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The Lion of Ireland

Brian of Boruma

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Brian was born in the later half of the 900s AD to a Dal Cais Clan chieftain named Cennedi (pronounced like Kennedy - there is no letter K in the Irish language). Brian's mother was named Bebinn. He was the youngest of 12 sons born to Bebinn and Cennedi. They lived in the area of Munster now known as the Counties Clare and Galway along the River Shannon in western Ireland. 

Brian's brothers were Mahon, the oldest, Lachna, Niall, Echtigern, Donncuan (Chief Herdsman), Dermot, Muiredach, Conn (also known as Conn the Quarrelsome), Benin, Marcan, Anluan.

Note: [Perhaps we come from the family of Donncuan the Herdsman. Our surname "Goonan" or "O'Gamhnain" translates into "Calf Keeper"]

Brian's village was attacked by the Norsemen when he was a young boy of around 10 years. Half his brothers were were killed including his mother in the raid. After this event, the young Brian was taken to Abbey at Clonmacnoise by his brother Mahon for his protection and formal education by the Monks.

He returned to his home as a young man of around 20 years after his education was finished, married and began to raise a family and work his way into leadership positions within the Clan, eventually becoming King of all Ireland.

Brian's first born son was Morrough macBrian. Morrough was killed along with Brian in the Battle of Clontarf. Brian had two other sons Teigue and Donnchad with a different wife. Donnchad has his older brother Teigue assassinated. However, Teigue's son Turlough O'Brian later became a King of the Clan. Though Brian brought peace to Ireland for a time during his rule, his own life and the lives of his sons were not without it's problems.

I would suggest reading the book, "The Lion of Ireland", by Morgan Llywellyn. You can link to her site for more information on her outstanding books on early Irish and Celtic history by clicking on her name above.