Tyrconnel, Richard Talbot, duke and earl of [key], 1630–91, Irish Jacobite. He escaped from Ireland after Oliver Cromwell's punitive campaign there (1649) and was party to various intrigues to restore the monarchy. After the Restoration (1660) he joined the household of the duke of York (later James II) and used his influence at court to promote his own interests. He was arrested and exiled for supposed complicity in the Popish Plot (see Oates, Titus), but after the accession (1685) of James II, he was created earl (1685) and sent as commander in chief of the forces in Ireland. In this capacity and as lord deputy (1687–88) he placed Catholics in many key positions. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, James crossed to Ireland and created Tyrconnel a duke—a title recognized only by the Jacobites. After defeat in the battle of the Boyne (1690) Tyrconnel went to France for aid. He returned in 1691, but died suddenly just before the fall of Limerick.
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