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- Aoife MacMurrough, also known as Eva of Leinster, was a prominent Irish noblewoman born around 1145. She was the daughter of Dermot MacMurrough, the King of Leinster, and his second wife, Mor O'Toole. Aoife's life was deeply intertwined with the significant historical events of her time, particularly the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland.
Raised in the royal household of Leinster, Aoife was educated in the law of the land and was literate in Church-Latin. Her privileged upbringing ensured that she was well-prepared for the roles she would later assume. In 1170, following her father's request for assistance from the Anglo-Normans, Aoife was married to Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, known as Strongbow. This marriage was not only a political alliance but also a fulfillment of Brehon law, which required mutual consent for marriage, indicating Aoife's agreement to the union.
The marriage to Strongbow brought Aoife into the forefront of the Norman invasion of Ireland. Under Anglo-Norman law, this union gave Strongbow succession rights to the Kingdom of Leinster. Aoife herself played a significant role in this new era of Irish history. She is sometimes referred to as Red Eva (Aoife Rua) and is known to have led troops in battle, showcasing her leadership and martial prowess.
Aoife and Strongbow had two children: Gilbert de Clare, who inherited the title of Earl of Pembroke but died young, and Isabel de Clare, who became a significant figure in her own right. Through Isabel, Aoife's descendants included much of the European nobility, including all the monarchs of Scotland since Robert I and those of England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom since Henry IV.
After Strongbow's death in 1176, Aoife did not remarry. She devoted herself to raising their children and defending their territory. Aoife's death is believed to have occurred around 1188. She was buried in Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, alongside her father-in-law, Gilbert FitzGilbert de Clare.
Aoife MacMurrough's life represents a fascinating blend of Irish tradition and the new Anglo-Norman influence. Her marriage to Strongbow was a turning point in Irish history, leading to significant political and cultural changes. Her legacy is reflected not only in the historical records but also in her descendants, who played pivotal roles in the shaping of European history.
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1145 - 1188 (43 years)
Set As Default Person 
d. 1220, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales 