William Ó Mullally

Who is William Ó Mullally?

William Ó Mullally, aka Ulliam Ó Maolalaidh, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Tuam, 1573-95.

Ó Mullally was a member of the Ó Maolalaidh family of Tullaghnadaly, some five miles north of Tuam. The first of the family to settle in the area was Seán Ó Maolalaidh, Chief of the Name, originally from Máenmaige. O'Mullally was a kinsman of Conchobair Ó Maolalaidh successively bishop of Clonfert, bishop of Emly and bishop of Elphin.

Ó Mullally was educated at New Inn Hall, Oxford. He was Dean of Tuam from 1558 to 1572, during which time, according to The History of the Popes,

held the rectory of Athenry, and the prebend of Laccagh, by letter of the Privy Seal dated November 6th, 1572. he was raised to the archbishopric by patent dated April 14th; and held the see of Enachdune "in commendum". Harris relates that not content with these, he endeavoured to obtain possession of Clonfert and Kilmacduagh also, but did not succeed.