The O'Mulvihil Clann is one of the oldest noble families in Irish history. Descendants of the Milesian line, the O'Mulvihil lineage includes Niall Mor ("of the Nine Hostages") and Fergus Mor Mac Earca (the first absolute ruler of Scotland). The line can be traced from Adam ("first man") to present day Mulvilles, Mitchells, Mulvihils, and Melvilles.
The Clann received its name from Michiall (No. 97 on the O'Neill pedigree), who was a chief, or prince of Tuatha Corca Eachlinn in Co. Roscommon. In his advanced age, he shaved his head and became a monk. Hence the name "Maolmichiall" which signifies "bald Michael"(some sources indicate that Maolmichiall means "devotee of St. Michael"). He was even mentioned in the "Monasticon" as an eminent ecclesiastic and dean of Cluan Dochrach, and professor of Divinity of Cluan MacNorisk.
For many years, the O'Maolmichil Clann dominated the landscape of "the Tuathas" in Co. Roscommon and led these people until being evicted by the O'Connors of Connaught about 1416 A.D. Reference to the O'Maolmichils as lords of Corca Eachlinn, can be found in the "Annals of the Four Masters," O'Dugan's "Topography," the books of Leacan and Ballymote, as well as Lynch's "Cambrensis Aversus."
In the "Annals of the Four Masters" the O'Maolmichils of "the Tuathas" were mentioned in reference to several battles involving the O'Connors as well as incursions by the English. The most famous of these battles was in 1232 A.D., when the O'Connors, O'Kellys, and MacDermotts attempted to displace the O'Maolmichils from Tuatha Corca Eachlinn. Led by Giolla Blein O'Maolmichil, the people of Tuatha Corca Eachlinn overcame the attack during which the O'Kelly and the MacDermott as well as Hugh O'Connor's son, Conor were all killed. It is reported in the "Annals of the Four Masters" that "all of the people of the Tuathas whitened all the handles of their battle-axes" to prevent the persecution of Giolla Blein O'Maolmichil for killing Conor O'Connor, the O'Kelly, and the MacDermott with his white handled battle axe.
Because Giolla Blein overcame three armies of the Connaught chieftains and the heir to the throne of Connaught, for many years after this battle it was an adage to say of a particularly difficult task that, "O'Maolmichil of the Battle Axes could not accomplish it."
The O'Maolmichils continued to rule in "the Tuathas" until about 1416 A.D., when they settled at Doon Maolmichil in Co. Clare. The O'Maolmichils remained in this possession until the time of the Cromwellian confiscations.
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