Turlough Luineach, the new O’Neill on Shane’s death, quickly submitted to the Queen and was bound to keep the peace with Bagenal and with O’Hanlon and Magennis.
He attempted to consolidate his position with the English by concluding a marriage with Ms Griffith, the sister-in-law of Bagenal.
Bagenal in his newly-restored position showed only contempt for the ‘mere Irish’ chief. He declared that ‘he would rather she were burnt!’
Turlough in her stead concluded a marriage with the Lady Agnes, daughter of the Earl of Argyle and widow of the Lord of Cantyre. She proved to be a clever and politically astute partner.
Despite Turlough’s avowed peaceful intent, the English were in fear, especially that he might attack and burn Newry.
People in the town were directed to remove all the thatch from their properties, lest in the aforesaid event the castle defenders might be unsighted by smoke.
And indeed in August 1569 Turlough advanced on Newry at the head of an army.
In this sally however, he remained content to plunder some 3000 head of cattle belonging to the
And for the next few years the surrounding district was subject to the assaults of such as Turlough Luineach and Turlough Brasselagh O’Neill and of Donell Og Magennis.
Two years later in June 1573 Turlough, accompanied by Sir Brian MacFelim O’Neill and Sorley Boy McDonnell, chief of the Scots of Ulster marched on Newry at the head of an army of 3000.
It is notable that the record states that they were repulsed, not by Marshall Bagenal, but by Collo MacBrian.
The following year in frustration the Queen send over her favourite,
… more English repression ….