Devorgilla (1109–1193)

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Devorgilla (1109–1193)

Meath princess. Name variations: Dearbhfhorgaill; Dervorgilla. Born in 1109; died in religious retirement in Drogheda in 1193; daughter of Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn, king of Meath; married Tighearnán O'Rourke, king of Bréifne; abducted by Dermot MacMurrough, king of Leinster, 1152.

Devorgilla was the daughter of Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn, the king of Meath, who often aligned with Dermot MacMurrough to retain control over Dublin. Devorgilla married Tighearnán O'Rourke, a long-standing enemy of MacMurrough. In 1152, the rivalry of these two kings, O'Rourke and MacMurrough, was exacerbated by MacMurrough's abduction of Devorgilla. In 1166, O'Rourke dethroned MacMurrough. From exile, MacMurrough reconquered Dublin in 1169 and remained in control until his death in 1171. Devorgilla was benefactor of the Nuns' Church at Clonmacnoise, which she caused to be erected in 1167. She died at the convent in Drogheda in 1193.