James
Henthorn
Todd, chap.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
, chap,
p. 48.
-*'
In A. D. 955. See JohnSpeed's "History
ofGreat l! ritaine,"Bookvii. ,ch. ap. xl. , p. 385. '*' He reigned, from A. D, 955 to 958. See
Pictorial History of England," vol. i. ,
""^
His reign is computed, from A. D. 958
to 975. See Edward A. Freeman's " His-
tory of the Norman Conquest of F^ngland,
°*° He in the midst of age, nded,
°9' His conversion to Christianity took place, it is thought, after bis visit to Ireland. His Church of St. Olaf, corruptly styled St. TuUock, stood formerly in St. Tullock's
Lane, the lower part of P'ishamble-street, " Northern Antiquities," p. 173, note. Dublin. A portion of the clothes of St. Olaf,
entered . Spain, in September, A. D. 844. See
History of
king and national saint of Norway, and also patron of tiiat church, was kept in the Con- vent of the Holy Trinity, Dulilin. In docu- ments of the fifteenth century, the parish is styledihatof "St. (Jlave theKing. " Seejohn
disturbances, from A. D. 978, to the time of his death,
T. Gilbert's "
of Dub-
History of tlie Norn)an Conquest of England," vol.
i. , chap, v. , sect. 3. p. 316.
'« See S. A. Dunham's "History of Den
Hi>tory
ii. ,
of the
City
^^ " . See Edward A. Freeman's
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 327
ever, they ravaged all the southern parts of England, until Ethelred agreed with them, to retire from the kingdom, on receiving a sum of sixteen thousand pounds. Olaf engaged, never more to harass his Christian brethren ; and, soon afterwards, he Itft for Norway, where he made strenuous efforts, to con- vert all his subjects to the true faith. Then, Sweyn was compelled to follow him ; but, he regarded Olafs desertion of England, as a breach of faith, and never forgave his former confederate. Sweyn surprised Olaf, at sea, and near the islet of Wollin. This event is attributed, chiefly to the treachery of Sig- vald, a pirate chief of Jomsberg. 'M A superior force attacked him, at this place, and Olaf had not sufficient means, at his disposal, to resist their attack. '? * With the determined resolution of never surrendering to his enemy, Olaf leaped from his ship into the waves, and thus he terminated that unequal contest. 'ss From 994 to 998, different parts of the English coasts were spoiled, by the pirates. During the absence of the Northman fleets, Ethelred attackedtheirsettlementsinCumberland,'^*andintheIsleofMan. Inthe year1000,SneynhadoverrunandconqueredagreatpartofNorway. Meantime, the Northmen were busily engaged, in overrunning the northern parts ot France, while Robert was its king. The invaders returned from Normandy to England, in looi, and, they were again bought off, by a ransom of twenty-four thousand pounds. This only served to increase their cupidity, and to give them a proud consciousnessoftheirascendency. Thefollowingyear,'"acruelandbase expedient was adopted by Ethelred, who orderetl the assassination of all the Northmen in England, on the same day, November 13th ; and, this horrid massacre took place, aggravated by every species of insult and barbarity. However, in 1003, Sweyn returned with a powerful armament, and during four succeeding years, he indulged without molestation, in the pursuit of plunder and vengeance. Wherever the English armies appeared, they were routed with most dreadful slaughter ; villages, towns, and cities, were set on fire, while their inhabitants were tortured and put to death. Finally, Ethelred was driven out of England, and Sweyn ruled there, by force of conquest, until the first week of February, 1014, when his death occurred. ''^
The foreign colonists, in Ireland, were exceedingly aggressive, while their increasing numbers and perfect organization enabled them to exercise acts of
despotic tyranny and injustice, over the comparatively defenceless tribes of the Irish, living near their positions. Reprisals were the natural result, and the natives, in turn, were obliged to league, in defence of their property, their liberty, and their lives. However, Irishmen retained firm possession, even whenmostoppressed,ofthewholelargeandfertilecountryofIreland; while, the foreigners, in the chief cities, and in course of time, became transformed from pirates to merchants, occupying small districts in their immediate neigh- bourhood, but keeping up well-trained armies for defence, and sometimes for aggressive purposes, in the interior of the Island. ''' The Norwegians, who could reach our Island by sea, and who could derive assistance, only from their own countrymen, settled ujion the coasts of England and Scotland, were proportionately few; while, they had to contend with a numerous and war- likepeople,inhabitinganextensiveandadistantcountry. 3°° ConghaUichII. ,
mark, Sweden and Norway," vol. i. , chap. iii. , pp. 234, 235.
'** See -Sharon Turner's "History of the Anglo-baxons," vol. ii. , Book vi. , chap, ix. , p. 311.
taine," Book vii. , chap, xliiii. , p. 393.
'^^ See Sharon I'urner's "History of the
Anglo-Saxons," vol. ii. . Book vi. , chap, ix. ,
p. 312.
=»* See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of
»»5 The "Saxon Chronicle," edited by Rev. England," vol. i. , chap, v. , pp. 236 to
J. Ingram, places his death, at the year 1030. See p. 205.
248.
*99 See Haverty's
chap, xiv. , p. 134.
"
History of Ireland,
•^'See John Speed's "History of Bit-
328 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
son of Maelmithigh,30' the sovereign of Ireland, obtained a victory over the Dublin Danes, and he seems to have been intent on establishing his supre-
macy, over the Irish provincial kings. An expedition he led to the west of Munster, a. d. 950, caused the death of two sons of Ceinneidigh ; namely, Echthighern and Donnchuan, who were, it is said, not only the elder brothers of Bryan Boroniha, but even of Mahon, they having been killed just ten years, before the beginning of his reign. How- ever, in 955, having marched into Leinster, which he spoiled, Godfrey, lord of the foreigners at Dublin, surprised and slew him, at 'riguiran,3°» with his chiefs, and several of his troops. 3°3 Domhnall, son to Muircheartach,
then possessed the Irish throne ; and, during the twenty-four years of his reign,3°'» several feuds are recorded, not alone between the Northman settlers, and the Irish, but even between the chiefs of Ireland themselves.
The foreigners are said to have estabhshed an iron despotism, all over the
country; but,especiallyinthesouthernpartsofIreland,theirpowerwasfeltto be greatest, and less liable to be contested, by any force the natives were able to collect, in order to check their encroachments. An immense fleet, under direction of Imar, grandson to Imar, chief king of the foreigners, with his three
— Cu-allaidh 3°6 and
sons, Dubhcenn,2°5 Aralt,3°7
came into the mouth o—f the
3°* RiverShannon presumablyaboutthemiddleofthetenthcentury and
the fleet anchored at Inis-Sibtond. The crews landed and encamped there, in the harbour of Limerick. Besides that protection, afforded by their insular
position, and by their vessels, they erected fortifications, at that place. On
it, a portion of the present city of Limerick now stands. A like number of
vessels had never arrived before, in any part of Ireland. This enabled the
foreigners, to make a strong and secure settlement, in that place; and, soon,
they were recognised as scourges, among tlie people of Munster. 3°9 The
Vi-king, who established his chief seat in Limerick, soon overran the sur-
rounding territory, exacting hostages and pledges, from the Irish and foreigners
alike ; while chiefs, superintendents, and tax-gatherers, were set over every
district, to systematize the payment of rents and of tributes. "" Soldiers,
stewards, or bailiffs, were billeted, in most of the native houses ; and, their
rapine, injuries, oppressions and insults, the population were obliged to endure. Besides the royal tribute, individual heads of families were obliged
to pay an ounce of silver or white bronze, called Findruni;3'' or, on penalty of non-compliance, the debtor was liable to have his nose cut off, or compelled to go into slavery. The Scandinavians were armed witii heavy and well- fashioned swords ; they carried well-riveted and long spears ; they wore polished, trusty and well-fitting corslets ; they served under leaders of great
A. Worsae's " Accountof the Danes and Norwegians in England, Scot-
^os \Ve have not the date or notice for this debarkation in our Annals,
309 gee Coga'oTi Jaetjliet Re Jiltaioh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn Todd, pp.
48, 49.
3'° According to the author of the Ana-
lecta, tliey carried off Irish Manuscripts to
3°° See
J. J.
land and Ireland. "
land, sect, i. , p. 229. 3" See Gratianus
The Norwegians in Ire-
Lucius' " Cambrensis
Eversus," vol. ii. , cap. ix. , pp. 32, 33. Rev.
Dr. Kelly's edition.
"
tates Celto-Norniannicoe. " Antiquitates
Hibernicse, p. 78.
3°3 His death is assigned to A. D. 956, in
and in tlie time of
beth, the King of Denmark wishetl for a learned Irishman to translate them, but that
3°'
See Rev. James Johnstone's
Antiqui-
Denmark,
Queen Eliza-
queen refused liis request. See Dr. Sylvester ""
O'Flaherty's Ogygia," pars iii. , cap. xciii. , p. 435.
3'^* See Thomas Moore's "History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xx. , p. 88. 3''S Rendered, Black Head.
3** Rendered, Wild Dog.
3°? Another form of the name Harold.
O'Halloran's Introduction to the Study of the Histoiy and Antiquities of Ireland," part i. , chap, ix. , p. 95,
3" It wasused chieflyin ornamental works, by the artists of ancient Erinn. See Cdch
"
Lena, edited by Eugene (yCurry, Esq. ,
ITlhuiglie leAtia, or
Tlie Battle of Magh
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
valourandrenown theirwarriorswereknown,likewise,tobeferociousand ;
remorseless. Theyhadagovernorplacedintheterritoryofeverychieftain, an abbot was set over every church, and a guardsman over every village.
These foreign oppressors lived as freebooters among those people, they had enslaved and demoralized. The native chieftains and their clansmen were
jealously watched, lest they might combine to rid themselves of this slavery and oppression. '" Thousands of strong arms, but of irresolute souls, were
ready to avenge a state of slavery, now become intolerable ; but, a champion soon appeared on the scene, whose valiant achievements were destined to free
his countrymen from this thraldom.
The valiant son pf Cenedigh, the subject of our Memoir, had endeavoured,
with surprising spirit and ability, to maintain an unequal contest, against the enemiesofhisraceandnation. But,Mathgamhainwasalmostreducedtoa state of despair ; and, in an interview with his younger brother, he is stated to have counselled submission to the foreign yolk. An old Irish poem 3'3 recounts the places, called Craig Liath,3'4 Brdintir,3'S the Forgus or Fergus River,3'*whereBryanhadalreadywonvictoriesovertheNorthmen; nor,isit probable, that the narrative is purely imaginative, or greatly exaggerated. 3'' From it we glean, that Bryan endeavoured to excite his brother, to emulate the heroic actions of their ancestors, and to have neither peace or truce with the oppressors. A stranger tribe appears to have intervened, and to have procured a sort of armistice, between Mathgamhain and the Northmen ; while, knowing the number and force of their followers, the Dalcassian King deemed it overweening pride and presumption, on the part of Bryan, longer tocontend,afterthelosseshisfollowershadexperienced. Notwithstanding, the choice between death and dishonour was hardly to be contested, in so just a cause ; nor could the Dalcassians submit to injuries and insults, through any fear to await the issue of otiier battles and enterprises.
It now became necessary, to take the advice of the chiefs and people, in
that principality ; so that Mathgamhain and Bryan had them duly convened, for such a purpose. 3'8 j^ fyH assembly of the Dal Cais, when the alternative of war or of submission had been discussed, to their honour be it said, both old
and. young cried out with one voice, that they preferred meeting violence, and even death itself, in defending the freedom of their patrimony and of their race,
M. R. I. A. , with translation and notes, p. 113, n. (w), Dublin, 1855, 8vo.
3" See Cogi-oh Jaeohel Re SitbAibh,
edited by Rev.
James Henthorn Todd, chap.
xl. , pp. 48 to 53.
3'' In the shape of a Dial<^c, between
Mathgamhain and Brian. The original Irish, with an English translation will be
found in theCogibh jAeoVielHeSaltaibh, or " The War of the Gaedhil with the Gaill. " Edited, with Tr. mslalion and In- troduction, by James Hemhorn Tcxld, D. D. , M. R. I. A. , &c. , chap, xlvi. , pp. 62 1065.
3'« It maybe Anglicised, "the grey rock. " This seems to h. -ive been the place, fre-
'"s This is probably Brentir of the Fear-
macaigh and Cormacaigh, or the fetid dis- trict of theKinel-Fearmaic and Ui-Cormaic.
It was socalled, owingto its situation, on the frontiers of their tribal territories. At pre- sent, it is locally called bp6incpe, and it
is a district, comprising seven townlands, lying north-east of Sliabh Callain, or Mount Callan, in the western part of Clare County, In Cromwell's time, a family of the OCon- nells were transplanted thither, from the county of Kerry. At present, the property belongs to the Marquis of Thomond. See Dr. O'Donovaii's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. vi. , n. (n), p. 2102.
3"> It rises in the barony of Corcomroe, and runs a devious course, through the enveloped in a m. igical cloud Dunlaing county of Clare, by the town ot Ennis, and
quented by Oeibhinn (now Eevil) the fami- liar sprite of Dal-Cais, who is said to have
O'hArt. -. gain^a chief hero attend int—on Murchadii, Brian Borumha's eMest son to prevent him from joining in the battle of Clontarf. See "Miscellany of the Celtic Society. " Edited by Dr. John O'Donovan. Appendix, p. 412, n. (z).
it falls southwardly, into the Shannon, with
a wide estuary,
^'^ It begins with the line
:
—
Uacha-o pn d bpiAin banba.
'" See Alfred Webb's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 34.
33° LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
rather tlian submit to the tyranny and oppression of the pirates, or than abandon their lands and country to the invaders. This decision was now
heartily commended, by Mathgamhain; when, he prudently advised, that they should all retire upon Cashel, and combine witli the Eoghanachts of Munster. The great fortress on the rock of Cashel was then, probably, in the possession of its rightful inheritors ; but, in any case, there were vast woods and moun- tain ranges, which could be advantageously used for offensive and defensive purposes,bytheirunitedforces. Thiscounselwasapproved,andaccordingly, a hasty gathering of their clans was effected. Marching into the Eoghanacht country, the warriors of Muscraige,3'9 from Dun na Sciath s^o to Belach Accailli,3" gathered to their standards. Afterwards, Mathgamhain moved to Cashel of the Kings. Wherever the foreigners had settled, they were dis- turbed, their houses were burned, and their property was taken. The year after the death of Donnchadh, son to Ceallachan, King of Cashel, Mathgam- hain halted his troops, and then he encamped them, at Uun Cuirc. 3'''
This sudden uprising of the Munster clans caused Imar, the chief King of Limerick, to array his forces ; and, as Thomond was now denuded of its natural defenders, he summoned the Galls of his nation, as also the Gael, who were his allies, to ravage the Dalcassian territories. This bid fair to becomeawarofutterdesolation,forthosepeoplewhoremainedthere. The Irish chiefs, found to favour ^'^"'hgamhain's expedition, Faelan, son to Cormac, King of the Desi,3'3 Flathri, son to Allamaran, King of Resad, and Sidechad, s. n to Segni, King of Titill,3='t were slain by Imar and by the foreign- ers. Unfortunately, there were other Munster chiefs, ready to league with thecommonenemy;and,foremostamongthosewereMaelmuadh,3^5 sometimes called Molloy, son to Bran, King of Desmumhain, or south Munster, and Donnabhap, or Donovan, son to Cathal, King of the Hy Cairbri. 3=^ These were filled with a narrow provincial jealousy, because of Mathgamhain's ambitious projects and of his growing reputation, which aimed at giving him rule,overthewholesouthofIreland. 3'7 Wherefore,withunitedforces,Imar of Luimneach marched towards Cashel of the Kings, where Mathgamhain and Bryan had taken up their position, with the Dalcassians. Soon as the news reached them, a council of war was speedily summoned. Chiefs and warriors assembled, when Mathgamhain asked what they wished to do. They advised him, to march at their head as far as Cnamchoill,3'* to meet
3'9 An account of the diflferent
will be found, in notes to the Lile of St.
Cera, Virijin, at tlie 5th day of January, in our First Volume of this work.
3" The Dun or Fort of the Shields, now
Dunnaskeagh, a townland in the parish of Rathlynin, barony of CLinwilliam, and County of Tipperary. The fort so called was on the top of a round hill in that town- land, and some remains of it are yet trace- able. See Dr. O'Donovan's ''Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (c), p. 844.
^' This place has not been identified. It must probaljly be souLjht for, at a point of the territory in Muskerry, quite in an oppo- site direction, from Dun-na-Sgiath.
3^ Or. the Fort of Core. It was a bardic
name for Bruree, county of Limerick, and
it was then the seat of O'Donovan. See the
3=3 jn the southern of this part Munster,
territory was situated.
^* It seems difficult, at present, to iden- tify the names of those chiefs, mentioned in the text, with those denominations of their respective territories.
^25 His name is written Maolmua, in
Thomas Moore's "History of Ireland," vol.
ii. , chap, xx. , p. 85.
3=6 Jhe Ui Cairbre Aebhdha, who occu-
pied the present barony of Coshmn, in the county of Limerick, and those plains extending thence, down to the River Shannon.
"
^-1 See Rev. C. B. Gibson's
the County and City of Cork," vol. i. , chap. i. , p. 2.
s^a i\^\^ place was situated, about one mile and a half, eastwards from the town of Tip-
Muskerrys
" Poems of O'Dublia- Its is A'waTM-
Topographical John perary. English pronunciation
gain and Giolla na naomh O'Huidhrin,"
edited by John O'Donovan, LL. D. , n. 676, p. Ixxvi.
hiU, according to Haliday, in his translation
of Dr. Jeoffrey Keating's "History of Ire- land," at p. 139.
History of
April 33. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 331
the army of the foreigners, to ascertain their strength, and, if circumstances favoured them, to engage in battle; but, if the opposing forces were too numer- ous, it was deemed better to make a wood and camp assault on them, at Cnam- choill. 5^» About this time, Cathal, son to Feradacii, a chief of Delbna-m6r,33o arrived to succour them, with one hundred armed men, fully equijiped for battle, and each havmg a large warrior's shield at his side. Their leader was one of most renowned warriors in Ireland, and filled with a generous friend- ship for the Dal Cais. The five Delbhnas 33' were from the race of Lugaidh,33» sontoOengus; and,moreover,whereverasoldieroftheDalcassiansserved, whether under Maelseachlainn, or under Aedh O'Neill, he hastened to answer the summons, and he mustered for the unequal conflict, under the banner of his hereditary prince. When all had assembled, a second council of war was held ; and, as every petty chieftain of every minor tribe, if not every individual clansman, had a voice on the great question of war or of peace, so was a general assembly convoked, to decide the course to be adopted, or the plans for sub- sequent military operations.
About five miles westward from Cnamhchoill, the army of Imar had been
encamped, and, at a place, where, as seems probable from the name, a large wood of sallow trees grew. 333 An open plain was there, and the unanimous decision of the Irish chiefs and warriors was to march against the foreigners, and to give them battle. The Dalcassian heroes had always claimed the
right of leading the van, when entering an enemy's country,334 and of bring- ing up the rear, when it was necessary to retreat. 335
In the year 968,336 at Sulchoid,337 neartheborder line of Tipperary and Lime- rick counties, the Northmen had taken their post. That place is frequently men- tioned, in subsequent ages, and wars, even so far down as the last campaigns andrevolutions,thathappenedinthiskingdom. Itwasanotedandfavour- able position for the encampment of armies. 338 This the foreigners deemed a suitable field, on which they might win a pitched battle. The Dalcassians were in full force, and they advanced to the attack, with confidence in the courage and capacity of their leaders, Mahon and Bryan. 339 A detachment was sent
5* This is Anglicised, Hazle or Nut Wood. The locality is Clechoill, or Cleighile, in the parish of K)l-shane, and barony of Clan- willi. im. See "Orduame Survey Townland Maps for the County of Tipperary," sheet 67.
^^ Or the Great Delvin, now the barony of Delvin, in the east of the County of West- menth.
1" The Delbhna Territories are distin- guishcd as the Deabhna Mor, and the Dealbhna Beg, or the Little Delvin. The iwe sub-denominations are probably the
"
barony of Clanwilliam, which belongs to the laltercounty. SeeDr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the FourMasters," vol. vi. ,n. (i),p. 2313.
334 The authority of a Poem, attriliuted to
Cormac Mac Cullennan, king and bishop of Cashel, is cited for this statement.
33S See Cogatsh jAeDheL ne 5<sllaib1i. "The War of the Gaedhil with the Gaill," edited by the Rev. James Henthom Todd, cap. xli. , pp. 54, 55.
3)6 According to the Annals of Innisfallen. Mr. O'Curry places this event, in or about theyear 941, but, no doubt, thisantedatesit,
DealbhnaEnthra, and the Dealblina Teann-
maii;he, in Me. ath ; the Deaibhiia Nuadhat,
between the Rivers Suck and Shannon, the
Dealiihiia Cuilefabhar, and the Dealbhna rendered in Lntin Ai/;Vc/kw;, i. e. " The Sal- Feadha of Tir-da-loch, or of the Two Lakes,
in Connau^'ht. See OFlaherty's pars, iii. , cap. Ixxxii. , pp. 386, 387.
3'' Lugaidb Deallihaedh was descended from Cas, ancestor of the Dal Cais of Tho-
low Wood. " At the present day, it is Angli- cised, Solloghod, or "Sallow head. "
mond. See the "
John O'Dubhagain ana Giolla na naomh
OHuidhrin," edited by Dr. O'Donovan, n. 26, p. vii.
3" It is situated, on the confines of Lime- rick and Tipperary counties, and in the
—General "Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. , i. ,
Topogmphical
Poems of
the of Cashel. " way
Vallaiicey's
Ogygia,"
»« " lioth It is (4uarded by hei;,'hts im
by over twenty years.
337 In Cormac's Glossory, this word is
sides, within one day's march of Limerick, and in the direct road from Dublin to that town, by
num. iv. , 481.
"
Law of Tanistry Illustrated,"p.
339 it is stated, by Mr. O'Curry, that Bryan was only in his sixteenth year, at this time ;
332 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
forward by the foreigners, and, it is said to liave been one of cavalry, wearing corslets. Thisbodyofhorsewasintendedtofavourthepurposeofobservation;
but, it was incautiously exposed to the intuitive and im])etuous assault ofBryan, who advanced at the head of his impatient troops. On this day, he held an important command, while, in his abilities and valour, the Munster forces felt the utmost confidence. Nothing could exceed the ready and rapid move- ment, which carried with it skill and judgment in the execution and concep- tion. Nor were the Northmen, under the command of Muiris,M° less pre- pared for action ; and soon, their compact ranks were drawn out in array, to oppose the advancing Momonians. The battle commenced about sunrise, while it was fiercely and obstinately contested on both sides. At length, con- fusion followed, when an effective charge decided the fortunes of the battle, in favour of the brave Dal Cais. The fugitive Danes rushed unexpectedly upon the main body of their army, and threw it into complete disorder. Immediately disarray and panic spread through every rank, while Bryan
promptly and vigorously followed up the advantage he had gained. He knew, that the entire force of Mahon was ready to secure a decisive victory. Pouring its eager and steady columns on the enemy, that charge of the com- mander-in-chief proved to be irresistible, against their broken masses. Vainly they resisted, for a time, but no force they possessed was equal to the effort made to retrieve their losses. A chief, named Carrans*' is said to have fallen, by the hand ofBryan, while Cathal, son ofFeradach, signalized his prowess in combat, by slaying one, named Staball. '^^ About mid-day, the Irish were victorious; whentheforeignersbegantheirretreattotheditchesandvalleysand overplains,coveringtheirlineofretreatwithdeadbodies. Soon,theywere utterly routed, with the loss of their chiefs, Treitill, Ruamann, Bernard, Maurice, and Torolb. 3't3 It is said, that fully one-half their number fell, in this action, or in the pursuit, afterwards, and that the slain amounted to thousands of their bravest men. 34+ The conquerors broke their scattered ranks, while the fugitives fell continuously, along their line of retreat. An almost unresisted
slaughter now commenced, and the Norsemen—were utterly routed. This
miserable destruction contin
—ued, until 2,000 345 or 3,000 of the
foreigners, accordingtosomeaccounts layinheapsuponthefield. Atlast,theirwhole remaining army in disorder endeavoured to escape by flight, towards their
stronghold, the city of Limerick.
The Irish followed them, that same evening; and, according to
the barbarous practice of that time, they beheaded great numbers of the slain. Filled with exultation, after their great victory, and still desirous of intercepting their enemies' chances for escape, the pursuit was continued during the whole night, and the Norsemen were not allowed one singlemomentofrest. Theirgreathopeforrefugewastoeffecttheirescape
but, it seems to us, he had, at least, fully or in the city of Limerick ; but, their names attained his majority. there occur, and in this order, Stabball, son ''''ChiefofiheLimerickDanes,according ofSigmall,andEilia, Tretel,Ruamand,or Redmond, Somarlid, or Somarligh, Manus of Luiiimech, Tolbarb, and Infuit, with
to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran, in his "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, iv. , p. 330.
3^' He is called Carran Laighnech, or
Carran of Leinster ; and, he was proba- bly one of those recreant Irish chiefs, who was in alliance with the invaders.
3*' He is called the son of Sigmall, most probably a Northman chief.
^*i In the Tract on the wars between the Irish and the foreigners, it is not easy to ascertain whether the following were killed, in the battle of Sulcoit, or during the retreat,
twenty iiundred.
3« See Eugene O'Curry's "Lectures on the
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory," Lect. xix.
p. 48.
-*'
In A. D. 955. See JohnSpeed's "History
ofGreat l! ritaine,"Bookvii. ,ch. ap. xl. , p. 385. '*' He reigned, from A. D, 955 to 958. See
Pictorial History of England," vol. i. ,
""^
His reign is computed, from A. D. 958
to 975. See Edward A. Freeman's " His-
tory of the Norman Conquest of F^ngland,
°*° He in the midst of age, nded,
°9' His conversion to Christianity took place, it is thought, after bis visit to Ireland. His Church of St. Olaf, corruptly styled St. TuUock, stood formerly in St. Tullock's
Lane, the lower part of P'ishamble-street, " Northern Antiquities," p. 173, note. Dublin. A portion of the clothes of St. Olaf,
entered . Spain, in September, A. D. 844. See
History of
king and national saint of Norway, and also patron of tiiat church, was kept in the Con- vent of the Holy Trinity, Dulilin. In docu- ments of the fifteenth century, the parish is styledihatof "St. (Jlave theKing. " Seejohn
disturbances, from A. D. 978, to the time of his death,
T. Gilbert's "
of Dub-
History of tlie Norn)an Conquest of England," vol.
i. , chap, v. , sect. 3. p. 316.
'« See S. A. Dunham's "History of Den
Hi>tory
ii. ,
of the
City
^^ " . See Edward A. Freeman's
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 327
ever, they ravaged all the southern parts of England, until Ethelred agreed with them, to retire from the kingdom, on receiving a sum of sixteen thousand pounds. Olaf engaged, never more to harass his Christian brethren ; and, soon afterwards, he Itft for Norway, where he made strenuous efforts, to con- vert all his subjects to the true faith. Then, Sweyn was compelled to follow him ; but, he regarded Olafs desertion of England, as a breach of faith, and never forgave his former confederate. Sweyn surprised Olaf, at sea, and near the islet of Wollin. This event is attributed, chiefly to the treachery of Sig- vald, a pirate chief of Jomsberg. 'M A superior force attacked him, at this place, and Olaf had not sufficient means, at his disposal, to resist their attack. '? * With the determined resolution of never surrendering to his enemy, Olaf leaped from his ship into the waves, and thus he terminated that unequal contest. 'ss From 994 to 998, different parts of the English coasts were spoiled, by the pirates. During the absence of the Northman fleets, Ethelred attackedtheirsettlementsinCumberland,'^*andintheIsleofMan. Inthe year1000,SneynhadoverrunandconqueredagreatpartofNorway. Meantime, the Northmen were busily engaged, in overrunning the northern parts ot France, while Robert was its king. The invaders returned from Normandy to England, in looi, and, they were again bought off, by a ransom of twenty-four thousand pounds. This only served to increase their cupidity, and to give them a proud consciousnessoftheirascendency. Thefollowingyear,'"acruelandbase expedient was adopted by Ethelred, who orderetl the assassination of all the Northmen in England, on the same day, November 13th ; and, this horrid massacre took place, aggravated by every species of insult and barbarity. However, in 1003, Sweyn returned with a powerful armament, and during four succeeding years, he indulged without molestation, in the pursuit of plunder and vengeance. Wherever the English armies appeared, they were routed with most dreadful slaughter ; villages, towns, and cities, were set on fire, while their inhabitants were tortured and put to death. Finally, Ethelred was driven out of England, and Sweyn ruled there, by force of conquest, until the first week of February, 1014, when his death occurred. ''^
The foreign colonists, in Ireland, were exceedingly aggressive, while their increasing numbers and perfect organization enabled them to exercise acts of
despotic tyranny and injustice, over the comparatively defenceless tribes of the Irish, living near their positions. Reprisals were the natural result, and the natives, in turn, were obliged to league, in defence of their property, their liberty, and their lives. However, Irishmen retained firm possession, even whenmostoppressed,ofthewholelargeandfertilecountryofIreland; while, the foreigners, in the chief cities, and in course of time, became transformed from pirates to merchants, occupying small districts in their immediate neigh- bourhood, but keeping up well-trained armies for defence, and sometimes for aggressive purposes, in the interior of the Island. ''' The Norwegians, who could reach our Island by sea, and who could derive assistance, only from their own countrymen, settled ujion the coasts of England and Scotland, were proportionately few; while, they had to contend with a numerous and war- likepeople,inhabitinganextensiveandadistantcountry. 3°° ConghaUichII. ,
mark, Sweden and Norway," vol. i. , chap. iii. , pp. 234, 235.
'** See -Sharon Turner's "History of the Anglo-baxons," vol. ii. , Book vi. , chap, ix. , p. 311.
taine," Book vii. , chap, xliiii. , p. 393.
'^^ See Sharon I'urner's "History of the
Anglo-Saxons," vol. ii. . Book vi. , chap, ix. ,
p. 312.
=»* See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of
»»5 The "Saxon Chronicle," edited by Rev. England," vol. i. , chap, v. , pp. 236 to
J. Ingram, places his death, at the year 1030. See p. 205.
248.
*99 See Haverty's
chap, xiv. , p. 134.
"
History of Ireland,
•^'See John Speed's "History of Bit-
328 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
son of Maelmithigh,30' the sovereign of Ireland, obtained a victory over the Dublin Danes, and he seems to have been intent on establishing his supre-
macy, over the Irish provincial kings. An expedition he led to the west of Munster, a. d. 950, caused the death of two sons of Ceinneidigh ; namely, Echthighern and Donnchuan, who were, it is said, not only the elder brothers of Bryan Boroniha, but even of Mahon, they having been killed just ten years, before the beginning of his reign. How- ever, in 955, having marched into Leinster, which he spoiled, Godfrey, lord of the foreigners at Dublin, surprised and slew him, at 'riguiran,3°» with his chiefs, and several of his troops. 3°3 Domhnall, son to Muircheartach,
then possessed the Irish throne ; and, during the twenty-four years of his reign,3°'» several feuds are recorded, not alone between the Northman settlers, and the Irish, but even between the chiefs of Ireland themselves.
The foreigners are said to have estabhshed an iron despotism, all over the
country; but,especiallyinthesouthernpartsofIreland,theirpowerwasfeltto be greatest, and less liable to be contested, by any force the natives were able to collect, in order to check their encroachments. An immense fleet, under direction of Imar, grandson to Imar, chief king of the foreigners, with his three
— Cu-allaidh 3°6 and
sons, Dubhcenn,2°5 Aralt,3°7
came into the mouth o—f the
3°* RiverShannon presumablyaboutthemiddleofthetenthcentury and
the fleet anchored at Inis-Sibtond. The crews landed and encamped there, in the harbour of Limerick. Besides that protection, afforded by their insular
position, and by their vessels, they erected fortifications, at that place. On
it, a portion of the present city of Limerick now stands. A like number of
vessels had never arrived before, in any part of Ireland. This enabled the
foreigners, to make a strong and secure settlement, in that place; and, soon,
they were recognised as scourges, among tlie people of Munster. 3°9 The
Vi-king, who established his chief seat in Limerick, soon overran the sur-
rounding territory, exacting hostages and pledges, from the Irish and foreigners
alike ; while chiefs, superintendents, and tax-gatherers, were set over every
district, to systematize the payment of rents and of tributes. "" Soldiers,
stewards, or bailiffs, were billeted, in most of the native houses ; and, their
rapine, injuries, oppressions and insults, the population were obliged to endure. Besides the royal tribute, individual heads of families were obliged
to pay an ounce of silver or white bronze, called Findruni;3'' or, on penalty of non-compliance, the debtor was liable to have his nose cut off, or compelled to go into slavery. The Scandinavians were armed witii heavy and well- fashioned swords ; they carried well-riveted and long spears ; they wore polished, trusty and well-fitting corslets ; they served under leaders of great
A. Worsae's " Accountof the Danes and Norwegians in England, Scot-
^os \Ve have not the date or notice for this debarkation in our Annals,
309 gee Coga'oTi Jaetjliet Re Jiltaioh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn Todd, pp.
48, 49.
3'° According to the author of the Ana-
lecta, tliey carried off Irish Manuscripts to
3°° See
J. J.
land and Ireland. "
land, sect, i. , p. 229. 3" See Gratianus
The Norwegians in Ire-
Lucius' " Cambrensis
Eversus," vol. ii. , cap. ix. , pp. 32, 33. Rev.
Dr. Kelly's edition.
"
tates Celto-Norniannicoe. " Antiquitates
Hibernicse, p. 78.
3°3 His death is assigned to A. D. 956, in
and in tlie time of
beth, the King of Denmark wishetl for a learned Irishman to translate them, but that
3°'
See Rev. James Johnstone's
Antiqui-
Denmark,
Queen Eliza-
queen refused liis request. See Dr. Sylvester ""
O'Flaherty's Ogygia," pars iii. , cap. xciii. , p. 435.
3'^* See Thomas Moore's "History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xx. , p. 88. 3''S Rendered, Black Head.
3** Rendered, Wild Dog.
3°? Another form of the name Harold.
O'Halloran's Introduction to the Study of the Histoiy and Antiquities of Ireland," part i. , chap, ix. , p. 95,
3" It wasused chieflyin ornamental works, by the artists of ancient Erinn. See Cdch
"
Lena, edited by Eugene (yCurry, Esq. ,
ITlhuiglie leAtia, or
Tlie Battle of Magh
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
valourandrenown theirwarriorswereknown,likewise,tobeferociousand ;
remorseless. Theyhadagovernorplacedintheterritoryofeverychieftain, an abbot was set over every church, and a guardsman over every village.
These foreign oppressors lived as freebooters among those people, they had enslaved and demoralized. The native chieftains and their clansmen were
jealously watched, lest they might combine to rid themselves of this slavery and oppression. '" Thousands of strong arms, but of irresolute souls, were
ready to avenge a state of slavery, now become intolerable ; but, a champion soon appeared on the scene, whose valiant achievements were destined to free
his countrymen from this thraldom.
The valiant son pf Cenedigh, the subject of our Memoir, had endeavoured,
with surprising spirit and ability, to maintain an unequal contest, against the enemiesofhisraceandnation. But,Mathgamhainwasalmostreducedtoa state of despair ; and, in an interview with his younger brother, he is stated to have counselled submission to the foreign yolk. An old Irish poem 3'3 recounts the places, called Craig Liath,3'4 Brdintir,3'S the Forgus or Fergus River,3'*whereBryanhadalreadywonvictoriesovertheNorthmen; nor,isit probable, that the narrative is purely imaginative, or greatly exaggerated. 3'' From it we glean, that Bryan endeavoured to excite his brother, to emulate the heroic actions of their ancestors, and to have neither peace or truce with the oppressors. A stranger tribe appears to have intervened, and to have procured a sort of armistice, between Mathgamhain and the Northmen ; while, knowing the number and force of their followers, the Dalcassian King deemed it overweening pride and presumption, on the part of Bryan, longer tocontend,afterthelosseshisfollowershadexperienced. Notwithstanding, the choice between death and dishonour was hardly to be contested, in so just a cause ; nor could the Dalcassians submit to injuries and insults, through any fear to await the issue of otiier battles and enterprises.
It now became necessary, to take the advice of the chiefs and people, in
that principality ; so that Mathgamhain and Bryan had them duly convened, for such a purpose. 3'8 j^ fyH assembly of the Dal Cais, when the alternative of war or of submission had been discussed, to their honour be it said, both old
and. young cried out with one voice, that they preferred meeting violence, and even death itself, in defending the freedom of their patrimony and of their race,
M. R. I. A. , with translation and notes, p. 113, n. (w), Dublin, 1855, 8vo.
3" See Cogi-oh Jaeohel Re SitbAibh,
edited by Rev.
James Henthorn Todd, chap.
xl. , pp. 48 to 53.
3'' In the shape of a Dial<^c, between
Mathgamhain and Brian. The original Irish, with an English translation will be
found in theCogibh jAeoVielHeSaltaibh, or " The War of the Gaedhil with the Gaill. " Edited, with Tr. mslalion and In- troduction, by James Hemhorn Tcxld, D. D. , M. R. I. A. , &c. , chap, xlvi. , pp. 62 1065.
3'« It maybe Anglicised, "the grey rock. " This seems to h. -ive been the place, fre-
'"s This is probably Brentir of the Fear-
macaigh and Cormacaigh, or the fetid dis- trict of theKinel-Fearmaic and Ui-Cormaic.
It was socalled, owingto its situation, on the frontiers of their tribal territories. At pre- sent, it is locally called bp6incpe, and it
is a district, comprising seven townlands, lying north-east of Sliabh Callain, or Mount Callan, in the western part of Clare County, In Cromwell's time, a family of the OCon- nells were transplanted thither, from the county of Kerry. At present, the property belongs to the Marquis of Thomond. See Dr. O'Donovaii's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. vi. , n. (n), p. 2102.
3"> It rises in the barony of Corcomroe, and runs a devious course, through the enveloped in a m. igical cloud Dunlaing county of Clare, by the town ot Ennis, and
quented by Oeibhinn (now Eevil) the fami- liar sprite of Dal-Cais, who is said to have
O'hArt. -. gain^a chief hero attend int—on Murchadii, Brian Borumha's eMest son to prevent him from joining in the battle of Clontarf. See "Miscellany of the Celtic Society. " Edited by Dr. John O'Donovan. Appendix, p. 412, n. (z).
it falls southwardly, into the Shannon, with
a wide estuary,
^'^ It begins with the line
:
—
Uacha-o pn d bpiAin banba.
'" See Alfred Webb's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 34.
33° LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
rather tlian submit to the tyranny and oppression of the pirates, or than abandon their lands and country to the invaders. This decision was now
heartily commended, by Mathgamhain; when, he prudently advised, that they should all retire upon Cashel, and combine witli the Eoghanachts of Munster. The great fortress on the rock of Cashel was then, probably, in the possession of its rightful inheritors ; but, in any case, there were vast woods and moun- tain ranges, which could be advantageously used for offensive and defensive purposes,bytheirunitedforces. Thiscounselwasapproved,andaccordingly, a hasty gathering of their clans was effected. Marching into the Eoghanacht country, the warriors of Muscraige,3'9 from Dun na Sciath s^o to Belach Accailli,3" gathered to their standards. Afterwards, Mathgamhain moved to Cashel of the Kings. Wherever the foreigners had settled, they were dis- turbed, their houses were burned, and their property was taken. The year after the death of Donnchadh, son to Ceallachan, King of Cashel, Mathgam- hain halted his troops, and then he encamped them, at Uun Cuirc. 3'''
This sudden uprising of the Munster clans caused Imar, the chief King of Limerick, to array his forces ; and, as Thomond was now denuded of its natural defenders, he summoned the Galls of his nation, as also the Gael, who were his allies, to ravage the Dalcassian territories. This bid fair to becomeawarofutterdesolation,forthosepeoplewhoremainedthere. The Irish chiefs, found to favour ^'^"'hgamhain's expedition, Faelan, son to Cormac, King of the Desi,3'3 Flathri, son to Allamaran, King of Resad, and Sidechad, s. n to Segni, King of Titill,3='t were slain by Imar and by the foreign- ers. Unfortunately, there were other Munster chiefs, ready to league with thecommonenemy;and,foremostamongthosewereMaelmuadh,3^5 sometimes called Molloy, son to Bran, King of Desmumhain, or south Munster, and Donnabhap, or Donovan, son to Cathal, King of the Hy Cairbri. 3=^ These were filled with a narrow provincial jealousy, because of Mathgamhain's ambitious projects and of his growing reputation, which aimed at giving him rule,overthewholesouthofIreland. 3'7 Wherefore,withunitedforces,Imar of Luimneach marched towards Cashel of the Kings, where Mathgamhain and Bryan had taken up their position, with the Dalcassians. Soon as the news reached them, a council of war was speedily summoned. Chiefs and warriors assembled, when Mathgamhain asked what they wished to do. They advised him, to march at their head as far as Cnamchoill,3'* to meet
3'9 An account of the diflferent
will be found, in notes to the Lile of St.
Cera, Virijin, at tlie 5th day of January, in our First Volume of this work.
3" The Dun or Fort of the Shields, now
Dunnaskeagh, a townland in the parish of Rathlynin, barony of CLinwilliam, and County of Tipperary. The fort so called was on the top of a round hill in that town- land, and some remains of it are yet trace- able. See Dr. O'Donovan's ''Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (c), p. 844.
^' This place has not been identified. It must probaljly be souLjht for, at a point of the territory in Muskerry, quite in an oppo- site direction, from Dun-na-Sgiath.
3^ Or. the Fort of Core. It was a bardic
name for Bruree, county of Limerick, and
it was then the seat of O'Donovan. See the
3=3 jn the southern of this part Munster,
territory was situated.
^* It seems difficult, at present, to iden- tify the names of those chiefs, mentioned in the text, with those denominations of their respective territories.
^25 His name is written Maolmua, in
Thomas Moore's "History of Ireland," vol.
ii. , chap, xx. , p. 85.
3=6 Jhe Ui Cairbre Aebhdha, who occu-
pied the present barony of Coshmn, in the county of Limerick, and those plains extending thence, down to the River Shannon.
"
^-1 See Rev. C. B. Gibson's
the County and City of Cork," vol. i. , chap. i. , p. 2.
s^a i\^\^ place was situated, about one mile and a half, eastwards from the town of Tip-
Muskerrys
" Poems of O'Dublia- Its is A'waTM-
Topographical John perary. English pronunciation
gain and Giolla na naomh O'Huidhrin,"
edited by John O'Donovan, LL. D. , n. 676, p. Ixxvi.
hiU, according to Haliday, in his translation
of Dr. Jeoffrey Keating's "History of Ire- land," at p. 139.
History of
April 33. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 331
the army of the foreigners, to ascertain their strength, and, if circumstances favoured them, to engage in battle; but, if the opposing forces were too numer- ous, it was deemed better to make a wood and camp assault on them, at Cnam- choill. 5^» About this time, Cathal, son to Feradacii, a chief of Delbna-m6r,33o arrived to succour them, with one hundred armed men, fully equijiped for battle, and each havmg a large warrior's shield at his side. Their leader was one of most renowned warriors in Ireland, and filled with a generous friend- ship for the Dal Cais. The five Delbhnas 33' were from the race of Lugaidh,33» sontoOengus; and,moreover,whereverasoldieroftheDalcassiansserved, whether under Maelseachlainn, or under Aedh O'Neill, he hastened to answer the summons, and he mustered for the unequal conflict, under the banner of his hereditary prince. When all had assembled, a second council of war was held ; and, as every petty chieftain of every minor tribe, if not every individual clansman, had a voice on the great question of war or of peace, so was a general assembly convoked, to decide the course to be adopted, or the plans for sub- sequent military operations.
About five miles westward from Cnamhchoill, the army of Imar had been
encamped, and, at a place, where, as seems probable from the name, a large wood of sallow trees grew. 333 An open plain was there, and the unanimous decision of the Irish chiefs and warriors was to march against the foreigners, and to give them battle. The Dalcassian heroes had always claimed the
right of leading the van, when entering an enemy's country,334 and of bring- ing up the rear, when it was necessary to retreat. 335
In the year 968,336 at Sulchoid,337 neartheborder line of Tipperary and Lime- rick counties, the Northmen had taken their post. That place is frequently men- tioned, in subsequent ages, and wars, even so far down as the last campaigns andrevolutions,thathappenedinthiskingdom. Itwasanotedandfavour- able position for the encampment of armies. 338 This the foreigners deemed a suitable field, on which they might win a pitched battle. The Dalcassians were in full force, and they advanced to the attack, with confidence in the courage and capacity of their leaders, Mahon and Bryan. 339 A detachment was sent
5* This is Anglicised, Hazle or Nut Wood. The locality is Clechoill, or Cleighile, in the parish of K)l-shane, and barony of Clan- willi. im. See "Orduame Survey Townland Maps for the County of Tipperary," sheet 67.
^^ Or the Great Delvin, now the barony of Delvin, in the east of the County of West- menth.
1" The Delbhna Territories are distin- guishcd as the Deabhna Mor, and the Dealbhna Beg, or the Little Delvin. The iwe sub-denominations are probably the
"
barony of Clanwilliam, which belongs to the laltercounty. SeeDr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the FourMasters," vol. vi. ,n. (i),p. 2313.
334 The authority of a Poem, attriliuted to
Cormac Mac Cullennan, king and bishop of Cashel, is cited for this statement.
33S See Cogatsh jAeDheL ne 5<sllaib1i. "The War of the Gaedhil with the Gaill," edited by the Rev. James Henthom Todd, cap. xli. , pp. 54, 55.
3)6 According to the Annals of Innisfallen. Mr. O'Curry places this event, in or about theyear 941, but, no doubt, thisantedatesit,
DealbhnaEnthra, and the Dealblina Teann-
maii;he, in Me. ath ; the Deaibhiia Nuadhat,
between the Rivers Suck and Shannon, the
Dealiihiia Cuilefabhar, and the Dealbhna rendered in Lntin Ai/;Vc/kw;, i. e. " The Sal- Feadha of Tir-da-loch, or of the Two Lakes,
in Connau^'ht. See OFlaherty's pars, iii. , cap. Ixxxii. , pp. 386, 387.
3'' Lugaidb Deallihaedh was descended from Cas, ancestor of the Dal Cais of Tho-
low Wood. " At the present day, it is Angli- cised, Solloghod, or "Sallow head. "
mond. See the "
John O'Dubhagain ana Giolla na naomh
OHuidhrin," edited by Dr. O'Donovan, n. 26, p. vii.
3" It is situated, on the confines of Lime- rick and Tipperary counties, and in the
—General "Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. , i. ,
Topogmphical
Poems of
the of Cashel. " way
Vallaiicey's
Ogygia,"
»« " lioth It is (4uarded by hei;,'hts im
by over twenty years.
337 In Cormac's Glossory, this word is
sides, within one day's march of Limerick, and in the direct road from Dublin to that town, by
num. iv. , 481.
"
Law of Tanistry Illustrated,"p.
339 it is stated, by Mr. O'Curry, that Bryan was only in his sixteenth year, at this time ;
332 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
forward by the foreigners, and, it is said to liave been one of cavalry, wearing corslets. Thisbodyofhorsewasintendedtofavourthepurposeofobservation;
but, it was incautiously exposed to the intuitive and im])etuous assault ofBryan, who advanced at the head of his impatient troops. On this day, he held an important command, while, in his abilities and valour, the Munster forces felt the utmost confidence. Nothing could exceed the ready and rapid move- ment, which carried with it skill and judgment in the execution and concep- tion. Nor were the Northmen, under the command of Muiris,M° less pre- pared for action ; and soon, their compact ranks were drawn out in array, to oppose the advancing Momonians. The battle commenced about sunrise, while it was fiercely and obstinately contested on both sides. At length, con- fusion followed, when an effective charge decided the fortunes of the battle, in favour of the brave Dal Cais. The fugitive Danes rushed unexpectedly upon the main body of their army, and threw it into complete disorder. Immediately disarray and panic spread through every rank, while Bryan
promptly and vigorously followed up the advantage he had gained. He knew, that the entire force of Mahon was ready to secure a decisive victory. Pouring its eager and steady columns on the enemy, that charge of the com- mander-in-chief proved to be irresistible, against their broken masses. Vainly they resisted, for a time, but no force they possessed was equal to the effort made to retrieve their losses. A chief, named Carrans*' is said to have fallen, by the hand ofBryan, while Cathal, son ofFeradach, signalized his prowess in combat, by slaying one, named Staball. '^^ About mid-day, the Irish were victorious; whentheforeignersbegantheirretreattotheditchesandvalleysand overplains,coveringtheirlineofretreatwithdeadbodies. Soon,theywere utterly routed, with the loss of their chiefs, Treitill, Ruamann, Bernard, Maurice, and Torolb. 3't3 It is said, that fully one-half their number fell, in this action, or in the pursuit, afterwards, and that the slain amounted to thousands of their bravest men. 34+ The conquerors broke their scattered ranks, while the fugitives fell continuously, along their line of retreat. An almost unresisted
slaughter now commenced, and the Norsemen—were utterly routed. This
miserable destruction contin
—ued, until 2,000 345 or 3,000 of the
foreigners, accordingtosomeaccounts layinheapsuponthefield. Atlast,theirwhole remaining army in disorder endeavoured to escape by flight, towards their
stronghold, the city of Limerick.
The Irish followed them, that same evening; and, according to
the barbarous practice of that time, they beheaded great numbers of the slain. Filled with exultation, after their great victory, and still desirous of intercepting their enemies' chances for escape, the pursuit was continued during the whole night, and the Norsemen were not allowed one singlemomentofrest. Theirgreathopeforrefugewastoeffecttheirescape
but, it seems to us, he had, at least, fully or in the city of Limerick ; but, their names attained his majority. there occur, and in this order, Stabball, son ''''ChiefofiheLimerickDanes,according ofSigmall,andEilia, Tretel,Ruamand,or Redmond, Somarlid, or Somarligh, Manus of Luiiimech, Tolbarb, and Infuit, with
to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran, in his "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, iv. , p. 330.
3^' He is called Carran Laighnech, or
Carran of Leinster ; and, he was proba- bly one of those recreant Irish chiefs, who was in alliance with the invaders.
3*' He is called the son of Sigmall, most probably a Northman chief.
^*i In the Tract on the wars between the Irish and the foreigners, it is not easy to ascertain whether the following were killed, in the battle of Sulcoit, or during the retreat,
twenty iiundred.
3« See Eugene O'Curry's "Lectures on the
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory," Lect. xix.
