Soghain

The Soghain were a Connachta sept or kindred located in what is now County Galway, Ireland. They were one of several such groups who claimed descent from the mythical Connachta queen, Medb (Maeve). The name "Soghain" is believed to be derived from a personal name, possibly belonging to an ancestor-figure of the group.

The territory controlled by the Soghain was historically known as Maigh Seóla. This region encompassed areas around Lough Corrib and extended towards the east, impacting the later baronies of Claregalway, Dunkellin, and Athenry. They are considered to have been a subordinate grouping within the larger and more dominant Uí Maine confederation of Connachta.

The Soghain are documented in historical texts such as the Annals of the Four Masters and other Irish annals. These records provide fragmented information about their leaders, internal conflicts, and interactions with neighboring septs and kingdoms. Their influence gradually diminished over time, particularly following the rise of the Uí Chonchobhair (O'Conor) dynasty of Connacht. The O'Heyne (Ó hEidhne) family were a prominent family associated with the Soghain.

The legacy of the Soghain is primarily maintained through placenames, historical records, and genealogical studies related to families who trace their ancestry back to this group. Their story provides a glimpse into the complex political landscape of early medieval Ireland and the intricate relationships between different septs within the larger provincial kingdoms.