Henry O'Donnell, of Castlebar-Austria

Henry (37), born May 1726, joined his Larkfield cousins in Austria in 1742. He served in the army where on account of his courage and military skill he won rapid promotion and many rewards. 1763 found him Colonel of No. 41 Plunequette Infantry Regiment. Four years later he was in command of the O’Donnell No. 5 Cuirassiers. He retired in 1771 with the rank of Major General. Henry was over six feet tall, red haired and reputed to have been the most handsome man in the Austrian Army. He was a great favourite at Court, especially with the Empress, at whose bidding he married Leopoldine, daughter of Prince Jean Rudolf Kantacuzene. Marie Theresa gave the bride a dowry of three estates in Galicia and led her to the altar in Bratislava on her wedding day. The title of German Count was granted to himself and his heirs by the Hapsburgs (German Emperors of the time) on account of Rory’s Earl-patent granted by James I. Major General Count Henry O’Donnell died in Galicia on 4 the August 1789