Agnetha Ní Máelshechlainn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agnetha Ní Máelshechlainn | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | 1196 |
| Other names | An Caillech Mór - The Great Nun |
Agnetha Ní Máelshechlainn ( – 1196), was Abbess of the St Mary's Augustinian Abbey, Clonard during the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. She was known as An Caillech Mór - The Great Nun.
Agnetha Ní Máelshechlainn was the daughter of Muirchertach mac Domnaill Ua Mael Sechlainn, a King of Mide from 1105 to 1106 and his wife Dubchoblaig. Her paternal family were from the Clann Cholmáin and her paternal uncle Murchad Ua Máelshechlainn deposed her father.[1] Her maternal grandfather was Donnchad mac Murchada, from the Uí Ceinnselaig, king of Leinster.[2]
Ní Máelshechlainn had several siblings from her parents' other marriages. Donnchad, her paternal half-brother was appointed king of Mide in 1144. Her cousins Domnall Bregach (d. 1173) and Art (d. 1184) were also kings of Mide during her lifetime.[2]
Her uncle, Conchobar Ua Máelshechlainn, was the Abbot of Clonard and a cousin Derbfhorgaill founded a religious house at Clonmacnoise.[3]