Daniel O'Donovan

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Daniel O'Donovan, of Mahoonagh and Feenagh, was the heriditary chief of the remnants of the Ui-Fidgheinte, and represented the Manor of Doneraile in the 1690 Patriot Parliament of James II. Following the split of the Ui-Cairbre Aebhdha in 1283 arising from a contest between two MacCarthys, two O'Donovan branches, later Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain, migrated into the southwest area of Cork where they eventually merged with O’Donnamhain's of Corea Laidhe. One branch, represented by Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh and descended from Eneislis O'Donovan, allied with the Ango-Norman overlords and remained in the historical territory of the Ui-Fidgheinte, which reached from Kilmallock through the plains of the Shannon, and included Adare, Askearton, Croom, Bruree, Newcastle West and Newcastle Kenry. The MacCarthys which remained in their historical territory following the 1283 split went on to become Clan Donogh, and were Lords of Muscry, the wealthiest of the three McCarthy clans in 1560. Following the distribution of lands to English adventurers after the Desmond rebellion in 1584, combined with the famine and desolation of the country follwing the Desmond rebellion, the fortunes and land holdings of those that had remained in their historical territories declined greatly. The MacCarthy's, Lords of Muscrery, fell victim to an almost complete elimination of their wealth, and the two southern branches of the MacCarthys (MacCarthy Mor and MacCarthy Reagh) and their O'Donovan allies (Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain) became the dominant force in the Cork and Skibereen areas. After the surrender and regrant of clan lands during the period 1591 through 1615, the families of the then Chiefs were established as the leading O'Donovan families. The approximately 300 members of the 1690 House of Commons represented a form of clan representation, and were the last vestiges of structured clan organizations in Ireland. There were three O'Donovan members of the 1690 House of Commons: Daniel O'Donovan, of Clan Cathail, Jeremy O'Donovan, of Clan Lochlain, and Daniel O'Donovan of Clan Enislis. Each family remains represented today by documented lineal descendents, without any of the power or prestige that once accompanied the glory of a Gaelic chief. Descendents of Daniel O'Donovan of Feenagh went on to found the monastery of Roscrea and distinguish themselves in political and business ventures in southern Ireland and Canada and the United States.

Daniel O'Donovan, whom represented Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament, was a great grandson of Donal ne ga Croiceann. Ultimately, his direct lime terminated in the mid-1800's, at which time the senior line of the descendents of Donal na ga Croiceann transferred to the descendents of Teige O'Donovan, uncle to Daniel O'Donovan, member for Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament. Descendents of this Teige are recognized as The O'Donovan, as the most senior descendent of the last recognized Chief following the surrender and regrants of clan property in 1591.