Introduction
Eógan mac Néill (modern orthography: Eoghan mac Néill) (reportedly died 465) was a son of Niall Noígiallach and the eponymous ancestor of the Cenél nEógain (kindred of Eoghan) branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The Cenel Eoghan would found the over-kingdom of Ailech and later Tír Eoghain, which would span the greater part of Ulster. His burial place is said to be in the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland which was named after him.
Overview
Eogan is claimed as having been a close friend of Saint Patrick and received Patrick's blessing. With his brother, the high king Lóegaire mac Néill (d.462), he was one of the judges in a dispute over the succession to Amalgaid (d.440), king of Connacht among his sons competing to rule their territory of Tir Amalgaidh in northwest Connacht.
Eoghan is reputedly buried at St. Patrick's Church in Iskaheen, Inishowen, Donegal. A plaque there states, "Eoghan Prince of InisEóghain, Son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Died 465 of grief for his brother Conall [Gulban].Baptised by Patrick and buried in Uisce Chaoin".
His sons included Muiredach mac Eógain, Fergus mac Eoghain, founder of the Cenél Fergusa, and Anghusa Mac Eoghain, founder of the Cenel Anghusa.