Suibhne mac Duinnshléibhe

Suibhne mac Duinnshléibhe was a late 12th-century, and early 13th-century, lord in Argyll. He does not appear in contemporary records, although his name appears in the patronymic names of two of his sons. Suibhne appears in the 16th century Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne, which documents the early history of Clann Suibhne. This account claims that he is the ancestor of Irish clan Mac Sweeney (Suibhne), and that he was the builder of Castle Sween in Knapdale, Argyll.

Background

Suibhne is thought to have flourished in the late 12th century, and early 13th century. He does not appear in any contemporary records, but the records of patronymic names of his sons and descendants prove his existence. The name itself is Gaelic, meaning "pleasant". A reliable source states that "Suibhne has no etymological connexion with the Norse Suinn. He is stated to have been Thane of Glassrie (Glassary) and Knapdale.

One commentator states that "Suibhne's descent is traced in the genealogies through three generations to Aodh Athlomhan 0 Neill, who died in 1033. At the latter period the O Neills pass out of prominence in the Annals, and it is impossible to determine from reliable sources the names of Aodh's sons. None of the persons intervening between him and Suibhne are mentioned in contemporary documents. On the other hand, there is a probability that the linking of Suibhne to Clann Neill is an artificial one, and was invented by the genealogists at a period when the Mac Sweeneys had arisen to considerable power in Ireland." Another states that "the MacSuibhne (McSweeney) genealogies; they were of Norse origin and not a Cenél nEógain family at all".