Daniel O'Donovan (MP Doneraile)

Daniel O'Donovan of Mahoonagh and Feenagh, was the hereditary chief of the remnants of the Uí Fidgenti, and represented the Manor of Doneraile in James II's 1690 Patriot Parliament. 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 may have eventually merged with O’Donnamhain's of Corca 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. This sept of the O'Donovans was still resident in the geographical territory of the Fidgheinte in 1549, as noted in the Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts which listed O'Donnowayne of Synganyge.

The MacCarthys which remained in their historical territory following the 1283 split went on to become Clan Donogh, and were Lords of Muscrery, 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 following 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 Skibbereen areas.

By 1601, the O'Donovans which had remained in the Ui-Fidgheinte territory were of little consequence. Donnel M'Donevan, son of Donnogh O'Donnowayne, relocated several miles to Cloncagh, but did not obtain any significant land holdings. The redistribution of Desmond lands in 1585-1588 had effectively ended any significant land holdings of the northern septs of the O'Donovans. The O'Donovans of Limerick and Kenry, whose family histories clearly note they had never migrated into the Cork area, all share a common thread - the absence of any significant land holdings after 1500.

After the surrender of clan lands from 1591 through 1615, the families of the then Chiefs were established as the leading O'Donovan families. The disenfranchising of the septs from their lands (which totaled approximately 100,000 acres (400 km²) between Clan Cathail and Clain Lochlain) marked an end of an era. Three generations later, there was an attempt to resurrect the sept structure in connection with the King James II revolt. 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 (MP Baltimore), of Clan Cathail, Jeremiah O'Donovan (MP Baltimore), of Clan Lochlain, both represented Baltimore, and Daniel O'Donovan, grandson of Donnel M'Donevan, represented the manor of Doneraile. 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, Canada and the United States.

Daniel O'Donovan, whom represented Baltimore in the 1690 Parliament, was a great grandson of Donal of the Hides. Ultimately, his direct line terminated in the mid-19th century, at which time the senior line of the descendents of Donal transferred to the descendents of Teige O'Donovan, younger brother to Donal III O'Donovan and thus 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 of clan property in 1591.

See also

• O'Donovan
• Patriot Parliament
• Baltimore (Parliament of Ireland constituency)
• Doneraile (Parliament of Ireland constituency)

Further reading

• Cronnelly, Richard F., Irish Family History Part II: A History of the Clan Eoghan, or Eoghanachts. Dublin: 1864. (O'Donovan pedigrees: pgs. 252-64)
• O'Donovan, John (ed. and tr.), Annala Rioghachta Eireann. Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, from the Earliest Period to the Year 1616. 7 vols. Royal Irish Academy. Dublin. 1848-51. 2nd edition, 1856. Volume VI (O'Donovan pedigrees: pages 2430-83)
• O'Donovan, Rev. Michael; Genealogical Memoir of the O’Donovans (formerly Kings of Ui-Fidugeinte) County of Limerick Printed and published by C.L. Nono & Son, Ennis. 1901
• The 17th Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records of Ireland (10 March 1885)Volumes 17-21, Fiant 6515

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Name	Odonovan, Daniel
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