Earl of Thomond

Earl of Thomond was a title in the Peerage of Ireland that has been created twice, for the family of O'Briens, formerly a clan of celtic Ireland and the rulers of Munster. The first creation was for Murrough O'Brien, who was also created Baron Inchiquin, on 1 July 1543. On the same day his nephew and heir, Donogh O'Brien, was created Baron Ibrickane. These titles merged on the 1st Earl's death in 1551. The barony of Inchiquin went to another relative. The 8th Earl was created Viscount Tadcaster, in the Peerage of Great Britain, on 19 October 1714. However, when he died in 1741, his heir was under attainder, so the three titles became forfeited. In taking these English titles and abandoning their native ones the O'Briens had to adopt English ways, pledge alleigance to the English crown, and convert to the Anglican Church.

The second creation was for Percy Wyndham-O'Brien, who on 11 December 1756, was created Earl of Thomond and Baron Ibracken. On his death in 1774 both his titles became extinct.

Earls of Thomond (1543)

*Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Thomond (d. 1551)
*Donogh O'Brien, 1st Baron Ibrickane, 2nd Earl of Thomond (d. 1553) – created Baron Ibrickane in 1543.
*Connor O'Brien, 3rd Earl of Thomond (c.1535–1581)
*Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond (d. 1624)
*Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond (c.1588–1639)
*Barnabas O'Brien, 6th Earl of Thomond (c.1590–1657)
*Henry O'Brien, 7th Earl of Thomond (c.1620–1691)
*Henry O'Brien, 8th Earl of Thomond (1688-1741) – all titles forfeit on his death.

Earls of Thomond (1756)

*Percy Wyndham-O'Brien, 1st Earl of Thomond (c.1723–1774)

References

*Rayment