Brian Óg na Samhthach Ó Ruairc

Brian Óg na Samhthach Ó Ruairc (anglicised Brian Oge O'Rourke), c. 1568 - 28 January 1604, was the penultimate king of West Breifne, from 1591 until his overthrow in April 1603, at the end of the Nine Years' War. He succeeded his father, Brian O'Rourke, when news of the latter's execution in London reached Ireland. In 1599, Ó Ruairc's forces fought alongside those of "Red" Hugh O'Donnell at the Battle of Curlew Pass, during the Nine Years' War. His forces, along with those of Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, were still sufficiently menacing to Queen Elizabeth I of England that she was persuaded to agree to a peace in Ireland - the Treaty of Mellifont.

Ó Ruairc was the last Irish king to be defeated in the war, roughly a month after the others had surrendered. He never surrendered, but was ousted by his brother Teigue, who had defected to the English during the war and with their support invaded his kingdom in March 1603. He fled to Galway where he died of fever in January 1604.

In accordance with his wishes, Ó Ruairc was buried in the cloister of the Ross Errilly Friary. He was succeeded by his brother, Teigue.

References

• Annals of the Four Masters at CELT (University College Cork)
• Burke, Oliver J. The Abbey of Ross, its History and Details, Dublin, 1869.