Muinter Birn of Ulster
Clan
Birn, descended from Bern, son of Ruadrí, son of Murchad, a quo Muinter Birn, in
the line of Cenél Eóghain, according to the genealogies in Rawlinson B502.
In addition Rawlinson points to a son of Bern named Anféid, a quo Tellach
n-Anfida, who was possibly the namesake for Tellach Ainbhith. According
to O'Dugan (Topograhipcal Poems), the MacRuaidhris were among those over
Teallach Ainbhith and over Muintir-Birn. O'Hart (Pedigrees) cites
the name MacRuaidhri as MacRory or MacRogers, over the same territories,
districts which he places in the baronies of Dungannon and Strabane, county
Tyrone. Woulfe (Irish Names) agrees and also cites the family of
MacRuaidhri as erenaghs of Ballynascreen, in County Derry. O'Hart goes on to
cite, under the county Armagh, Muintir Birn, some of whose descendants
anglicized their name Bruen, was a district in the south of the barony of
Dungannon, adjoining the territory of Trough in county Monaghan.
In Murphy surname history, there is mention of the surname Mac Murchadha (MacMurphy,
Murphy), originally based in present-day Co. Tyrone, in the area known as
Muintir Birn, but were driven out by the O'Neills and settled in south Armagh.
The reference seems corroborated in various entries in the Annals, although the
name Mac Murrough seems to be applied there, which may have later been
translated into MacMorrow or MacMurray.
In Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga, it mentions Ui Briuin, now Muinter Birn,
alias Ui Briuinia Aquilonaris, in county Tír Eoguin, and diocese of Ardmache.
This is an apparent reference to Ua mBriúin Archaille in Ui Chremthaind, a
branch of Siol Colla dá Chrich, who were also noted in the Dungannon area.
An early Clan Birn genealogy: (from Rawlinson)
Cú Lacha m. Con Chaille m. Muredaich m. Fergail m. Muiredaich m. Birnn m.
Ruadrach m. Murchada m. Máel Dúin m. Áeda Alláin m. Fergaile m. Máel Dúin
m. Máel Fithrich m. Áeda Uaridnaich m. Domnaill m. Muircherdaich m. Muiredaich
m. Éogain m. Néill Noígiallaig.
The Annals cite:
- U1120,
Conchobor son of Flannacán son of Donnchuan, chief of Muinter Birn, was
wounded in Sliab Fuait by the Uí Chremthainn, and died of it.
- U1166,
Diarmait Mac Murchadha, chief of Muinnter-Birn, was slain by his kinsmen.
- M1172,
Mulmurry Mac Murrough, Lord of Muintir Birn, was slain by Mugh Magennis and
the Clann-Aodha of Ui Eathach Uladh.
- U1172,
Mael-Muire Mac Murchadha, chief of Muinnter-Birn and chief and king of the
Ui-Echach, was killed by Aedh Mac Oenghusa and by the Clann-Aedha of the
Ui-Echach of Ulidia.
- U1181,
Aedh Mac Murchadha, royal chief of Muinnter-Birn and the Airthir and the
Cantred, was killed by Mac Mathgamna in treachery, at a meeting.
- U1257,
Mael-Muire Mac Murchaidh, chief of Muinnter-Birn, was killed, namely, by his
own kinsman, at Cell-issel.
(source:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/uineill.htm)
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