Máine Mór mac Eochaidh (fl.
4th century) was the founder of the kingdom of
Uí Maine.
Biography
Máine Mór descended from Colla da Chrioch of
Oirghialla/
Oriel, Máine Mór, his father Eochaidh Ferdaghiall and his two sons Breasal and Amhlaibh, travelled to
Connacht to seek new lands. They attacked the lands of the local king,
Cian d'Fhearaibh Bolg, king of the
Fir Bolg (see
Soghain and
Senchineoil), amongst the other minor tribes and with the intervention of
Grellan, settled in the land. In return, the
Uí Maine would evermore pay tribute to
Grellan, who became the dynasty's patron saint.
Maine Mór reigned for fifty years, and is the ancestor of the following families:
Lally,
hUallacháin, Madden,
Kelly,
Fallon, Neachtain,
Threinfhir, and others.
He was succeeded by his surviving son,
Breasal mac Maine Mór, who ruled for thirty years.