Domhnall Spainneach Mac Murrough Caomhanach

Who was Domhnall Spainneach Mac Murrough Caomhanach?

Domhnall Spainneach Mac Murrough Caomhánach was the last King of Leinster.

A descendant of Diarmait Mac Murchada, Domhnall was the eldest of the two sons of Donnchadh Caomhánach, lord of the Art Buihde Caomhánach sept, who were reckoned the least powerful of the dynasty. Their lands lay north of Enniscorthy in the Blackstairs Mountains. It appears that at Donnchadh's death, Domhnall was taken into the care of the seneschal of Wexford, Thomas Stukeley. When Stukeley left for Spain in 1568 Domhnall went with him, which explains the origin of his nickname, Spainneach.

He returned to Ireland in the mid-1570s and became a leading member of his sept. He became a firm ally of Fiach McHugh O'Byrne with whom he intrigued until the latter's death in 1597. After O'Byrne's death, he intrigued with Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. When the Nine Years' War ended in 1603, Domhnall submitted and was awarded a pension, as well as recognition of title to his lands.

Domhnall was married to Elizabeth O'Byrne, and Eleanor Kavanagh, and had a total of six children. He successfully conveyed his property to his son, Sir Morgan Kavanagh. His only known brother was Cathaoir.