Introduction; Role of the Bardic Poet in Gaelic Ireland

Bardic Families of Late Medieval Thomond

Lords and Patrons: The Mac Conmara and Evidence from the Poem

Textual Notes and Commentary; the poem with tranlslation

Notes

See also by Luke McInerney:
Survey of the McInerney Sept of Thomond
Clerics and Clansmen: the Vicarages and Rectories of Tradraighe in the 15th Century
The West Clann Chuiléin Lordship in 1586: Evidence from a Forgotten Inquisition
Land and lineage: the McEnerhinys of Ballysallagh in the 16th Century

In this paper, Luke McInerney examines the late 16th century bardic poem Créd fá seachnaim síol Aodha? composed by Domhnall Ó Maoilchonaire for his patron Seán Mac Conmara, Lord of West Clann Chuiléin. The paper gives an overview of the role of bardic poetry in late medieval Ireland and provides information on the bardic families of Thomond. The paper also offers an approximate translation of the poem, with notes. This article first appeared in the 2010 issue of the journal ‘Seanchas Ard Mhacha’. We are grateful to Luke McInerney for donating this article.

Inscription to the poet Donnchadh Mór Ó Dálaigh on the Ó Dálaigh Monument in Finavarra.
Photo: Graham McMahon