Donald

The Donalds, Gaelic Ó Dómaill or descendants of Dónal, were known in English as the O'Donnells and were the ruling clan of Tyrconnell, covering most of later County Donegal. They claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages through his son Conall Gulban, whom Saint Patrick was said to have baptised.

From Donegal Castle the chiefs rivalled the O'Neills of Tyrone, defeating them at Knockavoe in 1522 and Farsetmore in 1567. Manus O'Donnell composed a life of Saint Columba.

In the Nine Years' War of 1593 to 1603 Red Hugh O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill led the Irish confederates until defeat at Kinsale in 1601; Red Hugh died in Spain the next year. His brother Rory became Earl of Tyrconnell in 1603 but joined the Flight of the Earls in 1607. The earldom was attainted in 1614 as the Plantation of Ulster swallowed Tyrconnell.