Loígis

Loígis [ˈloiɣʲisʲ] was a kingdom in medieval Ireland that existed into the 16th century.

Background

John O'Donovan described the territory of Loígis as containing "about half the Queen's County. Take away the Baronies of Upper Ossory, Portnahinch and Tinahinch, and the remaining part of the Queen's County will be Laoighis or Leix." It is represented by modern-day County Laois, though this does not represent historical Loígis.

The Loígis were described as the mercenaries of the Laigin, and are believed to have been part of the Cruithin nation, and claimed kinship with the Dál nAraidi. They claimed descent from Lugaid Loígsech, son of Conall Cernach.

The ruling dynasty of the Loígis adopted the surname Ua Mórdha (O'Moore) in the 11th century, memoralised in the Irish song March of the King of the Loígis. Other clans counted among the Seven Septs of Loígis were the Ó Ceallaigh (O'Kelly), Ó Dubhuidhe (O'Deevy), Ó Deoráin (O'Doran), Ó Leathlobhair (O'Lalor), Ó Dubhlaing (O'Dowling), and Mac Fhíodhbhuidhe (McEvoy).

According to legend, the Loígis came to Leinster as a confederation from Ulster, led by Lugaid Loígsech mac Conall Cernach. They fought for Cú Chorb king of Laigin, expelling forces from Munster.

See also

External links

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