TYRONE, O'Nntu„ second Earl of (1540?-1616). An Irish soldier and revolution ist. He was the grandson of the first Earl, his father, who was illegitimate, being Baron of Dugannon. His elder brother was murdered in 1562, and Hugh became Baron of Dugannon, for precaution being sent to England. In 1563 lie returned to Ireland, and for some years had great difficulty in maintaining his position against his encroaching kinsmen. In 1580 he commanded a troop of horse in Munster against the rebel Earl of Desmond, and in 1583 was ap pointed commander of the northern marches. In 1585 he was allowed to style himself the Earl of Tyrone, and, strengthening his power in 1587, visited England to petition for a restitution of the whole of the lands granted to his putative grandfather by Henry VIII. In this he was un successful, and, resenting the visit of commis sioners sent to arbitrate his differences with his rival, Turlough Luineach, lie attacked the latter, but was defeated. He was placed under restraint
and shortly afterwards pardoned. hut lie en tered on a course of intrigue to separate Ireland from England, offered the crown of Ireland to Philip 11. of Spain. and after a comparatively successful campaign, in which he defeated Sir John Norris. he killed his brother-in-law, Sir H. Bag,nal, and effected a truce with the Earl of Essex. In 1601 lie was worsted by Lord Mount joy, to whom he surrendered about the begin ning of 1603. He was soon after pardoned. In 1607, being suspected of again conspiring, lie fled to Brussels, afterwards proceeding to Rome, where lie lived in penury until his death, on a small pension allowed him by the Pope and the Spanish King.