Brian Oge O'Rourke

Who was Brian Oge O'Rourke?

Brian Oge O'Rourke was the penultimate king of West Bréifne, from 1591 until his death in 1604. He succeeded his father, Brian O'Rourke, when news of the latter's execution in London reached Ireland. In 1599, his forces fought alongside those of "Red" Hugh O'Donnell at the Battle of Curlew Pass, during the Nine Years' War. His forces, along with those of Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, were still suffiently menacing to Queen Elizabeth I of England that she was persuaded to agree to a peace in Ireland - the Treaty of Mellifont.

In accordance with his wishes, he was buried in the cloister of the Ross Errilly Friary. He was succeeded by his brother, Tadhg mac Briain na Murtha.