Biography earl great hugh oneill oneill tyrone

O’Neill, Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, was born about 1540. He was the second son of Matthew, Baron of Dungannon, the reputed son of Con O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Hugh’s elder brother died in 1562.

His claims to the title were disregarded for many years; but great efforts were made to conciliate him to the English interest, and imbue him with English ideas.

He was brought over to court by Sidney, and was given a troop in the Queen’s service and an annual allowance.

He served in the English army in the Irish wars, was present at the Smerwick massacre in 1580, cooperated with Essex in the settlement of Antrim, and the Ulster wars, and was more than once commended for his zeal in the Queen’s service.

Fynes Moryson says “he was of a meane stature, but a strong body, able to indure labours, watching, and hard fare, being withal industrious and active, valiant, affable, and apt to manage great affairs, and of a high dissemblin Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone - Wikipedia WER