Gallagher Ó Gallchobhair | |
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Parent house | Northern Uí Néill |
Country | Kingdom of Tyrconnell |
Founder | Gallchobhar mac Rorcain |
Titles |
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Cadet branches | Cannon O'Muldorey |
The Gallagher (Irish: Ó Gallchobhair) family of County Donegal, formerly one of the leading clans of Cenél Conaill, and therefore of all Ulster, originated in the 10th century as a derivative of their progenitor Gallchobhar mac Rorcain, senior-most descendant of Conall Gulban, son of Niall Mór Noigíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages).[1][2][3] The O'Gallaghers held the High Kingship of Ireland during the early medieval period.[1] They also held the rank of hereditary Marshal of the Kingdom of Tyrconnell, ruled by their kinsmen the O'Donnells, from the 14th until the early 17th century.[4]