The O'Carroll Kings of Oriel
Notes from the Annals
M1138.10
Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair, with the Connaughtmen, Tighernan Ua Ruairc,
with the men of Breifne, and Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, with the
Airghialla, mustered their forces to contest unjustly his own lands
M987.5
Laidhgnen, son of Cearbhall, lord of Fearnmhagh, was slain in the middle of
Trian-Arda-Macha, by Fearghal, son of Conaing, lord of Oileach, and the
Cinel-Eoghain.
U988.3
Laidcnén son of Cerball, king of Fernmag, was killed in Ard Macha by
Fergal son of Conaing, king of Ailech.
M1022.13
Mathghamhain, son of Laidhgnen, son of Cearbhall, lord of Fearnmhagh,
was slain at Cluain-Eois, by Cathal Ua Crichain.
LC1033.4
Aimhergin Ua Cerbhaill, king of Eile, and Cu-Mumhan, son of Ruaidhri Ua
Cedfadha, mortui sunt.
LC1043.3
Flann Ua hAnbhfheth, king of Uí-Meth, was slain by the Uí-Cerbhaill, i.e. by the
king of
Fernmhagh. Oedh Ua Confhiacla, king of Tethfa, was killed by Muirchertach
O'Maelsechlainn.
M1043.7
Flann Ua h-Ainfeth, lord of Ui-Meith, was slain by Ua Cearbhaill, lord of
Fearnmhagh.
U1043.3
These were killed: Flann ua hAinbíth, king of Uí Méith, by ua Cerbaill,
king of Fernmag: Aed ua Con Fhiacla, king of Tethba, by Muirchertach ua
Maíl Shechnaill; Ceinnéitig ua Cuirc, king of Múscraige.
LC1101.3
A predatory incursion by Donnchadh Ua Maelsechlainn into Fernmhagh, but Ua
Cerbhaill overtook him, and slew two hundred of his band, vel paulo plus.
U1101.5
A raid was made by Donnchad ua Mael Sechlainn into Fernmag, and ua Cerbaill
caught up with him and killed two hundred of them or a little more.
M1101.7
Donnchadh Ua Maeleachlainn, lord of Meath, set out upon a predatory excursion
into Fearnmhagh, and into Conaille, and took immense spoils of cows; but
Cucaisill Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Fearnmhagh and Oirghialla, overtook one of the
spoils at Airgedgleann, and slew the host which he overtook, except very few;
among the slain were Echthighern Ua Braein, lord of Breaghmhaine; the grandson
of Cairthen Ua Mailruain; Ua Indreadhain, chief of Ua Maeleachlainn's household,
and two hundred men along with
them.
AI11108.5
Muiredach Ua Cerbaill and Cinaed Ua Muirchertaig were slain in a skirmish
by Aengus Ua Cinaeda and by others of the Uí Chinaeda.
M1123.6
Cucaisil Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Fearnmhagh, died.
U1123.4
Flann ua Duibinnsi, superior of Lugmad, Cú Caisil ua Cerbaill, king of
Fernmag, Mael Muire ua Condubhán, superior of Daire Lubhráin, Donn Sléibe
son of Cathalán, happiness and prosperity of all the Ulaid, died.
MCB1125.2
A hosting by Toirdhealbhach son of Ruaidhrí to Achadh Bó and from thence to
Dublin. He took the kingship of Leinster and banished Murchadh Ó Maoil
Sheachlainn, king of Midhe, and set up three kingships over Midhe after Ó Maoil
Sheachlainn, and Domhnall [Ó Cearbhaill] over Oirghialla.
MCB1125.3
A battle by Diarmaid Ó Maoil Sheachlainn in which Domhnall Ó Cearbhaill,
king of Oirghialla, was killed, together with his nobles.
AI1125.6
A great slaughter of the Airgialla by the men of Mide at Droichet Átha, in
which the son of Ua Cerbaill, the son of Cú Febla Ua Cernaig, and many
others fell.
LC1125.4
A hosting by Muirchertach O'Cerbhaill, king of the South of Fernmagh, to the men
of Bregh; but Diarmait Ua Maelsechlainn, with the men of Midhe and the men of
Bregh, met him, and Muirchertach was slain there, and a slaughter of his host
was committed about him.
M1125.7
On one occasion, as Muircheartach Ua Cearbhaill, lord of the south of
Fearnmhagh, went upon a predatory excursion into the territory of the men of
Breagha, Diarmaid Ua Maeleachlainn, with the men of Meath and Breagha, opposed
him; and Muircheartach was slain by him, and a party of the gentlemen of
Fearnmhagh, with many others.
U1125.4
Muirchertach ua Cerbaill, king of south Fernmagh, went on a raid on the men
of Brega, and Diarmaid ua Mael Sechlainn with the men of Mide and the men
of Brega overtook him, and Muirchertach was killed there, and slaughter
inflicted on his raiding party around him.
LC1133.2
A predatory hosting by Donnchadh Ua Cerbhaill and the men of Fernmhagh into
Fine-Gall; but Torcaill overtook them at Finnabhair, and they fought a battle,
in
which Raghnall, son of Pol, was slain, and a great number of Foreigners along
with him; and as regards the men of Fernmhagh themselves, they were subjected to
great danger.
M1133.10
A depredation was committed by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill and the men of
Fearnmhagh in Fine Gall, but the foreigners came up with them at
Finnabhair-na-ninghean; and they made battle, in which Raghnall, son of Pol, and
a great party of the foreigners about him, were slain. The men of Fearnmhagh,
however, encountered great danger.
MCB1136.1
A foray by Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill, king of Fearnmhagh, to
Lusga in Midhe. The Galls of Dublin and all Fine Gall overtook him above
Drogheda, and they fought a battle in which Raghnall son of Pól Mac Adhmainn was
killed, with slaughter of the Galls of Dublin and Midhe around him.
M1138.10
Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair, with the Connaughtmen, Tighernan Ua Ruairc,
with the men of Breifne, and Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, with the Airghialla,
mustered their forces to contest unjustly his own lands with Ua Maeleachlainn.
On the other side Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn, with the men of Meath, and the
foreigners, and Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, with the Leinster-men, came to oppose
them, and both armies arrived at Craebh-Maighe Lorgaigh. The two camps were so
near each other that there was only a pass through a small wood between them.
They remained for the space of one
week in this manner face to face, but at length God separated them without
coming to battle, without one giving hostages to the other. The men of Meath
afterwards destroyed the corn crops of the Ui-Briuin, and of the men of
Fearnmhagh, so that an insufferable famine prevailed amongst them the year
following. After this the Meath-men, Leinster-men, and the foreigners, proceeded
to Inis-Mochta to plunder it, and a countless number of them went on rafts, and
by swimming, on the lake, to reach the island; and a party of them did reach the
island. The people of the island afterwards came to them in vessels, and numbers
of them the aggressors were drowned and slain by
them; and the party who were on the island fled from thence, not having been
able to burn the island, through the miracles of God and the patron saint. On
this occasion Cubruinne Ua Longairg, the son of Tadhg, the son of Mac Ualghairc,
and the son of Mac Turgaill, were slain.
MCB1140.1
A.D. 1140. A hosting by Conchobhar son of Diarmaid son of Toirdhealbhach Ó
Briain with the men of Munster and Midhe, and Bréifne to Ardee, and two
hostages, were given to him by Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill.
MCB1140.2
A predatory hosting by Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill, king of
Oirghialla, and he made a circuit of all Conmhaicne and took a heavy
cattle-spoil from there.
Keating 1142
Donnchadh O Cearbhaill, king of
Oirghialla, at the instance of Malachias, bishop of Dun, built the abbey of
Meillifont in the county of Lughmhagh in the year of the Lord 1142.
MCB1145-7.5
A hosting by Muircheartach son of Niall Ó Lochlainn and Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill
into Ulaidh, and they reached Tráigh Dúin Droma after a defeat of the Ulaidh.
They plundered and burned Leath Cathail, and carried off four hostages from the
Ulaidh, after leaving four kings over them.
M1145.2
Treoit was burned by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, against the people of Ua
Maeleachlainn, and three score persons were killed therein.
M1145.6
A hosting was made by the Cinel-Conaill, to go again to the relief of the son of
Niall Mac Lochlainn; and they were joined by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, with the
Airghialla; and they banished Domhnall Ua Goirmleadhaigh from his chieftainship,
and set up the son of Niall in his place.
M1146.8
Eigneach, son of Amhlaeibh Ua Caemhain, was killed by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill.
M1147.10
An army was led by Muircheartach Mac Neill Ua Lochlainn and the Cinel-Eoghain,
and Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill and the Airghialla, into Ulidia. The Ulidians
were encamped at the brink of Uchdearg, to meet them; but they abandoned the
camp to the Cinel-Eoghain and the Airghialla, who pursued them till they reached
the shore of Dun-droma, in Leath-Chathail. The Ulidians gave them battle there,
on the day of the festival of Paul and
Peter; but they were defeated, and a great number of them slain, together with
Archu Ua Flathrai, lord of Leath-Chathail. After this the forces plundered and
burned all Leath-Chathail, and carried off hostages from the Ulidians.
M1148.9
An army was led (p.1087) by Muircheartach, son
of Niall Ua Lochlainn, by the Cinel-Eoghain and Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, and the
Airghialla, into Ulidia; and they
carried off the hostages of the Ulidians, together with the son of the King of
Ulidia, and left four lords over Ulidia on that occasion. The Ulidians and
Airghialla turned against Mac Lochlainn and the Cinel-Eoghain after this.
M1148.1
The church of Cnoc-na-seangan was finished by the Bishop O'Caellaidhe and
Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, and was consecrated by Ua Morgair, successor of
Patrick; and a Neimheadh, i.e. ecclesiastical land, was assigned it in Lughmhadh.
M1148.11
An army was also led by Tighearnan Ua Ruairc and Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill
into Ulidia, as far as Craebh-Tealcha; and they plundered the country, and
placed Cuuladh in his kingdom again; however, he was immediately expelled
by the Ulidians themselves.
M1148.12
A meeting was held at Ard-Macha by Ua Lochlainn, with the chieftains of the
Cinel-Eoghain; by O'Cearbhaill, with the chieftains of the Airghialla, and the
chief men of Ulidia, with their lords, and made perfect peace under the Staff of
Jesus, in the presence of the successor of Patrick and his clergy; and they left
hostages with O'Lochlainn. The hostages of the Cinel-Conaill were also in the
hands of Ua Lochlainn.
M1149.9
An army was led by the Cinel-Eoghain to Magh-an-chairn, to expel Conchobhar; but
Ua Cearbhaill prevented them, for he delivered his own son up to them, for the
sake of Ulidia.
M1149.11
A predatory incursion was made by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill and Cuuladh Ua
Duinnsleibhe into Breagha, and they carried off many spoils. The men of Breagha
afterwards came in pursuit of them, and they plundered the half of
Tearmann-Feichin, and carried off some of the cattle of the monks.
M1149.12
A royal journey was made by the son of Niall Ua Lochlainn, with the cavalry of
Cinel-Eoghain, to Lughmhadh, where Tighearnan Ua Ruairc came into his house, and
left him hostages. From thence Ua Lochlainn and Ua Cearbhaill proceeded to
Ath-cliath. Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, came into his house, and
Ua Lochlainn made a complete peace between the foreigners and the Irish.
M1150.15
A royal journey by Muircheartach, son of Niall Ua Lochlainn, with the chieftains
of the north of Ireland, to Inis-Mochta, to meet Ua Cearbhaill and Ua Ruairc.The
hostages of Connaught were brought him to that place, without a hosting, through
the blessing of Patrick, the successor of Patrick, and his clergy. He divided
Meath on this occasion into three parts between Ua Conchobhair, Ua Ruairc, and
Ua Cearbhaill; and they banished
Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn from Meath, through the curse of the successor of
Patrick and his clergy.
M1150.18
An army was led by Toirdhealbhach Ua Briain to Loch Ua nGobhann, in
Machaire-Gaileang, and he plundered Slaine.Ua Cearbhaill and Ua Ruairc overtook
them, and slew
some of their people, among whom was the son of Ua Ifearnain. In the absence of
the men of Munster, Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair marched with an army into
Munster, and plundered the plain of Munster, and carried off many cows; but
he lost some of his people, and among the rest Ua Rodhuibh.
M1150.20
An army was led by Muircheartach, son of Niall Ua Lochlainn, with the
Cinel-Eoghain and the Ulidians, to relieve Ua Cearbhaill and Ua Ruairc, to Dun-Lochad,
in Laeghaire; and the foreigners made a year's peace between Leath-Chuinn and
Leath-Mhogha.
M1152.7
A plundering army was led by Mac Lochlainn and the Cinel-Eoghain, to banish
Ua Cearbhaill; and he plundered many persons on that occasion, and expelled
Ua Cearbhaill from the chieftainship of Oirghialla, in revenge for the successor
of Patrick, whom he had wounded and violated some time before.
MCB1153.3
A hosting by Muircheartach son of Niall Ó Lochlainn, king of Cinéal Eóghain,
Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill with the Ulaidh and Cinéal Conaill, and Toirdhealbhach
son of Diarmaid Ó Briain to Áth Maighne against Tadhg Ó Briain, and they threw
them [i.e. the forces of Tadhg Ó Briain] out of their three encampments and
killed nine hundred of them. Toirdhealbhach Ó Briain and [the men of] the north
of Ireland stayed at Teach Tille that
night, celebrating the triumph.
M1155.12
Tighearnan Ua Ruairc took Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, prisoner,
after he had gone to meet him, to Ceanannus, with a small force; and he
incarcerated him on Loch Sileann, where he was detained for a month and a
fortnight, but he was ransomed,
through the miracles of God, and of Patrick, and of the saints in general, by
Godfrey Ua Raghallaigh, who slew the party who were keeping him; and Donnchadh
assumed the lordship of Oirghialla again.
U1155.1
[Tigernan Ua Ruairc took Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, lord of Oirghialla, prisoner,
after Donnchadh had gone to meet him with a small force to Cenannus.] He was
carried upon [an island of] Loch-Sighlen and was a fortnight above a month
therein, or something
more and holy church and the favour of Patrick freed him and the guards that
were guarding him were killed.
M1157.7
Cuuladh Ua Cain-dealbhain,lord of Laeghaire, a man of unbounded hospitality like
Guaire Aidhne, courteous and prosperous like Mongan, son of Fiachna, a brilliant
lamp in charity to the poor, the chief lamp of chivalry of the Irish race, was
killed through treachery and guile, while under the protection of the laity and
clergy of Ireland, by Donnchadh, son of
Domhnall Ua Maeleachlainn, King of Meath. These were the sureties for him: the
successor of Patrick and the Staff of Jesus, together with the legate, i.e. Ua
Condoirche; the successor of Colum-Cille, with his relics; Grene, Bishop of
Ath-cliath; the abbot of the monks of Mellifont; the successor of Ciaran, with
their relics; the successor of Fechin, with his relics; Ua Lochlainn, King of
Ireland (i.e. with opposition); Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill,
lord of Oirghialla; Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, lord of Breifne; Diarmaid Mac
Murchadha, King of Leinster; and the chiefs of the men of Meath, and of
the men of Teathbha in general. Wo to the country in which this deed was
perpetrated!
M1157.8
A predatory incursion was made by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill and Tighearnan Ua
Ruairc, in revenge of their guarantee, and they plundered the Saithni; but
Fearghal Ua Ruairc, and many others along with him, were slain by the Saithni.
M1157.9
A synod was convened by the clergy of Ireland, and some of the kings, at the
monastery of Droicheat-atha, the church of the monks. There were present
seventeen bishops, together with the Legate and the successor of Patrick; and
the number of persons of every other degree was countless. Among the kings
were Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn, Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, Ua hEochadha, and Ua
Cearbhaill. After the consecration of the church by
the successor of Patrick, Donnchadh Ua Maeleachlainn was excommunicated by the
clergy of Ireland, and banished by the kings from the kingdom of Meath; and
his brother, Diarmaid, was made king in his place. Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn
presented seven score cows, and three score ounces of gold, to God and to the
clergy, as an offering for the health of his soul. He granted them also a
townland at Droicheat-atha, i.e.
Finnabhair-na-ninghean. O'Cearbhaill also gave them three score ounces of gold;
and the wife of O'Ruairc, the daughter of Ua Maeleachlainn, gave as much more,
and a chalice of gold on the altar of Mary, and cloth for each of the nine other
altars that were in that church.
U1157.4
The successor of Patrick (namely, the archbishop of Ireland) consecrated the
church of the Monks [of Mellifont, near Drogheda, in presence of the clergy of
Ireland, that is, of the Legate and of Ua Osein and of Grenne and of the other
bishops and in presence of many of the laity, around Ua Lachlainn, that is,
around the king of Ireland and Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill and Tigernan Ua Ruairc.
Moreover, Muircertach Ua Lochlainn gave eight
score cows and three score ounces of gold to the Lord and to the clergy. He gave
also a townland at Drochait-atha to the clergy, namely, Finnabhair-na-ningen.
And three score ounces of gold [were given] by Ua Cerbaill and three score
ounces more by the daughter of Ua Mael-Sechlainn, [namely] by the wife of
Tigernan Ua Ruairc. On that occasion also was excommunicated by laity and by
clergy the persecutor accursed, that
dishonoured the successor of Patrick and the Staff of Jesus and the clergy of
Ireland besides, namely, Donnchadh Ua Mael-Sechlainn.
MCB1158.3
A hosting by Ruaidhrí son of Toirdhealbhach Ó Conchobhair, king of Connacht, and
Tighearnán Ó Ruairc to Áth na Casbearna in the territory of Uí Sheaghain. A
hosting by Muircheartach son of Niall Ó Lochlainn and Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill to
meet them there. A battle was fought between them, in which the Connachtmen, the
Uí Bhriúin, and the Conmhaicne were routed, and slaughter inflicted on them.
M1164.5
Lughmhadh was burned for the most part, by fire issuing from the house of
Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, in which Muircheartach, son of
Niall, King of Aileach, and the chieftains of Cinel-Eoghain, were staying, after
they had dishonoured the Staff of Jesus.
MCB1165.2
Muircheartach son of Niall Ó Lochlainn, king of Oileach, captured Eochaidh son
of Cú Uladh Mac Duinn Shléibhe, king of Ulaidh, his own gossip, at Camus
Comhghaill, in his Easter house, after they had been at the same guest-table up
to that, and he carried him off to Inis Aonaigh and blinded him there, in
violation of the protection of Patrick's coarb, the
Bachall Íosa, Clog an Udhachta, Soisgéala Mártain, Míosach Cairnigh, the three
shrines in Teampall na Sgrín, together with the relics of the north of Ireland,
and in violation of the protection of Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill,
king of Oirghialla, together with the nobles of the north of Ireland, including
Cinéal Conaill and Cinéal Eóghain, laymen and clergy. An account reached Ó
Cearbhaill of this violation of his protection and of the blinding of his
foster-son. He made peace with Ruaidhrí Ó Conchobhair, king of Connacht, and
Tighearnán Ó Ruairc, and taking with him the Oirghialla south of Sliabh Beatha,
the Conmhaicne, and the Uí Bhriúin, he went into Tír Eóghain.
Muircheartach son of Niall [Ó Lochlainn] was at Teallach Óg, and he came
to Fiodh Ó nEachach to meet Ó Cearbhaill, and they fought a battle there in
which Cinéal Eóghain were defeated, and Muircheartach son of Niall Ó Lochlainn,
king of Oileach, was killed and his head cut off for the [outraged] honour of
Jesus, Patrick, and Ó Cearbbaill. Ó Cearbhaill went from there to Magh nImchláir,
and Aodh Ó Néill proclaimed his kingship
of Cinéal Eóghain.
M1165.5
Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn proceeded with the Cinel-Eoghain to Inis-Lochain, and
burned and destroyed the island. The Cinel-Eoghain afterwards returned to their
houses in triumph, with vast spoils and many ships. Ua Lochlainn then went to
Ard-Macha, whither Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, and Eochaidh Mac
Duinnsleibhe, came to meet Muircheartach, to request that he would again restore
Mac Duinnsleibhe
to his kingdom. Ua Lochlainn gave him the kingdom, in consideration of receiving
the hostages of all Ulidia; and Eochaidh gave him a son of every chieftain in
Ulidia, and his own daughter, to be kept by Ua Lochlainn as a hostage; and many
jewels were given him, together with the sword of the son of the Earl. He also
gave up the territory of Bairche to Ua Lochlainn, who immediately granted it to
Ua Cearbhaill, i.e. Donnchadh; and a townland was granted to the clergy of
Sabhall, for the luck of the reign of Mac Lochlainn.
U1165.9
Eochaidh [Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua Eochadha] again attempts to obtain the kingship of
Ulidia; but the Ulidians expelled him through fear of Ua Lochlainn and he was
fettered by Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, arch-king of Airgialla, by order of Ua
Lochlainn.
U1165.10
Another hosting by Muircertach Ua Lochlainn along with the Cenel-Eogain to
Inis-lachain, so that they burned the Island [Inis-lachain] and razed it.
And all Ulidia gave their pledges to Ua Lochlainn. After that, the Cenel-Eogain
around Ua Lochlainn come to their houses with great triumph and with many ships
and numerous treasures beside. From here Ua Lochlainn [goes] to Ard-Macha. After
that, Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, arch-king of Airgialla and Eochaidh Mac
Duinnsleibhe
U1165.10
Another hosting by Muircertach Ua Lochlainn along with the Cenel-Eogain to
Inis-lachain, so that they burned the Island [Inis-lachain] and razed it.
And all Ulidia gave their pledges to Ua Lochlainn. After that, the Cenel-Eogain
around Ua Lochlainn come to their houses with great triumph and with many ships
and numerous treasures beside. From here Ua Lochlainn [goes] to Ard-Macha. After
that, Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, arch-king of Airgialla and Eochaidh Mac
Duinnsleibhe [Ua Eochadha] come into the presence of Ua Lochlainn, to ask for
the kingship for [Eochaidh] Mac Duinnsleibhe, so that Ua Lochlainn gave the
entire [kingship] to Mac Duinnsleibhe, in return for the pledges of all
Ulidia. So that Mac Duinnsleibhe gave the son of every chief of Ulidia and his
own daughter in pledge to O'Lochlainn. And there were given to him [Ua
Lochlainn] many treasures, including the sword of the son of the Earl and he
[Mac Duinnsleibhe] gave Bairche to Ua Lochlainn [and] Ua Lochlainn gave it to
[Donnchadh] Ua Cerbaill. And, moreover, there was given a townland to the clergy
of Saball, by reason of the prosperity of the reign of Ua Lochlainn.
M1166.10
Eochaidh Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua Eochadha, pillar of the prowess and hospitality of
the Irish, was blinded by Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn; and the three best men of
the Dal-Araidhe, i.e. two Mac Loingsighs, and the grandson of Cathasach Ua
Flathrae, were killed by the same king, in violation of the protection of the
successor of Patrick and the Staff of
Jesus; of Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla; and in violation of the
protection of the relics, laity, and clergy of all the north of Ireland.
U1166.8
Eochaidh Mac Duinnsleibhe [Ua Eochadha] was blinded by Muircertach Ua Lochlainn,
in violation of the protection of the successor of Patrick and of the Staff of
Jesus and of Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, namely, the arch-king of Airgialla.
M1166.11
After this an army was led by Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, into Tir-Eoghain, to
revenge the violation of the guarantee of Patrick and his own guarantee.Three
large battalions was the number of his army, i.e. the battalion of Oirghialla,
the battalion of Ui-Briuin, i.e. of Breifne, and the battalion of Conmhaicne.
These hosts arrived at Leitir-Luin, in the
Feadha of Ui-Eachdhach, in Tir-Eoghain. When these met Ua Lochlainn and the
Cinel-Eoghain with a few troops, a fierce and merciless battle was fought
between them, in which the Cinel-Eoghain were defeated, with the loss of
Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn, Monarch of all Ireland, the chief lamp of the
valour, chivalry, hospitality, and prowess of the west of the world in his time;
a man who had never been defeated in battle or conflict till that time, and who
had gained many battles. There were slain along with him
in the battle, Ua Gillalainne and Ua hAdhmaill, two distinguished chieftains,
and Mac Gillamartain, chief of Cinel-Fearadhaigh, with many others. It was to
foretell the battle of Leath-Caimm and this battle, Dachiarog, i.e. the saint of
Airegal, said:
1. Lethi-Cam!
Great heroes shall perish there,
They shall be caught at Leitir-Luin,
Though far, though late, though slow.
M1166.13
An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, with the Connaughtmen, the men of
Meath and of Teathbha, to Ath-cliath; and Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair was there
inaugurated king as honourably as any king of the Gaeidhil was ever inaugurated;
and he presented their stipends to the foreigners in many cows, for he levied a
tax of four thousand cows upon the men of Ireland for them. On this occasion the
foreigners accompanied Ruaidhri to Droicheat-atha, whither Donnchadh Ua
Cearbhaill and the chieftains of Airghialla came into his house, and gave him
their hostages.
AI1166.6
Muirchertach son of Mac Lochlainn, king of Ireland, was slain by Ua Cerbaill and
by the Airgialla.
U1166.9
A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Concobair into Meath, so that he received the pledges
of the Men of Meath. From this, [he marches] to Ath-cliath, so that he received
the pledges of the Foreigners and of Mac Murchadha and of all Leinster. From
this, to Drochait-atha, to the Airgialla, so that Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, king of
Airgialla, came into his house and gave pledges to him. And he went safe to his
house after that, after expelling Diarmait Mac
Murchadha, king of Leinster, over sea.
U1166.10
A hosting by Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, with the Airghialla and with the Ui-Briuin
and the Conmaicni, into Tir-Eogain, to attack Ua Lochlainn, by direction of the
Cenel-Eogain themselves, in consequence of Ua Lochlainn, arch-king of Ireland,
being abandoned by them. So that [Ua Lochlainn] came, with a small party of the
Cenel-Eogain of Telach-og, to deliver an assault upon them at Fidh-O-nEchtach.
And even those very men,
they abandoned him. So there fell in that place Muircertach (son of Niall) Ua
Lachlainn, arch-king of Ireland. And he was the Augustus of all the North-West
of Europe for valour and championship. And a few of Cenel-Eogain were killed
there, namely, thirteen men. A great marvel and wonderful deed was done then: to
wit, the king of Ireland to fall without battle, without contest, after his
dishonouring the successor of Patrick and the Staff of
Jesus and the successor of Colum-cille and the Gospel of Martin and many clergy
besides [by blinding Mac Duinnsleibhe Ua Eochadha]. Howbeit, his body was
carried to Ard-Macha and buried there, in dishonour of the successor of
Colum-cille with his Community and Colum-cille himself and the head of the
students of Daire fasted regarding it,-for his being carried to [Christian]
burial.
M1167.10
A great meeting was convened by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair and the chiefs of
Leath-Chuinn, both lay and ecclesiastic, and the chiefs of the foreigners at
Ath-buidhe-Tlachtgha. To it came the successor of Patrick; Cadhla Ua Dubhthaigh,
Archbishop of Connaught; Lorcan Ua Tuathail, Archbishop of Leinster; Tighearnan
Ua Ruairc, lord of Breifne; Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla; Mac
Duinnsleibhe Ua hEochadha, King of Ulidia; Diarmaid Ua Maeleachlainn, King of
Teamhair; Raghnall, son of Raghnall, lord of
the foreigners. The whole of their gathering and assemblage was thirteen
thousand horsemen, of which six thousand were Connaughtmen, four thousand with
O'Ruairc, two thousand with Ua Maeleachlainn, four thousand with Ua Cearbhaill
and Ua hEochadha, two thousand with Donnchadh Mac Fhaelain, one thousand with
the Danes of Ath-cliath. They passed many good resolutions at this meeting,
respecting veneration for churches and clerics, and control of tribes and
territories, so that women used to traverse Ireland alone; and a restoration of
his prey was made by the Ui-Failghe at the hands of the kings aforesaid. They
afterwards separated in peace and amity, without battle or controversy, or
without any one complaining of another at that meeting, in consequence of the
prosperousness of the king, who had assembled these chiefs with their forces at
one place.
M1167.11
A hosting and mustering of the men of Ireland, with their chieftains, by
Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair. Thither came Diarmaid, son of Cormac, lord of Desmond;
Muircheartach Ua Briain, lord of Thomond; Diarmaid Ua Maeleachlainn, King of
Meath; Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla; and all the chieftains of
Leinster. They afterwards arrived in
Tir-Eoghain, and Ua Conchobhair divided the territory into two parts, i.e. gave
that
part of Tir-Eoghain north of the mountain, i.e. Callainn, to Niall Ua Lochlainn,
for two hostages, i.e. Ua Cathain of Craebh, and Macan-Ghaill Ua Brain, and that
part of the country of the Cinel to the south of the mountain to Aedh Ua Neill,
for two other hostages, i.e. Ua Maelaedha, one of the Cinel-Aenghusa, and Ua
hUrthuile, one of the Ui-Tuirtre Ua
Neill's own foster-brothers. The men of Ireland returned back southwards over
Sliabh-Fuaid, through Tir-Eoghain, and Tir-Conaill, and over Eas-Ruaidh to meet
thelr sea-fleet; and Ua Conchobhair escorted the lord of Desmond, with his
forces, southwards through Thomond as far as Cnoc-Aine with many jewels and
riches.
MCB1167.5
Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill, high-king of Oirghialla, who obtained
the kingship of Midhe as far as Clochán na hImrime, and the kingship of Ulaidh,
and to whom was offered many times the kingship of Cinéal Eóghain, chief
ornament of the north of Ireland, and even of all Ireland, for appearance,
wisdom, bravery, friendship, brotherliness, vigour, kingship, power, for
bestowing treasure, food, bounty, and reward to laymen and clergy, for
overwhelming all evil and exalting all goodness, for protecting bells, croziers,
and the monasteries of canons and monks, and like unto Solomon for peacefulness
in his own native territory and towards every territory around, died after
repentance, having bequeathed much gold, silver, and stock, and having partaken
of the Body of Christ.
M1168.12
A meeting was convened by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland, with all the
people of Connaught; Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, lord of Breifne; and Donnchadh Ua
Cearbhaill, with the Airghialla, at Ochainn, to demand their eric from Diarmaid
Ua Maelseachlainn and the men of Meath, after their having killed Ua Finnallain,
in violation of the protection of the province of Connaught and the Airghialla.
The men of Meath and their king gave
them eight hundred cows for their eineach, and another eric to the Dealbhna.
M1168.17
Donnchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Airghialla, flood of splendour, and
magnificence, died after being mangled with his own battle-axe by a man of his
own people, i.e. Ua Duibhne,-one of the Cinel-Eoghain,-after the victory of
unction and penance, and after bestowing three hundred ounces of gold, for the
love of God, upon clerics and churches.
U1168.4
Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, arch-king of Airgialla, was mangled with the [battle-]axe
of a serving gillie of his own, namely, Ua Duibhne of Cenel-Eogain, whilst
[lit., and] the king [was] drunk and he died thereof.
AI1169.2
Donnchad Ua Cerbaill, king of Airgialla, died.
M1169.10
An army of the men of Ireland was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair to Teamair; and
the chiefs of the north of Ireland came to meet him, together with Maghnus Ua
hEochadha, King of Ulidia, and Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla; and
they went from thence to Ath-cliath, and returned home again.
M1170.13
An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, King of Ireland; Tighearnan Ua
Ruairc, lord of Breifne; Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of Oirghialla, against
Leinster and the Galls aforesaid; and there was a challenge of battle between
them for the space of three days, until lightning burned Ath-cliath; for the
foreigners Danes of the fortress deserted from the
Connaughtmen and the people of Leath-Chuinn in general. A miracle was wrought
against the foreigners Danes of Ath-cliath on this occasion, for Mac Murchadha
and the Saxons acted treacherously towards them, and made a slaughter of them in
the middle of their own fortress, and carried off their cattle and their goods,
in consequence of their violation of their word to the men of Ireland. Asgall,
son of Raghnall, son of Turcall,
chief king of the foreigners Danes of Ath-cliath, made his escape from them.
U1170.3
(A hosting by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair and by Mael-Sechlainn and by Tigernan Ua
Ruairc and by Murchadh Ua Cerbuill to Ath-cliath to give battle to Mac Murchadha
and to the Earl. When, however, they were face to face preparing for the battle;
they noticed no[thing] until they saw the fort on fire, that is, [by] fire of
lightning. Howbeit, after that Ua Conchubair turned back, after refusal of
battle was offered to him. Thereafter, Mac
Murchadha went into Ath-cliath, after giving his word to the Foreigners of
Ath-cliath. And he failed upon his word and many persons were killed there and
he expelled the Foreigners.
M1171.18
An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, and Murchadh
Ua Cearbhaill, to Ath-cliath, to lay siege to the Earl, i.e. Strongbow, and Milo
Cogan. There were conflicts and skirmishes between them for the space of a
fortnight. O'Conchobhair afterwards went against the Leinstermen, with the
cavalry of the men of Breifne and Airghialla, to cut down and burn the corn of
the Saxons. The Earl and Milo Cogan afterwards entered the camp of Leath-Chuinn,
and slew many of their commonalty, and
carried off their provisions, armour, and horses.
M1171.26
The daughter of Ua hEochadha, and wife of Murchadh Ua Cearbhaill, lord of
Oirghialla, died.
MCB1171.4
A hosting by Tighearnán Ó Ruairc with the forces of Uí Bhriúin, Domhnall son of
Maol Seachlainn Crosaoh [Ó Maoil Sheachlainn with the men of] Oirthear Midhe,
and Murchadh Ó Cearbhaill with the Oirghialla and Uí Mheith, to drive the
knights from Dublin. The English went to Ceall Maighneann, to meet the Irish,
and they fought a battle, in which the Galls were defeated, and the Gaels
pursued beyond the town, eastwards and
southwards, all those who did not go into the town with the knights. Ó Ruairc
remained on the green of the town with a small force of horse, and when the
knights saw him, they sallied forth from the town against him, killing Aodh, son
of Tigheaman Ó Ruairc; and Ó Ruairc was defeated. When the Irish saw Ó Ruairc
fleeing, they themselves fled, and the knights pursued them, killing many of
them. So far the rout of An Luaithreadh.
MCB1172.2
The Pope at that time was Alexander III, the Emperor was Frederick [Barbarossa],
and Louis [VII] was King of France: Ruaidhrí son of Toirdhealbhach son of
Ruaidhrí Ó Conchobhair was over Ireland. Aodh Ó Néill over Cinéal Eóghain and
the whole province. Donn Sléibhe son of Cú Uladh son of Conchobhar [Mac Duinn
Shléibhe] over the Ulaidh. Domhnall Mór son of Toirdhealbhach son of Diarmaid
son of Toirdhealbhach son of Tadhg son of Brian Bóramha over Thomond and one of
the two provinces of Munster. Diarmaid son of Cormac son of Muireadheach
Mac Carthaigh over the other province. Donnchadh son of Cian son of Donnchadh
Donn son of Cú Mara son of Brodchú son of Mathghamhain son of Cian son of Maol
Muaidh [Ó Mathghamhna] over Uí Eachach. Lochlainn Ó Mic Thíre over Uí Mac Caille.
Maol Seachlainn Ó Faoláin over Déise. Domhnall Ó Giolla Phádraig over Osraighe.
Domhnall Caomhánach son of Mac Murchadha over Leinster. Murchadh son of
Donnchadh son of Cú Chaisil Ó Cearbhaill over Oirghialla and the men of
Fearnmhagh. Dornhnall son of Maol Seachlainn Crosach [Ó Maoil
Sheachlainn] over
Oirthear Midhe. Tighearnán Ó Ruairc over Gairbhthrian Connacht, and he was
called King of Midhe.
MCB1172.5
Tighearnán Ó Ruairc, Murchadh son of Donnchadh Ó Cearbhaill, and Donn Sléibhe
[Mac Duinn Shléibhe], king of Ulaidh, came into the house of the King at Dublin
and made submission to him.
LC1176.2
The daughter of the king of Oirghiall, i.e. Benmidhe, daughter of Donnchadh
O'Cerbhaill, wife of Cumhuighe O' Floinn, queen of Uí-Tuirtre and Feara-Lí,
died.
U1176.2
Bean-Midhe, daughter of Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill, wife of Cu-maighi Ua Flainn,
queen of Ui-Tuirtri and Fir-Li, died.
LC1178.5
It was in this year, also, that John de Curci, with his knights, came to Dún, on
a preying expedition to Machaire-Conaille, when they plundered several families,
and were for a night encamped in Glenn-righe.
LC1178.6
Murchadh O'Cerbhaill, king of Oirghiall, and Mac Duinnsleibhe, i.e. the king of
Uladh, came to them, however, on that night, and gave him battle.
MCB1179.8
A foray by John de Courcy into Machaire Conaill and Cuailghne, and they carried
off four thousand cows to Cuan Aighneach. Murchadh Ó Cearbhaill, king of
Oirghialla, Maol Ruanaidh Ó Baoighealláin, king of Dartraighe, Giolla Pádraig Ó
hAinbheith, king of Mughdhorna and Uí Mheith, and Dubh Inse Mac Aonghusa
overtook them and fought a very vigorous battle with them on the shores of the
bay, and inflicted slaughter on them, both by drowning and by the sword.
U1178.5
It is in that year likewise went John [De Courcy], with his knights, pillaging
from Dun to the Plain of Conaille, so that they took many preys therein and were
a night in camp in Glenn-righi. Howbeit, Murchadh Ua Cerbaill, king of
Airgialla, and Mac Duinnsleibhe [Ua Eochadha], king of Ulidia, with the Ulidians
came up with them that night and made an onset upon them. Thereupon defeat was
inflicted upon the Foreigners and stark
slaughter was put upon them. The same John, notwithstanding, went for preys into
Dal-Araidhe and into Ui-Tuirtri. But Cu-Midhe Ua Flainn, king of Ui-Tuirtri and
Fir-Li, made an onset upon theme. That battle also went against the Foreigners
and slaughter of them was inflicted.
MCB1184.2
A hosting by Murchadh Ó Cearbhaill, king of Oirghialla, and Hugo de Lacey, lord
of the Galls of Ireland, and they were three nights at Armagh encamped against
Tríocha Céad Oiridh and the north of Fearnmhagh.
LC1189.2
Murchadh O'Cerbhaill, chief king of Oirghiall, died in the great monastery,
after choice penance.
U1189.2
Murchadh Ua Cerbaill, arch-king of Airgialla, died in the Great Monastery [of
Mellfont] after choice penance.
LC1189.5
Mac-na-hoidhche O'Maelruanaidh, king of Feara-Manach, was dethroned, and he went
to O'Cerbhaill; and a Foreign army came into the country; and O'Cerbhaill and
O'Maelruanaidh encountered them, and O'Cerbhaill was defeated, and
O'Maelruanaidh slain.
U1189.5
'Son of the night' Ua Mailruanaigh, king of Fir-Manach, was deposed and went to
Ua Cerbaill. And a foray [-party] of the Foreigners came into the country and Ua
Cerbaill and Ua Maelruanaigh encounter them and defeat is inflicted upon Ua
Cerbaill and Ua Maelruanaidh is kilied there.
LC1193.15
Muirchertach O'Cerbhaill was
blinded.
AI1010.5
Mael Suthain Ua Cerbaill {of Eóganacht}, eminent sage of Ireland, rested in
Christ in Achad Deó.
AI1046.4
Ua Cerbaill, nobleman of Mumu, was slain.
AI1061.6
Ua Cerbaill, royal heir of the Eógan achta, was slain.
AI1077.2
Donnchadh Ua Flainn, king of Eógan acht Locha Léin, was slain by Ua Cerbaill as
he was coming from Ua Briain's house at Cenn Corad, and he (Ua Cerbaill) was
banished therefor.
AI1105.3
Cerball son of Domnall son of Gilla Pátraic, king of the south of Osraige, died.
Sources:
Annals of the Four Masters (M dates),
Annals of Ulster (U dates),
Annals of Innisfallen (AI dates),
Annals of Loch Ce (LC dates),
Macarthaigh's Book (Miscellaneous Irish Annals) (MCB dates).
Too many people overlook the latter sources in favor of the
first two. You can see that MCB was a goldmine, and some good information came
from AI and LC as well.
Just as an interesting aside Jim, it is said in well read circles that a single
reference from the Annals of the Four Masters is not as good as a single
reference from the Annals of Ulster or the other materials. It is a scholarly
compilation of materials, and some of the material is spurious; it is, in
essence, a secondary source whereas the others more nearly approach primary
sources. So always look for confirmation in other texts for a single Annals of
the Four Masters entry.
~ Shane Anderson
July 2003