Eoghan Rua 375

The story of Eoghan Rua Ó Néill

Eoghan Rua Ó Néill (c.1580–1649), the famous Irish military leader, was the nephew of Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone. Eoghan Rua left Ireland in 1605 to pursue a military career on the Continent.

When news of the 1641 Rising reached the Continent, Eoghan Rua Ó Néill made preparations to return home to Ireland and fight, landing at Doe Castle in Donegal in July 1642. He remained in Ireland until his death in Cavan in 1649.

In November 2024, a programme of events took place to commemorate different elements of the Eoghan Rua Ó Néill story. Events included drama, music, and history.