The Origin of the Name

The O’Madden Family derive their name from Ó Madadhán or Ó Madaidhín, the diminutives of madadh, a hound or dog. The O’Madden’s are a branch of the Uí Maine, and of the same stock as the O’Kellys; and derive their descent from Madadhán, the son of Gadhra Mór, chief of Uí Maine from 1014 to 1027.  Madadhán was slain in 1008 but his descendants became chiefs of Síol Anmchadha, the descendants of Anmchadha, a branch of the Uí Maine, who became independent of their parent body towards the middle of the eleventh century.  This group gave their name to the territory of Síol Anmchadha, a region that corresponds with the present Galway barony of Longford and the parish of Lusmagh in County Offaly.

After the 12^th century Norman invasions, the O’Madden’s retained their lordship of Síol Anmchada under the Burke/de Burgo family.  Donal O’Madden, “Captain of his nation”, settled his manor and castle of Longford and all his other estates in the country, on his son and heir, Anmchadha, or Ambrose O’Madden in 1612.  Ambrose died in 1637 and was succeeded by his son John who lost the O’Madden holdings after the Cromwellian wars.  In 1677 some of the confiscated lands were restored under the Act of Settlement.  Five of the O’Maddens attained after 1691, were supporters of the defeated James II.

Variants on this surname include O’Maddane, O’Maddine, O’Maddin and Madden.  The Maddens of Baggotrath, near Dublin and of Athgarret in Co. Kildare and the Madigans of Clare and Limerick are all descended from then O’Maddens of Galway.  The Maddens of Maddenton, Co. Kildare are of English origin; they came to Ireland from Oxfordshire in the sixteenth century.  The Maddens of Mayo derive their name from an incorrect Anglicization of Mac and Mhadaid. (Spellissy)

Madden is one of those Gaelic Irish names from which the O prefix was dropped during the centuries of Gaelic eclipse, but which did not share in the widespread resumption of O’s and Macs since the Gaelic revival.

The O’Madden coat of arms is Sable (black), a falcon preying on a mallard argent.

The Mottoes are: “Christo Duce Vincamus”. (With Christ I will Conquer), and “Propria Virtute Audax“ (Daring in the cause of virtue)For O’Madden Coat of Arms see
http://homepage.tinet.ie/~donnaweb/coatsofarms/madden.gif

The O’Maddens of Síol Anmchadha

Uí Maine (Hy Many) was the name of the extensive territory comprised large areas of what is now South Roscommon, East Galway and North Clare.  According to the Irish Annals, the Uí Maine kingdom gained its name when its 4^th century leader, Maine Mor, conquered a large area of south eastern Connacht astride the Shannon from the Firbolgs and settled there in 357 A.D.  The territory became known as Uí Maine (Maine’s territory) or Hy Many.  The inhabitant tribes were also known as Uí Maine (the people of Maine’s territory).  According to the Book of Hy Many, (which traces the genealogy and early history of the Uí Maine federation of tribes), the O’Kelly sept was based in the north of Uí Maine in South Roscommon and the O’Maddens were based in the south eastern part of county Galway and west Offaly.

From Anmchadh, son of Eoghan Buac, fourteenth in descent from Maine, sprang the tribe of O’Madden, who were the chiefs of Síol Anmchadha.  Síol Anmchada, (the descendants of Ambrose) was the generic name for the territory or tuath of which the O’Madden sept was the rulers. This area covered almost 100,000 acres and included parts of the barony of Longford in East Galway and the parish of Lusmagh in Offaly.  They held these lands under the Burke overlordship and remained in possession down to the Cromwellian confiscations of the mid seventeenth century.

The O’Maddens were chieftains in this part of Uí Maine (Hy Many) and ruled a large area of Southeast Galway for over 700 years.  The name Madden is still numerous in South East Galway.

Branches of the O’Madden clan include the following family names:

(O) Larkin, (O) Horan, (O) Brennan, (O) Kenny, (O) Tracy or Treacy, (O) Downey and (O) Coffey. Names such as (O) Cannon, (O) Devilly, (O) Connolly and Mac Cuolahan are also associated with the O’Maddens.

Other Uí Maine septs included:  (O) Brennan, (O) Concannon, (O) Conry or Conroy, Coogan,

(O) Cosgrave, Cunningham, (O) Curran, (O) Daly, Dolan, Donlon, (O) Donnell, (O) Donnellan,

(O) Duggan, MacEgan, (O) Fahy, (O) Finaghty or Finerty, (Mac) Geraghty, (O) Keaveney, MacKeogh, (O) Kelly, Molloy, Moran, O’ Mullally or Lally, (O) Murry or Murray, O’Naughton or Naghten, (Mac) Nevin, O Ruane. (Source: The Tribes and Customs of Hymany)

Conquest of the O’Madden Territory

The conquest of the O’Madden Territory by the English may be said to have begun with the capture of Meelick Castle in 1557 by Lord Deputy, Sussex.  The O’Connors of Offaly had sought refuge from the O’Maddens during the plantation of Offaly.  The English Queen ordered a heavily armed garrison at Athlone “to attack Meelick and roote out the O’Connors from that territory on the West bank of the Shannon.” 

According to the Annals of the Four Masters, " he afterwards took Meelick and Breac-Chluain (Brackloon Castle); slew Donogh the son of Colla, together with the others of the warders and then destroyed and ravaged the entire country.  ...It was not easy to estimate or enumerate all who were destroyed on this occasion."  The O’Maddens were left in their castles at Cloghan and Longford but had to give hostages in order to save themselves, these would be executed if they gave any further assistance to the O’Connors. 

The O’Maddens continued to hold power in the area for a time.  Treaties were made and broken and fighting continued at Meelick for many years.  Hostilities between the O’Maddens and the English reached a climax in 1596 when forty-six of the O’Madden sept were killed in an attack on Cloghan Castle, by the Lord Deputy, Sir William Russell.  The O’Madden territory in Lusmagh was brought fully under the control of the English.  Ulick de Burgo gained complete control of Meelick and all the castles in the surrounding area, except Longford.  By 1598, the historian Fr. Edmond Horgan S.J. described the area as “Meelick belonging to the Queene”.

O’Madden retained control of the castle in Longford but had little say otherwise.  The 17^th century saw the final loss of much of the O’Madden estates.  The building of Portumna Castle (c1618) by Richard, the fourth Earl of Clanricarde, signified the strength of the Anglo-Norman influence in the area and indicated the O’Maddens diminished power.

The last O’Madden Castle was built at Derryhiney, near Portumna in 1643.  In 1666 Col. John Eyre was granted lands of “Killeno alias Killenehy alias Eyre-court”, which had belonged to the O’Maddens. Gradually the lands of the Irish clan were redistributed, and by the end of the 17^th century, the O’Maddens influence and power was much reduced, due to conquest and settlement.

Famous O’Maddens

Murchadh O’Madden was the founder of Portumna Abbey in 1426 while his grandson established Meelick Abbey in 1479.

Notable members of the family include:

Richard O’Madden, O.P. (1622-91)

Richard O’Madden was educated at Avila in Spain and later taught at Utrecht in Belgium.  On the Restoration of Charles II (1660), Father Richard returned home.  In 1678, he was made a Master in Theology at the unanimous request of the provincial Chapter of the Order.  He filled the office of Prior in several houses of his Order- at Lorrha, Limerick, Roscommon, Dublin and Portumna.  On the defeat of the Royalist forces of King James II, at Aughrim, Father O’Madden had to seek shelter in the bogs. He died aged 70 years in August 1691.  He was a distinguished founder and promoter of the Holy Rosary.

Dr. Ambrose O’Madden, O.P. Bishop-elect of Cluain Ferta seized by the High Sheriff 1712.

Dr. Richard Robert Madden (1798-1886), doctor, traveller, historian and opponent of the slave trade. He was the author of “The United Irishmen, their lives and times”.  Thomas More Madden (1844-1902), a son of Richard Robert Madden and Daniel Owen Madden (1815-1859) were also distinguished writers.

The Rev. Samuel Madden (1686-1765) the philanthropist and author, belonged to the Maddenton family.

John Butler O’Madden (1752-1786) An officer in Irish Infantry in France. (For research around John Butler O’Madden see: here

Famous Modern Maddens include:

John Madden (Born 1949 in Portsmouth, England) Director, “Shakespeare in Love” (1998).

David Madden (Born 1955 in Chicago, USA) Producer, “Save the last Dance” (2000), “Runaway Bride” (1999), “The Odd Couple II (1998), “ The Hand that Rocks the Cradle” (1992), “Renegade” (1989), and “Blind Fury” (1989).

O’Madden Castles

The O’Maddens had numerous castles to defend their tuath (territory).  From references in the Irish Annals and ruins still to be seen today, we know that the O’Maddens built strongholds at Eyrecourt, Meelick, Longford (near Tiernascragh), Brackloon (near Clonfert), Lismore (near Meelick), Derryhiney (near Portumna), Cloghan (in Lusmagh, Co. Offaly) and at Portland in Co. Tipperary.

Meelick Castle, Co Galway

William de Burgo erected one of the first castles west of the River Shannon here in 1203, when he invaded Connacht.  He is said to have built a motte-and-bailey-type fort (an earthwork castle) on the site of an existing church.  Richard de Burgo, William’s son built the first stone castle on the site in 1229 which was later destroyed by Felim O’ Connor in 1316.  Instead of rebuilding the castle, O’Madden decided to build a Monastery on the site of the castle to remind the people of their religion and in honour of the many people killed there and in thanksgiving for regaining possession of his lands

The O’Madden family seems to have retained Meelick as one of their seats until it was destroyed by the sons of Redmond na Scuab Bourke and other Burkes, in 1595.  Nothing survives of this castle, the site of which is thought to be close to the friary. 

Cloghan Castle on the east bank of the River Shannon was more important strategically. The construction of Cloghan Castle, situated on a slight rise, overlooking the flood plains of the river Shannon, served to guard the Uí Maine territory from attacks and invasion on the Leinster side of the Shannon.

In the late 1830’s, John O’Donovan’s researcher, P. O’Keefe, thought that the Madden Castle may have been located on the site occupied by a military tower on Cromwell’s Island or on a small island opposite the townland of Keelogue. (Spellissy)

Longford Castle, Tiernascragh, Co. Galway

This 15^th Century tower house seems to be the earliest surviving of the O’Madden castles.

It probably served as the headquarters of the O’Madden’s until Derryhiney Castle was built.  It was abandoned in the early 1640’s as a result of the Cromwellian confiscations.  The keep was extremely defensive and has very few features i.e. windows on the walls. The barrel vaulted ceiling is still intact.  The castle is on private land; please ask for permission to view the castle from the owner.

Derryhiveny Castle, Portumna, Co. Galway

The castle is believed to be one of the last true castle (as distinct from fortified houses) built in Ireland. It is also the last and one of the finest of the O’Madden castles.  From an inscription “ D:O M: ME: FIERI FECIT: 1643 ” we know that it was built in 1643, probably by Daniel O’Madden.  The well preserved tower house has fine chimneys, windows, door-cases and battlements; surrounded by an L-shaped bawn with two small flanking towers on the corners.  It is one of the best preserved of the 17^th Century towerhouses in Ireland.  It is interesting to note that Derryhiveny castle was built after Portumna Castle, a time when houses were less fortified and the tower houses were becoming obsolete.  Of all the O’Madden castles this is the only one which is a national monument.  The castle is on private land; please ask for permission to view the castle from the owner. Locally, the castle is referred to as Derryhiney Castle- note spelling.

Lismore Castle, Meelick, Co. Galway

Lismore castle is located two miles east of Eyrecourt and was one of the principal castles of the O’Maddens.  It dates to the 16^th Century.  The tower with its angle bartizan and battlements had no vault and had a timber stairs, although there is evidence for a spiral stairs in one corner of the present structure.  The Burkes (through marriage) and the Dalys of Dunsandle who added a house in the 17th century later owned it.  Changes to the castle included the addition of ‘remarkably regular rows of gothic windows’ and doors.  The Martin family who resided in Eyrecourt also had connections with the house.  The castle is in relatively poor condition having undergone many changes in its history.  It is on private land; therefore, please ask for permission to view the castle from the owner.

Eyrecourt Castle, (Dun an Uchta), Co. Galway            

This may have been the original O’Madden stronghold.  Some historians have suggested that it may have given Dun an Uchta its name; the stronghold or Dun beneath the breast of the hill, Redmount Hill.  Souterrains or underground tunnels are said to link Redmount Hill to the settlement.

John Eyre built his Jacobean Mansion in the 17^th century on the site of the former O’Madden Castle.

However, the original tower house can still be seen within the outbuildings of the present courtyard. 

It has no evidence for vaulting and may date to the 16^th century.

There are remains of an earlier 17^th century house, built by Eyre, on the bawn wall of the O'Madden Castle. This building consisted of a long low house with dormers similar in style to Clonfert Palace.  This is probably where Eyre lived during the building of the present castle.

Eyrecourt Castle is on private land; therefore, please ask for permission to view the castle from the owner.

Brackloon Castle, Clonfert, Co. Galway

This 16^th century tower house stands on a small height close to the road and is in relatively good condition.  Attacked in 1557, it was later rebuilt in the 17^th century.  There appears to be remains of a later house attached at one corner, possibly also 17^th century.  The defensive features over the doorway and corner (bartizans) allowed those inside the castle to pour or throw boiling water or burning oil on attackers. The chimneys are diagonally set, typical of the 17^th century.  The Castle was lived in during the last century as witnessed by plasterwork on the walls and drainpipes on the façade! It is privately owned and the owner has plans to restore it.

Cloghan Castle, Lusmagh, Banagher, Co. Offaly

In 1336, Eoghan O'Madden conquered the territory of Lusmagh, Co. Offaly.  He is thought to have built the original castle. The O’Maddens spent considerable periods of time in conflict with the Mac Coghlans whose lands lay in West Offaly.  Hence, it was owned at various times by the O'Maddens, the McCoghlans, and the Moores.  The O’Maddens retained this castle and its lands around it for some time. It was held until 1595 when it was attacked by the forces of the crown.  English troops, under Sir William Russell, the Lord Deputy, took the castle from O'Madden and put all the occupants to death, 46 defenders were thrown to their death from the battlements.

Two companies of Cromwellian soldiers occupied the castle from 1651 - 1683 and built several extensions, including two towers.  The castle figured in the Williamite Wars when the Irish Jacobite Army camped outside the gate in 1689. A number of gun metal coins, dated 1689, were found on the site.

Cloghan Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, and is currently lived in.  The present castle represents several periods of rebuilding.  It is a well-preserved tower house with a later house attached to the East Side.  A bawn wall with a wall walk links three flanking towers to the north, east and south.  In the 18^th century, a square flanking tower and outbuildings were added at the southwest angle of the bawn.  There was a Sheela-na-gig located at the third floor level on an external wall. 

For more details see: http://www.excel.net/~dcoughla/rip.html

Ballymore Castle, Lawrencetown

Click here for info on Ballymore Castle

For photos of Madden Castles in Ireland see here

Sources:

Eyrecourt Heritage Society, Echoes, (Galway, 1988)

Spellissy, Seán, A History of Galway, (Limerick, 1999)

O’Donovan, John, Tribes and Customs of Hy Many, (Dublin, 1843)

A Classic work on the families of Hy Many. In addition to pedigree and useful notes on the O’Kelly's and O’Madden's, a separate section gives extensive information on O’Mainin, (Mac) Keogh, O’Donnellan, O’Naughton, and Mullally (Lally).