Ruaidrí Ó Gadhra

Who is Ruaidrí Ó Gadhra?

Ruaidrí Ó Gadhra, King of Sliabh Lugha and Chief of the Name, died 1256.

During Ruaidrí's lifetime the territory of Sliabh Lugha was conquored by the Sheriff of Connacht, Jordan de Exeter, ancestor of the Clan Mac Siúrtáin. Sliabh Lugha would from this time become known as Tir Mac Síurtáin, in time becoming the Barony of Gallen.

As a result of this, the Clan Ó Gadhra were forced north into Cuil Ui Fionn, which would become their new home.

The Annals of the Four Masters record record a number of incidents concerning the Ó Gadhra family during Ruaidhri's reign:

⁕M1228.2. A great war broke out in Connaught between the two sons of Roderic O'Conor, Hugh and Turlough, after the death of the Hugh above-mentioned, for the younger son did not yield submission to the elder; and they destroyed Connaught between them, and desolated the region extending from Easdara Ballysadare, southwards, to the river of Hy-Fiachrach, excepting only a small portion of Sliabh Lugha, and the territory of the people of Airtech.

⁕M1228.5. Murtough, the son of Flaherty O'Flanagan, was slain by the sons of Teige O'Gara.

⁕M1237.9. A prey was taken by Conor, son of Cormac, from Rory O'Gara, and Rory's brother was slain.