Ó Duibhgeannáin

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The Ó Duibhgeannáin were a family of professional historians in medieval and early modern Ireland. They began in Annaly, on the east bank of the Shannon (in what is now County Longford), and later moved to Connacht. For centuries they served as historians for Gaelic families, including the MacDermotts and MacDonoughs in the west and the O Farrells in Annaly.

The first clear references to the family are in the late 13th and early 14th centuries: Maelpeter O'Duigennan, Archdeacon of Breifny, in 1296, and Gillapatrick O'Duigennan, Chief Historian of Conmaicne, in 1323. The family is traditionally traced back to Maine of Tethba, a legendary ancestor associated with the rulers of Uí Maine, though the exact link is uncertain. Regardless, the Ó Duibhgeannáin clearly claimed descent from that line.

By the 14th century some branches remained in Annaly, while the senior lines moved west to Moylurg to work for the MacDermotts. Ferghall Muimhneach built Kilronan church in 1339, and the family there became its erenachs (lay proprietors). A second line appeared in Castlefore, in Muintir Eolais (now County Leitrim); their ancestor Philip na hInishe died in 1340, and Maghnus mac Melaghlin Ruadh O Duibhgeannain, who died in 1452, is the first noted member there. He is believed to be the chief compiler of the Book of Ballymote, commissioned around 1391 by Tomaltach MacDonagh.

In later centuries the Ó Duibhgeannáin produced several notable scribes. Cu Coigriche mac Tuathal O Duibhgeannain of Castlefore (fl. 1627–1636) became Peregrine O'Duignan, a Franciscan, and helped lead the great project known as the Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland (the Annals of the Four Masters) from 1627 to 1636, alongside Michael O’Clery and Fearfeasa Ó Maoilchonaire. A copy of this work may have remained in Galway and later influenced Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh in 1649. A kinsman, Daibhidh mac Matthew Glas O Duibhgeannáin (David Bacach), was an active scribe and poet from 1651 to 1696, writing pieces such as The Frenzy of Sweeney and The Battle of Magh Rath, and he spent his final years in Shancough, Tirerrill, County Sligo, where he died in 1696.

Throughout Gaelic Ireland, the Ó Duibhgeannáin are remembered as important historians and copyists who helped preserve history, genealogy, and literature. Ancestry claimed before Maine of Tethba is considered legendary.