Countess Tyrone and the Earls

Book excerpt: The greatest event in Irish history, the unexpected and sudden departure of Earl Tyrone, Earl Tyrconnell, Cuchonnacht Maguire and Cathabarr O'Donnell with ninety nine followers has mystified historians for centuries, giving rise to much speculation about the reasons for the northern nobles departure from Ireland on 14th September 1607. The event has been well chronicled yet the records give the facts of the flight from Ireland but say little about the emotional impact of such an event. Accompanying the Irish Earls and their retinue, were their wives and female relations as well as some of their young children. Most notable among them were Catherine, wife of Earl Tyrone, Nuala O'Donnell, Earl Tyrone's aunt and Rose, wife of Cathabarr O'Donnell. This is their story.