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County Longford has 6 territory baronies - see Leinster map
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territory now called Longford anciently went by the names Teathba and Teffia. North Teffia was inhabited by the
Glasraidhe, descendants of early inhabitants. By the 5th century Longford was divided into north and south. The
northern territory became known as Cairbre Gabhra, after Cairbre a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Another son
received the southern half. In the 8th century the Conmaicne (e.g. O'Farrells) invaded the Ui Cairbre and by the
11th century were the dominant people as the territory became known as Annaly, and was considered part of the
province of Meath. It was controlled in the north by the O'Farrel Ban (White) and in the south by the O'Farrel Buy
(Yellow). Longford was formed as a county (shire) in 1576.
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Ardagh - was formed from the territory of Sleughtwilliam (Mostrim parish), the territory of
Clangillernan (Templemichael), and from part of the church lands in the parishes of Ardagh and
Ballymacormick.
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Granard - Anciently this was part of a territory known as Cairpre Gabra, alias Corpre Tethbae,
or North Teffia. The barony was formed from the territory of Clanshane (Granard, Abbeylara, and part of
Colmcille parishes), and from the territory of Slewcarberie (Clonbroney and part of Colmcille parishes).
Muintir Geradhain was located on the west side of Lough Gowna, where Ó Geradhain (Gaynor or MacGinver) is
mentioned as lord here in the 11th century.
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Longford - was formed from the territory of Moytra (Clongesh and part of Templemichael
parishes), and the territory of Clan Hugh (in Killoe parish). Anciently it was part of a territory known as
Cairpre Gabra, and later Muinter Anghaile (Annaly).
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Moydow - (Magh Dumha) Anciently it was part of a territory known as Tethba. The barony was
formed from the territories of Clanawlye (Ardagh & Moydow), and parts of the territories of Moybrawne
(Taghshinny parish), Clanconnor (part Kilcommock, part Cashel parishes), and Muintergalgan.
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Rathcline - was formed from the territories of The Callow (left bank of Shannon, Lanesboro to
Ballymahon) and the territory of Clanconnor (part Kilcommoc, part Cashel). Callow is derived from the gaelic
'Caladh na hAnghaile', a former name for the barony, located between Muinter Gillagan and the river Shannon. O
Fergail (O'Farrell) is noted as chief here. O'Faughny is also noted as chief of the Callow (Callo) into the
16th century.
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Shrule or Abbeyshrule - was formed from parts of the territories of Moybrawne (Shrule), Clanconnor and
Muintergalgan. Moybrawne was anciently part of a territory known as Bregmaine, or Mag Bregmaine, in Cenél
Maine.
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Misc -
The O'Cuinn (O'Quinn) was a principal chief of Teffia and later held a small territory in Annaly centered at
Rathcline.
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