Tyrone, HUGH O'NEIL, EARL OF

Tyrone, HUGH O'NEIL, EARL OF, 'the arch-rebel,' was the son of an illegitimate son of Conn O'Neil, the first Earl of Tyrone, and was himself in 1587 invested with his grandfather's title and estates. But he soon plunged into intrigues both with the Irish rebels and with Spain against the authority of Elizabeth, and in 1597 assumed the ancient title of 'The O'Neil,' and began the struggle openly. His success soon spread the flame of insurrection over all Ulster, Connaught, and Leinster. The queen sent over Essex with more than 20,000 men, and at Ballyduich Tyrone met him under truce, and submitted his demands to Elizabeth. Lord Mountjoy soon succeeded Essex, and quickly subdued the most of the country. But at length in 1601 a Spanish force of 5000 men landed at Kinsale, and 2000 more at Castlehaven. Mountjoy at once besieged Kinsale, while Tyrone advanced to its relief, but was defeated with heavy loss, and severely wounded. Mountjoy pursued him to the north and ravaged his country. After Kinsale fell Tyrone made his submission at Mellefont and was reinstated in his earldom. But under James I. he intrigued anew with Spain, and finally in 1607 found it necessary to flee. His lands were confiscated, and he himself died at Rome in 1616. See IRELAND, Vol. VI. p. 204.