Dubhchobhlaigh Bean Ua hEaghra
Quick Facts
Biography
Dubhchobhlaigh Bean Ua hEaghra, a.k.a. Dubhchobhlaigh Ní Conchobair, Queen of Luighne Connacht, died 1131.
Family background
Dubhchobhlaigh was the only recorded daughter of King Ruaidrí na Saide Buide of Connacht, who ruled the kingdom from 1087 till his mutilation and deposition in 1092. Her mother's name is uncertain, though Ruaidri had at least four wives.
Her brothers and half-brothers were Niall (died 1093), Tadc (died 1097), Conchobar (died 1103), Domnall Ua Conchobair (died 1116) and Tairrdelbach (1088–1156), three of whom ruled as Kings of Connacht. Her youngest brother, Tairrdelbach, would become King of Ireland.
Wife of Ua hEaghra
The identity of Dubhchobhlagh's husband is uncertain. The two most likely candidates are Taichleach Ua hEaghra, who was King of Luighne Connacht upon his death in 1095, and an unnamed An Ua hEaghra who was king at the time of his death in 1128. The latter's successor, Murchadh Ua hEaghra (murdered in 1134) can be eliminated as his wife was a niece of Dubhchobhlaigh by her brother, Tairrdelbach.
Annalistic reference
The Annals of the Four Masters record her death sub anno 1131 - "Dubhchobhlaigh, daughter of Ruaidhri na Soighe Buidhe Ua Conchobhair, lady of Luighne, died." However, because of uncertainty over her husband's identity, and Gaelic Polygyny, her children are unknown (see Family tree, Eaghra Poprigh mac Saorghus).
Family tree
Ruaidrí na Saide Buide Ua Conchobair (died 1118)||___________________________________________________________________||||||||||||NiallTadcConchobarDomnallDubhchobhlaigh, d. 1131.Tairrdelbach, 1088-1156.||________||||DomnallCathalAed||||Ruaidri,Domnalld. 1151.d. 1153.
Others of the name
The forename Dubhchobhlaigh appears to have originated within the Ui Briuin. Dubhchobhlaigh's gr-gr-gr-gr grandaunt was Dub Chablaigh ingen Cathal (died 1009), while her aunt was Dubh Chablaigh ingen Áed (died 1088). Later bearers of the name included her niece, Dub Coblaigh Ní Conchobhair (died 1153), along with her kinswoman and nephew's wife, Dubhcobhlach Ní Maíl Ruanaid (died 1168).