O'DONNELL, Finola (Inion Dubh, ‘the dark daughter’), born western Highlands c. 1552, died c. 1610. Daughter of *Lady Agnes Campbell, and James MacDonnell of Dunyvaig and the Glens.

Finola O'Donnell is credited, along with her mother, with establishing a Scottish—Irish network central to mid-16th century revolt against the English. In August 1569 she went to Ireland to marry the Ulster chief Hugh O'Donnell (d. 1593). This act, together with the marriage of her mother to Turlough Luineach O'Neill, brought together the O'Neills and the O'Donnells, previously rivals, and united the Ulster clans against the English colonisers. Finola O'Donnell possessed a dowry of 1,200 Scottish mercenary troops whose presence, swelling the ranks of Irish rebels, the English viewed with alarm. Although ultimately these alliances were not strong enough to repel the colonial forces, the two women were at the centre of the Scottish-Irish network, working to keep Ulster independent from English rule in Dublin.

Finola O'Donnell's activities were monitored throughout the late 16th century. Her own testimonies provide evidence of female agency in networks and rebellion. In 1588, she stated that she would hire the Spaniards to stir up wars against the English. The threat of Spanish invasion was rightly feared by the English in this period. In 1590, she had plans to overthrow the English sheriff of Donegal. However, by 1600, Irish rebellion was weakening, and despite mercenary support, the Irish and Scottish forces were outnumbered by the English. Nevertheless, she and her supporters waged an aggressive campaign against English governors, assassinating several English officials. After the Flight of the Earls from Ireland in 1606, the O'Donnell clan left Ireland for Spain. The eventual defeat of the Irish rebels also marked the end of a period when Ireland could call upon Scottish military aid. AEK

• NA: Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, vols 29 (1569), 30 (1570), 3 (1588-92).

Knox, A. (2002) ‘ “Barbarous and Pestiferous Women”: female criminality, violence and aggression in sixteenthand seventeenth-century Scotland and Ireland’, in Y. G. Brown and R. Ferguson (eds) Twisted Sisters; ODNB (2004) (Campbell, Agnes).

OGILVY, Marion, lady of Melgund, born probably Airlie before 1503, died Melgund June 1575. Mistress of Cardinal David Beaton. Daughter of Janet Lyle, and James, ist Lord Ogilvy of Airlie.