MacCarthy Reagh

The MacCarthy Reagh (Irish: Mac Cárthaigh Riabhach) were a branch of the Clan MacCarthy who were kings of Carbery in southwest Ireland. They began in the 13th century and made Carbery into a small, independent kingdom.

 Origins and growth 
Their name comes from Donal Reagh MacCarthy, the 5th Prince of Carbery. He lived in the late 14th century. The family grew rich and powerful from the 14th century to the 16th century. They had strong armies and ruled their land largely without outside control.Donovan, Daniel (1876). Sketches in Carbery, County Cork: Its Antiquities, History, Legends, and Topography. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. Dublin: : McGlashan & Gill.

 Princes and rulers 
Many Princes of Carbery came from the MacCarthy Reagh family. They included:Moody, Terry (2011). A New History of Ireland. A Companion to Irish History. Oxford University Press. p. 157.

 Donal Reagh MacCarthy, who gave the family its name.  
 Cormac na Haoine, who led after him.  
 Donal na Pípe, the last prince to rule under Gaelic laws.

 The end of their rule 
After 1606, the family lost their princely titles. This was because of changes in government and a system called "Surrender and regrant." Even though they kept some lands, they no longer ruled as princes. Many of their castles, including Timoleague Castle and Kilbrittain Castle, fell into other hands.

 Legacy 
The MacCarthy Reagh left a deep mark on southwest County Cork. Their castles, poems, and art show that they supported learning and culture. Some of their descendants also served in other countries, such as France, where they used their family name and noble background.Hayes, Richard (1944). "Biographical Dictionary of Irishmen in France". Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review. 33 (129): 68–80. ISSN 0039-3495.

Today, the story of the MacCarthy Reagh is remembered in local history, heritage societies, and clan gatherings. Their rise and fall tell about how Gaelic Ireland changed in the early modern era.

 References 

Category:Dynasties
Category:Gaelic-Irish dynasties
Category:History of County Cork
Category:Irish noble families
Category:MacCarthy dynasty
Category:Medieval Ireland