicklow) ” Kilgorman