 Following the distribution of lands to English adventurers after the Desmond rebellion in 1584, combined with the famine and desolation of the country following the Desmond rebellion, the fortunes and land holdings of those that had remained in their historical territories declined greatly.The MacCarthy's, Lords of Muscrery, fell victim to an almost complete elimination of their wealth, and the two southern branches of the MacCarthys (MacCarthy Mor and MacCarthy Reagh) and their O'Donovan allies (Clan Cathail and Clan Lochlain) became the dominant force in the Cork and Skibbereen areas.By 1601, the O'Donovans which had remained in the Ui-Fidgheinte territory were of little consequence.