An accidental spark set the fire materials alight. Hugh Maguire, reigning chief of Fermanagh, had been exasperated by the outrages inflicted on his people by a certain Captain Willis and his band of disorderly followers, who had come into his territory in a supposed official capacity, and he had driven the intruders out. In 1593 a campaign was organised against him, in which, very reluctantly, Hugh O'Neill took part. In 1594 the Deputy again invaded Fermanagh, and planted a garrison in Enniskillen, ... Read More

English Titles were given to Irish Chiefs.Con Bacach was not the only Irish chief on whom an English title was bestowed. Macgillaphadrich was made Baron of Upper Ossory ; O'Brien, Earl of Thomond ; while the " Old Foreigners of Ireland," Mac William Oughter (Burke) became Earl of Clanrickard. During the closing years of Henry's reign, Ireland was fairly tranquil and even prosperous. In January 1547, Henry VIII died. Though the officials who exercised power in his name in Ireland had been guilty ... Read More