Conn O'Neill (prisoner)

Conn O'Neill, also known as Conn Bacach O'Neill, was an Irish nobleman and a prominent figure in the O'Neill dynasty of Ulster during the 16th century. He is primarily known for his long imprisonment by the English Crown, a consequence of his challenge to their authority and his involvement in Gaelic resistance.

Conn Bacach, meaning "lame Conn" in Irish, was a son of Niall Mór O'Neill. He became a significant player in the power struggles within Ulster following the death of his father. His relationship with Turlough Luineach O'Neill, who became the O'Neill chief, was fraught with tension and rivalry. Conn Bacach posed a considerable threat to Turlough Luineach's authority, leading to periods of open conflict and political maneuvering.

His resistance to English influence brought him into direct conflict with the English administration in Ireland. He refused to fully submit to English law and continued to operate according to Gaelic customs. This defiance ultimately led to his capture and imprisonment.

Conn O'Neill spent a considerable portion of his life as a prisoner of the English, initially held in Dublin Castle and later transferred to England. The exact duration and circumstances of his imprisonment are subject to historical debate, but it is generally accepted that he remained incarcerated for many years, significantly diminishing his influence and impact on the ongoing conflicts in Ulster. His imprisonment served as a warning to other Gaelic lords who might consider resisting English authority. While details of his life in captivity are scarce, his imprisonment represents a key element in the broader English policy of suppressing Gaelic power and imposing English rule in Ireland during the Tudor period. His fate underscores the risks associated with challenging the increasingly assertive English Crown during this era.