Hugh O'Neill's third marriage in August 1591 to Mabel, daughter of Sir Nicholas Bagenal, Knight Marshal of Ireland, is one of the most romanticised episodes in Irish history: Mabel has been called "the Helen of Troy of Elizabethan Ireland". Whether it was a genuine love marriage (as suggested in the play Making History by Brian Friel) or whether it was an effort by O'Neill to form a political alliance with Mabel's powerful family is debatable. What is clear is the central role which Warren and his wife played in the marriage. Mabel, who had been living with her sister Mary and Mary's husband Patrick Barnewall at Turvey House, appeared at Drumcondra Castle, about six miles from Turvey, where she was quickly followed by O'Neill.O'Faoláin pp.118-99
