| MacGorman Mac Gormáin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent house | Laigin |
| Country | Leinster, Thomond & Airgíalla |
| Founder | Gormáín mac Eochaidh |
| Titles |
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| Cadet branches | Tubridy (possibly) McCarville (some) |
MacGorman (Irish: Mac Gormáin), also known as McGorman, Gorman, or O'Gorman (Irish: Ó Gormáin), is an Irish Gaelic clan based most prominently in what is today County Clare. The paternal ancestors of the clan are of the Laigin and emerged in what is today County Waterford. As leaders of the Uí Bairrche, they competed with the Uí Cheinnselaig in the 5th century for the Kingship of Leinster, ultimately losing out in that specific arena, but holding on to significant lands in the Leinster area.
Through influence over the Sletty monastery founded by Fiacha mac Breccáin, the family played a role in early Christianity in Ireland. The Life of St. Patrick from the Book of Armagh was authored on the request of Áed of Sletty. As well as this, the mother of Columba of Iona came from this dynasty. After working to fight off the Vikings in Dublin and Waterford, the MacGormans eventually lost out to the Normans in the 12th century. The family relocated to Thomond upon being invited by the Ó Briain. From this point on they were Lords of Uí Bhreacáin until losing influence when Thomond's sovereignty came to an end.