Each man consulted for his own safety, as best he might, by seeking the most retired hiding-places and
retreats
that afforded the best chance of escape.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v9
" Yet the Abbot, who by virtue of his profession should have been a minister of peace, proved himself rather a violent incendiary, and an
36 See St. Matt, xviii. , 10.
xxvi. , 52,
and St.
John
'7 See Ferdinando Warner's " of History
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 369.
:
" Those
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
implacable zealot, in urging matters to a crisis. 28 With a countenance inflamed by anger, he forgot all respect for the position and character of the monarch to whom he owed allegiance. He absolutely refused to hear the least mention of pacific overtures. 29 Even he had the insolence, it is stated, toaccuseKingCormacofcowardiceandindecision. Tothislatteraccusation, the monarch was probably obnoxious, however indecorously his favourite acted, in preferring such charges. But, it is to be regretted, that he had not exercised a more sound discretion, both in rejecting such intemperate counsels and in administering a deserved reproof to the author of his misfortunes. On the contrary, acting upon those suggestions of the Abbot of Iniscathy, the ambassadors were dismissed without the object of their negotiations being favourably entertained; and feeling the reproaches of Flathbhertach, the king is said to have replied, that as he was determined to urge forward this expedition against Leinster, the monarch himself would not be found absent from the warlike abbot, nor the battle in which he might be engaged. Cormacadded,thathefeltcertain,atthesametime,hisownlife should pay the forfeit, while it might be possible the abbot himself should not escape the consequences of his rashness and precipitancy. 3°
After these remarks, and overwhelmed with sorrow, King Cormac sought
the society of some favourites, when a basket of apples having been presented to him as a gift, he distributed these among the persons who were present. Cormac remarked, at the same time, that he would never afterwards divide anything among them. 31 The company was surprised and dejected at this announcement of the King, and remarked that they felt sorrowful, because contrary to his usual custom, he predicted something ominous of evil. Cormac endeavoured to cheer them by dissembling, so far as he possibly could,hisrealmeaning. Hethensaid,hehadnothithertobeeninthehabit of making such distributions among his friends, and most probably he would never again recur to such an act of complaisance. This effort, however, scarcely disguised his internal sorrow ; all his friends were impressed with the belief, that Cormac was imbued with a prophetic spirit, especially in all matters pertaining to himself. It was remarked, also, that no unhappy accident ever befell him during the course of his life, but that he foretold its occurrence previously, although he had not power to prevent the result. 3* Cormac then ordered his servants to place a guard of soldiers around his tent. Having desired to be left alone, he resolved to spend any time he could spare from public affairs, in exercises of penitence and devotion. The better to prepare himself for his approaching end, which he knew to be near, he sent for Maenach or Minachus,33 to whom he gave certain directions.
28 See John O'Mahony's Keating's Dermod O'Connor's Keating's History of
" History of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 124.
Ireland," book ii. , p. 446.
33 The name of Comhgoll, as confessor,
29 See Ferdinando Warner's "
History
of
is found in the account, according to 30•' "
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 370.
See Dr. O'Donovan's Annals of the Dermod O'Connor's Keating's History of
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 566, and Ireland," book ii. , p. 446. But, in Dr.
Dermod O'Connor's " of Keating's History
Ireland," book ii. , pp. 445, 446.
31 See a full account of these incidents in
the " Three Fragments of Irish Annals," praesidio munire, et Minachum Mystam
copied from ancient sources by Dubhaltach
MacFirbisigh, and edited with an Introduc-
tion and Notes by Dr. John O'Donovan, pp. 200 to 221.
Religiosissimum accersere. Huic omnibus ante actae vitae criminibus patefactis, edi- scientiaj sordes per confessionem eluerat, et ab eodem continuo sacrosancto synaxeos
33 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the pabulo refectus est, exploratum habens Four Masters, vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 566. Also, tantum sibi duntaxat spatium ad vivendum
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
"
dedit in mandatis diversorium suum militum
we read :
nee plura affatus, cum famulis
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
He was a person of great prudence and sanctity, as also his Confessor, to whom he desired to make a confession of his sins,34 that thus he might receive the appropriate sacraments of the Church. Although conscious of his impending fate, he wished the matter to be concealed as much as possible from his soldiers, lest they should be discouraged ; for the king had resolved on selling his life. at a dear rate, and of making every sacrifice to procure a hopeless victory. He likewise made some alterations in his will, by adding a codicil, relating to his funeral and place of interment. If his body could be recovered from the enemy, he ordered it to be brought for interment to a place called Cluanuamia35 of Mac Lenin ; or otherwise, that it should be buried in the cemetery of Dermicius,36 son to Aidus Ron. This place is
now known as Castledermot, and formerly it was called Diseart Diarmuda.
For this locality, he had always entertained most grateful and pleasing reminiscences, as there he had received his early pious training and
instruction. Although Cormac preferred his sepulture to take place at Cluanuamia ; yet Minachus, a pious and learned man, desired his burial to be at Castledermot. Following the rule of St. Comgall, he had there a monastery of holy men, over whom he presided. This same Minachus had made great efforts to bring matters to a peaceful solution, between the Kings of Leinster and Munster. 37
The Munster army had not moved forward on the borders of Leinster, before word was brought, that Flann Sionna, monarch of Ireland, had joined the Leinster forces, with a great number of horse and foot soldiers. This report spread such consternation among the Munster men, that without knowledge of the leaders, many deserted their standards. 38 On hearing this, and supposing that the rest might be the more easily induced to declare for peace, Minachus undertook to harangue them in the following manner: " Most brave soldiers, there is no reason why you should expose yourselves and your country to almost certain destruction. For do you not perceive, that those men, who have deserted you, are as so many arms, lopped away from the body of your forces ? Wherefore, I do not consider you so void of reason, as that when weakened and maimed, you would endeavour to contend with forces so entirely superior to yours, even when your army was entire and united. Why should you not rather accept as hostages those noble youths, long since proposed to be surrendered to you, namely, the sons of Kearball, King of Leinster, and of the Ossorian prince? Or, why should you not retire from these warlike labours and perils, securely reserving yourselves for better opportunities, by entering into a truce, at least until the ensuing month of May? " These remarks were favourably received by Cormac and the great majority of his soldiers, who expressed their discontent in a mutinous manner against the Abbot of Iniscathy. They accused him with being the
cause of those differences, between the people of both provinces, and chief author of all calamities, likely to ensue, in the prosecution of this war. 39 But
superesse, quanta foret a pugnando mora cujus tamen rei suos conscios esse noluit. "
Vol. ii. , n. (b), pp. 566, 567. The substi-
tution of the name Comhgoll, for that of
Minachus, is evidently a blunder on the
part of Dermod O'Connor, the English translator.
" His-
36 His festival is observed on the 2ist of
At this see an account of him June. date,
34 See
in the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. ii.
3? See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's " History of Ireland," book ii. , pp. 446, 447. Also Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), pp. 566, 567. 38 See Ferdinando Warner's " of
John O'Mahony's Keating's tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 525.
History Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. . p. 371.
35 This place seems intended for Cluain- uamha, the former name for Cloyne, in Munster, and of which St. Colman Mac Lenin was patron.
39 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
; —
"
Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 567,
History of Ireland," book
ii. , p. 447, and
360 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
the Abbot of Iniscathy possessed such influence that he would not allow King Cormac to waver in his purpose. The army was ordered at length to advance/ Their course was directed towards Slieve marigue, which moun-
tainous tract of country they passed. They advanced towards Leighlin 1
bridge/ on the river Barrow.
In the meantime, Tibrud, Ailbe's religious successor, accompanied by a greatnumberofecclesiastics,enteredLeighlin,wheretheyhalted; andhere, also, the camp followers, beasts of burthen, and the baggage, were collected. But the greater part of the army was encamped near the wood of Magh Ailbe. *2 Here under shelter of night, and secured by entrenchments, this force prepared for the arrival of their enemies. *3 Some writers place the scene of this battle, at a place called Moyalbe, or the White Plain 4 *
Dr. Lanigan adds, that this does not imply any difference of situation, for Moyalbe was near Beallach-Mugna, being in the vicinity of Old Leighlin. He makes
Beallach-Mughna, also, the same as Ballymoon, in Idrone, and situated within the County of Carlow. «5 However, this statement is incorrect ; as
6
the true site for Beallach-Mughna* battlefield lies nearly half-way between
the towns of Carlow and Castledermot, in the southern part of Kildare
County. The site was shown by the old local inhabitants, who had vivid
traditions in reference to it. The scene of the battle of Ballaghmoon*? may
8
bevisited* abouttwo-and-a-halfmilesnorthfromthetownofCarlow,ona
stream called the Lear, that continues its course from Castledermot, until it there joins the River Barrow. The borders on either side slope upwards rather steeply, and from a tolerably wide glen beneath. With the Barrow on their left marching flank, the forces of Cormac seem to have been there arrested on their northern line of movement, by the army of Flann Sinna and of the King of Leinster, who had there formed a junction. So far as we can judge from the accounts coming to us, the Irish Monarch's army either had their right flank on the Barrow ; or possibly, its front formed more inland, and facing the west, so as to bear down on Cormac's forces, and cause them to fight at a disadvantage with the Barrow on their rear/ The battle
40 Their route was possibly on the Bal-
laghmore-road, the chief travelled way between Leinster and Munster.
41 Called Droiched Leithglinn in John
Baronies of Kilkea and Moone in Kildare
"
County. See Letters containing Infor-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the County of Kildare collected during the
Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837,"
vol. ii. Letter of John O'Donovan, dated
Athy, November 26th, 1837, p. 10. "
O'Mahony's Keating's chap, vii. , p. 526.
"
History of Ireland,"
43 This great plain extended from the RiverBarrowandSlieveMairgetothefoot of the Wicklow Mountains, embracing the northern part of Idrone Barony in Carlow County, as also the Baronies of Kilkea and Moone, in the County of Kildare. See John O'Donovan's leAbViAr* na 5-Ceapc, or the Book of Rights, n. (u) pp. 16, 17.
« Warner says : "When they came to
the plains of Magh Albhe, which the King intended for the field of battle, a camp was marked out and fortified by the side of a
wood, in—which he staid to receive the "
enemy. " History of Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 372.
44 The plain of Magh Ailbhe or Campus Albus extends between Sliabh Mairgeach in the Queen's County, and the Wicklow Mountains, comprising the northern part of Idrone Barony in Carlow County, and the
45See EcclesiasticalHistoryofIreland,'' vol. iii. , chap, xxii. , sect, v. , pp. 351, 352.
"
46RenderedMughain'sRoadorPass. See Circuit of Muircheartach McNeill," p. 38. 4? This is the name still given to a small
parish, in the barony of Kilkea and Moone.
It was a rectory, and a component part of the benefice of Castledermot, in the diocese
"
of Dublin. See the Parliamentary
Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i. , p. 122.
48 The high-road from Athy to Carlow passes right through the townland, and over
a bridge on the Lear rivulet,
*9 The small parish of Ballaghmoon, in the barony of Kilkea and Moone, is shown on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kildare," Sheets 39, 40.
The townland, so called, is marked on Sheet 39, not far removed from the east
; but,
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 361
of Bealach Mughnas° was fought, as generally admitted, on the 16th of August. However, the Irish histories differ as to the year : while the Annals
of ClonmacnoiseS1 have it at the those of the Four Masters year 900,
place it atA. D. 903, but according to the best accounts, the year 907 or 908 is the
one usually recorded by our ancient and modern writers. sa
The Munster army was formed into three distinct bodies. 53 Flathbertach
Mac Jonmuinein, Abbot of Inniscathy, and Keallach, son to Karbull, King of Ossory, commanded the first battalion j Cormac Mac Cuillinan, King of Munster, assumed command over the second ; and Cormac, son to Mothlai, and chief of the Decies, was placed over the third division. s« According to a calculation of some authors, the forces of Munster were opposed to an army, more than fourfold their number ; and, a knowledge of this circum- stance alone, greatly tended to dispirit the southern provincials. Notwith- standing this fearful odds against them, under their respective leaders, when the trumpets began to sound, the Momonians advanced boldly to the charge. The forces of Leinster, confiding in their irresistible number and bravery, bore down on their opponents, and with a shock of battle it was impossible to repel.
Two untoward circumstances, also, had concurred in the very first onset, which threw the affairs of the Munster army into irretrievable confusion. The first of these was the cowardly or treacherous action of Kelliochar, a relative of Kinchengan, formerly a Munster King. Mounted on horseback, Kelliochar called out with a loud voice to a band of soldiers collected around him, to fly immediately from the battle field. He charged the clergy, and especially the Abbot of Inniscathy, with being chief promoters of the war. Hence, he advised the soldiers to secure their own safety by flight, leaving the authors of those dissensions to fight the battle, on their own account. After this harangue, putting spurs to his horse, he galloped out of the field. Urged by his invectives and action, numbers of the soldiers imitated his example. Another cause of misfortune arose from the circumstance of Keallach,55 son to Karbull, having given orders, which were misconceived. Witnessing a great slaughter of his forces on the side where his cavalry was posted, this chief ordered his men to mount their horses. His object appears to have been, that some effort should be made to stem the hostile attack ; but his soldiers, conceiving that he had ordered them to fly, at once gave way. The issue was no longer doubtful. This was the beginning of a general rout. The soldiers of Munster, utterly discouraged, began to fly in all directions.
Each man consulted for his own safety, as best he might, by seeking the most retired hiding-places and retreats that afforded the best chance of escape. No fewer than six thousand of the Munstermen are said to have fallen in this battle. *6 A
bank of the River Barrow, and on it was the battle fought.
Edited by the Rev. Denis Murphy, S. J. ,
LL. D. , M. R. I. A. , p. 144.
s* See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti
great
number most retreated probably
50 The parish of Ballaghmoon is de-
scribed by John O'Donovan in "Letters Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i. , Province of
containing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Kildare, col- lected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. ii. Letter dated Athy, November 26th, 1837, pp. 9 to II.
Munster, p. 4.
S3 See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His-
tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 526.
"
51 See "The Annals of
being Annals of Ireland from the Earliest
Period to A. D. 1208," translated into Eng-
lish a. d. 1627 by Conell Mageoghegan. Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 129.
Clonmacnoise,
of
Ireland," chap, vii. ,
5*See Dr. O'Donovan's
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 567.
Annals of the ss Called Kellichar in John O'Mahony's
"
History
s6See Martin Haverty's "History of
Keating's p. 526.
362 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September14.
across the Barrow ; for, we are told, that they used sails and oars in the course of their flight. Many laics and ecclesiastics fell in this conflict. No respect was paid to the rank or station of the vanquished, who were borne down in one promiscuous slaughter. If any of the Munster chiefs and ecclesiastics were spared by their enemies, it arose not from a principle of humanity or respect, but for sake of a large sum of money, which was expected, as the price of their ransom.
Meantime,KingCormachadboldlyadvancedinfrontofhisforces. Inthe disorder of the flight, however, his horse fell into a trench and threw his rider. In this condition, the monarch was seen by some of his flying troops. Thesereturned,andplacedtheirkingoncemoreonhorsebacks Advancing to a distance from that place, Cormac saw one of his favourite companions, named Aidus. 58 Wishing to attach himself to the monarch's person, he thus resolved to share all his dangers now, as he had done so on former occasions. On beholding him, the monarch warned him most earnestly to depart as speedily as possible, and not become the companion of his misfortunes. AlreadyCormacfeltassured,hewouldnotlongsurvivethisbattle. Speeding on over the plain, which was covered with the blood of slain men and horses, the monarch was frequently thrown by the restiveness of his horse. At length, while climbing a steep ascent, the animal's hind feet slipped in the blood of the slain,w and his war-steed tumbled over the king ; owfng to this accident, the neck and backbone of the unfortunate Cormac Mac
60
Cullinan were broken.
Before his death Cormac exclaimed, "Into thy hands, O Lord, I com-
mend afterwards he on the fatal field. 61 The my spirit. " Shortly expired
King's body was found among the slain, by some of the enemy. 62 Not respecting the person and character of this amiable monarch, these men thrust the lifeless corpse through, with their lances. The Annals of the Four Masters also relate, that Cormac Mac Cullinan's head was afterwards cut 63 a wretch
57 See Ferdinando Warner's "
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 373.
s* We are iniormed, that this Aidus was a
man profoundly versed in Law, History and the Latin language.
59 This is stated in Harris' Ware, vol. i. ,
11
Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467. The rough and irregular conformation of ground, on which the battle was fought, coincides with this account, as noticed by the writer
on the spot.
60 "
See John O'Mahony's Keating's His- tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp. 527, 528.
in the R. I. A. includes an anonymous poem on the death of Cormac Mac Cullinan,
King and Archbishop of Cashel, who died a. d. 906. It would appear from the fifth
quatrain of this very scarce poem, that Sealbhach, Cormac's secretary, was the author of it. See p. 235.
County of Antrim, is called Dun-lis, in the Annals of the Four Masters, vol. ii. , at the
year 1584. See note (i), p. 570.
65 This Sir James Ware remembers to
have read in a Cottonian manuscript.
66
"Bean-Ree, mentioned in the Cotton manuscript, seems to have taken its name from the event of the day ; for Bean signifies a Rock ; and Ri or Righ, a King ; that is
the Rock of the King. " Harris' Ware,
vol. i. ,
62
The "Annals of Clonmacnoise," '
translated by Conell Mageoghegan, and edited by Rev. Denis Murphy, S. J. ,
"
state
:
Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467.
named,
Fiach Ua of Denlis. 64 Another Ugfadan,
off, by
account has it, that Cormac was slain by a herdsman,6* at Beanree,66 near
" There was a overthrow to great given
the Munstermen at Bellaghmowna by those of Leih Conn and Leinstermen, Anno 900, where Cormack mc Cuilleanann, King of Munster, and arch-bishop of Cashel 1, was pittifully slaine by the hands of a cowherd," p. 144.
63 The people of Ballaghmoon point out a stone on which they say King Cormac's head was cut off by a common soldier.
"
See Dr. O'Donovan's Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 564.
64 Mr. O'Donovan remarks, that Denlis is
61 The liv. vol. of O'Longan MSS. not identified, but that Dunluce, in the
History
of
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 363
Leighlin, while he was upon his knees, and devoutly praying for the success
6 of his army, then engaged in battle. ?
Besides King Cormac Mac Cullinan, the following Princes, nobles and ecclesiastics, fell in this battle. 68 At the very first onset, Morchertach, Prince ofOssory, and his son, were slain. 69 With the progress of this engagement, Fogertach, son to Suibhne, the Ruler of Ciarraighe-Chuirche, now Kerry- currihy barony, in the County of Cork ; Ohill,7° son to Eogan, in the flower of his age, and being also a man of great learning; Colman, Abbot of Kinnety, who was the most renowned jurist in Ireland ; Ceallach, son to Cearbhall, lord of Ossory ; Maelgorm, lord of Ciarraighe-Luachra, a territory comprised
1
the lord of Corca-Duibhne, now Corcaguiny barony, in the County of Kerry, anciently the O'Falvy's country j Cormac, chief of the Decies ; Dubhagan, chief of Feramuigh ; Cenfoelad, chief of Ui-Gonill ; Eiden, chief of Aidnia
within the present County of Kerry ; Maelmorda, lord of Raithlinn j?
Milemuadum, Madagon, Dubdabhurin, Conall and Feradach ; Aidus, ruler 2
of Valiehania, and Domhnall, ruler of Duncarmnia,? with many other nobles ; while 6,000 of the common soldiers, fell in this engagement. 73 The
most distinguished chiefs, that fought in the victorious army, were Flann, son to Malachy, Monarch of Ireland ; Kearball, son to Murigen, King of Leinster ; Tegus, son to Foilar, of Hy-Kinsellagh ; Teminean, of Ua- Deaglioida, or eastern Ida, now the Gorey barony, in the County of Wexford ; Keallach and Lorcan, two chiefs of Cinel ; Inergus, son to Duibhghill, of Ui-Drona, or Idrone ; Follamun, son to Oilill, of Fothartaf ; Tuahall, son
comprised the parishes of " Kilmoe," "Scool," " Kilcrobane," "Durris," " Kil- maconage,"and"Caheragh,"inthes—outh-
67 The author of his misfortune, Flabher-
tach, was taken prisoner, and after the
battlebroughttoKildare,wherehewas
reproved greatly, by the Leinster clergy. west of the county of Cork. " Dr.
See O'Mahony's "
John Keating's History
of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 531.
O'Donovan's " or Leabhar-na-g-Ceart,
Book of Rights," note (k), p. 59.
72 See John O'Mahony's Keating's
"History of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp. 528, 529.
73 "It was in commemoration of this the
following lines were composed by Dalian, the son of Mor :
Cormac of Feimhin ; Fogartach,
Colman, Ceallach of the hard conflicts, They perished with many thousands in the
great battle of Bealach-Mughna.
Flann of Teamhair, of the plain, of Tailltin,
Cearball of Carman, without fail,
On the seventh of [the calends of] Septem- ber, gained the battle of which hundreds
68
Dalian, the Ollamh of Kerball, King of
Leinster, has given an abridged summary of the battle itself of Ballagh Mughna, and he has stated, in a historic lay, the number of warriors that fell in it. See John O'Mahony's Keating's " History of Ireland," chap, vii. , P- 536.
*9The 4to paper MSS. in the R. I. A. , No. 33-4, contains fragments of O'Dugan's and O'Huidhreen's topograpical poems; besides a poem of 208 verses enumerating the principal persons of the other provinces, who met with death in the province of Leinster, special reference being made to the grave of Cormac Mac Cuillanan.
70 The Four Masters call him the Abbot
of Trian-Corcaighe, which is interpreted the third part of Cork.
71 " This was the name of the seat of
O'Maghthamhna (O'Mahony), who, accord-
ing to O'h-TJidhrin, was chief of the Cineal
m-Bece, whose territory extended on both
sides of the river Bandain (Bandon). This Since Jesus was born of heaven, three and
territory was erected into the barony of
"
Kinelmeaky. " In latter ages a sept of the
same tribe settled in Corca Luighe,
O'Driscoll's country, where they became
masters of the district called Fonn- —
Iartharach, or the western land, which Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 569 to 571.
were
The bishop, the soul's director, the re-
nowned illustrious doctor,
joyful.
King of Caiseal, King of Iarmumha ; O God ! alas for Cormac !
It was of the year of Cormac's death was also said
nine hundred years,
Till the death of Cormac, were clearly
fulfilled ; sorrowful the death of the
King of Minister. "
Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
364
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[September 14.
to Uger of Ua-Mureadach ; Odron, son to Kenedy, ofLeix; Muilchallon, son to Feargall, of Fortuaha j and Clerken, the chief of Ui-Bairche. ? *
It has been falsely asserted, that in the year 905, Carmot or Cormac, son of Cokeman, a godly and religious man, the Monarch of Ireland, with Kyrvalt, son of Morgan, King of Leinster, were vanquished by the Danes, and that they fell in battle. " But, this account is quite at variance with Ireland's political condition, at that period, and contrary to the statement of
6
Notwithstanding his injunctions, said to have been expressed in Cormac Mac Cullinan's last testament 77 regarding the place of his interment, Sir James Ware tells us, that his body was conveyed to Cashel and there buried. But, an account given by Keating is quite different. He informs us, that Flann Sionna, having refreshed his troops after the battle of Bealach Mughna, marched into Ossory, attended by a numerous and princely retinue. Ceallach Mac Carrol, prince of Ossory, being a tributary chief to Cormac Mac Cullinan, as King over Munster and Leath Modha, had been slain in the battle already mentioned; and Flann Sionna had resolved on placing Diarmuid Mac Carrol, brother to the first-mentioned prince, on the throne of Ossory. We are told, that while here, the soldiers of the Irish Monarch, expecting a great reward, brought him Cormac Mac Cullinan's head, which was laid at his feet. Yet, to the honour of this victorious monarch, be it said, that instead of applauding and rewarding them for this action, like a generous enemy, he ordered those executioners away from his presence, as barbarous ruffians, who had no more respect for fallen majesty thanforacommonenemy. Atthesametime,heupbraidedthemfortheir barbarous cruelty and inhumanity, in thus disfiguring the remains of the
venerabledead. Cormac'sheadwasthentakenupbytheKing,whowith
8
difficulty restrained his tears. ?
fate of so just a prince, and of a prelate, so religious and venerable. He then gave strict orders, that King Cormac's body should be searched after, and buried according to the provisions of his will. 79 The royal relics were committed to the care of Maenach, who heard his last confession, and who administered holy Communion to Cormac. 80 With great solemnity, Maenach removedhisbodytoDisartDiarmuda,orCastledermot. Theretheremains were interred, with great honour. 8 ' Near the church of Castledermot and to the left, as one enters, lies a stone, rudely formed into a coffin-shape, with a cross indented on it. The lines cut to represent the cross are not sunk deep, and
74 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the "History of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp.
all respectable authorities. ?
Four Masters," vol. ii. , notes (b, d, e, f, g, h, i), pp. 568 to 571.
75 See Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," pp. 176, 177.
"
529, 530.
7? See an article, "Ancient Irish
Biography," No. xxiv. , on Cormac Mac-
Lhancarvan, who calls Cormac " Carmot, the son o—f Cukeman, King and Bishop of
Translation and Notes by John O'Donovan, LL. D. , pp. 202 to 205.
Ireland. "
Harris' Cashel," p. 466.
vol.
" Arch-
8t See Dermot O'Connor's
Ware,
i. ,
" of History
Keating's
of
77 The vi. vol. of O'Longan MSS.
36 See St. Matt, xviii. , 10.
xxvi. , 52,
and St.
John
'7 See Ferdinando Warner's " of History
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 369.
:
" Those
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
implacable zealot, in urging matters to a crisis. 28 With a countenance inflamed by anger, he forgot all respect for the position and character of the monarch to whom he owed allegiance. He absolutely refused to hear the least mention of pacific overtures. 29 Even he had the insolence, it is stated, toaccuseKingCormacofcowardiceandindecision. Tothislatteraccusation, the monarch was probably obnoxious, however indecorously his favourite acted, in preferring such charges. But, it is to be regretted, that he had not exercised a more sound discretion, both in rejecting such intemperate counsels and in administering a deserved reproof to the author of his misfortunes. On the contrary, acting upon those suggestions of the Abbot of Iniscathy, the ambassadors were dismissed without the object of their negotiations being favourably entertained; and feeling the reproaches of Flathbhertach, the king is said to have replied, that as he was determined to urge forward this expedition against Leinster, the monarch himself would not be found absent from the warlike abbot, nor the battle in which he might be engaged. Cormacadded,thathefeltcertain,atthesametime,hisownlife should pay the forfeit, while it might be possible the abbot himself should not escape the consequences of his rashness and precipitancy. 3°
After these remarks, and overwhelmed with sorrow, King Cormac sought
the society of some favourites, when a basket of apples having been presented to him as a gift, he distributed these among the persons who were present. Cormac remarked, at the same time, that he would never afterwards divide anything among them. 31 The company was surprised and dejected at this announcement of the King, and remarked that they felt sorrowful, because contrary to his usual custom, he predicted something ominous of evil. Cormac endeavoured to cheer them by dissembling, so far as he possibly could,hisrealmeaning. Hethensaid,hehadnothithertobeeninthehabit of making such distributions among his friends, and most probably he would never again recur to such an act of complaisance. This effort, however, scarcely disguised his internal sorrow ; all his friends were impressed with the belief, that Cormac was imbued with a prophetic spirit, especially in all matters pertaining to himself. It was remarked, also, that no unhappy accident ever befell him during the course of his life, but that he foretold its occurrence previously, although he had not power to prevent the result. 3* Cormac then ordered his servants to place a guard of soldiers around his tent. Having desired to be left alone, he resolved to spend any time he could spare from public affairs, in exercises of penitence and devotion. The better to prepare himself for his approaching end, which he knew to be near, he sent for Maenach or Minachus,33 to whom he gave certain directions.
28 See John O'Mahony's Keating's Dermod O'Connor's Keating's History of
" History of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 124.
Ireland," book ii. , p. 446.
33 The name of Comhgoll, as confessor,
29 See Ferdinando Warner's "
History
of
is found in the account, according to 30•' "
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 370.
See Dr. O'Donovan's Annals of the Dermod O'Connor's Keating's History of
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 566, and Ireland," book ii. , p. 446. But, in Dr.
Dermod O'Connor's " of Keating's History
Ireland," book ii. , pp. 445, 446.
31 See a full account of these incidents in
the " Three Fragments of Irish Annals," praesidio munire, et Minachum Mystam
copied from ancient sources by Dubhaltach
MacFirbisigh, and edited with an Introduc-
tion and Notes by Dr. John O'Donovan, pp. 200 to 221.
Religiosissimum accersere. Huic omnibus ante actae vitae criminibus patefactis, edi- scientiaj sordes per confessionem eluerat, et ab eodem continuo sacrosancto synaxeos
33 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the pabulo refectus est, exploratum habens Four Masters, vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 566. Also, tantum sibi duntaxat spatium ad vivendum
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
"
dedit in mandatis diversorium suum militum
we read :
nee plura affatus, cum famulis
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
He was a person of great prudence and sanctity, as also his Confessor, to whom he desired to make a confession of his sins,34 that thus he might receive the appropriate sacraments of the Church. Although conscious of his impending fate, he wished the matter to be concealed as much as possible from his soldiers, lest they should be discouraged ; for the king had resolved on selling his life. at a dear rate, and of making every sacrifice to procure a hopeless victory. He likewise made some alterations in his will, by adding a codicil, relating to his funeral and place of interment. If his body could be recovered from the enemy, he ordered it to be brought for interment to a place called Cluanuamia35 of Mac Lenin ; or otherwise, that it should be buried in the cemetery of Dermicius,36 son to Aidus Ron. This place is
now known as Castledermot, and formerly it was called Diseart Diarmuda.
For this locality, he had always entertained most grateful and pleasing reminiscences, as there he had received his early pious training and
instruction. Although Cormac preferred his sepulture to take place at Cluanuamia ; yet Minachus, a pious and learned man, desired his burial to be at Castledermot. Following the rule of St. Comgall, he had there a monastery of holy men, over whom he presided. This same Minachus had made great efforts to bring matters to a peaceful solution, between the Kings of Leinster and Munster. 37
The Munster army had not moved forward on the borders of Leinster, before word was brought, that Flann Sionna, monarch of Ireland, had joined the Leinster forces, with a great number of horse and foot soldiers. This report spread such consternation among the Munster men, that without knowledge of the leaders, many deserted their standards. 38 On hearing this, and supposing that the rest might be the more easily induced to declare for peace, Minachus undertook to harangue them in the following manner: " Most brave soldiers, there is no reason why you should expose yourselves and your country to almost certain destruction. For do you not perceive, that those men, who have deserted you, are as so many arms, lopped away from the body of your forces ? Wherefore, I do not consider you so void of reason, as that when weakened and maimed, you would endeavour to contend with forces so entirely superior to yours, even when your army was entire and united. Why should you not rather accept as hostages those noble youths, long since proposed to be surrendered to you, namely, the sons of Kearball, King of Leinster, and of the Ossorian prince? Or, why should you not retire from these warlike labours and perils, securely reserving yourselves for better opportunities, by entering into a truce, at least until the ensuing month of May? " These remarks were favourably received by Cormac and the great majority of his soldiers, who expressed their discontent in a mutinous manner against the Abbot of Iniscathy. They accused him with being the
cause of those differences, between the people of both provinces, and chief author of all calamities, likely to ensue, in the prosecution of this war. 39 But
superesse, quanta foret a pugnando mora cujus tamen rei suos conscios esse noluit. "
Vol. ii. , n. (b), pp. 566, 567. The substi-
tution of the name Comhgoll, for that of
Minachus, is evidently a blunder on the
part of Dermod O'Connor, the English translator.
" His-
36 His festival is observed on the 2ist of
At this see an account of him June. date,
34 See
in the Sixth Volume of this work, Art. ii.
3? See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's " History of Ireland," book ii. , pp. 446, 447. Also Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), pp. 566, 567. 38 See Ferdinando Warner's " of
John O'Mahony's Keating's tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 525.
History Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. . p. 371.
35 This place seems intended for Cluain- uamha, the former name for Cloyne, in Munster, and of which St. Colman Mac Lenin was patron.
39 See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's
; —
"
Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 567,
History of Ireland," book
ii. , p. 447, and
360 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [September 14.
the Abbot of Iniscathy possessed such influence that he would not allow King Cormac to waver in his purpose. The army was ordered at length to advance/ Their course was directed towards Slieve marigue, which moun-
tainous tract of country they passed. They advanced towards Leighlin 1
bridge/ on the river Barrow.
In the meantime, Tibrud, Ailbe's religious successor, accompanied by a greatnumberofecclesiastics,enteredLeighlin,wheretheyhalted; andhere, also, the camp followers, beasts of burthen, and the baggage, were collected. But the greater part of the army was encamped near the wood of Magh Ailbe. *2 Here under shelter of night, and secured by entrenchments, this force prepared for the arrival of their enemies. *3 Some writers place the scene of this battle, at a place called Moyalbe, or the White Plain 4 *
Dr. Lanigan adds, that this does not imply any difference of situation, for Moyalbe was near Beallach-Mugna, being in the vicinity of Old Leighlin. He makes
Beallach-Mughna, also, the same as Ballymoon, in Idrone, and situated within the County of Carlow. «5 However, this statement is incorrect ; as
6
the true site for Beallach-Mughna* battlefield lies nearly half-way between
the towns of Carlow and Castledermot, in the southern part of Kildare
County. The site was shown by the old local inhabitants, who had vivid
traditions in reference to it. The scene of the battle of Ballaghmoon*? may
8
bevisited* abouttwo-and-a-halfmilesnorthfromthetownofCarlow,ona
stream called the Lear, that continues its course from Castledermot, until it there joins the River Barrow. The borders on either side slope upwards rather steeply, and from a tolerably wide glen beneath. With the Barrow on their left marching flank, the forces of Cormac seem to have been there arrested on their northern line of movement, by the army of Flann Sinna and of the King of Leinster, who had there formed a junction. So far as we can judge from the accounts coming to us, the Irish Monarch's army either had their right flank on the Barrow ; or possibly, its front formed more inland, and facing the west, so as to bear down on Cormac's forces, and cause them to fight at a disadvantage with the Barrow on their rear/ The battle
40 Their route was possibly on the Bal-
laghmore-road, the chief travelled way between Leinster and Munster.
41 Called Droiched Leithglinn in John
Baronies of Kilkea and Moone in Kildare
"
County. See Letters containing Infor-
mation relative to the Antiquities of the County of Kildare collected during the
Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837,"
vol. ii. Letter of John O'Donovan, dated
Athy, November 26th, 1837, p. 10. "
O'Mahony's Keating's chap, vii. , p. 526.
"
History of Ireland,"
43 This great plain extended from the RiverBarrowandSlieveMairgetothefoot of the Wicklow Mountains, embracing the northern part of Idrone Barony in Carlow County, as also the Baronies of Kilkea and Moone, in the County of Kildare. See John O'Donovan's leAbViAr* na 5-Ceapc, or the Book of Rights, n. (u) pp. 16, 17.
« Warner says : "When they came to
the plains of Magh Albhe, which the King intended for the field of battle, a camp was marked out and fortified by the side of a
wood, in—which he staid to receive the "
enemy. " History of Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 372.
44 The plain of Magh Ailbhe or Campus Albus extends between Sliabh Mairgeach in the Queen's County, and the Wicklow Mountains, comprising the northern part of Idrone Barony in Carlow County, and the
45See EcclesiasticalHistoryofIreland,'' vol. iii. , chap, xxii. , sect, v. , pp. 351, 352.
"
46RenderedMughain'sRoadorPass. See Circuit of Muircheartach McNeill," p. 38. 4? This is the name still given to a small
parish, in the barony of Kilkea and Moone.
It was a rectory, and a component part of the benefice of Castledermot, in the diocese
"
of Dublin. See the Parliamentary
Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. i. , p. 122.
48 The high-road from Athy to Carlow passes right through the townland, and over
a bridge on the Lear rivulet,
*9 The small parish of Ballaghmoon, in the barony of Kilkea and Moone, is shown on the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kildare," Sheets 39, 40.
The townland, so called, is marked on Sheet 39, not far removed from the east
; but,
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 361
of Bealach Mughnas° was fought, as generally admitted, on the 16th of August. However, the Irish histories differ as to the year : while the Annals
of ClonmacnoiseS1 have it at the those of the Four Masters year 900,
place it atA. D. 903, but according to the best accounts, the year 907 or 908 is the
one usually recorded by our ancient and modern writers. sa
The Munster army was formed into three distinct bodies. 53 Flathbertach
Mac Jonmuinein, Abbot of Inniscathy, and Keallach, son to Karbull, King of Ossory, commanded the first battalion j Cormac Mac Cuillinan, King of Munster, assumed command over the second ; and Cormac, son to Mothlai, and chief of the Decies, was placed over the third division. s« According to a calculation of some authors, the forces of Munster were opposed to an army, more than fourfold their number ; and, a knowledge of this circum- stance alone, greatly tended to dispirit the southern provincials. Notwith- standing this fearful odds against them, under their respective leaders, when the trumpets began to sound, the Momonians advanced boldly to the charge. The forces of Leinster, confiding in their irresistible number and bravery, bore down on their opponents, and with a shock of battle it was impossible to repel.
Two untoward circumstances, also, had concurred in the very first onset, which threw the affairs of the Munster army into irretrievable confusion. The first of these was the cowardly or treacherous action of Kelliochar, a relative of Kinchengan, formerly a Munster King. Mounted on horseback, Kelliochar called out with a loud voice to a band of soldiers collected around him, to fly immediately from the battle field. He charged the clergy, and especially the Abbot of Inniscathy, with being chief promoters of the war. Hence, he advised the soldiers to secure their own safety by flight, leaving the authors of those dissensions to fight the battle, on their own account. After this harangue, putting spurs to his horse, he galloped out of the field. Urged by his invectives and action, numbers of the soldiers imitated his example. Another cause of misfortune arose from the circumstance of Keallach,55 son to Karbull, having given orders, which were misconceived. Witnessing a great slaughter of his forces on the side where his cavalry was posted, this chief ordered his men to mount their horses. His object appears to have been, that some effort should be made to stem the hostile attack ; but his soldiers, conceiving that he had ordered them to fly, at once gave way. The issue was no longer doubtful. This was the beginning of a general rout. The soldiers of Munster, utterly discouraged, began to fly in all directions.
Each man consulted for his own safety, as best he might, by seeking the most retired hiding-places and retreats that afforded the best chance of escape. No fewer than six thousand of the Munstermen are said to have fallen in this battle. *6 A
bank of the River Barrow, and on it was the battle fought.
Edited by the Rev. Denis Murphy, S. J. ,
LL. D. , M. R. I. A. , p. 144.
s* See Archdeacon Henry Cotton's " Fasti
great
number most retreated probably
50 The parish of Ballaghmoon is de-
scribed by John O'Donovan in "Letters Ecclesiae Hibernicse," vol. i. , Province of
containing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Kildare, col- lected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1837," vol. ii. Letter dated Athy, November 26th, 1837, pp. 9 to II.
Munster, p. 4.
S3 See John O'Mahony's Keating's " His-
tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 526.
"
51 See "The Annals of
being Annals of Ireland from the Earliest
Period to A. D. 1208," translated into Eng-
lish a. d. 1627 by Conell Mageoghegan. Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 129.
Clonmacnoise,
of
Ireland," chap, vii. ,
5*See Dr. O'Donovan's
Four Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 567.
Annals of the ss Called Kellichar in John O'Mahony's
"
History
s6See Martin Haverty's "History of
Keating's p. 526.
362 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [September14.
across the Barrow ; for, we are told, that they used sails and oars in the course of their flight. Many laics and ecclesiastics fell in this conflict. No respect was paid to the rank or station of the vanquished, who were borne down in one promiscuous slaughter. If any of the Munster chiefs and ecclesiastics were spared by their enemies, it arose not from a principle of humanity or respect, but for sake of a large sum of money, which was expected, as the price of their ransom.
Meantime,KingCormachadboldlyadvancedinfrontofhisforces. Inthe disorder of the flight, however, his horse fell into a trench and threw his rider. In this condition, the monarch was seen by some of his flying troops. Thesereturned,andplacedtheirkingoncemoreonhorsebacks Advancing to a distance from that place, Cormac saw one of his favourite companions, named Aidus. 58 Wishing to attach himself to the monarch's person, he thus resolved to share all his dangers now, as he had done so on former occasions. On beholding him, the monarch warned him most earnestly to depart as speedily as possible, and not become the companion of his misfortunes. AlreadyCormacfeltassured,hewouldnotlongsurvivethisbattle. Speeding on over the plain, which was covered with the blood of slain men and horses, the monarch was frequently thrown by the restiveness of his horse. At length, while climbing a steep ascent, the animal's hind feet slipped in the blood of the slain,w and his war-steed tumbled over the king ; owfng to this accident, the neck and backbone of the unfortunate Cormac Mac
60
Cullinan were broken.
Before his death Cormac exclaimed, "Into thy hands, O Lord, I com-
mend afterwards he on the fatal field. 61 The my spirit. " Shortly expired
King's body was found among the slain, by some of the enemy. 62 Not respecting the person and character of this amiable monarch, these men thrust the lifeless corpse through, with their lances. The Annals of the Four Masters also relate, that Cormac Mac Cullinan's head was afterwards cut 63 a wretch
57 See Ferdinando Warner's "
Ireland," vol. i. , book ix. , p. 373.
s* We are iniormed, that this Aidus was a
man profoundly versed in Law, History and the Latin language.
59 This is stated in Harris' Ware, vol. i. ,
11
Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467. The rough and irregular conformation of ground, on which the battle was fought, coincides with this account, as noticed by the writer
on the spot.
60 "
See John O'Mahony's Keating's His- tory of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp. 527, 528.
in the R. I. A. includes an anonymous poem on the death of Cormac Mac Cullinan,
King and Archbishop of Cashel, who died a. d. 906. It would appear from the fifth
quatrain of this very scarce poem, that Sealbhach, Cormac's secretary, was the author of it. See p. 235.
County of Antrim, is called Dun-lis, in the Annals of the Four Masters, vol. ii. , at the
year 1584. See note (i), p. 570.
65 This Sir James Ware remembers to
have read in a Cottonian manuscript.
66
"Bean-Ree, mentioned in the Cotton manuscript, seems to have taken its name from the event of the day ; for Bean signifies a Rock ; and Ri or Righ, a King ; that is
the Rock of the King. " Harris' Ware,
vol. i. ,
62
The "Annals of Clonmacnoise," '
translated by Conell Mageoghegan, and edited by Rev. Denis Murphy, S. J. ,
"
state
:
Archbishops of Cashel," p. 467.
named,
Fiach Ua of Denlis. 64 Another Ugfadan,
off, by
account has it, that Cormac was slain by a herdsman,6* at Beanree,66 near
" There was a overthrow to great given
the Munstermen at Bellaghmowna by those of Leih Conn and Leinstermen, Anno 900, where Cormack mc Cuilleanann, King of Munster, and arch-bishop of Cashel 1, was pittifully slaine by the hands of a cowherd," p. 144.
63 The people of Ballaghmoon point out a stone on which they say King Cormac's head was cut off by a common soldier.
"
See Dr. O'Donovan's Annals of the Four
Masters," vol. ii. , n. (b), p. 564.
64 Mr. O'Donovan remarks, that Denlis is
61 The liv. vol. of O'Longan MSS. not identified, but that Dunluce, in the
History
of
September 14. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 363
Leighlin, while he was upon his knees, and devoutly praying for the success
6 of his army, then engaged in battle. ?
Besides King Cormac Mac Cullinan, the following Princes, nobles and ecclesiastics, fell in this battle. 68 At the very first onset, Morchertach, Prince ofOssory, and his son, were slain. 69 With the progress of this engagement, Fogertach, son to Suibhne, the Ruler of Ciarraighe-Chuirche, now Kerry- currihy barony, in the County of Cork ; Ohill,7° son to Eogan, in the flower of his age, and being also a man of great learning; Colman, Abbot of Kinnety, who was the most renowned jurist in Ireland ; Ceallach, son to Cearbhall, lord of Ossory ; Maelgorm, lord of Ciarraighe-Luachra, a territory comprised
1
the lord of Corca-Duibhne, now Corcaguiny barony, in the County of Kerry, anciently the O'Falvy's country j Cormac, chief of the Decies ; Dubhagan, chief of Feramuigh ; Cenfoelad, chief of Ui-Gonill ; Eiden, chief of Aidnia
within the present County of Kerry ; Maelmorda, lord of Raithlinn j?
Milemuadum, Madagon, Dubdabhurin, Conall and Feradach ; Aidus, ruler 2
of Valiehania, and Domhnall, ruler of Duncarmnia,? with many other nobles ; while 6,000 of the common soldiers, fell in this engagement. 73 The
most distinguished chiefs, that fought in the victorious army, were Flann, son to Malachy, Monarch of Ireland ; Kearball, son to Murigen, King of Leinster ; Tegus, son to Foilar, of Hy-Kinsellagh ; Teminean, of Ua- Deaglioida, or eastern Ida, now the Gorey barony, in the County of Wexford ; Keallach and Lorcan, two chiefs of Cinel ; Inergus, son to Duibhghill, of Ui-Drona, or Idrone ; Follamun, son to Oilill, of Fothartaf ; Tuahall, son
comprised the parishes of " Kilmoe," "Scool," " Kilcrobane," "Durris," " Kil- maconage,"and"Caheragh,"inthes—outh-
67 The author of his misfortune, Flabher-
tach, was taken prisoner, and after the
battlebroughttoKildare,wherehewas
reproved greatly, by the Leinster clergy. west of the county of Cork. " Dr.
See O'Mahony's "
John Keating's History
of Ireland," chap, vii. , p. 531.
O'Donovan's " or Leabhar-na-g-Ceart,
Book of Rights," note (k), p. 59.
72 See John O'Mahony's Keating's
"History of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp. 528, 529.
73 "It was in commemoration of this the
following lines were composed by Dalian, the son of Mor :
Cormac of Feimhin ; Fogartach,
Colman, Ceallach of the hard conflicts, They perished with many thousands in the
great battle of Bealach-Mughna.
Flann of Teamhair, of the plain, of Tailltin,
Cearball of Carman, without fail,
On the seventh of [the calends of] Septem- ber, gained the battle of which hundreds
68
Dalian, the Ollamh of Kerball, King of
Leinster, has given an abridged summary of the battle itself of Ballagh Mughna, and he has stated, in a historic lay, the number of warriors that fell in it. See John O'Mahony's Keating's " History of Ireland," chap, vii. , P- 536.
*9The 4to paper MSS. in the R. I. A. , No. 33-4, contains fragments of O'Dugan's and O'Huidhreen's topograpical poems; besides a poem of 208 verses enumerating the principal persons of the other provinces, who met with death in the province of Leinster, special reference being made to the grave of Cormac Mac Cuillanan.
70 The Four Masters call him the Abbot
of Trian-Corcaighe, which is interpreted the third part of Cork.
71 " This was the name of the seat of
O'Maghthamhna (O'Mahony), who, accord-
ing to O'h-TJidhrin, was chief of the Cineal
m-Bece, whose territory extended on both
sides of the river Bandain (Bandon). This Since Jesus was born of heaven, three and
territory was erected into the barony of
"
Kinelmeaky. " In latter ages a sept of the
same tribe settled in Corca Luighe,
O'Driscoll's country, where they became
masters of the district called Fonn- —
Iartharach, or the western land, which Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 569 to 571.
were
The bishop, the soul's director, the re-
nowned illustrious doctor,
joyful.
King of Caiseal, King of Iarmumha ; O God ! alas for Cormac !
It was of the year of Cormac's death was also said
nine hundred years,
Till the death of Cormac, were clearly
fulfilled ; sorrowful the death of the
King of Minister. "
Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four
364
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[September 14.
to Uger of Ua-Mureadach ; Odron, son to Kenedy, ofLeix; Muilchallon, son to Feargall, of Fortuaha j and Clerken, the chief of Ui-Bairche. ? *
It has been falsely asserted, that in the year 905, Carmot or Cormac, son of Cokeman, a godly and religious man, the Monarch of Ireland, with Kyrvalt, son of Morgan, King of Leinster, were vanquished by the Danes, and that they fell in battle. " But, this account is quite at variance with Ireland's political condition, at that period, and contrary to the statement of
6
Notwithstanding his injunctions, said to have been expressed in Cormac Mac Cullinan's last testament 77 regarding the place of his interment, Sir James Ware tells us, that his body was conveyed to Cashel and there buried. But, an account given by Keating is quite different. He informs us, that Flann Sionna, having refreshed his troops after the battle of Bealach Mughna, marched into Ossory, attended by a numerous and princely retinue. Ceallach Mac Carrol, prince of Ossory, being a tributary chief to Cormac Mac Cullinan, as King over Munster and Leath Modha, had been slain in the battle already mentioned; and Flann Sionna had resolved on placing Diarmuid Mac Carrol, brother to the first-mentioned prince, on the throne of Ossory. We are told, that while here, the soldiers of the Irish Monarch, expecting a great reward, brought him Cormac Mac Cullinan's head, which was laid at his feet. Yet, to the honour of this victorious monarch, be it said, that instead of applauding and rewarding them for this action, like a generous enemy, he ordered those executioners away from his presence, as barbarous ruffians, who had no more respect for fallen majesty thanforacommonenemy. Atthesametime,heupbraidedthemfortheir barbarous cruelty and inhumanity, in thus disfiguring the remains of the
venerabledead. Cormac'sheadwasthentakenupbytheKing,whowith
8
difficulty restrained his tears. ?
fate of so just a prince, and of a prelate, so religious and venerable. He then gave strict orders, that King Cormac's body should be searched after, and buried according to the provisions of his will. 79 The royal relics were committed to the care of Maenach, who heard his last confession, and who administered holy Communion to Cormac. 80 With great solemnity, Maenach removedhisbodytoDisartDiarmuda,orCastledermot. Theretheremains were interred, with great honour. 8 ' Near the church of Castledermot and to the left, as one enters, lies a stone, rudely formed into a coffin-shape, with a cross indented on it. The lines cut to represent the cross are not sunk deep, and
74 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the "History of Ireland," chap, vii. , pp.
all respectable authorities. ?
Four Masters," vol. ii. , notes (b, d, e, f, g, h, i), pp. 568 to 571.
75 See Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," pp. 176, 177.
"
529, 530.
7? See an article, "Ancient Irish
Biography," No. xxiv. , on Cormac Mac-
Lhancarvan, who calls Cormac " Carmot, the son o—f Cukeman, King and Bishop of
Translation and Notes by John O'Donovan, LL. D. , pp. 202 to 205.
Ireland. "
Harris' Cashel," p. 466.
vol.
" Arch-
8t See Dermot O'Connor's
Ware,
i. ,
" of History
Keating's
of
77 The vi. vol. of O'Longan MSS.
