Corca Oíche

The Corca Oíche, meaning "the race of Oíche" (also Corco Óchae, Corcu Oche, Corco Che, Corcuighe, Corcoiche) was an ancient tribe, possibly of Pictish origin, existing since pre-Christian times in Ireland. It is possible that they descend from the Cruthin, a people whose territory existed near Lough Neagh in north-east Ireland. As such, some sources claim that they descended from the semi-legendary hero Dubthach Dóeltenga, or more commonly that they are descended from Oíche or Óchae, the daughter of Cronn Badhraoi of the Dál nAraidi, and her son Fergus Foga last king of the Ulaid to rule at Emain Macha.

The tribe has also been associated with the Aiteach Tuatha, a servile, rent-paying race possibly interchangeable with the Déisi. This could be due to their inclusion in the pedigree of the Dál gCais after about 890AD who may themselves descend from the Déisi Tuisceart. The Corca Oíche have also often been linked as a sept of the Uí Fidgenti, potentially being subject to the Ui Chonaill Gabhra. It seems that there is some consensus that whomever was their common ancestor, they most likely originated on the shores of Lough Neagh, as even their own legend of origin depicts.

They may also have had the honor of supplying the court of the King of Cashel with harpers and later entertained the Earls of Desmond until the time of Elizabeth.

The chiefs of the Corca Oiche were noted as Ó Macasa, meaning 'descendant of Macus', which is possibly a form of Maghnus. The name is often connected with the anglicized surname Mackesy, O'Mackesy, Mackessy, Macassy, Maxey etc. of which there are several notable contemporary members such as Pierse Joseph Mackesy, Thomas L. Mackesy (Mayor of Waterford 1841-42), and Charles Ernest Randolph Mackesy.

The true origin of the Corca Oiche is unknown as is much of their history. Being intertwined with legendary, and semi-legendary stories and characters, often differing greatly, their record of descent has likely been altered over the years for political reasons as was common of many Irish tribes, making it difficult to accurately trace their roots. Yet, from the annals, and legends that do exist, one can still obtain an understanding, mythical or otherwise, as to the potential origin and history of this tribe.

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