Kingdom of Uí Failghe

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Uí Failghe seems to have existed as a kingdom since at least the early historic era, and successfully fought off encroachments by the Uí Néill, the Eóganachta, and most especially the Normans. From the mid eleventh century its dynasty adopted the surname Ua Conchobhair Failghe, or O Connor Faly (they were unrelated to the other notable Ua Conchobhair dynasties of Connacht and Kerry). Their seat was originally in Rathangan but moved to Daingean with the Norman arrival. On the death of the last de facto king, Brian mac Cathaoir O Conchobhair Failghe about 1556, Ui Failghe was divided between Queen's County and King's County when it was shired by Mary I of England during one of the Plantations of Ireland. Portions of the original kingdom are now in County Kildare and County Laois. Upon Irish independence 'King's County' was renamed as County Offaly.