Page "Shane O'Neill" Paragraph 25

Failing in an attempt to arrange terms, and also in obtaining the help which he solicited from France, O ' Neill was utterly routed by the O ' Donnells again at the battle of Farsetmore near Letterkenny ; and seeking safety in flight, he threw himself on the mercy of his enemies, the MacDonnells.

Attended by a small body of gallowglass, and taking his prisoner Sorley Boy with him, he presented himself among the MacDonnells near Cushendun, on the Antrim coast.

Here, on 2 June 1567, whether by premeditated treachery or in a sudden brawl, he was slain by the MacDonnells, and was buried at CrossSkern Church at Ballyterrim above Cushendun.

His headless body was possibly later moved to Glenarm Abbey.

William Piers, Senechal of Clandeboye and commander of the English garrison at Carrickfergus, travelled to Cushendun to take Shane's head and send it to Dublin Castle as proof of his death.