Earl of O'Donnell

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O'Donnell , in Austria O'Donell , is one of the oldest families in Ireland .

This family (clan) belonged to what is now County Donegal and the old Tyrconnell region; verifiable since the 11th century. During the Middle Ages she was constantly involved in disputes partly with the English and partly with other Irish dynasties, namely the O'Neills. Since the Catholic Church was severely persecuted in Ireland in the early 17th century, the power of the house has declined.

Roderich, the head of the clan at the time, had to flee to the continent in 1607. Balderik O'Donnell played a prominent role in the Irish uprising of 1689 and 1690; but after the battle of the Boyne , many members of the family fled again to other Catholic countries. In Austria, the O'Donnells were resident in 1720 under the name "Counts of Tyrconnell".

Important representatives of the O'Donnells (selection)