Conn O'Donnell

Conn O'Donnell (died 13 March 1583) was a member of the O'Donnell dynasty of Donegal. At various points in his turbulent career, Conn either opposed or allied himself with the English Crown, Shane O'Neill or Turlough Luineach O'Neill, as the situation and his personal advantage dictated in order to pursue his rivalry with his father's younger brother, Hugh mac Manus O'Donnell. Background and early career Conn was the son of Calvagh O'Donnell, ruler of Tyrconnell. Calvagh had positioned his branch of the O'Donnell dynasty, settled at Lifford, as friendlier to Crown interests than that of Hugh mac Manus, who had rendered himself suspicious by his alliance with the rebellious Shane O'Neill. Calvagh had been considered several times for elevation to the peerage as Earl of Tyrconnell, although this was never put into effect. Conn spoke English as well as the Irish language, probably as a result of fosterage under Sir Thomas Cusack.