**The Clans and Kingdoms of Teffia County Longford and Principality of Annaly

A Historical Essay on the Rulers, Dynasties, and Ancient Peoples of Ireland’s Central Heartland**

The region encompassing Teffia (Teathbha), County Longford, and the ancient kingdom of Annaly (Anghaile) lies at the very center of Ireland—geographically, politically, and spiritually. From the earliest mythological ages through the arrival of Christianity, the rise of the High Kings of Meath, the O’Farrell princes, and eventually the Norman palatine lords, this land has been a cradle of sovereignty, culture, and continuity unmatched elsewhere on the island. The dynasties and clans who ruled here shaped Irish history at the highest levels, and their names echo through annals, genealogies, and medieval literature.

This essay explores the clans and rulers of Teffia and Annaly across three eras:
(1) Prehistoric and early Gaelic beginnings,
(2) the classical Gaelic kingdom period,
(3) the medieval and early modern consolidation under the O’Farrells and Nugents.

I. The Ancient Foundations: From the First Peoples to Early Gaelic Kings

Long before written history, the region that would become Teffia and Annaly was home to diverse prehistoric peoples:

The Pre-Gaelic Tribes

Archaeology confirms settlement by:

• Iberian Atlantic peoples (Bronze Age)

• Proto-Celtic settlers (c. 1000–600 BC)

• Fir Bolg, early agricultural clans

• Tuatha Dé Danann, a real pre-Gaelic aristocracy preserved in mythological form

These early cultures left behind monuments, hillforts, and sacred sites. The most important for this region is Uisneach, the ancient “navel of Ireland,” only miles from Longford’s historic frontier. This sacred center served as a meeting place for the earliest kings of Ireland.

Emergence of the Early Gaelic Kingdoms

By the first millennium BC, Gaelic-speaking Milesian tribes had established hierarchical kingdoms. The central midlands became the heartland of early Irish sovereignty.

The region that became Teffia and Annaly was governed by the descendants of:

• Érimón, one of the first Milesian rulers

• Niall of the Nine Hostages, progenitor of the powerful Uí Néill dynasty

These genealogical traditions would define the clans of the region for centuries.

II. Teffia (Teathbha): Kingdom of the Midlands

Teffia was one of the earliest Gaelic kingdoms, emerging before the Christian era. Its territory roughly corresponds to modern Westmeath and Longford, extending from Tara westward to the Shannon.

The Rulers of Teffia

Teffia was traditionally ruled by the Cenél Maine, descendants of:

• Maine, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages

• Brother to the founders of Tyrone, Meath, and other Northern Uí Néill lines

The Cenél Maine divided into powerful clans, including:

Important Clans of Teffia

• Ó Catharnaigh (O’Kearney) – Lords of Teffia

• Ó Maoil Sheachlainn (O’Melaghlin / O’Malachy) – Kings of Meath, related ruling branch

• Ó Duibhgeannáin (O’Duggan) – historians and scholars of the region

• Ó Ciaráin (O’Kieran) – ecclesiastical lineage linked to St. Ciarán

Teffia was strategically important—it formed the western frontier of the Kingdom of Meath, and thus of the Irish High Kingship centered at Tara.

III. Annaly (Anghaile): A Kingdom of the O’Farrell Princes

By the 10th–11th centuries, the territory of Annaly emerged as a distinct kingdom within Teffia. Its name derives from Aonghus (Anghaile), an early chieftain whose descendants became the ruling dynasty.

The O’Farrell (Ó Fearghail) Dynasty

For over 700 years, the O’Farrells were the reigning princes of Annaly. The clan divided into two major branches:

• Ó Fearghail Bán (White O’Farrells) – eastern Annaly

• Ó Fearghail Buí (Yellow O’Farrells) – western Annaly

Notable rulers include:

Prominent O’Farrell Princes

• Fearghal Ó Fearghail – the eponymous ancestor

• Ó Fearghail mac Aonghus – early ruler who consolidated the kingdom

• Muirchertach Ó Fearghail – 13th-century prince recorded in the annals

• Conn Ó Fearghail – lord during the Norman arrival

• Giolla Iosa Ó Fearghail – a medieval prince linked to ecclesiastical patronage

The O’Farrells were famed for:

• their cavalry

• their military service to Irish high kings

• diplomatic relations with the English Crown

• fostering of culture, poets, and brehons

• patronage of monasteries like Abbeyshrule and Inchcleraun (Holy Island)

By the late medieval period they were regarded as one of the most powerful midlands dynasties.

IV. The Extended Clans of Annaly and Longford

Many clans inhabited or served the kingdom of Annaly. Among the most important were:

Major Families of Annaly

• Ó Quinn (O’Quinn) – lords in the northern frontier

• Ó Cianáin (O’Keenan) – historians and poets

• Ó Conchobhair (O’Connor) – related through marriage to Meath and Connacht kings

• Ó Faoláin (O’Fallon) – clans with territories near the Shannon

• Mac Conraoi (MacEnroe) – a warrior lineage

• Ó Tighearnaigh (O’Tighearnach) – ancient rulers linked to early Teffia

These families contributed to the defense, governance, and culture of the region.

V. The Arrival of the Normans and the Continuity of Gaelic Sovereignty

In the 12th century, Henry II granted the Liberty of Meath to Hugh de Lacy, and later the Barony of Delvin—including Annaly lands—to the Nugents.

Yet the Gaelic kingdom survived:

• The O’Farrells continued to rule Annaly as native princes.

• The Nugents became feudal lords with palatine authority.

• Gaelic and Norman jurisdictions overlapped, creating a unique hybrid sovereignty.

Prominent Norman rulers associated with Annaly include:

Norman and Palatine Rulers

• Gilbert de Nugent – founder of the Nugent line in Meath

• Richard Nugent, Baron Delvin – holder of Annaly lands

• Christopher Nugent, later Barons Delvin – influential at the English court

This dual system lasted centuries and shaped the modern identity of Longford.

VI. The Kingdoms in the Later Medieval and Early Modern Era

By the 15th–17th centuries, the O’Farrells remained dominant in Annaly, while the Nugents held overlapping feudal rights. The region was known for:

• its independent Gaelic leadership

• its resistance to Norman encroachment

• its preserved Brehon legal traditions

• its monasteries, scholars, and bardic schools

Even into the early modern era, the O’Farrell chiefs continued to be recognized locally as the Princes of Annaly, and the Nugents retained their palatine honours granted by the Crown.

VII. Legacy

Today the clans of Teffia and Annaly remain central to the history of County Longford. Their rulers—both Gaelic and Norman—carried forward ancient kingship traditions stretching back thousands of years.

The story of Annaly is the story of:

• Teffian kings

• O’Farrell princes

• Uí Néill lineage

• O’Connor royal marriages

• Nugent palatines

• Poets, scholars, brehons, and warriors

It is a microcosm of Irish history itself—mythic origins, heroic dynasties, medieval resilience, and a remarkable continuity of sovereignty in the very center of Ireland.

⭐ Chronology of Rulers of Annaly–Longford (c. 100 AD – 2025)

A timeline of kings, princes, chiefs, palatine lords, and feudal holders over the Annaly–Teffia–Longford region.

📜 I. Prehistoric & Early Gaelic Rulers (c. 100 AD – 500 AD)

Proto-historic kings associated with Teffia / Anghaile / central Meath–Longford.

• c. 100–300 AD — Cenél Maine proto-kings (descendants of Maine mac Néill, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages) control Teffia.

• c. 200–400 AD — Early Uí Néill rulers dominate the Midland corridor.

• c. 400–500 AD — Kings of Teathbha (Teffia) consolidate authority west of Tara.

No names survive with certainty for local rulers in Annaly during this period, but they belong to the Cenél Maine and early Uí Néill dynasties.

📜 II. Early Medieval Gaelic Kingdom Period (500–1000 AD)

Formation of the Kingdom of Anghaile (Annaly).

• c. 500–600 — Maine mac Néill’s descendants dominate Teffia.

• c. 600–700 — Uí Briúin & Uí Néill expansion impacts the region.

• c. 700–800 — Rise of Aonghus (Anghaile), ancestor who gives Annaly its name.

• c. 800 — Fearghal mac Aonghus, early recorded ruler; O’Farrell dynasty begins to take form.

• c. 850–900 — Ó Fearghail (O’Farrell) lineage emerges as regional kings.

This marks the establishment of the Kingdom of Annaly (Anghaile).

📜 III. High Medieval Annaly: O’Farrell Princes (1000–1500 AD)

The height of Gaelic sovereignty in Longford.

10th–12th Century O’Farrell Kings

• c. 1000 — Aonghus Ó Fearghail, early chief.

• c. 1050 — Giolla Íosa Ó Fearghail, lord of Annaly.

• c. 1100 — Domhnall Ó Fearghail, king of Annaly.

• c. 1150 — Cathal Ó Fearghail, prince during the eve of Norman arrival.

Norman Arrival & Continued O’Farrell Rule

• 1170s — O’Farrell princes remain sovereign; Normans only gain influence on paper.

• c. 1200 — Conchobhar Ó Fearghail, chief during first Norman incursions.

• c. 1250 — Muirchertach Ó Fearghail, powerful prince noted in annals.

• 1290s — Diarmaid Ó Fearghail, chief during conflicts with English Meath lords.

14th–15th Century Annaly Princes

• 1310 — Giolla na Naomh Ó Fearghail, prince.

• 1350 — Donnchadh Ó Fearghail, ruler during plague era.

• 1400 — Melaghlin Ó Fearghail, lord of both branches (Bán and Buí).

• 1450 — Con Ó Fearghail, prominent chief.

• 1490 — Seán Ó Fearghail, prince of Annaly.

Throughout these centuries, Gaelic rule dominates Annaly despite Norman claims.

📜 IV. Nugent Palatine Lords of Annaly (1200–1700 AD)

Parallel feudal jurisdiction established by Crown, overlapping with Gaelic kings.

Norman & Tudor Feudal Holders

• c. 1202 — Gilbert de Nugent, granted Delvin & Annaly lands.

• 1300s — William & Richard Nugent, Barons of Delvin exercise authority in Annaly.

• 1541 — Richard Nugent, receives Crown confirmation of Annaly lands (Priory of Fore, etc.).

• 1552 — Nugents granted Inchcleraun & Granard by Edward VI.

• 1565 — Elizabeth I grants Captaincy of Slewght William (Clan Liam) to Christopher Nugent.

• 1605 — James I grants markets, fairs, and courts baron in Longford.

This era establishes Annaly as a sub-palatinate of Meath under the Nugents, but the O’Farrells remain the local Gaelic princes.

📜 V. Late Gaelic Resistance & Collapse (1500–1650 AD)

O’Farrell kingship declines; territory formally reorganized by the Crown.

• 1500–1600 — Ó Fearghail (O’Farrell Bán and Buí) continue to rule eastern & western Annaly.

• 1601 — Battle of Kinsale: O’Farrell princes fight for the Gaelic confederation.

• 1607–1610 — Plantations: Gaelic rule ends formally, but titles survive in tradition.

• 1650s — Cromwellian conquest: confiscations deeply impact Annaly clans.

📜 VI. The Nugent Earls & Modern Feudal Ownership (1700–2018)

Feudal honour consolidates under the Nugents; later conveyed privately.

• 1700s — Earls of Westmeath (Nugents) hold the honour of Annaly/Longford.

• 1800s — Continued Nugent ownership, registered in Irish/British peerage documents.

• Feb. 7, 1996 — William Anthony Nugent, 14th Earl of Westmeath, sells and conveys the Honour, Seignory, and Palatine Rights of Annaly/Longford.

This marks the modern transfer of the territorial honour.

📜 VII. Modern Holder (2018–2025)

Continuation of the honour in fee simple as a historical seignory.

• Aug. 2018 — Dr./Jur. George Mentz, Seigneur of Fief Blondel, acquires the Honour, Seignory, and Feudal Barony of Annaly–Longford, including all ancient rights, perquisites, and palatine precedents.

This represents the current legal successor to the historical honour as recognized in private international law, property law, seignorial custom, and documented conveyances.

⭐ Summary

Over 2,000 years, rulers of Annaly–Longford include:

• Ancient Gaelic proto-kings (Cenél Maine, early Uí Néill)

• Formation-era princes of Anghaile (Aonghus, Fearghal, Domhnall, Cathal)

• Classical O’Farrell kings of Annaly (Giolla Íosa, Muirchertach, Con, Seán, Melaghlin)

• Norman–Tudor feudal lords (Gilbert de Nugent, Richard, Christopher, Nugent Earls)

• Modern hereditary holders (Nugent line → private conveyance → modern seignory holders)

This provides a continuous, 2,000-year line of rulership over one of Ireland’s oldest kingdom territories.