The Great Chieftain of Banagh
Niall Mór Mac Suibhne (meaning “The Great Niall Mac Sweeney”) was a respected Gaelic chieftain of the 16th century. Known for his generosity, heroism in battle, and leadership, he ruled the territory of Banagh in south-west Donegal.
He died peacefully at his main residence, Rahan Castle on St. John’s Point, on 14 December 1524. He was buried at the nearby Franciscan Friary at Ballysaggart.
His ornate gravestone, described as both unusual and elaborate, was removed from Ballysaggart in 1868 and brought to St. Mary’s Church in Killybegs. Originally placed inside the church near the rear wall, it was moved outside during renovations in 1953, where it suffered from weathering before eventually being encased for protection.
Today, you can view the gravestone against the west wall of St. Mary’s Church — just inside the small gate and down the steps to the left of the main entrance.
In 1867, local historian Thomas C. McGinley (Kinfaela) noted that the gravestone’s design was similar to another at Doe Castle, another stronghold of the Mac Sweeney clan in northwest Donegal.
Niall Mór’s influence stretched across the region. In addition to Rahan Castle, he held several other castles:
Castle Point in Killybegs Harbour (now the site of Mooney Boats)
Bavin Castle in Kilcar
These castles formed part of a powerful network that reflected the strength of the Mac Sweeney Bannagh clan.
Niall Mór’s legacy is still visible in the landscape, local heritage, and the stone that bears his name.
