Red Hugh O’Donnell, Warrior for Independence
By Catherine Salgado
Estimated Reading Time: < 1 minute
Today is the anniversary of the death of one of the greatest historic Irish Gaelic leaders against English oppression: Hugh O’Donnell.
“Red Hugh” was the O’Donnell King of Tyrconnell (modern Donegal) in Ireland. Since he was married to the daughter of the O’Neill Earl of Tyrone, he linked together the traditional enemies the O’Neills and O’Donnells. Because of this, he could move beyond some of the internecine warfare in Ireland and bring together many Irish warriors in a powerful military and political independence coalition that rocked the foundations of English rule in Ireland.
Hugh himself while still quite young was kidnapped and imprisoned in Dublin Castle (see the tower in which he was held below). He did, however, after a failed attempt, eventually manage a daring and successful escape along with two O’Neills (one of whom tragically died in the bitter weather). Free at last, Hugh proved himself a formidable foe against English tyranny in his own Ireland.
The O’Donnells and O’Neills won multiple victories against the English, including at Clontibret and in the Curlew Mountains. But with some Gaelic families turning traitor on behalf of the English and a defeat in 1601, Hugh knew he needed more troops. While in Spain—like Ireland and unlike England, a Catholic country—awaiting promised military forces, Hugh suddenly died on Aug. 30 of 1602. He was likely assassinated by poison through the agency of an Irishman paid off by the English.
Hugh O’Donnell did not succeed in freeing Ireland entirely of the English, but he did deal multiple blows to the tyrants and continued to inspire Irish freedom fighters for centuries after his death. His legacy is one of courage, daring, patriotism, and love for liberty.
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