Duggans of Galway - Their Ancient Origins

By Eugene Duggan

According to the "Book of Lecan", compiled in 1418 b Giolla Íosa Mac Firbish, the Sogain (of whom the Ó Dubhagáins were part) were descended from Sodain who son of Fiachra Araidh, King of Ulster about 240 AD. It would appear that they came to Galway about the 3rd century as they well established there by St. Patrick's time. The occupied an area which, according to the Book of Uí Máine, stretched from the river Clare in the west to the river Suck in the east and from the river Shivern in the north to the Raford river in the south. This area was known as Mag Sencheineoil, or the plain of the old inhabitants. Some townlands in this area derive their name from the Sodain: Ardnasodamn i.e. high ground of the Sodain, near Abbeyknockmoy, Shudane in the parish of Athenry and the townland of Killaghaun in Ballymacward was known as Killilmorsugane as distinct from Killimordaly. As you will see later on, many other places take their names from the Sogain clans or families. The Book of Uí Máine also states that the Sogain comprised six kindred branches: Cineál Reachta, Tréana, Cineál Luchta, Cineál Fergna, Cineál Domangéin and Cineál Deigeille. The heads of each of these were eligible for election to chieftainship. I do not know to which of these branches the Ó Dubhagáins belonged, as there is no record of them, due, I suppose, to the fact that they were not military men.