Donogh O'Brien
d. 1553
Vitals
Family
About
Donogh O'Brien, called the Fat, succeeded his uncle as first Baron of Inchiquin, held the earldom of Thomond for life, surrendered it to Edward the Sixth and was created Earl of Thomond afresh in 1552 with remainder to his heirs male. It was the classic bargain of the age: a Gaelic king's descendant exchanging an Irish title for an English one. He married Helen Butler, a daughter of the Earl of Ormond, and died in April 1553 of wounds got in a skirmish with his own brothers.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (Burke's Peerage, INCHIQUIN (O'Brien of Thomond) lineage pp.2033-34, photographed & read 23 Jul 2026.): DONOGH O'BRIEN, "THE FAT" - succeeded his uncle as 1st BARON OF INCHIQUIN, held the earldom of Thomond for life, SURRENDERED IT TO EDWARD VI and was created afresh (1st) EARL OF THOMOND 7 Jan 1551/2 (with remainder to heirs male), and BARON OF IBRACKAN 1 July 1543; knighted by 1541/2; m. by 1533 HELEN BUTLER (youngest dau. of the 8th Earl of Ormond); d. 1 April 1553 of wounds received in a skirmish with his own brothers Sir Donal and Turlogh. Father of Conor, 3rd Earl (our line). Direct ancestor. Added 23 Jul 2026.