Patrick Donnelly (1650–1716) was an Irish Catholic Bishop[1] who was also known as The Bard of Armagh. He was born in Desertcreaght, Cookstown, County Tyrone in 1650 and died in 1716. His family was closely linked to the O'Neill dynasty.[2] Donnelly ministered in the days of the Penal Laws while living as a fugitive.[3]
He was descended from one of the celebrated Gaelic Clans of the previous era, the Clann Uí Dhonnghaile, who by the time of Bishop Donnelly’s great grandfather, Donall Gruama Ó Donnghaile, in the late 16th century, were closely linked to the ruling dynasty of the O’ Neills, with whom they claimed kinship.
Dr Donnellys brother, Terence Donnelly also educated in Paris, served as Bishop of Derry.
Eoghan Ó Donnghaile, author of Comhairle Mhic Clámha and Mo choin do theacht Fheidhlime.., may have written the latter as a salutation to Donnelly, who was his kinsman.