'^ss
The fleet was now ready to sail, and its direction was entrusted to an admi-
ral, perfectly skilled in maritime afl"airs.
The fleet was now ready to sail, and its direction was entrusted to an admi-
ral, perfectly skilled in maritime afl"airs.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
"3 The con-
federates, who made this foray, also seized upon their two abbots, namely,
Muireadhach Ua Conchobhair, and Coibhdeanach, son of Beargdha ; but,
they left behind Oilill, son of Aenghus, lord of Ui Fothaidh, with many others,
in the hands of Aimhergin, lord of Ui-Failghe. The men of Munster, under
their King Ceallachan, who had the foreigners along with him, besides plun-
dering the churches of Cluain-eidhneach and Cill-achaidh, also ravaged the
territory of Meath, so far as Cluain-lraird. The foreigners deserted Ath-
cliath about this time, owing to the help of God, and the intercession of Mac-
tail,^''* who was the patron of Kilcullen, in the county of Kildare, and most
probably, also, the patron of St. Michael le Pole's Church, near Ship-street,
in the city of Dublin. ='5 In 938, the turbulent King of Caiseal ="* took up
arms, and a great slaughter was made of the Osraighi by him, the justifying causes for which are not mentioned. In the year 939, Ceallachan, with his
forces, slaughtered the Deisi, because they had submitted to Muircheartach, son of Niall ;^"' and, he slew two thousand of tliem, together with Ceilachair, son to Cormac, Maelgorm, son to Gibhleaclian, Seghdha, son to Noebelan, Cleireach, son of Sesta, &c. Another battle was gained, however, by the Deisi, and by the Osraighi, over the King of Caiseal ; when many were slain, inthatencounter. ^'^ Thissameyear,weread,thatwhenMuircheartachmarched into Munster, he found the people there ready to give him battle. We are told,='9 likewise, that Ceallachan requested the men of Munster, not to oppose
chap,ii. , pp. 206,207.
""^ This account is taken from the tract,
called the Wars of Callachan, in the Old Book of Lismore.
"sSee! . }/(/. ,n. (y). Forahistoryandillus- trationof this mediaeval church, the reader is referred to Sir WilliamR. Wilde's Memoir of GabrielBeranger,andhisLaboursintheCause of Irish Art, Literature and Antiquities, from
"° See Maurice Lenihan's "Limerick; its
History and Antiquities, Ecclesiastical, 1760 to 1780. See "Journal of the Royal Civil, and Military," chap, i. , p. 9. liistorical and Archieological Association of
=" See Dr. Donovan's "Annals of the Four Ireland," for 1870, vol. i. , part i. . Fourth
Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 630. 631, and n. (h).
p. 632, ibid.
'" The date is corrected, by Dr. O'Dono-
van, to A. D. 936.
"3 See Thomas Moore's "
Series, pp. 421049.
°''See Dr. O'lJonovan's "Annals of the
of Ire- "'<See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
land," chap, xix. , p, 71.
Four Masters," 638, pp.
639.
land," vol. ii. , chap, xix. , p. 71.
"=' Cormacan Eigeas. By
History
^"'
"
See Thom. is Moore's History of Ire-
Four Masters," pp. 640, 641.
"'' " See Martin Haverty's
land," chap, xiii. , p. 131.
History of Ire-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 3^5
the race of Eoghan ; while he consented to become a hostage,''" and a fetter
was put upon him, by Muircheartach. "' We are informed, that a formidable
confederacywasorganizedagainstthegenerousKennedy; and,itisthought,
that Ceallachan, with the Eoghanac'nts, was leader in this confederacy. The troopsofMunsterwerealliedwiththoseofConnaught,inthatmovement. How-
ever, this pact was soon terminated, as peace seems to have been proclaimed between them : one of its conditions being the delivery of Duineachan, son to
Kennedy,asahostage. Afterwards,NorthandSouthMunsterbecameunited, and the power of Ceallachan, thus strengthened, was then very formidable to the Scandinavians. '^'
This provincial prince, and his hardy Momonians, engaged those foreigners in many battles. "^ The King of Cashel fought them with such success, that they found it necessary to abandon the province of Munster, and to look out for new settlements. But, the Scandinavians still retained an affection for their old possessions. Finding themselves too weak to be re-instated, by force of arms, they projected a design, which was base and treacherous. At this time, the Northmen were under the command ofSitric, son to Turge- sius,"* whose name alone was a terror to the Irish. Having first taken the advice of his counsel, that leader sent a messenger to Ceallachan, to notify his sincere inclination to establish peace, with a good understanding and corres- pondence between them. As a guarantee of his integrity and respect, he offered his sister,"5 the princess royal of Denmark, in marriage. She was a ladyofconsummatevirtueandofunexceptionablebeauty. Heengaged,like- wise, never to invade or to disturb his government in Munster. The North- man general promised, that he should withdraw his forces, put an end to hos- tilities,andforthefuturewouldmakenoattemptuponhiscrown. Heoffered to enter into a league, offensive and defensive, that they should mutually assisteachother,againsttheircommonenemies; and,tosanctionthesepro- posals, he engaged to send the King of Munster suitable hostages, whose safety and quality must oblige him to observe the execution of the proffered terms.
'=*
But, Sitric intended nothing less than to contract his sister
feignedly to the
KingofMunster; hisdesignwasreallytomurderCeallachan,andhisretinue,
upon thatvery night such pretended marriage was to be solemnized, and then to
seize upon his crown. To support his interest, after the commission of such an execrable act, and the better to establish himself in that province, Sitric com- municated that perfidious resolution to Donnogh, son of Flann Sionna, King of Ireland. Instead of being startled at such a proposal, Donnogh en- couragedit,andapplaudedthetreacherousNorthman. Heevenpromised his friendship and alliance, after the execution ; for, it must be observed, the King of Ireland, at that time, was an enemy to the King of Munster, because he refused to pay his contributions and chief rents ; therefore, by such means, Donnogh thought he should get rid of a troublesome neighbour, who dis-
"° See the "Circuit of Muircheartach Mac
Neill. " Edited Ijy Dr. O'Donovan, p. 43. "' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 640 to 643.
"" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, ii. , pp. 207, 208.
"5 In one of these, Sitric, King of Dublin,
is said to have been made prisoner, together with his wife and sister, all of whom were conveyed lo Waterford, but, after a short
captivity, they were set at liberty by Cealla- chan. See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient
and Modern History of the Maritime Ports
of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 272.
"'' lie appears to have been a different
person, from the celebrated tyrant, Turgesius, who had conquered the northern parts of Ire-
land, in the previous century, as already re- lated.
''S See Alfred Webb's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 69.
'"* By Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran, she is
called —"the lovely and accomplished Beib- "
hion. " General Histoiy of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap, iii. , p. 214.
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
puted his authority, and who denied him that homage and those testimonies of
subjection,towhichhispredecessorslaidclaim. ThemessengerofSitric,being introduced to Ceallachan, delivered the foregoing proposals in due form. That unfortunate prince fell into the snare laid for him, by one of his most in- veterate enemies ; for, when told about the marriage contract, regarding him- self and the young princess, he was transported with joy, at the news. The fame of this young lady's beauty, her virtue, and her other accomplishments, had reached his ears long before,^^' and he had conceived an affection for her, even before he had seen her. Ceallachan suspected nothing regarding the base design, and eagerly he returned compliments to Sitric. He promised to
=^*
preparations were made for this journey, while Ceallachan was to be attended
with a splendid retinue, and a princely equipage, comprising young princes and nobles of his province. ""' For greater pomp and display, the King of Munster was to be followed by his body-guards, and by the choicest of his troops, in order to conduct the princess into his province, with all the state and magnifi- cence,thatbecamehisbirthandrank. However,Kennedy,theprinceofNorth Munster, hearing about Ceallachan's intention, also that he intended to take with him the choicest forces, to leave the province of Munster unguarded, and thus open to the incursions of any bands, who should attempt to invade it, re-
presented the imprudence of his resolution, and how dangerous it might be, toleavethecountrywithoutdefence. Byhisadviceandthroughthestrengthof
hisreasons,Kennedydissuadedthekingfromhispurpose. ^s'' Then,altering his measures, or at least modifying them, and appointing a sufficient force to
secure the province, Ceallachan beganhis journey, attended by the young prince Dunchuan, tlie son of Kennedy, with some nobles, and followed only by a few
of his body-guards. ^3' He continued his journey, by making quick marches, and soon he arrived within sight of Dublin.
It so happened, that Sitric, the Scandinavian King, had married
an Irish lady, whose name was Meorling, and who was daughter to
Hugh Mac Eochaidh. Hearing that Ceallachn, King of Munster, was
upon his journey, to accomplish the marriage rite with the princess- royal of Denmark, and that he had arrived almost so far as Kilmain-
ham, near Dublin, the princess was somewhat surprised at it. She freely expostulated witli Sitric, her husband, to know what could have induced hira
to bestow his sister in marriage upon the provincial prince, who was a pro- fessed enemy to the Danish race, and who had destroyed so many of the
principal nobility and gentry, belonging to her husband's country. Then, with great freedom, Sitric discovered his design, and he replied, that urged by re- venge, he had invited the King of Munster to Dublin ; that he intended to
disappoint him, regarding the nuptial rites with his sister; and, that when he had Ceallachan completely within his power, he resolved to sacrifice him to
the
ghosts
astonished, at the treachery and barbarity of this action, especially since Ceal- lachan was destined to be the victim ; for, she had entertained a very tender regard for that prince, and she was perfectly attached to him, from the time
make him a visit, with all possible expedition.
Accordingly, very expensive
of those renowned Danes, whom he had destroyed. ''s^ His wife was
'''' According to one account, he had 214, 215.
already seen her. See Anthony Murmion's " Ancient and Modern History of the Mari- time Ports of Ireland," Dunitelk, p. 273.
^'5° See Ferd. Warner's
'"^ See Miss M. F. Cusack's "
Popular History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 201.
Ireland," Duiidaik, p. 273. '^' See Ferd. Warner's "
"» in Dr. Their names are set forth,
History land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 383.
Syl- vester O'Halloran's "General History of
Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, iii. , pp.
"
History of Ire- land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 381.
=3' See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient and
Modern of the Maritime Ports of History
of Ire-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 317
she saw him by chance at Waterford. She had the pradence, however, not to discover her concern, and Meorling appeared before her husband to approve
of his design ; even, outwardly, she encouraged him in the execution of it, with considerable artifice and dissimulation. Next morning, she rose much earlier than usual, and being sensible that Ceallachan was ujion the road to Dublin, she hastened with great privacy out of the town, and then she took up her station, at a convenient place, by which the King of Munster must necessa- rily pass. Here she discovered herself to him, and, declaring the particulars of that conspiracy which hadbeen formed against his life, the princess advised him to retire, wuh the utmost speed, and to provide for his own safety, and for that of his followers. He was amazed and confounded with such intelligence, and expressing himself in a grateful manner to the lady, for her information, Ceal- lachan took leave of her, and tlien, turning about, he made tlie best of his waybacktowardsMunster. But,Sitrichadtakencaretopreventhisretreat;for, he had lined the hedges with armed Danes, and he laid so many ambushes in his way, that it was impossible for him to escape. Ceallachan and his retinue found themselves surrounded with enemies, who galled them on all sides, and who did great execution. The King of Munster ordered his men to fall on, and to defend themselves, against the treacherous Danes ; when a desperate conflict began, in which many of the principal Momonians were slain. The Danes, likewise, suffered exceedingly in the action, and must have given way, before the superior courage of the king's guards, had those not been sustained byfreshreinforcements,comingfromthecity. Thesebandsrenewedthefight, and, at length after a terrible slaughter, the Scandinavians obtained a complete victory. In this engagement, Cellachan, King of Munster, and Dunchuan, son of Kennedy, were taken prisoners, after a long and resolute resistance; then, after they had stripped and plundered the dead, the Northmen returned with their royal captives, and in triumph, to the city of Dublin. Here, the pri- soners were confined, but for a short time, and they were afterwards removed, under a strong guard, to Armagh, where they were imprisoned, with great strictness and severity. It is said, that nine Danish Karls wereappointed, there, to command a strong body of troops. Their charge was to secure those pri- soners, so that it should be impossible for any among them to escape.
The forces of Munster, that had the good fortune to save themselves by flight, returned home, where they related all about the Danish treachery,'33 while they
brought intelligence, respecting the captivity of their king, and the death of many among his followers, who perished in the ambuscade and attack. This account alarmed the whole province, but more particularly, it affected Ken-
nedy, prince of North Munster, who was deputed regent of the country, and who had the sole management of public affairs, during the absence of the king. He was so incensed at the baseness of that act, and so concerned at the captivity of his son, that he resolved to take ample satisfaction, on those
treacherous foreigners, and to rescue the prisoners, at any sacrifice; for, this purpose, he summoned together the provincial troops, and making their batal- lions still more complete by fresh recruits, he soon provided a formidable land
army. ^J't To accomplish his design, with greater certainty, he fitted out a fleet of ships, and he manned it with able seamen, so that he might make sure of
obtaining revenge. Kennedy had designed to attack the enemy, at once, by sea and by land. The command of the army was committed to the conduCf
•3' The present account is chiefly drawn from the historical tale, "Toriuighcct Cealla- chan Caishil, or The Pursuit afier Cealla- chain Cashel," and published by Rev. Dr. Keating. "The facts are probably embel- lisbed by the writer of the story, which rests
on some historical foundation. "—Rev. John
Francis Shearman's "Loca Patriciana,"No.
xii. , pp. 361, 362, n. I.
°^' See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient and
Modem History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 275.
3t8 lives of the IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of a brave and an experienced general, Donnogh Mac Keeffe, chief of Fear- moighe. Toraisethecourageofthisgeneral,andtoinspirehimwithproper
sentiments ofindignation, Kennedy reminded him, about thenobiHty of his race, and about the magnanimity of his ancestors, who were Kings of Munster. Having repeated their names, and mentioned them with honour and due
applause, he related their particular exploits, how their lives were exposed for their country's welfare, and how they repelled the insolence of foreign inva- ders ; he then concluded, by informing Donnogh Mac Keeffe regarding the prospect he had of success, under his conduct, and trusting to his bravery, which he was certain must chastise those insolent foreigners, for violating the law of nations, and the established rights of hospitality. By that means, Kennedy hoped to procure deliverance for the island, and glory for those en- gagedinthatenterprise. Tosupporttheprovincialtroops,ifthereshouldbe occasion, Kennedy ordered a thousand choice soldiers of the martial Dail- gais upon this expedition. He disposed them, under the command of three captainsofconfessedcourageandexperience. Thesewerehisownbrothers, and they were distinguished by the names, Cosgrach, Lonargan, and Con- gallach. =35 Kennedy resolved to prosecute this design with the utmost vigour, and therefore he raised five hundred more of the Dailgais tribe, while he appointed for their general the heroic Sioda, a son of Clan Cuilleain ; while another five hundred of the same tribe, he placed under the conduct of Dea- gadh, the son of Daniel, a captain of distinguished bravery and experience, who likewise held command over numbers of the Dalcais nobility and gentry, who came from the country of Thomond, and who voluntarily offered their services, for this expedition. This army is said to have reached the number of 14,000 men, besides archers, slingers, and other light-armed troops.
'^ss
The fleet was now ready to sail, and its direction was entrusted to an admi-
ral, perfectly skilled in maritime afl"airs. This was Failbhe Fionn,'37 King of
Desmond,'3^ and who was renowned for his intrepidity. These military prepa-
rations being effected, the army began to march from Munster, and it took a
route through the province of Connaught. There, the chiefs and soldiers halted ; when a council of war being called, it was agreed to send out con-
siderable parties, to forage and to bring provisions, from Jerny and Umhall. In these places, they found a good booty of cattle, with other necessaries. They designed to carry these off to the camp. Thinking themselves secure of the prey, their scouts surprised them with intelligence, that they had dis- covered a body of troops marching towards them, in regular order, and with a commander at their head. This information obliged the foragers to retire without their plunder to the main body, who were immediately ordered to stand to their arms, and to await the issue. By this time, the strange troops approached nearer the outlines of the camp ; but, they advanced without beginning hostilities, or discovering that they had any design to attack it. The general of Munster resolved to be satisfied, regarding their intentions ;
and, for thatpurpose, the brave Donnogh Mac Keeffe called to the commanding
*3S This transaction is upon record, in an ancient composition, translated into Englisli from th—e original Irish, and wherein are these
verses
" Go, my renowned brothers, command
This warlike tribe ; your names shall not be lost,
But the brave Cosgrach, and the stout Lonaigan
'^ For a more particular enumeration of the chiefs and forces, engaged in thisexpedi- tion, see Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
:
Ireland," chap, iii. , pp. 217, 218.
ii. .
xi. ,
invincible in war Shall stand immortal in the lists of
''^ See Miss M. F. Cusack's " History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p, 202.
And fame. "
Popular
Congallach
ral of History
vol.
Book
°^' He is called Failbhi Finn, chief of Corcaguiney, by Rev. John Francis Sliear-
man, in n. i.
"
Loca Particiana," No. xii. , p. 361,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 319
officer, demanding whence he came, and whether he was a friend or an
enemy. The captain answered, that he came out of Munster, and his followers
belonged to that province ; while, these were raised out of two particular
places, called Gaileangaidh and Luignig. He further stated, that most of them
were the posterity of Teige, the son of Cein, son to thegreat Oilioll Ollum, while
the rest were the men of Dealbna, descended from the renowned Dealbhaoith,
son of Cas, son to Conal Eachluath, and that they were resolved to expose
their lives against those barbarous Danes, who by the basest treacliery had
surprisedtheirking,andwiiohadkeptliiminanunjustcaptivity. Hemore- over informed Donnogh Mac Keeffe, that he had with him three officers of
signal courage and abilities, who had a principal command over three clans. The tribe of the Gaileangaidhs were under the conduct of Hugh, the son of
Dualgaia, Diarmuid Mac Fianachtaigh, was chief over the Luignighs, while Denis Mac Maoldomhnaig was captain of the Dealbhnas. 'ss
This unexpected reinforcement consisted of five hundred expert archers, and of five hundred men, completely armed with swords and shields. That contingent was a very seasonable accummulation of force, and it proved to be of eminent service, in this expedition. Thus, the army of Munster was ren- dered formidable and united. Its march was directed towards Armagh,'*" while it began hostilities, by plundering the adjacent country, and by destroy- ing those inhabitants, who opposed the marching troops. \Iortough, the son of Arnalaig, applied to the general, Donnogh Mac Keeffe, and desired he would return that booty, which had been carried away by the Momonian soldiers ; for, he insisted upon the injustice of their action, and he pleaded, that it was barbarous to oppress a people, who were unconcerned in the quarrel, and who deserved protection, rather than to fall a sacrifice to the rapa- cious soldiers. But, his request was denied, though not absolutely ; for Don- nogh was content, that if there remained any booty, over and above what should satisfy the necessities of the army, it was to be returned. Yet, this answer was unsatisfactory, and resolving to revenge himself, upon the troops of Munster, Mortough despatched messengers privately to Armagh, to inform the Danes, that the provincial troops were upon their march, and that they were determined, at all hazards, to recover their king from imprisonment, and to do themselves justice upon those perfidious strangers, who broke through the received international laws, to make him their prisoner. The nine Danish Earls, said to have been the sons of Turgesius, and who were appointed to guard that castle, where Ceallachan, the King of Munster, and Dunchuain, the son of Kennedy, were confined, became alarmed at this in- telligence,receivedfromMurtough. Leavingasmallnumberoftheirforces to secure the prisoners, whom they resolved to remove, the Northmen drew out their troops, and they marched out from Armagh, with a full resolution to offer battletothearmyofMunster. '' Theprovincialarmydirectedtheircourse towards that city ; but, when they arrived there, it was soon understood, that the prisoners were conveyed out of the castle, and that they were to be car- ried to Sitric, who had ordered them on shipboard. Enraged at this dis- appointment, Donnogh gave no quarter to the Danes that fell in his way, but
•w This account is recorded, in a poem of
good authority, and which begins wit—h these Englishtranslatedversessubjoined:
"The most courageous tribes of Clanna Cein
And the invincible Dealbhaoith, United all their forces to redeem
Their king, and free him from im-
prisonment. " " '""SeeDr. SylvesterO'Halloran's Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. ,
chap, iii. , p. 216.
'<' SeeAnthonyMarmion's Ancientand
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 275.
"
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
cut them off to a man. Next morning, he marched towards Dundalk,'*" where
they had intelligence, that their king and the young prince were confined
under deck, by Sitric. ]5eing informed about the number of the provincial
forces, and sensible of his own incapacity to oppose them, Sitric had ordered
all his men on board. Then, he resolved on liis trying iiis fortune by sea, for on
land he was much inferior to his enemies; while his shipping lay conveniently
in the bay of Dundalk, and his vessels were of incalculable service, for they
furnished him with an almost certain means of escape, and for getting clear
away from the enemy. ^^3 Trearmy ofMunsler pursued him to the shore, and
the soldiers expected, that the Danes were shut in by the sea, which should pre-
vent their retreat ; but, the southern forces were surprised to find their enemies
on shipboard, for they had no notice, regarding their fleet, which lay at anchor,
within that bay. The Irish were enraged at this disappointment, and while
they were consulting what they should do, in such a juncture, they espied a sail
of ships, in regular order, and steering with a brisk gale, towards the Danish
fleet. This armament was eagerly watched by the Irish forces, who supposed
it to be the fleet of Munster, under the conduct of that brave admiral Failbhe
Fionn, and so it fortunately proved. Soon the land forces perceived the lately arrived vessels, drawn up in a line of battle, and forming to attack the Danes.
These foreigners expected no such movement; for they thought themselves secure, and that no enemy could possibly disturb them, in those seas. The Munster admiral, observing the disorder of their foes, fell upon the ship where Sitric, and his two brothers. Tor and Magnus, w-ere. With irresistible force, FailbheFionnboardedher. Nosoonerdidhefindhimselfupondeck,thanhe savif Ceallachan, bound '•»' with cords to the mainmast. This exciting spectacle inspired him with fresh courage, and he resolved to deliver the prince, or to perish in the attempt. He drew his sword, and laid about him, with incre- dible fury ; supported by his mariners, and after having slain several of the Danes, Failbhe cut the cords, which bound him, and set the prince at liberty. He then put a sword in Cealleachan's hand, and advised him to take upon himself the charge of that ship, whence he came, and which was now left without a commander. Failbhe desired the King of Munster to leave him engaged, with the Danish admiral, and he made no question, but he should be able to give a good account of the desperate issue, to which he was now committed. Ceallachan coinplied with this proposal, and Failbhe Fionn con- tinued on board the Danish vessel, where he behaved with signal courage ;^<5 but, at length, he was overborne by numbers, when fainting with loss of blood, he was slain. ^•^ To discourage and terrify the Irish, some of whom followed their admiral into the enemy's ship, the Danes hacked and mangled his body, and, at last, they cut off his head. °'«7 Thus fell the brave Failbhe Fionn, who was obliged to give way, before multitudes, that pressed upon him, after he had despatched many of them to the other world. Being sensible, how the loss of that ship should occasion the ruin of the fleet, Sitric and his brothers showedthemselvesableseamenandexperiencedcommanders; theyappeared with intrepidity, at the head of their body-guards, whom they had on board.
'*'See "The History of Dundalk, and its Environs from the earliest period to the pre- sent Time; wiih Memoirs of its eminent Men," by John D'Alton, Esq. , and K. J. O'Flanagan, Esq. , M. R. I. A. , chap, ii. , p. 15. Dublin, 1864, 8vo.
=«3 See Ur. Sylvester Q'Halloran's" Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, iii. , p. 320.
»« See Alfred \Vel)b's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 69.
^'^ See Anthony Alarmion's "Ancient and
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of
Ireland," Dundalk, p. 276.
=" "
See Miss M. F. Cusack's Popular
History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 203.
-*'' " See Ferd. Warner's
History of Ire- laud," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 390.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
Thissea-fightwasdesperatelycontested. Forsometime,thefortuneofthe day seemed to be on the Scandinavian side, and the Northmen sailors began to have a distant prospect of victory. The Danish was much better manned than the Irisli fleet. ^** But, Fiongall, a vaHant and an expert commander among the Irish, resolved to revenge the death of the admiral, whom he fol- lowed on board. Maint^iining his post, with incredible bravery, he slew the foremost of the Danes that opposed him, and the decks of the ship were covered with blood. The number of the enemy was much superior to that of the Irish, and so, they continued to fight, and supplied the place of the slain. Fiongall found himself unable to keep possession of the Danish ship. Ashamed to retire into his own, he recollected himself, and seizing upon Sitric by the collar, he grasped the Scandinavian king close, and holding him firmly within his own arms, Fiongall leaped into the sea, where, in the dis- order of the fight, both adversaries perished. ''9 Two undaunted captains among the Irish, Seagda and Conall, fired with the glory of this action, fell upontheDaneswithredoubledfury. Resolvingtoputanendtothisdesperate struggle, by one great effort of hardihood and courage, they made their way throughtheenemy,towardsTorandMagnus,thetwobrothersofSitric. Rush- ing violently upon them, the Irish captains caught them both in their arms, and
jumped with them overboard. Again, in the confusion of this fierce sea-fight, they were all Iost. '5° Astonished at these desperate exploits of the Irish, the Northmen's courage began to abate, and the Momonians perceiving them to give way, pursued their advantage with such success, that they boarded most oftheDanishfleet,killingandmaimingtheirfoeswithoutdistinction. Onboard
'the various ships, it is stated, that the combatants fought almost knee-deep in blood. '5' Victory finally declared for the Irish ; but, it was bought at the expense of many valuable lives, for several brave officers and soldiers perished inthatengagement. Noristhistobewonderedat,ifitbeconsidered,that the Danes were good seamen, that they were perfectly skilled in maritime affairs, and, likewise, that they were resolute and fierce, resolved to sell their lives at a dear rate ; for, on the success of this action depended, not only their present security, but, likewise, their future peace and establishment in the Island.
Historians, who have written an account of this action, relate, that this naval
fight, between the Irish and the Danes, was the most dreadful and terrible of
anythathappeneduponthosecoasts. formanyages. Theofficerseminentlydis-
tinguished themselves, on both sides, nor were the seamen vvanting in their duty;
so that the slaughter was surprisingly great, no less than complete dominion for
the Scandinavians, or liberty for Ireland, being the contested prize for complete
victory on either scale. The army of Munster stood upon the shore, in sight
of the engagement. The soldiers were almost beside themselves with ex-
citement, as mere spectators, while they ran up and down the shore, with fury
and distraction, because it was out of their power to assist their seafaring
countrymen. Theseengagedwithgreatdisadvantage,sothattheresultre- mained doubtful, for some time ; for, the Danes had all their land forces on
board, and yet these were not a match for the Irish seamen, who behaved with wonderful conduct and bravery. These would have entirely destroyed the Danish fleet, had not some of the enemy escaped in their light galleys,
»'' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, iii. , p. 221.
'^» See Antliony Marmion's " Ancient and
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of
Ireland,"Dundalk,pp. 276,277.
'*> See "The History of Dundalk and its
Environs," by John D'Alton, Esq. , and R.
J. O'Flanagan, Esq. , M. R. I. A. , chap, ii. , p. 16.
's' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Irelaml," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap,iii. ,p. 220. Thiswholeaccountisnot attested, in our Iiish Annals.
Vol. IV. —No. 6.
x
322 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
which were chased eagerly by the victorious Irish, but they could not overtake the fugitive cruisers. Having cleared the coast of those foreigners, the Irish vessels made to the shore, wliere they found their land army. These soldiers received them with open arms, and with joyful acclamations. 's^ Especially, they were transported with delight, at the sight of their king, who had obtained his liberty, owing to this victory. Nor was Ceallachan, kept under constant apprehension of death, so long as he was in the custody of the enemy, less pleased with his deliverance ; for, Sitric was a cruel tyrant, having a savage and unmercifuldisposition. HehadnoregardforthemajestyoftheMunsterking, nor did he respect the law of nations, by which his person was deemed sacred and inviolable; and, therefore, tliat potentate retained a grateful sense of theloyaltyshownbyhispeople. Heapplaudedthebraveryofhissea-forces,who had actually procured his freedom, and the fidelity of his land army, who had discovered so great an affection towards his person, and zeal for his safety, as to pursue the Danes. If these would have accepted of a battle, the subjects of King Cealleachan were ready to expose their lives in his service. He ordered provisions for his fleet, and when he had given instructions for the care of the wounded, he put himself at the head of his army, and by long marches, he arrived in Munster. There he resumed the management of affairs, and fixed himself in the government of that province. But, he met with opposition on his line of march, that was near being attended with fatal consequences; for, Mortough Mac Flann, King of Leinster, attempted to obstruct his passage, and to hinder him from conducting his troops through that province. ^53 That prince was of a mean and servile disposition ; he consulted more the interests of the Danes, tlian the prosi)erity of his native country ; upon their account, he determined to take revenge upon the army of Munster, and to vindicate the cause of those foreigners, against that of the brave Irish. He resolved on cutting off their retreat, by harassing them during their marches. To achieve this purpose, he summoned all the forces, under his command, he resolved to lay ambushes in the way of Ceallaclian, and to fall upon him, when most unprovided for defence. But, the King of Munster had timely intelhgence, regarding the treachery of this degenerate prince, whohadrenounced the love of his country, and who wanted to bring it under a foreign yoke. He prepared to receive the Leinster prince; and, he was greatly incensed, at the baseness of that attempt. Ceallachan commanded his men to give no quarter, but to make examples of those perfidious Irishmen, who had no title to mercy, and who were not to be treated as open and honourable enemies. To raise their indignation the more, he declared, that the Danes, being of another country, were to be used as the laws of nations direct ; but, the ene- mies they were to encounter had forfeited the common and established riglits of mankind, and, therefore, they were to be hunted down as robbers and beasts of prey, and not a man of them was to be spared. These severe in- junctions, and the resolution of Ceallachan, were carried by deserters, to the King of Leinster. Dreading the resentnient of the Momonians, now flushed with victory, he desisted from his enterprise, and withdrawing the forces of his province, Mortogh Mac Flann retired to a considerable distance. He left the army of Munster to prosecute the journey homewards, without hinderance or molestation. In the year 95 1 ,'54 Ceallachan and the men of Munster spoiled Sil-Anmchadha^=55 andCluainfearta-Brenainn,asalsotheterritoryofDeal- bhna-Beathra,°=* while the Daimhliag of Gailine was burned by them.
"5' See Ferd. Warner's " land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 391.
of Ire-
'^-i At A.
federates, who made this foray, also seized upon their two abbots, namely,
Muireadhach Ua Conchobhair, and Coibhdeanach, son of Beargdha ; but,
they left behind Oilill, son of Aenghus, lord of Ui Fothaidh, with many others,
in the hands of Aimhergin, lord of Ui-Failghe. The men of Munster, under
their King Ceallachan, who had the foreigners along with him, besides plun-
dering the churches of Cluain-eidhneach and Cill-achaidh, also ravaged the
territory of Meath, so far as Cluain-lraird. The foreigners deserted Ath-
cliath about this time, owing to the help of God, and the intercession of Mac-
tail,^''* who was the patron of Kilcullen, in the county of Kildare, and most
probably, also, the patron of St. Michael le Pole's Church, near Ship-street,
in the city of Dublin. ='5 In 938, the turbulent King of Caiseal ="* took up
arms, and a great slaughter was made of the Osraighi by him, the justifying causes for which are not mentioned. In the year 939, Ceallachan, with his
forces, slaughtered the Deisi, because they had submitted to Muircheartach, son of Niall ;^"' and, he slew two thousand of tliem, together with Ceilachair, son to Cormac, Maelgorm, son to Gibhleaclian, Seghdha, son to Noebelan, Cleireach, son of Sesta, &c. Another battle was gained, however, by the Deisi, and by the Osraighi, over the King of Caiseal ; when many were slain, inthatencounter. ^'^ Thissameyear,weread,thatwhenMuircheartachmarched into Munster, he found the people there ready to give him battle. We are told,='9 likewise, that Ceallachan requested the men of Munster, not to oppose
chap,ii. , pp. 206,207.
""^ This account is taken from the tract,
called the Wars of Callachan, in the Old Book of Lismore.
"sSee! . }/(/. ,n. (y). Forahistoryandillus- trationof this mediaeval church, the reader is referred to Sir WilliamR. Wilde's Memoir of GabrielBeranger,andhisLaboursintheCause of Irish Art, Literature and Antiquities, from
"° See Maurice Lenihan's "Limerick; its
History and Antiquities, Ecclesiastical, 1760 to 1780. See "Journal of the Royal Civil, and Military," chap, i. , p. 9. liistorical and Archieological Association of
=" See Dr. Donovan's "Annals of the Four Ireland," for 1870, vol. i. , part i. . Fourth
Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 630. 631, and n. (h).
p. 632, ibid.
'" The date is corrected, by Dr. O'Dono-
van, to A. D. 936.
"3 See Thomas Moore's "
Series, pp. 421049.
°''See Dr. O'lJonovan's "Annals of the
of Ire- "'<See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
land," chap, xix. , p, 71.
Four Masters," 638, pp.
639.
land," vol. ii. , chap, xix. , p. 71.
"=' Cormacan Eigeas. By
History
^"'
"
See Thom. is Moore's History of Ire-
Four Masters," pp. 640, 641.
"'' " See Martin Haverty's
land," chap, xiii. , p. 131.
History of Ire-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 3^5
the race of Eoghan ; while he consented to become a hostage,''" and a fetter
was put upon him, by Muircheartach. "' We are informed, that a formidable
confederacywasorganizedagainstthegenerousKennedy; and,itisthought,
that Ceallachan, with the Eoghanac'nts, was leader in this confederacy. The troopsofMunsterwerealliedwiththoseofConnaught,inthatmovement. How-
ever, this pact was soon terminated, as peace seems to have been proclaimed between them : one of its conditions being the delivery of Duineachan, son to
Kennedy,asahostage. Afterwards,NorthandSouthMunsterbecameunited, and the power of Ceallachan, thus strengthened, was then very formidable to the Scandinavians. '^'
This provincial prince, and his hardy Momonians, engaged those foreigners in many battles. "^ The King of Cashel fought them with such success, that they found it necessary to abandon the province of Munster, and to look out for new settlements. But, the Scandinavians still retained an affection for their old possessions. Finding themselves too weak to be re-instated, by force of arms, they projected a design, which was base and treacherous. At this time, the Northmen were under the command ofSitric, son to Turge- sius,"* whose name alone was a terror to the Irish. Having first taken the advice of his counsel, that leader sent a messenger to Ceallachan, to notify his sincere inclination to establish peace, with a good understanding and corres- pondence between them. As a guarantee of his integrity and respect, he offered his sister,"5 the princess royal of Denmark, in marriage. She was a ladyofconsummatevirtueandofunexceptionablebeauty. Heengaged,like- wise, never to invade or to disturb his government in Munster. The North- man general promised, that he should withdraw his forces, put an end to hos- tilities,andforthefuturewouldmakenoattemptuponhiscrown. Heoffered to enter into a league, offensive and defensive, that they should mutually assisteachother,againsttheircommonenemies; and,tosanctionthesepro- posals, he engaged to send the King of Munster suitable hostages, whose safety and quality must oblige him to observe the execution of the proffered terms.
'=*
But, Sitric intended nothing less than to contract his sister
feignedly to the
KingofMunster; hisdesignwasreallytomurderCeallachan,andhisretinue,
upon thatvery night such pretended marriage was to be solemnized, and then to
seize upon his crown. To support his interest, after the commission of such an execrable act, and the better to establish himself in that province, Sitric com- municated that perfidious resolution to Donnogh, son of Flann Sionna, King of Ireland. Instead of being startled at such a proposal, Donnogh en- couragedit,andapplaudedthetreacherousNorthman. Heevenpromised his friendship and alliance, after the execution ; for, it must be observed, the King of Ireland, at that time, was an enemy to the King of Munster, because he refused to pay his contributions and chief rents ; therefore, by such means, Donnogh thought he should get rid of a troublesome neighbour, who dis-
"° See the "Circuit of Muircheartach Mac
Neill. " Edited Ijy Dr. O'Donovan, p. 43. "' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 640 to 643.
"" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, ii. , pp. 207, 208.
"5 In one of these, Sitric, King of Dublin,
is said to have been made prisoner, together with his wife and sister, all of whom were conveyed lo Waterford, but, after a short
captivity, they were set at liberty by Cealla- chan. See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient
and Modern History of the Maritime Ports
of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 272.
"'' lie appears to have been a different
person, from the celebrated tyrant, Turgesius, who had conquered the northern parts of Ire-
land, in the previous century, as already re- lated.
''S See Alfred Webb's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 69.
'"* By Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran, she is
called —"the lovely and accomplished Beib- "
hion. " General Histoiy of Ireland," vol. ii. , Bookxi. , chap, iii. , p. 214.
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
puted his authority, and who denied him that homage and those testimonies of
subjection,towhichhispredecessorslaidclaim. ThemessengerofSitric,being introduced to Ceallachan, delivered the foregoing proposals in due form. That unfortunate prince fell into the snare laid for him, by one of his most in- veterate enemies ; for, when told about the marriage contract, regarding him- self and the young princess, he was transported with joy, at the news. The fame of this young lady's beauty, her virtue, and her other accomplishments, had reached his ears long before,^^' and he had conceived an affection for her, even before he had seen her. Ceallachan suspected nothing regarding the base design, and eagerly he returned compliments to Sitric. He promised to
=^*
preparations were made for this journey, while Ceallachan was to be attended
with a splendid retinue, and a princely equipage, comprising young princes and nobles of his province. ""' For greater pomp and display, the King of Munster was to be followed by his body-guards, and by the choicest of his troops, in order to conduct the princess into his province, with all the state and magnifi- cence,thatbecamehisbirthandrank. However,Kennedy,theprinceofNorth Munster, hearing about Ceallachan's intention, also that he intended to take with him the choicest forces, to leave the province of Munster unguarded, and thus open to the incursions of any bands, who should attempt to invade it, re-
presented the imprudence of his resolution, and how dangerous it might be, toleavethecountrywithoutdefence. Byhisadviceandthroughthestrengthof
hisreasons,Kennedydissuadedthekingfromhispurpose. ^s'' Then,altering his measures, or at least modifying them, and appointing a sufficient force to
secure the province, Ceallachan beganhis journey, attended by the young prince Dunchuan, tlie son of Kennedy, with some nobles, and followed only by a few
of his body-guards. ^3' He continued his journey, by making quick marches, and soon he arrived within sight of Dublin.
It so happened, that Sitric, the Scandinavian King, had married
an Irish lady, whose name was Meorling, and who was daughter to
Hugh Mac Eochaidh. Hearing that Ceallachn, King of Munster, was
upon his journey, to accomplish the marriage rite with the princess- royal of Denmark, and that he had arrived almost so far as Kilmain-
ham, near Dublin, the princess was somewhat surprised at it. She freely expostulated witli Sitric, her husband, to know what could have induced hira
to bestow his sister in marriage upon the provincial prince, who was a pro- fessed enemy to the Danish race, and who had destroyed so many of the
principal nobility and gentry, belonging to her husband's country. Then, with great freedom, Sitric discovered his design, and he replied, that urged by re- venge, he had invited the King of Munster to Dublin ; that he intended to
disappoint him, regarding the nuptial rites with his sister; and, that when he had Ceallachan completely within his power, he resolved to sacrifice him to
the
ghosts
astonished, at the treachery and barbarity of this action, especially since Ceal- lachan was destined to be the victim ; for, she had entertained a very tender regard for that prince, and she was perfectly attached to him, from the time
make him a visit, with all possible expedition.
Accordingly, very expensive
of those renowned Danes, whom he had destroyed. ''s^ His wife was
'''' According to one account, he had 214, 215.
already seen her. See Anthony Murmion's " Ancient and Modern History of the Mari- time Ports of Ireland," Dunitelk, p. 273.
^'5° See Ferd. Warner's
'"^ See Miss M. F. Cusack's "
Popular History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 201.
Ireland," Duiidaik, p. 273. '^' See Ferd. Warner's "
"» in Dr. Their names are set forth,
History land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 383.
Syl- vester O'Halloran's "General History of
Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, iii. , pp.
"
History of Ire- land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 381.
=3' See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient and
Modern of the Maritime Ports of History
of Ire-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 317
she saw him by chance at Waterford. She had the pradence, however, not to discover her concern, and Meorling appeared before her husband to approve
of his design ; even, outwardly, she encouraged him in the execution of it, with considerable artifice and dissimulation. Next morning, she rose much earlier than usual, and being sensible that Ceallachan was ujion the road to Dublin, she hastened with great privacy out of the town, and then she took up her station, at a convenient place, by which the King of Munster must necessa- rily pass. Here she discovered herself to him, and, declaring the particulars of that conspiracy which hadbeen formed against his life, the princess advised him to retire, wuh the utmost speed, and to provide for his own safety, and for that of his followers. He was amazed and confounded with such intelligence, and expressing himself in a grateful manner to the lady, for her information, Ceal- lachan took leave of her, and tlien, turning about, he made tlie best of his waybacktowardsMunster. But,Sitrichadtakencaretopreventhisretreat;for, he had lined the hedges with armed Danes, and he laid so many ambushes in his way, that it was impossible for him to escape. Ceallachan and his retinue found themselves surrounded with enemies, who galled them on all sides, and who did great execution. The King of Munster ordered his men to fall on, and to defend themselves, against the treacherous Danes ; when a desperate conflict began, in which many of the principal Momonians were slain. The Danes, likewise, suffered exceedingly in the action, and must have given way, before the superior courage of the king's guards, had those not been sustained byfreshreinforcements,comingfromthecity. Thesebandsrenewedthefight, and, at length after a terrible slaughter, the Scandinavians obtained a complete victory. In this engagement, Cellachan, King of Munster, and Dunchuan, son of Kennedy, were taken prisoners, after a long and resolute resistance; then, after they had stripped and plundered the dead, the Northmen returned with their royal captives, and in triumph, to the city of Dublin. Here, the pri- soners were confined, but for a short time, and they were afterwards removed, under a strong guard, to Armagh, where they were imprisoned, with great strictness and severity. It is said, that nine Danish Karls wereappointed, there, to command a strong body of troops. Their charge was to secure those pri- soners, so that it should be impossible for any among them to escape.
The forces of Munster, that had the good fortune to save themselves by flight, returned home, where they related all about the Danish treachery,'33 while they
brought intelligence, respecting the captivity of their king, and the death of many among his followers, who perished in the ambuscade and attack. This account alarmed the whole province, but more particularly, it affected Ken-
nedy, prince of North Munster, who was deputed regent of the country, and who had the sole management of public affairs, during the absence of the king. He was so incensed at the baseness of that act, and so concerned at the captivity of his son, that he resolved to take ample satisfaction, on those
treacherous foreigners, and to rescue the prisoners, at any sacrifice; for, this purpose, he summoned together the provincial troops, and making their batal- lions still more complete by fresh recruits, he soon provided a formidable land
army. ^J't To accomplish his design, with greater certainty, he fitted out a fleet of ships, and he manned it with able seamen, so that he might make sure of
obtaining revenge. Kennedy had designed to attack the enemy, at once, by sea and by land. The command of the army was committed to the conduCf
•3' The present account is chiefly drawn from the historical tale, "Toriuighcct Cealla- chan Caishil, or The Pursuit afier Cealla- chain Cashel," and published by Rev. Dr. Keating. "The facts are probably embel- lisbed by the writer of the story, which rests
on some historical foundation. "—Rev. John
Francis Shearman's "Loca Patriciana,"No.
xii. , pp. 361, 362, n. I.
°^' See Anthony Marmion's "Ancient and
Modem History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 275.
3t8 lives of the IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of a brave and an experienced general, Donnogh Mac Keeffe, chief of Fear- moighe. Toraisethecourageofthisgeneral,andtoinspirehimwithproper
sentiments ofindignation, Kennedy reminded him, about thenobiHty of his race, and about the magnanimity of his ancestors, who were Kings of Munster. Having repeated their names, and mentioned them with honour and due
applause, he related their particular exploits, how their lives were exposed for their country's welfare, and how they repelled the insolence of foreign inva- ders ; he then concluded, by informing Donnogh Mac Keeffe regarding the prospect he had of success, under his conduct, and trusting to his bravery, which he was certain must chastise those insolent foreigners, for violating the law of nations, and the established rights of hospitality. By that means, Kennedy hoped to procure deliverance for the island, and glory for those en- gagedinthatenterprise. Tosupporttheprovincialtroops,ifthereshouldbe occasion, Kennedy ordered a thousand choice soldiers of the martial Dail- gais upon this expedition. He disposed them, under the command of three captainsofconfessedcourageandexperience. Thesewerehisownbrothers, and they were distinguished by the names, Cosgrach, Lonargan, and Con- gallach. =35 Kennedy resolved to prosecute this design with the utmost vigour, and therefore he raised five hundred more of the Dailgais tribe, while he appointed for their general the heroic Sioda, a son of Clan Cuilleain ; while another five hundred of the same tribe, he placed under the conduct of Dea- gadh, the son of Daniel, a captain of distinguished bravery and experience, who likewise held command over numbers of the Dalcais nobility and gentry, who came from the country of Thomond, and who voluntarily offered their services, for this expedition. This army is said to have reached the number of 14,000 men, besides archers, slingers, and other light-armed troops.
'^ss
The fleet was now ready to sail, and its direction was entrusted to an admi-
ral, perfectly skilled in maritime afl"airs. This was Failbhe Fionn,'37 King of
Desmond,'3^ and who was renowned for his intrepidity. These military prepa-
rations being effected, the army began to march from Munster, and it took a
route through the province of Connaught. There, the chiefs and soldiers halted ; when a council of war being called, it was agreed to send out con-
siderable parties, to forage and to bring provisions, from Jerny and Umhall. In these places, they found a good booty of cattle, with other necessaries. They designed to carry these off to the camp. Thinking themselves secure of the prey, their scouts surprised them with intelligence, that they had dis- covered a body of troops marching towards them, in regular order, and with a commander at their head. This information obliged the foragers to retire without their plunder to the main body, who were immediately ordered to stand to their arms, and to await the issue. By this time, the strange troops approached nearer the outlines of the camp ; but, they advanced without beginning hostilities, or discovering that they had any design to attack it. The general of Munster resolved to be satisfied, regarding their intentions ;
and, for thatpurpose, the brave Donnogh Mac Keeffe called to the commanding
*3S This transaction is upon record, in an ancient composition, translated into Englisli from th—e original Irish, and wherein are these
verses
" Go, my renowned brothers, command
This warlike tribe ; your names shall not be lost,
But the brave Cosgrach, and the stout Lonaigan
'^ For a more particular enumeration of the chiefs and forces, engaged in thisexpedi- tion, see Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
:
Ireland," chap, iii. , pp. 217, 218.
ii. .
xi. ,
invincible in war Shall stand immortal in the lists of
''^ See Miss M. F. Cusack's " History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p, 202.
And fame. "
Popular
Congallach
ral of History
vol.
Book
°^' He is called Failbhi Finn, chief of Corcaguiney, by Rev. John Francis Sliear-
man, in n. i.
"
Loca Particiana," No. xii. , p. 361,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 319
officer, demanding whence he came, and whether he was a friend or an
enemy. The captain answered, that he came out of Munster, and his followers
belonged to that province ; while, these were raised out of two particular
places, called Gaileangaidh and Luignig. He further stated, that most of them
were the posterity of Teige, the son of Cein, son to thegreat Oilioll Ollum, while
the rest were the men of Dealbna, descended from the renowned Dealbhaoith,
son of Cas, son to Conal Eachluath, and that they were resolved to expose
their lives against those barbarous Danes, who by the basest treacliery had
surprisedtheirking,andwiiohadkeptliiminanunjustcaptivity. Hemore- over informed Donnogh Mac Keeffe, that he had with him three officers of
signal courage and abilities, who had a principal command over three clans. The tribe of the Gaileangaidhs were under the conduct of Hugh, the son of
Dualgaia, Diarmuid Mac Fianachtaigh, was chief over the Luignighs, while Denis Mac Maoldomhnaig was captain of the Dealbhnas. 'ss
This unexpected reinforcement consisted of five hundred expert archers, and of five hundred men, completely armed with swords and shields. That contingent was a very seasonable accummulation of force, and it proved to be of eminent service, in this expedition. Thus, the army of Munster was ren- dered formidable and united. Its march was directed towards Armagh,'*" while it began hostilities, by plundering the adjacent country, and by destroy- ing those inhabitants, who opposed the marching troops. \Iortough, the son of Arnalaig, applied to the general, Donnogh Mac Keeffe, and desired he would return that booty, which had been carried away by the Momonian soldiers ; for, he insisted upon the injustice of their action, and he pleaded, that it was barbarous to oppress a people, who were unconcerned in the quarrel, and who deserved protection, rather than to fall a sacrifice to the rapa- cious soldiers. But, his request was denied, though not absolutely ; for Don- nogh was content, that if there remained any booty, over and above what should satisfy the necessities of the army, it was to be returned. Yet, this answer was unsatisfactory, and resolving to revenge himself, upon the troops of Munster, Mortough despatched messengers privately to Armagh, to inform the Danes, that the provincial troops were upon their march, and that they were determined, at all hazards, to recover their king from imprisonment, and to do themselves justice upon those perfidious strangers, who broke through the received international laws, to make him their prisoner. The nine Danish Earls, said to have been the sons of Turgesius, and who were appointed to guard that castle, where Ceallachan, the King of Munster, and Dunchuain, the son of Kennedy, were confined, became alarmed at this in- telligence,receivedfromMurtough. Leavingasmallnumberoftheirforces to secure the prisoners, whom they resolved to remove, the Northmen drew out their troops, and they marched out from Armagh, with a full resolution to offer battletothearmyofMunster. '' Theprovincialarmydirectedtheircourse towards that city ; but, when they arrived there, it was soon understood, that the prisoners were conveyed out of the castle, and that they were to be car- ried to Sitric, who had ordered them on shipboard. Enraged at this dis- appointment, Donnogh gave no quarter to the Danes that fell in his way, but
•w This account is recorded, in a poem of
good authority, and which begins wit—h these Englishtranslatedversessubjoined:
"The most courageous tribes of Clanna Cein
And the invincible Dealbhaoith, United all their forces to redeem
Their king, and free him from im-
prisonment. " " '""SeeDr. SylvesterO'Halloran's Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. ,
chap, iii. , p. 216.
'<' SeeAnthonyMarmion's Ancientand
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland," Dundalk, p. 275.
"
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
cut them off to a man. Next morning, he marched towards Dundalk,'*" where
they had intelligence, that their king and the young prince were confined
under deck, by Sitric. ]5eing informed about the number of the provincial
forces, and sensible of his own incapacity to oppose them, Sitric had ordered
all his men on board. Then, he resolved on liis trying iiis fortune by sea, for on
land he was much inferior to his enemies; while his shipping lay conveniently
in the bay of Dundalk, and his vessels were of incalculable service, for they
furnished him with an almost certain means of escape, and for getting clear
away from the enemy. ^^3 Trearmy ofMunsler pursued him to the shore, and
the soldiers expected, that the Danes were shut in by the sea, which should pre-
vent their retreat ; but, the southern forces were surprised to find their enemies
on shipboard, for they had no notice, regarding their fleet, which lay at anchor,
within that bay. The Irish were enraged at this disappointment, and while
they were consulting what they should do, in such a juncture, they espied a sail
of ships, in regular order, and steering with a brisk gale, towards the Danish
fleet. This armament was eagerly watched by the Irish forces, who supposed
it to be the fleet of Munster, under the conduct of that brave admiral Failbhe
Fionn, and so it fortunately proved. Soon the land forces perceived the lately arrived vessels, drawn up in a line of battle, and forming to attack the Danes.
These foreigners expected no such movement; for they thought themselves secure, and that no enemy could possibly disturb them, in those seas. The Munster admiral, observing the disorder of their foes, fell upon the ship where Sitric, and his two brothers. Tor and Magnus, w-ere. With irresistible force, FailbheFionnboardedher. Nosoonerdidhefindhimselfupondeck,thanhe savif Ceallachan, bound '•»' with cords to the mainmast. This exciting spectacle inspired him with fresh courage, and he resolved to deliver the prince, or to perish in the attempt. He drew his sword, and laid about him, with incre- dible fury ; supported by his mariners, and after having slain several of the Danes, Failbhe cut the cords, which bound him, and set the prince at liberty. He then put a sword in Cealleachan's hand, and advised him to take upon himself the charge of that ship, whence he came, and which was now left without a commander. Failbhe desired the King of Munster to leave him engaged, with the Danish admiral, and he made no question, but he should be able to give a good account of the desperate issue, to which he was now committed. Ceallachan coinplied with this proposal, and Failbhe Fionn con- tinued on board the Danish vessel, where he behaved with signal courage ;^<5 but, at length, he was overborne by numbers, when fainting with loss of blood, he was slain. ^•^ To discourage and terrify the Irish, some of whom followed their admiral into the enemy's ship, the Danes hacked and mangled his body, and, at last, they cut off his head. °'«7 Thus fell the brave Failbhe Fionn, who was obliged to give way, before multitudes, that pressed upon him, after he had despatched many of them to the other world. Being sensible, how the loss of that ship should occasion the ruin of the fleet, Sitric and his brothers showedthemselvesableseamenandexperiencedcommanders; theyappeared with intrepidity, at the head of their body-guards, whom they had on board.
'*'See "The History of Dundalk, and its Environs from the earliest period to the pre- sent Time; wiih Memoirs of its eminent Men," by John D'Alton, Esq. , and K. J. O'Flanagan, Esq. , M. R. I. A. , chap, ii. , p. 15. Dublin, 1864, 8vo.
=«3 See Ur. Sylvester Q'Halloran's" Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, iii. , p. 320.
»« See Alfred \Vel)b's "Compendium of
Irish Biography," p. 69.
^'^ See Anthony Alarmion's "Ancient and
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of
Ireland," Dundalk, p. 276.
=" "
See Miss M. F. Cusack's Popular
History of Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 203.
-*'' " See Ferd. Warner's
History of Ire- laud," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 390.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
Thissea-fightwasdesperatelycontested. Forsometime,thefortuneofthe day seemed to be on the Scandinavian side, and the Northmen sailors began to have a distant prospect of victory. The Danish was much better manned than the Irisli fleet. ^** But, Fiongall, a vaHant and an expert commander among the Irish, resolved to revenge the death of the admiral, whom he fol- lowed on board. Maint^iining his post, with incredible bravery, he slew the foremost of the Danes that opposed him, and the decks of the ship were covered with blood. The number of the enemy was much superior to that of the Irish, and so, they continued to fight, and supplied the place of the slain. Fiongall found himself unable to keep possession of the Danish ship. Ashamed to retire into his own, he recollected himself, and seizing upon Sitric by the collar, he grasped the Scandinavian king close, and holding him firmly within his own arms, Fiongall leaped into the sea, where, in the dis- order of the fight, both adversaries perished. ''9 Two undaunted captains among the Irish, Seagda and Conall, fired with the glory of this action, fell upontheDaneswithredoubledfury. Resolvingtoputanendtothisdesperate struggle, by one great effort of hardihood and courage, they made their way throughtheenemy,towardsTorandMagnus,thetwobrothersofSitric. Rush- ing violently upon them, the Irish captains caught them both in their arms, and
jumped with them overboard. Again, in the confusion of this fierce sea-fight, they were all Iost. '5° Astonished at these desperate exploits of the Irish, the Northmen's courage began to abate, and the Momonians perceiving them to give way, pursued their advantage with such success, that they boarded most oftheDanishfleet,killingandmaimingtheirfoeswithoutdistinction. Onboard
'the various ships, it is stated, that the combatants fought almost knee-deep in blood. '5' Victory finally declared for the Irish ; but, it was bought at the expense of many valuable lives, for several brave officers and soldiers perished inthatengagement. Noristhistobewonderedat,ifitbeconsidered,that the Danes were good seamen, that they were perfectly skilled in maritime affairs, and, likewise, that they were resolute and fierce, resolved to sell their lives at a dear rate ; for, on the success of this action depended, not only their present security, but, likewise, their future peace and establishment in the Island.
Historians, who have written an account of this action, relate, that this naval
fight, between the Irish and the Danes, was the most dreadful and terrible of
anythathappeneduponthosecoasts. formanyages. Theofficerseminentlydis-
tinguished themselves, on both sides, nor were the seamen vvanting in their duty;
so that the slaughter was surprisingly great, no less than complete dominion for
the Scandinavians, or liberty for Ireland, being the contested prize for complete
victory on either scale. The army of Munster stood upon the shore, in sight
of the engagement. The soldiers were almost beside themselves with ex-
citement, as mere spectators, while they ran up and down the shore, with fury
and distraction, because it was out of their power to assist their seafaring
countrymen. Theseengagedwithgreatdisadvantage,sothattheresultre- mained doubtful, for some time ; for, the Danes had all their land forces on
board, and yet these were not a match for the Irish seamen, who behaved with wonderful conduct and bravery. These would have entirely destroyed the Danish fleet, had not some of the enemy escaped in their light galleys,
»'' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, iii. , p. 221.
'^» See Antliony Marmion's " Ancient and
Modern History of the Maritime Ports of
Ireland,"Dundalk,pp. 276,277.
'*> See "The History of Dundalk and its
Environs," by John D'Alton, Esq. , and R.
J. O'Flanagan, Esq. , M. R. I. A. , chap, ii. , p. 16.
's' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Irelaml," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap,iii. ,p. 220. Thiswholeaccountisnot attested, in our Iiish Annals.
Vol. IV. —No. 6.
x
322 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
which were chased eagerly by the victorious Irish, but they could not overtake the fugitive cruisers. Having cleared the coast of those foreigners, the Irish vessels made to the shore, wliere they found their land army. These soldiers received them with open arms, and with joyful acclamations. 's^ Especially, they were transported with delight, at the sight of their king, who had obtained his liberty, owing to this victory. Nor was Ceallachan, kept under constant apprehension of death, so long as he was in the custody of the enemy, less pleased with his deliverance ; for, Sitric was a cruel tyrant, having a savage and unmercifuldisposition. HehadnoregardforthemajestyoftheMunsterking, nor did he respect the law of nations, by which his person was deemed sacred and inviolable; and, therefore, tliat potentate retained a grateful sense of theloyaltyshownbyhispeople. Heapplaudedthebraveryofhissea-forces,who had actually procured his freedom, and the fidelity of his land army, who had discovered so great an affection towards his person, and zeal for his safety, as to pursue the Danes. If these would have accepted of a battle, the subjects of King Cealleachan were ready to expose their lives in his service. He ordered provisions for his fleet, and when he had given instructions for the care of the wounded, he put himself at the head of his army, and by long marches, he arrived in Munster. There he resumed the management of affairs, and fixed himself in the government of that province. But, he met with opposition on his line of march, that was near being attended with fatal consequences; for, Mortough Mac Flann, King of Leinster, attempted to obstruct his passage, and to hinder him from conducting his troops through that province. ^53 That prince was of a mean and servile disposition ; he consulted more the interests of the Danes, tlian the prosi)erity of his native country ; upon their account, he determined to take revenge upon the army of Munster, and to vindicate the cause of those foreigners, against that of the brave Irish. He resolved on cutting off their retreat, by harassing them during their marches. To achieve this purpose, he summoned all the forces, under his command, he resolved to lay ambushes in the way of Ceallaclian, and to fall upon him, when most unprovided for defence. But, the King of Munster had timely intelhgence, regarding the treachery of this degenerate prince, whohadrenounced the love of his country, and who wanted to bring it under a foreign yoke. He prepared to receive the Leinster prince; and, he was greatly incensed, at the baseness of that attempt. Ceallachan commanded his men to give no quarter, but to make examples of those perfidious Irishmen, who had no title to mercy, and who were not to be treated as open and honourable enemies. To raise their indignation the more, he declared, that the Danes, being of another country, were to be used as the laws of nations direct ; but, the ene- mies they were to encounter had forfeited the common and established riglits of mankind, and, therefore, they were to be hunted down as robbers and beasts of prey, and not a man of them was to be spared. These severe in- junctions, and the resolution of Ceallachan, were carried by deserters, to the King of Leinster. Dreading the resentnient of the Momonians, now flushed with victory, he desisted from his enterprise, and withdrawing the forces of his province, Mortogh Mac Flann retired to a considerable distance. He left the army of Munster to prosecute the journey homewards, without hinderance or molestation. In the year 95 1 ,'54 Ceallachan and the men of Munster spoiled Sil-Anmchadha^=55 andCluainfearta-Brenainn,asalsotheterritoryofDeal- bhna-Beathra,°=* while the Daimhliag of Gailine was burned by them.
"5' See Ferd. Warner's " land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 391.
of Ire-
'^-i At A.
