Dubda mac Connmhach, Eponym and Ancestor of the Clan Ó Dubhda of north Connacht, fl. 9th–10th century.
Contents
Family background
Dubda mac Connmhach was a grandson of King Donn Cothaid mac Cathail of Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe (died 772). He and his brother, Caomhán mac Connmhach, were sons of Connchmach mac Donn Cathaid.
Dubhda traced his descent back to the semi-legendary Niall Noígíallach (died c. 450?), via his son, Fiachu mac Néill (fl. 507–514). This made Dubhda a member of the Uí Fiachrach dynasty who produced a number of Kings of Connacht.
King and Lord
According to Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh (263.8), Dubhda was the younger brother but came to an arrangement with Caomhán in which Dubhda would become king, while "Caomhán's representative should have a choice of territory as his patrimony and (the right to be at) the shoulder of the king of Ui Fhiachrach always" and other rights besides.
His grandson, Aed Ua Dubhda (died 983) would become King of Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe.