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Máenmaige was originally a kingdom, later termed a trícha cét, and in Anglo-Norman times a cantred, which formed the barony of Loughrea.
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Early historic rulers
It was first under the control of Ui Fhiachrach Fionn, and later by the Uí Maine. Uí Nechtain (Naughton) and Uí Máelalaid (Mullally, Lally) were listed as its ruling families.
Extent
An extent dated 1333 lists it as including the parishes of Kilconierin, Kiltullagh, Killimordaly, Grange, Killeenadeema, Lickerrig and Loughrea (the later including the parishes of Kilconickny, Kilteskill and Kilcooly). Still more were Killaan, Bullaun, Kilreekil and Kilmeen.
Notable natives
In 581, the Annals of the Four Masters records the death of "Aedh mac Suibhne, toiseach Maonmuighe"/"Aedh, son of Suibhne, chief of Maenmagh". In 801, the Annals of Ulster records the deaths of Cathrannach mac Cathal of Maenmag, and the anchorite Ninnid. In 803, there was A skirmish between the Soghain and the sept of Maenmag, in which many were slain.
Neide mac Onchu mac Finnlugh was described as the Cú Chulainn of the Conmaicne in an account of the battle of Ardrahan, which took place sometime about 800.
Fearghal mac Catharnach, Lord of Loch Riach, died 821/823.
Cétadach, 31st Abbot of Clonmacnoise (died 848), was a native of Máenmaige.
Cormac mac Ceithearnach, ruler and cleric, died 881.
Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Cellaigh, King of Uí Maine (died 1180) and his foster-son, Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht (1186-1189) both spent their childhood in Máenmaige.
Seán Ó Maolalaidh (fl. 1419–1480) was Chief of the Name and the last Ó Maolalaidh chief to reside in the area.