Hy Many

Uí Maine
Túatha of Connacht (until 6th century)
1,300 years
Coat of arms
Early peoples and kingdoms of Ireland, c.800
Capital		Not specified
Languages		Old Irish, Middle Irish, Early Modern Irish, Latin
Religion		Gaelic Christianity Catholic Christianity Gaelic tradition
Government		Tanistry
Rí
•	357–407	Máine Mór
•	1593–1611	Feardorcha Ó Cellaigh
History
•	Established	4th century
•	Disestablished	1611
Preceded by Succeeded by Senchineoil Connacht Connacht Clanricarde Kingdom of Ireland

Uí Maine, often Anglicised as Hy Many, was one of the oldest and largest kingdoms located in Connacht, Ireland. Its territory of approximately 1,000 square miles (2,600 km²) encompassed all of what is now north, east and south County Galway, south and central County Roscommon, an area near County Clare, and at one stage had apparently subjugated land on the east bank of the Shannon, together with the parish of Lusmagh in Offaly.

There were two different Ui Maine, the Ui Maine of Tethbae and the Uí Maine of Connacht; these tribes were separated by the Shannon River. The people of the kingdom were descendants of Máine Mór, who won the territory by warfare. Its sub-kingdoms, also known as lordships, included – among others – Tír Soghain, Corco Mogha, Delbhna Nuadat, Síol Anmchadha, and Máenmaige. These kingdoms were made up of offshoots of the Uí Maine dynasty, or subject peoples of different races.

The Uí Maine are among the ancient Irish dynasties still represented today among the recognised Irish nobility and Chiefs of the Name, by the O'Kelly of Gallagh and Tycooly, Prince of Uí Maine and Count of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fox (O'Kearney) may represent the eastern Uí Maine of Tethbae.

Máine Mór is said to have established the kingdom around 357 AD, and ruled for fifty years. Before his arrival, the area had been occupied by the Fir Bolg, ruled by King Cian d'Fhearaibh Bolg.