In latter ages, the Corco Bhais- cinn territory was contined to the
baronies
of Clonderalaw and of Moyarta.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
XX.
, n.
p.
84.
54' The annexed engraving represents a partial view of the city of Limerick, at Tho-
History
general,
J*' See J. Ferrar's " Ecclesiastical, Civil
of Limerick, and Military," &c. ,
3«
See Coga'Dh jAeohet ne JdltAibh, 35° The Dublin Copy of the "Annales Inis-
or the Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill,
chap. liii. , pi'. 78 to 81.
334 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
the victors brutally tarnished the glory of tlieir previous triumph. However, it is likely, only those guilty of the most flagrant offences were sentenced to death ; since, we find it stated, that Mathgamhain banishetl the chief of the foreigners, Imar of Luimnech, over the sea, as also Anilaibh, son of Amlaibh. It seems, tliat a great number of warriors embarked in tlieir ships, and thus escaped the fury of the Irish ; while, seeking the coasts of Britain, they attempted new conquests, but they were unsuccessful. A king of Britain repulsed those invaders, and Amlaibh was killed, during the progress of this expedition. Another curious picture of the usages then prevailing was that compliment paid to Cathal, who distinguished himself in the battle, as an
auxiliarytoMathgamhain. Thesoldiersofhisarmyheldracesthere,inhis honour ; while, a great line of the captured foreign women was formed, and
placedinacircle,onthehillsofSaingel. Theywerestoopedwiththepalms of their hands on the ground, and the horseboys of the army stood behind them to enforce this order. In such a humiliating position, the foreigners' women were obliged to witness the triumphant sports of their conquerors. 35o
Having thus broken the power of the Northmen, Mathgamhain next marched against their Irish allies. He first attacked the Ui-Enna of Aine,
now Knockany, in the county of Limerick, but there, Cathal, the King- soldierolErin,waskilled. Next,hecapturedMaelmuadh,sonofBran. He signally defeated the foreigners in seven different engagements : at Sen- gualainn, at Leagh, in Tratraighe, and, at Machaire-mor, he gained some of those victories. At the latter place, having plundered Inilecli, and encamped two days there, the foreigners of Waterford and those of Limerick were over- taken, and utterly routed, with great slaughter. 35' The foreign soldiers, who had been billeted on the territory of Munster, were killed, everywhere they were met. Mathgamhain also compelled the submission of Donnabhdn, son to Cathal, King of the Ui Fidhgenti, and obliged him to give hostages, as he required such pledges, from all the other chiefs of Munster.
The Dalcassian race then held an undisputed superiority, especially throughout all the southern districts; and, Mahon firmly established himself on the throne of Munster, over which he ruled without chal- lenge, for about six years. 35» The king and chiefs, as also the bravest warriors of the Northmen, were either slain or banished; the stewards
or bailiffs, and the mercenary soldiers, once billeted on the people, were in turn enslaved. The supremacy, predicted for the Dal Cais, seemed to be theirs ; and, from Oclan to Luimnech, from Cnam-coill to Luachair, the whole country belonged to them, possessing their rightful territory of Caille Corraaic. Meantime, the provincial and unpatriotic jealousy of some, among the leading chiefs of the Eoghanachts, became excited and alarmed, at the growing power of the Dalcassians. Imar had passed a year, in Wales ; but, he returned again with a great fleet, to the western harbour of Luimnech. There, he -attacked Beolan Littill and his son, who probably were Scandina- vians in aUiance with Mahon, and these he killed. He appears, afterwards, to have established himself, in some naval station, on the western harbour of Luimnech, whence, he made incursions on the country surrounding, took many spoils, and fought many battles. His object appears to have been the formation of a confederacy with the Eoghanachts, who were ready to revolt
"
falenses,
has this slaughter of the D. Tties in "Limerick; its History and Antiquities,
Munster, at A. D. 975. See Dr. OConor's Ecclesiastical, Civil and Military," chap, ii. , "
"Reium Hibernicarum Sciiptores, tomus p. io.
"
ii. , p. 45-
35" In the year 969, the foreigners of Lime-
rick were driven from Inis-Sibtond, by the son of Ceinneadigh. See Maurice Lenihan's
f See A. G. Richey's
Lectures on the
History of Ireland, down to a. d. 1534. " Lecture iii. , p. 66.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 335
against Mahon's rule. 3S3 In concert with Ivor, the former King of Limerick, two chiefs had treacherously resolved to deprive Malion of life; for, it seems, thatasecondtime,thelatterhadburnedLimerick. Toaccomplishtheirobject, the king of the Northmen held communication, with two of the southern chief-
tains ; and, in the year 976, they planned a base plot, which fatally succeeded. Donovan,354 son of Cathal, King of Ui-Fidhgeinte,355 and Maeimua, or Molloy, son of Bran, Kingof Desmond,356desired to weaken the growing power of the Dalcassians, feeling envious of their chieftain's fame; but, perhaps, more to avenge some real or fancied wrongs, or under the exasperation of some slight or insult. It it said, Molloy was the chief instigator of this deed, while Ivor contrived a most perfidious and cowardly scheme. He suggested, that Donovan should invite Mahon to his house, at Bruree,3S7 where a grand ban- quet had been prepared. Likely enough, the Thomond king had some mis-
givings, regarding the loyalty of his host, when accepting this invitation. According to the unsocial and unknightly practice of the period, he required
sacredguaranteesforhissafety; and,thesewerereadilyplighted,onbehalf of Columb Mac Kieragan, Bishop of Cork, 35^ with some of the Munster clergy, who had no reason to suspect any violation of hospitality. Mahon frankly and generously thought, he might trust to the honour of his former foes, and he was slow to suspect the wiles of such infamous assassins. Maolmua was a person, aspiring and presumptuous in character, while he was treacherous in disposi- tion. He had once ventured to brave Mahon's authority, and, as a result, he suffered the reward of his temerity. That chief had now planned a scheme
for revenge. He sent an urgent message, which was expressive of a strong desire, to confer with Mahon. 359 There must have been some important
understanding, giving weight and interest to this request, for it was complied withbyMahon. Hisfrankandgenerousnaturewaspeculiarlyopentosuch
a demand. Suspecting no guile, he summoned a few attendants, and then turned his course for an interview, towards the distant habitation of the chief. The people of the Comharba of Barri, and the people of Maeimua, came to
*' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap. iv. , p. 233,
'** This chief was head of the family of
O'Donovan ; but, his race was afterwards
driven from their original settlements, in the
elevenih century, by the Fitzgeralds, Burkes, and O'Bnans. They effected a settlement,
about that time, at Cairbre, in the county of Cork, where they lived under their chief Amhiaoibh O'Donnobhain.
a portion of Waterford county, and a small
part of Tipperary county, called the Eoga- nacht Cashel, bordering on Cork county. It is said to have extended from Brandon Moun-
tain, in the barony of Corkayuincy, county of Kerry, to the River Blackwater, near Lis- more,inWaterfordcounty. Inlattertimes, under the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, that territory was confined to the baronies of Bear and Bantry, with some other portions, in the south-east of Cork county, together with that part of Kerry county, soutli of the River Mang. For a very interesting descrip- tion of its divisions, the reader is referre<l to "The Annals of Ireland,'' translated from
^^5 The tribe so called, at this period, pos-
sessed that [>ortion of the county of Lime-
rick, lying to the west of the River Maigh,
now spelled Maigue, besides the baruny of
Coshma, in the same county. See Dr. John the original Irish of the Four Masters. By O'Donovan's Ledbhan n* 5-Ce4H\c, or
"The Book of Riglits,'' p. 67, n. (g).
35' Mae mua is the name generally given to this treacherous prince, by our Irish
Owen Connellan, Esq. , with annotations by Philip Mac Dermott, Esq. , M. D. , and the Translator, pp. 170 to 183, n. I.
^57 ^iee Rev. C. B. Gibson's
writers. See Imperial Dictionary of the County and City of Cork," vol. i,.
"
Universal Biography," vol. ii. , p. 685. chap, i. , p. 2.
The
territory,
called Desmond, was known
^^s gee O " Historical John Donoghue's
"
Memoir of the O'Briens, chap, ii. , p. 12.
"
359 Xhe Dublin copy of the Annales
Iiiisfalenses," at A. D. 976, gives some in- teresting particulars of this transaction. See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- tores," tomus ii. , pp. 45, 46.
to the Irish, as Deas Mumhan, or South
Munster. According to Smiih, in his
Histories of the Counties of Cork and of
Kerry, this large territory formerly com-
prised the whole of the | 'resent Cork county. and the greater part of Kerry county, as also
"
History of
336 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
meet Mahon, so far as Croc-an-Rebhraidli, on Sliabh Caein ; while, the Com- harba of Barri and Maehmia himself were at Raithin radr, in Fir Muigi.
Already, the place designed for the King of Thoniond's death liad been marked out, and he was hurried on, to an unfrequented hollow, among the mountains. 3^ It was probably late, when Mahon arrived at this lonesome region, among woods and mountains. There, an ambuscade awaited him and his small fol! owing,3«' They were quickly surrounded, by a strong party, and captured. Mahon found himself a helpless captive, and in the hands of his implacable enemy. He bore the GospelofBarrionhisbreast,asaprotection; but,whenhesawthetreacherous sword aimed at his life, he threw the Book he carried towards the people of Columb Mac Kieragan, so that it should not be stained with his blood. The Gospel fell into the breast of a priest, in their company. The base and cowardly Maelmua had already arranged all the details of this shocking murder\ and,whilehestoodfaroffastheeyecouldsee,heknewfromthe flashing of the naked sword, and the fall of Mahon, that the cruel deed was accomplished, Thehorseswerethenyolkedforhisdeparture; when,the cleric came to him, and asked what he should do. Maelmua heartlessly
in and " Cure man, if he should come to thee. " answered, irony insult, yonder
Then, the chief left, and, in the spirit of prophecy, the clerk poured a male- diction on him, which was fulfilled, when Aedh, son of Gebennach, belonging to the Deisi-Beg, surprised in an alder hut and slew Maelmua,3'== at the ford of Belach Lechta. The two priests went to Columb, and told him what occurred ; they placed the Gospel on his breast, and it was stained already with the blood of Mahon. s^s Great was the mourning over the Dalcassian
hero, and elegies were composed, when the particulars of his tragic death became known ; while fierce indignation was enkindled, among the people of North Munster, to avenge that savage outrage. The bravery and good conduct of Bryan had called him, to take a leading part in public afiairs. For some time, he had held the chieftainship of Thomond. It was a foregone conclusion, that should he survive Mahon, Bryan must have succeeded to his position ; for, his chiefs and clansmen would not have elected any other
member of his family, to fill the throne of Munster, so pre-eminent were his
merits. On his brother's death, therefore, Bryan was unanimously selected as his successor. 364 He was then advanced in years, he had been married for
a considerable time, and he was the father of a numerous family. s^s
For a while, the King of Thomond was obliged to defer his purpose
of taking vengeance on the traitor; for, other enemies, nearer home, gave him considerable uneasiness, and, he was obliged to act more imme- diately, in repressing their disorders. At that very time, while Bryan was meditating a just retribution against Maoelmua, for his brother's death; under their leaders, Imhar, and his two sons, Amhlaeibh and Duibh-chenn, the foreigners of Limerick were in great force, on the Lower Shannon. Here, they held possession of Inis-mor, also called Iniscathy, or Scattery Island.
3^° It is said to have been at some place, near Macroom, in the county of Cork.
3" The Dublin copy of the Inisfallen An- nals relates, that historians stated, it was at a mount called Caon, over which passed the road of Abhra.
3'^ The story goes, that Molloy lost his eye-sight, and that he was buried on the north side of a hill, where tlie sun never shines. See Rev. C. B. Gibson's "History of the County and City of Cork. " vol. i. , chap,i,, p. 3.
3^3 According to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran,
Maolmiiadh was proclaimed KingofMun- ster, after this treacherous action. See
" General Histoiy of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, iv. , p. 233.
364 The year 976 is that assigned for his accession, to the throne of Munster. See Rev. Jolin Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xxiii. , sect, vii. , p. 414.
305 Murrough, Teige, and Donough, were his sons, at that time.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 337
It had enjoyed the privilege of sanctuary, and the invaders probably deemedthemselvessecurefromattack,insuchaplace. Thisdidnotsavethem,
however, for Bryan reasoned, that the habitual profaners of every sacred thing and person should not derive any advantage from their ruse. The Ui Domhnaill 3^* of Corco-Bhaiscinn 3*? took part in an expedition against them, and under the direction of Bryan, their local position gave them opportuni- ties, for a very effective co-operation. Disregarding the sacred character of the place, and availing themselves of that position, and probably of the build- ings, they established a garrison and an armory, in the monastery of that sacred island, which had been constructed for religious retirement, and for very different purposes. 3^8 Through reverence for St. Senan, the founder, native Irish were still accustomed to flock thither in great numbers as pilgrims. In defiance of all danger, they desired to pay their vows, and to place their offerings, at the sacred altars and shrines of the Island. Thus, it afforded no inconsiderable acquisition, and it tempted greatly the rapacity of its foreign masters. TheDaneshadalreadydrawnastrongdetachmentfromLimerick, togarrisonthatplace. Tochastisetheirinsolenceandoppression,Bryanled a well-appointed force against them, in the year 977. 3*9 With twelve hundred of his brave Dalcassians, he made the descent, by means of boats. Accord- ingly, he attacked them on the Island, thus, at least, violating the established law of Inis-Cathaigh. No doubt, his censures were readily removed, by the liberatedAbbotandcondonedbyhiscommunity. 3? ° Afterafiercestrugglewith its Danish occupants, the King of Thomond and his soldiers defeated them, thusrecoveringentirepossessionofthatsacredIsland. Imarandhistwosons were killed, by Bryan, and among the slain are noticed Dubhcenn and Cual- laid. At tills time, the King of Thomond is said to have been fifty years of age, by the Four Masters, and what is stranger still, that he " violated" Inis- Cathaigh ; but, this expression has a technical, rather than a literal, meaning, as applied to his acts. Bryan now availed himself of their dispersion, to follow up this success. His name and position rendered him formidable to the Danes. Moving the troops under command to other stations, he laid waste those Scandinavian settlements, which were established on various islands intheShannon,andalongitsbanks. BesidesIniscathy,theIslandsofFinn Inis and of Inis Da Dromann were plundered. The wives and women and children of the foreigners were captured. He carried off a rich spoil of gold, of silver, and of various goods, kept in those islands, and in their fortresses, when marching homewards on his return, and before disbanding his troops.
3** After the establishment of surnames, in
of Ireland, in the beginning of the third cen-
the eleventh the chiefs of this century,
See
"
took the surnames of O'Donncll and of O'Bhaiscinn ; but, the Mac Mathghamna or Mac Mahons became chiefs here, when the population and power of the Dal Cais had increased.
In latter ages, the Corco Bhais- cinn territory was contined to the baronies of Clonderalaw and of Moyarta. See John
0'Donovan'sLe<ibhAjxn4 5-Ce<ipc, or "The Book of Rights," n. (g), pp. 48, 49.
region tury.
3" iJr. Sylvester O'Halloran places this *' This territory lay in the south-west of expedition of Bryan subsequently to his
the county of Clare, and Loop Head formed its western extremity. It originally comprised the baronies of Clonderalaw, Moyarta and Ibrican, in that county. The inhabitants were called after Cairbre Bhais- cinn,orCairbreofthe. SmoothPlain,wha was their ancestor, and Core signifies a race or progeny. He was brother to Cairbre Muse, and the son of Conaire Mor, monaich
avenging the death of Malion on Maol- muadh, and so early as A. D. 969. See "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap. v. p. 236.
*^ The Annals of Clonmacnoise relate thisevent,at970.
'? ° See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 704, 705, and n. (d).
O'Flaherty's
of Iniscattery, at the 8th of March, chap, i. , nn. 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.
Ogygia," pars, iii. , cap. Ixiii. , p. 321. Shortly after the English invasion, the Mac Gormans from Leinster took up their quarters here, in the north of Corca Bliaiscinn adjoining Corcomroe. See a further account of this territory and of its occupants, in the Life of St. Senan, Abbot
338
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
This just ruler lost some time, in necessary preparation for apurpose he had then in view ; but, he resolved on exacting a stern retribution, for the murder of his brother. The enterprise was judiciously arranged. It is stated, that he first sent, to demand an eric from Maelmiia, for the murder of Mahon.
Then, collecting an adequate force, in the year 978, Bryan marched south- wards, and sought the perfidious Maelmua. Meantime, Donnabhan had in- vited Aralt,37i or Harold, the son of Imar, to his alliance, and the foreigners of Mumhain had proclaimed him to be their king. Maelmua had formed an alliance with Donnabhan, and securing himself among the secluded and difficult recesses of that wild mountain district, which had been the scene of hiscrime,hehopedforajunctionoftheirforces. Here,Maolmuawasstrongly posted. Having a considerable force of his own men, he was assisted, like- wise, by the foreigners. Fear and hatred had animated these foreigners, to combine against the growing power of the Munster king. Maolmua thought he was safe from all danger, in his fastnesses, among the mountains. He was leader of a considerable force, and with presumptuous hope, he felt secure in his strategic position. He desired, moreover, to have the honour of defeating a hated rival, and he was prepared for Bryan's approach. However, the
courage of the newly-elected King of Thomond was tempered, in a very unusual degree, with coolness and caution. The skill and experience, he had already acquired in the field, were formed by habits of forest or mountain warfare, and aided his enterprise. He quickly ascertained the tactics of the opposing leaders, with the strong positions they held. These were advan- tages, doubtless, his enemies had secured ; but, so prompt were the move- ments of Bryan, that time was not allowed his adversaries, to collect and to concentrate their troops. Making a foray into Ui Fidhgenti, the King of Thomond plundered Cathair Cuan and killed those defending it. He carried off a great prey of cattle, and then applied himself to direct an onward move- ment. TheKingofThomonddiscovered,thatoneofthealliedchiefshad not yet reached his destination, although hastening on the road. A strong reinforcement was still expected, by Maolmua ; but, it had not as yet come, to join his ranks. This detachment was under the command of Donovan. Taking his measures accordingly, Bryan seems to have anticipated that canon of warfare, which gainedso much success and renown, for the greatest general of the past and present century ,37' by throwing his concentrated forces against a separated division, and by overwhelming its ranks on the line of approach, thus disconcerting his enemy. When Donovan's party appeared in view, thus intercepted and taken by surprise, their leader was completely defeated. The result to him was disastrous, for Bryan gained a complete and decisive victory
overDonovan,whowasroutedingreatdisorder. Thatchiefwasnumberedamong the slain ; and, besides Aralt, the son of Imar, was killed, with a great number of the foreigners, attached to Donovan's army. Innumerable cattle were driven away from that rich district, since this was the usual trophy and reward of every successful Irish foray. Rapidly turning round in a different direction, to meet the army of Maolmua, which was already in movement, Bryan marchedunexpectedlyagainstthefoe. Maolmuahadchangedhisdisposition of the men under his command; probably, supposing Bryan to have been com- promised, in his actual position, and, perhaps, to be still engaged with Donovan,
3'' This foreign colonist, and ally of joignait en effet au genie profond des com-
O'Donovan, is called Aviavus, " a soldier of
great experience," by Dr. Sylvester O'Hallo- ran, in his "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap, v. , p. 235.
3'' It is said of Napoleon Bonaparte : "II
binaisons le genie foudroyant des batailles; il y joinait surtout le prestige qui fascine les
soldats, qui deconcert I'ennemi," &c. —M. A. Thiers' "Histoire du Consul. at et de I'Empire," tome xvii. , liv. liii. , p. S49.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
who required immediate assistance. However tliis may be, there is no doubt,
that Bryan thoroughly surprised Maolmua. This occurred, likewise, at a place, called Belach Lechta. 373 It is said to have been near that spot, where Mahon'smurderhadbeencommitted. TheKingofThomonddefeatedthe chiefs soldiers, and with great slaughter, thus triumphing over the defeat ofa second force, while he secured a double victory. Bryan's brave son, Morough,37* is stated to have won his first fame in this battle. Full of ardour and of vigour, he engaged hand to hand, in single combat, with Maolmua. Him Morough slew on the spot, and thus avenged the death of his uncle Mahon. 375 Twelve hundred of the enemy, Gaill and Gaedhill, were slain, in that battle;376 while,thecompletenessofhisvictorycausedtheKingofThomond to take foremost place, among the heroes of his time.
CHAPTER III.
ELEVATION OF BRIAN BOROMHA TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF MUNSTER—THE PRESENTS, SUBSIDIES, AND TRIBUTES, OF THAT KINGDOM—MAELSEACHLAINN MOR BECOMES THE SUPREME MONARCH OF IRELAND—HIS VICTORIES OVER THE NORTHMEN—HE CARRIES HOSTILITIES INTO THE KINGDOM OF MUNSTER—BRIAN'S WARFARE IN LEINSTER—MARRIAGES AND FAMILY OF THE MUNSTIR KING.
When Bryan had thus avenged the death of his brother Mahon, he then demanded hostages, from all the chiefs of Munster, as a security for their
allegiance, to its now acknowledged sovereign. In the year 979,' he gained a battle, over the foreigners, at Fan Conrach, otherwise, called Ddn Fain Connrach. ' It would seem, that Domhnall, son to Fealan, of Port Lairge, had forced a war upon him, so that the King of Munster was now obliged to
advanceagainsttheDesi,livinginthatquarter. Heaccordinglyravagedand plundered their territory, so far as Port Lairge, and he banished the instigator of that war. Besides those hostages, taken from the Munster chiefs, he demanded also hostages from the clergy and principal churches of that pro- vince, with an engagement to prevent rebels or thieves from taking sanc- tuary within their churches. 3 His recent victories and the ability he displayed,
in conducting warlike operations, had caused him to be regarded as a tower of strength,* among the people, over whom he ruled; while the foreigners of Limerick became more circumspect, in attempting any movement, which might excite his suspicions.
cap. Ixv. , Ixvi. , pp. 102 to 107.
Chapter hi. —'This is the date given
'^^ "Somewhere it seems between Mallow
andMacroom. "—Rev. Ur. Lanigan's"Eccle- siastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap. xxiii. , sect, vii. , p. 415.
"* He is called, the eldest son of Brien, by
More, or Mor, daughter to O'Hine, prince of
Jobh-FiacreAidhne, in Connaught. See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of
in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Inisfellen. ""
Ireland," vol. ii. , Boole xi. , chap, v. , p. chap. Ixvi. , pp. 106, 107.
* It is remarkable, that the name Brian,
"strength," and a», "very great. " See " The Annals of the Four Masters," trans-
lated by Owen Connellan, Esq. , with anno- tations by Philip Mac Dermott, Esq. , M. D. , andthetranslator,p. 41,n. 4,onIrishpro- per names.
235. We have corrected, vvliat we conceive to be a typographical error in this work— More or \Ior being substituted for More, as also, the wrong pagination.
so in after times borne frequently
'" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , part i. Second Perio<l, p. 200.
by kings and chiefs—especially in the principality of Thomond—is derived from Bri, meaning
3? ' See CogAuh 5<se-ohei ne jAllaibVi, or"TheWaroftheGaedhilwithtlieGaill," edited by Rev. Dr. James Henthom Todd,
It is Anglicised, the Fort of Fan Conn- rach," i. e. of the Church or fane of Conrad.
^ See Cojatjh 54eT)heL Tie 5*l'l'*'t)h, or " The Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill," edited by Rev. Dr. James Henthom Todd,
340 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
In the ancient political state of Ireland, all the tribes descended from Olioll Olum, by his three sons, Eogan More, Cormac Cass, and Clan, were considered as belonging to free states. Thus, the Dailcais, with the following
tribesand — wereexemptfrompayingfiscaltributetotheKing principalities,
TheEoganachtCashel;' 2. theEoganachtAine;* 3. the Eoganacht Gleannamhain ;? 4. the Eoganacht Raithlean f 5. the Eoga- nacht Locha Lein ;9 6. the Eoganacht GrafTan ;'° 7. the Aoibh Liathain;" 8. the Ua Conuill Gabhra ;" 9. the Aoibh Cairbre Aodhbha ;"3 and, 10. the
Eile y Fhogurtha,''* or the southern Eile, now Eliogarty. 's These were freed from the payment of an annual tribute, for the support of the king's household, which was maintained from other sources. It was customary, in ancient Ireland, for the supreme Monarch, and the superior Kings of the provinces, to reward their subordinate territorial chiefs, who owed them fealty and aid, by distributing as a matter of duty and of courtesy, several valuable
gifts. '* Thus, subsidiary presents '' were made by the King of Munster, to the different pentarchs, or provincial kings, and to other princes of Ireland, during his royal tour to those kings and chiefs, which it seems was a matter of periodical occurrence. The King of Munster, attended by the chief
princes of his kingdom, began his visits, with the King of Connaught,'^ who entertained him for two months,'? at his royal palace of Cruachan,'° and then
escortedhimtotheterritoriesofTyrconnell. Hepresentedgifts^^ to
of Munster, viz.
:
i.
this
the King of Tyrconnell,^^ for which the said king supported him, and the nobi- lity of Munster, for one month, at his palace of Roisruadh -p and, afterwards
king
5 This was the original tribe name of the barony of Coshma, in the county of Lime-
O'Donoghues, anciently settled in Hagh rick, and the plains extending thence, down
Feinhin, now the baronies of Iffa and Olifa
East, in the county of Tipperary. After the English invasion, they were driven from this territory, and they took possession of the dis- trict of Magunihy, in the county of Kerry. To this, the name Eoganacht Ui Dunn- chadha was applied. It is Anglicised, Onaught-O'Donoghue.
to the River Shannon.
'• Tliis is set forth, in the Book of Rights ;
but, more at large, in that Irish poem, begin- ning with the words, A Eolcha Mumhan moire.
'5 Or O'Fogarty's Ely, a barony in the county of Tipperary.
* See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ' This tribe and territory lay around ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
Knockany, in the barony of Small and county of Limerick.
' This place was also called Glenn-Amh-
nach, now Glanworth, in Roche's Country, northwards in Cork county.
* This tribe and territory has not been identified.
9 This tribe preceded the O'Donoghues, in the district about the present Lakes of
Killarney. They were probably of the family O'Cearbhaill, or O'Carroll.
chap. vi.
'' These are described, in the " Book of
Rights," edited with a Translation and
Notes,byJohnO'Donovan. Dublin,1847, 8vo.
'* The King of Munster presented to him
100 steeds, 100 suits or tunics for military
'"
tlie district about
Knock-
array, 100 swords, and 100 cups, or drinking horns, for which the Irish word is copn, harmonizing with the Latin Coriiu ; and, Dr. O'Brien asserts, that drinking cups in Ireland were of horn. Some
Perhaps,
graffon, now a parish, in the barony of Middlethird, and county of Tipperary. There is a curious Moat, crowning the sum- mit of a hill, at that place.
" Their territory was nearly co-extensive,
anciently
ornamented ones are still preserved.
54' The annexed engraving represents a partial view of the city of Limerick, at Tho-
History
general,
J*' See J. Ferrar's " Ecclesiastical, Civil
of Limerick, and Military," &c. ,
3«
See Coga'Dh jAeohet ne JdltAibh, 35° The Dublin Copy of the "Annales Inis-
or the Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill,
chap. liii. , pi'. 78 to 81.
334 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
the victors brutally tarnished the glory of tlieir previous triumph. However, it is likely, only those guilty of the most flagrant offences were sentenced to death ; since, we find it stated, that Mathgamhain banishetl the chief of the foreigners, Imar of Luimnech, over the sea, as also Anilaibh, son of Amlaibh. It seems, tliat a great number of warriors embarked in tlieir ships, and thus escaped the fury of the Irish ; while, seeking the coasts of Britain, they attempted new conquests, but they were unsuccessful. A king of Britain repulsed those invaders, and Amlaibh was killed, during the progress of this expedition. Another curious picture of the usages then prevailing was that compliment paid to Cathal, who distinguished himself in the battle, as an
auxiliarytoMathgamhain. Thesoldiersofhisarmyheldracesthere,inhis honour ; while, a great line of the captured foreign women was formed, and
placedinacircle,onthehillsofSaingel. Theywerestoopedwiththepalms of their hands on the ground, and the horseboys of the army stood behind them to enforce this order. In such a humiliating position, the foreigners' women were obliged to witness the triumphant sports of their conquerors. 35o
Having thus broken the power of the Northmen, Mathgamhain next marched against their Irish allies. He first attacked the Ui-Enna of Aine,
now Knockany, in the county of Limerick, but there, Cathal, the King- soldierolErin,waskilled. Next,hecapturedMaelmuadh,sonofBran. He signally defeated the foreigners in seven different engagements : at Sen- gualainn, at Leagh, in Tratraighe, and, at Machaire-mor, he gained some of those victories. At the latter place, having plundered Inilecli, and encamped two days there, the foreigners of Waterford and those of Limerick were over- taken, and utterly routed, with great slaughter. 35' The foreign soldiers, who had been billeted on the territory of Munster, were killed, everywhere they were met. Mathgamhain also compelled the submission of Donnabhdn, son to Cathal, King of the Ui Fidhgenti, and obliged him to give hostages, as he required such pledges, from all the other chiefs of Munster.
The Dalcassian race then held an undisputed superiority, especially throughout all the southern districts; and, Mahon firmly established himself on the throne of Munster, over which he ruled without chal- lenge, for about six years. 35» The king and chiefs, as also the bravest warriors of the Northmen, were either slain or banished; the stewards
or bailiffs, and the mercenary soldiers, once billeted on the people, were in turn enslaved. The supremacy, predicted for the Dal Cais, seemed to be theirs ; and, from Oclan to Luimnech, from Cnam-coill to Luachair, the whole country belonged to them, possessing their rightful territory of Caille Corraaic. Meantime, the provincial and unpatriotic jealousy of some, among the leading chiefs of the Eoghanachts, became excited and alarmed, at the growing power of the Dalcassians. Imar had passed a year, in Wales ; but, he returned again with a great fleet, to the western harbour of Luimnech. There, he -attacked Beolan Littill and his son, who probably were Scandina- vians in aUiance with Mahon, and these he killed. He appears, afterwards, to have established himself, in some naval station, on the western harbour of Luimnech, whence, he made incursions on the country surrounding, took many spoils, and fought many battles. His object appears to have been the formation of a confederacy with the Eoghanachts, who were ready to revolt
"
falenses,
has this slaughter of the D. Tties in "Limerick; its History and Antiquities,
Munster, at A. D. 975. See Dr. OConor's Ecclesiastical, Civil and Military," chap, ii. , "
"Reium Hibernicarum Sciiptores, tomus p. io.
"
ii. , p. 45-
35" In the year 969, the foreigners of Lime-
rick were driven from Inis-Sibtond, by the son of Ceinneadigh. See Maurice Lenihan's
f See A. G. Richey's
Lectures on the
History of Ireland, down to a. d. 1534. " Lecture iii. , p. 66.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 335
against Mahon's rule. 3S3 In concert with Ivor, the former King of Limerick, two chiefs had treacherously resolved to deprive Malion of life; for, it seems, thatasecondtime,thelatterhadburnedLimerick. Toaccomplishtheirobject, the king of the Northmen held communication, with two of the southern chief-
tains ; and, in the year 976, they planned a base plot, which fatally succeeded. Donovan,354 son of Cathal, King of Ui-Fidhgeinte,355 and Maeimua, or Molloy, son of Bran, Kingof Desmond,356desired to weaken the growing power of the Dalcassians, feeling envious of their chieftain's fame; but, perhaps, more to avenge some real or fancied wrongs, or under the exasperation of some slight or insult. It it said, Molloy was the chief instigator of this deed, while Ivor contrived a most perfidious and cowardly scheme. He suggested, that Donovan should invite Mahon to his house, at Bruree,3S7 where a grand ban- quet had been prepared. Likely enough, the Thomond king had some mis-
givings, regarding the loyalty of his host, when accepting this invitation. According to the unsocial and unknightly practice of the period, he required
sacredguaranteesforhissafety; and,thesewerereadilyplighted,onbehalf of Columb Mac Kieragan, Bishop of Cork, 35^ with some of the Munster clergy, who had no reason to suspect any violation of hospitality. Mahon frankly and generously thought, he might trust to the honour of his former foes, and he was slow to suspect the wiles of such infamous assassins. Maolmua was a person, aspiring and presumptuous in character, while he was treacherous in disposi- tion. He had once ventured to brave Mahon's authority, and, as a result, he suffered the reward of his temerity. That chief had now planned a scheme
for revenge. He sent an urgent message, which was expressive of a strong desire, to confer with Mahon. 359 There must have been some important
understanding, giving weight and interest to this request, for it was complied withbyMahon. Hisfrankandgenerousnaturewaspeculiarlyopentosuch
a demand. Suspecting no guile, he summoned a few attendants, and then turned his course for an interview, towards the distant habitation of the chief. The people of the Comharba of Barri, and the people of Maeimua, came to
*' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap. iv. , p. 233,
'** This chief was head of the family of
O'Donovan ; but, his race was afterwards
driven from their original settlements, in the
elevenih century, by the Fitzgeralds, Burkes, and O'Bnans. They effected a settlement,
about that time, at Cairbre, in the county of Cork, where they lived under their chief Amhiaoibh O'Donnobhain.
a portion of Waterford county, and a small
part of Tipperary county, called the Eoga- nacht Cashel, bordering on Cork county. It is said to have extended from Brandon Moun-
tain, in the barony of Corkayuincy, county of Kerry, to the River Blackwater, near Lis- more,inWaterfordcounty. Inlattertimes, under the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, that territory was confined to the baronies of Bear and Bantry, with some other portions, in the south-east of Cork county, together with that part of Kerry county, soutli of the River Mang. For a very interesting descrip- tion of its divisions, the reader is referre<l to "The Annals of Ireland,'' translated from
^^5 The tribe so called, at this period, pos-
sessed that [>ortion of the county of Lime-
rick, lying to the west of the River Maigh,
now spelled Maigue, besides the baruny of
Coshma, in the same county. See Dr. John the original Irish of the Four Masters. By O'Donovan's Ledbhan n* 5-Ce4H\c, or
"The Book of Riglits,'' p. 67, n. (g).
35' Mae mua is the name generally given to this treacherous prince, by our Irish
Owen Connellan, Esq. , with annotations by Philip Mac Dermott, Esq. , M. D. , and the Translator, pp. 170 to 183, n. I.
^57 ^iee Rev. C. B. Gibson's
writers. See Imperial Dictionary of the County and City of Cork," vol. i,.
"
Universal Biography," vol. ii. , p. 685. chap, i. , p. 2.
The
territory,
called Desmond, was known
^^s gee O " Historical John Donoghue's
"
Memoir of the O'Briens, chap, ii. , p. 12.
"
359 Xhe Dublin copy of the Annales
Iiiisfalenses," at A. D. 976, gives some in- teresting particulars of this transaction. See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip- tores," tomus ii. , pp. 45, 46.
to the Irish, as Deas Mumhan, or South
Munster. According to Smiih, in his
Histories of the Counties of Cork and of
Kerry, this large territory formerly com-
prised the whole of the | 'resent Cork county. and the greater part of Kerry county, as also
"
History of
336 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
meet Mahon, so far as Croc-an-Rebhraidli, on Sliabh Caein ; while, the Com- harba of Barri and Maehmia himself were at Raithin radr, in Fir Muigi.
Already, the place designed for the King of Thoniond's death liad been marked out, and he was hurried on, to an unfrequented hollow, among the mountains. 3^ It was probably late, when Mahon arrived at this lonesome region, among woods and mountains. There, an ambuscade awaited him and his small fol! owing,3«' They were quickly surrounded, by a strong party, and captured. Mahon found himself a helpless captive, and in the hands of his implacable enemy. He bore the GospelofBarrionhisbreast,asaprotection; but,whenhesawthetreacherous sword aimed at his life, he threw the Book he carried towards the people of Columb Mac Kieragan, so that it should not be stained with his blood. The Gospel fell into the breast of a priest, in their company. The base and cowardly Maelmua had already arranged all the details of this shocking murder\ and,whilehestoodfaroffastheeyecouldsee,heknewfromthe flashing of the naked sword, and the fall of Mahon, that the cruel deed was accomplished, Thehorseswerethenyolkedforhisdeparture; when,the cleric came to him, and asked what he should do. Maelmua heartlessly
in and " Cure man, if he should come to thee. " answered, irony insult, yonder
Then, the chief left, and, in the spirit of prophecy, the clerk poured a male- diction on him, which was fulfilled, when Aedh, son of Gebennach, belonging to the Deisi-Beg, surprised in an alder hut and slew Maelmua,3'== at the ford of Belach Lechta. The two priests went to Columb, and told him what occurred ; they placed the Gospel on his breast, and it was stained already with the blood of Mahon. s^s Great was the mourning over the Dalcassian
hero, and elegies were composed, when the particulars of his tragic death became known ; while fierce indignation was enkindled, among the people of North Munster, to avenge that savage outrage. The bravery and good conduct of Bryan had called him, to take a leading part in public afiairs. For some time, he had held the chieftainship of Thomond. It was a foregone conclusion, that should he survive Mahon, Bryan must have succeeded to his position ; for, his chiefs and clansmen would not have elected any other
member of his family, to fill the throne of Munster, so pre-eminent were his
merits. On his brother's death, therefore, Bryan was unanimously selected as his successor. 364 He was then advanced in years, he had been married for
a considerable time, and he was the father of a numerous family. s^s
For a while, the King of Thomond was obliged to defer his purpose
of taking vengeance on the traitor; for, other enemies, nearer home, gave him considerable uneasiness, and, he was obliged to act more imme- diately, in repressing their disorders. At that very time, while Bryan was meditating a just retribution against Maoelmua, for his brother's death; under their leaders, Imhar, and his two sons, Amhlaeibh and Duibh-chenn, the foreigners of Limerick were in great force, on the Lower Shannon. Here, they held possession of Inis-mor, also called Iniscathy, or Scattery Island.
3^° It is said to have been at some place, near Macroom, in the county of Cork.
3" The Dublin copy of the Inisfallen An- nals relates, that historians stated, it was at a mount called Caon, over which passed the road of Abhra.
3'^ The story goes, that Molloy lost his eye-sight, and that he was buried on the north side of a hill, where tlie sun never shines. See Rev. C. B. Gibson's "History of the County and City of Cork. " vol. i. , chap,i,, p. 3.
3^3 According to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran,
Maolmiiadh was proclaimed KingofMun- ster, after this treacherous action. See
" General Histoiy of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, iv. , p. 233.
364 The year 976 is that assigned for his accession, to the throne of Munster. See Rev. Jolin Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xxiii. , sect, vii. , p. 414.
305 Murrough, Teige, and Donough, were his sons, at that time.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 337
It had enjoyed the privilege of sanctuary, and the invaders probably deemedthemselvessecurefromattack,insuchaplace. Thisdidnotsavethem,
however, for Bryan reasoned, that the habitual profaners of every sacred thing and person should not derive any advantage from their ruse. The Ui Domhnaill 3^* of Corco-Bhaiscinn 3*? took part in an expedition against them, and under the direction of Bryan, their local position gave them opportuni- ties, for a very effective co-operation. Disregarding the sacred character of the place, and availing themselves of that position, and probably of the build- ings, they established a garrison and an armory, in the monastery of that sacred island, which had been constructed for religious retirement, and for very different purposes. 3^8 Through reverence for St. Senan, the founder, native Irish were still accustomed to flock thither in great numbers as pilgrims. In defiance of all danger, they desired to pay their vows, and to place their offerings, at the sacred altars and shrines of the Island. Thus, it afforded no inconsiderable acquisition, and it tempted greatly the rapacity of its foreign masters. TheDaneshadalreadydrawnastrongdetachmentfromLimerick, togarrisonthatplace. Tochastisetheirinsolenceandoppression,Bryanled a well-appointed force against them, in the year 977. 3*9 With twelve hundred of his brave Dalcassians, he made the descent, by means of boats. Accord- ingly, he attacked them on the Island, thus, at least, violating the established law of Inis-Cathaigh. No doubt, his censures were readily removed, by the liberatedAbbotandcondonedbyhiscommunity. 3? ° Afterafiercestrugglewith its Danish occupants, the King of Thomond and his soldiers defeated them, thusrecoveringentirepossessionofthatsacredIsland. Imarandhistwosons were killed, by Bryan, and among the slain are noticed Dubhcenn and Cual- laid. At tills time, the King of Thomond is said to have been fifty years of age, by the Four Masters, and what is stranger still, that he " violated" Inis- Cathaigh ; but, this expression has a technical, rather than a literal, meaning, as applied to his acts. Bryan now availed himself of their dispersion, to follow up this success. His name and position rendered him formidable to the Danes. Moving the troops under command to other stations, he laid waste those Scandinavian settlements, which were established on various islands intheShannon,andalongitsbanks. BesidesIniscathy,theIslandsofFinn Inis and of Inis Da Dromann were plundered. The wives and women and children of the foreigners were captured. He carried off a rich spoil of gold, of silver, and of various goods, kept in those islands, and in their fortresses, when marching homewards on his return, and before disbanding his troops.
3** After the establishment of surnames, in
of Ireland, in the beginning of the third cen-
the eleventh the chiefs of this century,
See
"
took the surnames of O'Donncll and of O'Bhaiscinn ; but, the Mac Mathghamna or Mac Mahons became chiefs here, when the population and power of the Dal Cais had increased.
In latter ages, the Corco Bhais- cinn territory was contined to the baronies of Clonderalaw and of Moyarta. See John
0'Donovan'sLe<ibhAjxn4 5-Ce<ipc, or "The Book of Rights," n. (g), pp. 48, 49.
region tury.
3" iJr. Sylvester O'Halloran places this *' This territory lay in the south-west of expedition of Bryan subsequently to his
the county of Clare, and Loop Head formed its western extremity. It originally comprised the baronies of Clonderalaw, Moyarta and Ibrican, in that county. The inhabitants were called after Cairbre Bhais- cinn,orCairbreofthe. SmoothPlain,wha was their ancestor, and Core signifies a race or progeny. He was brother to Cairbre Muse, and the son of Conaire Mor, monaich
avenging the death of Malion on Maol- muadh, and so early as A. D. 969. See "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap. v. p. 236.
*^ The Annals of Clonmacnoise relate thisevent,at970.
'? ° See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 704, 705, and n. (d).
O'Flaherty's
of Iniscattery, at the 8th of March, chap, i. , nn. 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.
Ogygia," pars, iii. , cap. Ixiii. , p. 321. Shortly after the English invasion, the Mac Gormans from Leinster took up their quarters here, in the north of Corca Bliaiscinn adjoining Corcomroe. See a further account of this territory and of its occupants, in the Life of St. Senan, Abbot
338
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
This just ruler lost some time, in necessary preparation for apurpose he had then in view ; but, he resolved on exacting a stern retribution, for the murder of his brother. The enterprise was judiciously arranged. It is stated, that he first sent, to demand an eric from Maelmiia, for the murder of Mahon.
Then, collecting an adequate force, in the year 978, Bryan marched south- wards, and sought the perfidious Maelmua. Meantime, Donnabhan had in- vited Aralt,37i or Harold, the son of Imar, to his alliance, and the foreigners of Mumhain had proclaimed him to be their king. Maelmua had formed an alliance with Donnabhan, and securing himself among the secluded and difficult recesses of that wild mountain district, which had been the scene of hiscrime,hehopedforajunctionoftheirforces. Here,Maolmuawasstrongly posted. Having a considerable force of his own men, he was assisted, like- wise, by the foreigners. Fear and hatred had animated these foreigners, to combine against the growing power of the Munster king. Maolmua thought he was safe from all danger, in his fastnesses, among the mountains. He was leader of a considerable force, and with presumptuous hope, he felt secure in his strategic position. He desired, moreover, to have the honour of defeating a hated rival, and he was prepared for Bryan's approach. However, the
courage of the newly-elected King of Thomond was tempered, in a very unusual degree, with coolness and caution. The skill and experience, he had already acquired in the field, were formed by habits of forest or mountain warfare, and aided his enterprise. He quickly ascertained the tactics of the opposing leaders, with the strong positions they held. These were advan- tages, doubtless, his enemies had secured ; but, so prompt were the move- ments of Bryan, that time was not allowed his adversaries, to collect and to concentrate their troops. Making a foray into Ui Fidhgenti, the King of Thomond plundered Cathair Cuan and killed those defending it. He carried off a great prey of cattle, and then applied himself to direct an onward move- ment. TheKingofThomonddiscovered,thatoneofthealliedchiefshad not yet reached his destination, although hastening on the road. A strong reinforcement was still expected, by Maolmua ; but, it had not as yet come, to join his ranks. This detachment was under the command of Donovan. Taking his measures accordingly, Bryan seems to have anticipated that canon of warfare, which gainedso much success and renown, for the greatest general of the past and present century ,37' by throwing his concentrated forces against a separated division, and by overwhelming its ranks on the line of approach, thus disconcerting his enemy. When Donovan's party appeared in view, thus intercepted and taken by surprise, their leader was completely defeated. The result to him was disastrous, for Bryan gained a complete and decisive victory
overDonovan,whowasroutedingreatdisorder. Thatchiefwasnumberedamong the slain ; and, besides Aralt, the son of Imar, was killed, with a great number of the foreigners, attached to Donovan's army. Innumerable cattle were driven away from that rich district, since this was the usual trophy and reward of every successful Irish foray. Rapidly turning round in a different direction, to meet the army of Maolmua, which was already in movement, Bryan marchedunexpectedlyagainstthefoe. Maolmuahadchangedhisdisposition of the men under his command; probably, supposing Bryan to have been com- promised, in his actual position, and, perhaps, to be still engaged with Donovan,
3'' This foreign colonist, and ally of joignait en effet au genie profond des com-
O'Donovan, is called Aviavus, " a soldier of
great experience," by Dr. Sylvester O'Hallo- ran, in his "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap, v. , p. 235.
3'' It is said of Napoleon Bonaparte : "II
binaisons le genie foudroyant des batailles; il y joinait surtout le prestige qui fascine les
soldats, qui deconcert I'ennemi," &c. —M. A. Thiers' "Histoire du Consul. at et de I'Empire," tome xvii. , liv. liii. , p. S49.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
who required immediate assistance. However tliis may be, there is no doubt,
that Bryan thoroughly surprised Maolmua. This occurred, likewise, at a place, called Belach Lechta. 373 It is said to have been near that spot, where Mahon'smurderhadbeencommitted. TheKingofThomonddefeatedthe chiefs soldiers, and with great slaughter, thus triumphing over the defeat ofa second force, while he secured a double victory. Bryan's brave son, Morough,37* is stated to have won his first fame in this battle. Full of ardour and of vigour, he engaged hand to hand, in single combat, with Maolmua. Him Morough slew on the spot, and thus avenged the death of his uncle Mahon. 375 Twelve hundred of the enemy, Gaill and Gaedhill, were slain, in that battle;376 while,thecompletenessofhisvictorycausedtheKingofThomond to take foremost place, among the heroes of his time.
CHAPTER III.
ELEVATION OF BRIAN BOROMHA TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF MUNSTER—THE PRESENTS, SUBSIDIES, AND TRIBUTES, OF THAT KINGDOM—MAELSEACHLAINN MOR BECOMES THE SUPREME MONARCH OF IRELAND—HIS VICTORIES OVER THE NORTHMEN—HE CARRIES HOSTILITIES INTO THE KINGDOM OF MUNSTER—BRIAN'S WARFARE IN LEINSTER—MARRIAGES AND FAMILY OF THE MUNSTIR KING.
When Bryan had thus avenged the death of his brother Mahon, he then demanded hostages, from all the chiefs of Munster, as a security for their
allegiance, to its now acknowledged sovereign. In the year 979,' he gained a battle, over the foreigners, at Fan Conrach, otherwise, called Ddn Fain Connrach. ' It would seem, that Domhnall, son to Fealan, of Port Lairge, had forced a war upon him, so that the King of Munster was now obliged to
advanceagainsttheDesi,livinginthatquarter. Heaccordinglyravagedand plundered their territory, so far as Port Lairge, and he banished the instigator of that war. Besides those hostages, taken from the Munster chiefs, he demanded also hostages from the clergy and principal churches of that pro- vince, with an engagement to prevent rebels or thieves from taking sanc- tuary within their churches. 3 His recent victories and the ability he displayed,
in conducting warlike operations, had caused him to be regarded as a tower of strength,* among the people, over whom he ruled; while the foreigners of Limerick became more circumspect, in attempting any movement, which might excite his suspicions.
cap. Ixv. , Ixvi. , pp. 102 to 107.
Chapter hi. —'This is the date given
'^^ "Somewhere it seems between Mallow
andMacroom. "—Rev. Ur. Lanigan's"Eccle- siastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap. xxiii. , sect, vii. , p. 415.
"* He is called, the eldest son of Brien, by
More, or Mor, daughter to O'Hine, prince of
Jobh-FiacreAidhne, in Connaught. See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of
in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Inisfellen. ""
Ireland," vol. ii. , Boole xi. , chap, v. , p. chap. Ixvi. , pp. 106, 107.
* It is remarkable, that the name Brian,
"strength," and a», "very great. " See " The Annals of the Four Masters," trans-
lated by Owen Connellan, Esq. , with anno- tations by Philip Mac Dermott, Esq. , M. D. , andthetranslator,p. 41,n. 4,onIrishpro- per names.
235. We have corrected, vvliat we conceive to be a typographical error in this work— More or \Ior being substituted for More, as also, the wrong pagination.
so in after times borne frequently
'" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , part i. Second Perio<l, p. 200.
by kings and chiefs—especially in the principality of Thomond—is derived from Bri, meaning
3? ' See CogAuh 5<se-ohei ne jAllaibVi, or"TheWaroftheGaedhilwithtlieGaill," edited by Rev. Dr. James Henthom Todd,
It is Anglicised, the Fort of Fan Conn- rach," i. e. of the Church or fane of Conrad.
^ See Cojatjh 54eT)heL Tie 5*l'l'*'t)h, or " The Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill," edited by Rev. Dr. James Henthom Todd,
340 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
In the ancient political state of Ireland, all the tribes descended from Olioll Olum, by his three sons, Eogan More, Cormac Cass, and Clan, were considered as belonging to free states. Thus, the Dailcais, with the following
tribesand — wereexemptfrompayingfiscaltributetotheKing principalities,
TheEoganachtCashel;' 2. theEoganachtAine;* 3. the Eoganacht Gleannamhain ;? 4. the Eoganacht Raithlean f 5. the Eoga- nacht Locha Lein ;9 6. the Eoganacht GrafTan ;'° 7. the Aoibh Liathain;" 8. the Ua Conuill Gabhra ;" 9. the Aoibh Cairbre Aodhbha ;"3 and, 10. the
Eile y Fhogurtha,''* or the southern Eile, now Eliogarty. 's These were freed from the payment of an annual tribute, for the support of the king's household, which was maintained from other sources. It was customary, in ancient Ireland, for the supreme Monarch, and the superior Kings of the provinces, to reward their subordinate territorial chiefs, who owed them fealty and aid, by distributing as a matter of duty and of courtesy, several valuable
gifts. '* Thus, subsidiary presents '' were made by the King of Munster, to the different pentarchs, or provincial kings, and to other princes of Ireland, during his royal tour to those kings and chiefs, which it seems was a matter of periodical occurrence. The King of Munster, attended by the chief
princes of his kingdom, began his visits, with the King of Connaught,'^ who entertained him for two months,'? at his royal palace of Cruachan,'° and then
escortedhimtotheterritoriesofTyrconnell. Hepresentedgifts^^ to
of Munster, viz.
:
i.
this
the King of Tyrconnell,^^ for which the said king supported him, and the nobi- lity of Munster, for one month, at his palace of Roisruadh -p and, afterwards
king
5 This was the original tribe name of the barony of Coshma, in the county of Lime-
O'Donoghues, anciently settled in Hagh rick, and the plains extending thence, down
Feinhin, now the baronies of Iffa and Olifa
East, in the county of Tipperary. After the English invasion, they were driven from this territory, and they took possession of the dis- trict of Magunihy, in the county of Kerry. To this, the name Eoganacht Ui Dunn- chadha was applied. It is Anglicised, Onaught-O'Donoghue.
to the River Shannon.
'• Tliis is set forth, in the Book of Rights ;
but, more at large, in that Irish poem, begin- ning with the words, A Eolcha Mumhan moire.
'5 Or O'Fogarty's Ely, a barony in the county of Tipperary.
* See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ' This tribe and territory lay around ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
Knockany, in the barony of Small and county of Limerick.
' This place was also called Glenn-Amh-
nach, now Glanworth, in Roche's Country, northwards in Cork county.
* This tribe and territory has not been identified.
9 This tribe preceded the O'Donoghues, in the district about the present Lakes of
Killarney. They were probably of the family O'Cearbhaill, or O'Carroll.
chap. vi.
'' These are described, in the " Book of
Rights," edited with a Translation and
Notes,byJohnO'Donovan. Dublin,1847, 8vo.
'* The King of Munster presented to him
100 steeds, 100 suits or tunics for military
'"
tlie district about
Knock-
array, 100 swords, and 100 cups, or drinking horns, for which the Irish word is copn, harmonizing with the Latin Coriiu ; and, Dr. O'Brien asserts, that drinking cups in Ireland were of horn. Some
Perhaps,
graffon, now a parish, in the barony of Middlethird, and county of Tipperary. There is a curious Moat, crowning the sum- mit of a hill, at that place.
" Their territory was nearly co-extensive,
anciently
ornamented ones are still preserved.
