Breifne

History

Breifne is said to derive from an obsolete Irish word meaning "hilly", a description which describes the topography of this part of Ireland. But this derivation is opposed by the likes of O'Connell and MacEoin. It was referred to as the rough third of Connacht. Alternatively, the Metrical Dindshenchas states the name is derived from Brefne, daughter of Beoan mac Bethaig, the grandson of Nemed, a brave soldier-woman. She was slain by Regan after whom Tomregan is supposedly named.