These two prominent warrior kings must be supposed,
providently
to have calculated, that a final and decisive contest could not long be deferred, iu theactualstateshownbythebalanceofpower.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
722, 723.
'5 See Alexander G. " Lectures Richey's,
on the History of Ireland, down to A. D.
1534," Lect. iii. , p. 66.
'" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 244.
' A beautiful Aquatinta view of thisplace was published, by Jonathan Fisher, at Dub- lin, in 1792, oblong folio,
'* See Plates 7 and 15 of "The TraveUers'
Ireland," p. 245.
" Now
chap, vi. ,
and
Lanesborough,
barony of Kathcline, county of Longford, at the head of Lough Ree, and on the left bank of the River Shannon. Formerly, it was a
parliamentary borough, and a very excellent description and history of the place will be
"
found, in the
Ireland," vol. ii. , pp. 589, 590.
Parliamentary Gazetteer of
'3 TheAnnalsof Tigernach havelhisevent, at A. D. 988. See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum
parish
those which were to forces,
353 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 33.
the Bridge of Killaloe's—now consisting of nineteen arches'"—stood Bryan Boroimha's palace of Kincora; and, it has been supposed, that this was erected, by the monarch himself. '^" AH traces of that celebrated fortress have now vanished ; but, according to one conjecture,^^ it must have extended from the verge of an eminence, over the River Shannon, and on to where the Catholic Cliurch now stands. =3 Not far from that site arises the cruciform Cathedral building, surmounted in the centre by a low and
Cathedral and Bridge at Killaloe, on the River Shannon.
massive square tower. '* Portions of this structure within the nave are said to have been erected, by the monarch, Brian Boromha, who is thought to have re-edified or repaired the first built Cathedral. It was reconstructed, once more, by Donald O'Brian, King of Thomond, in 1160. The portions of this building, which are Romanesque in character,
"
Map of the River Shannon, arranged as a Masters
Guide to its Lakes," &c. , from the survey tresses were erected by Biyan, and among made by John Grantham, Esq. , C. E. On the rest, the Caher of Ceann Coradh, of Inis Plate 15 is shown a wooded I^noU, with Gaill dubh, and of Inis Loch Saighleann, some ornamental grounds, and it is called &c. See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. ii. , the Fort of Bel Boru.
'9 See the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Clare," sheet 45.
'" Formerly this bridge had a still greater number ; and, while some of the arches are ancient, three or four in the centre and of ample span, were built in 1825, when the canal works, to connect Limerick with
pp. 768 10771.
" That of the celebrated Irish scholar,
were constructed. See "Par- liamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
p. 449.
" At A,D. 1012, the " Annals of the Four
-'' The
Millard, is after a drawing, taken on the spot,
by William F. Wakeman, and by him trans- ferred to the wood.
Lough Derg,
accompanying engraving, by
Mrs.
state, that many Dangans or for-
John O'Donovan.
°3 See" Letters containing Information re-
lative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839," vol. ii. Letter of John O'Donovan, pp. 346, 347.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
furnish evidence of greater antiquity, than the mediaeval Gothic, predomina- ting in its chief features and style. ^5 Long lancet windows, splayed inwards, lightthechancelandnave. Thewholelengthofthiscathedralisabout200 feet. The name Ceann-Coradh signifies, the Head of the Weir, and, it was Anglicised to Kincora. '* It is identical with the site of the present town of Killaloe. Even, at this time, several eel weirs are there, on the River Shan- non. We find it called Cathair-Cinn-coradh, or the Stone Fort of Kincora, which gives us a correct idea, regarding the chief building material of which ithadbeencomposed. Itmaybeassumed,thatthefortificationhadbeena stronghold, and that quarters had been provided for the monarch and its
guards, about the grounds adjoining. In the southern part of Craglea, in the parish of Killaloe, is Park-na-neagh, a field in which Bryan Boroimha is said to have kept his horses. ^7 Throughout his whole lifetime, the monarch loved to dwell in this seat of his power. Yet, notwithstanding the renown of the monarch, who had so long dwelt in it, Ceann-Coradh was destroyed after his death; nordoesitseemtohavebeenoccupied,byhissuccessors,formore than a century afterwards. '* In 11 18, Turlough O'Conorand the Connacians marched to the palace of Ceann Coradh. He then hurled the stones and timber, of which it was composed, into the River Shannon. '? From Corrigen,3° aboveBirdhill3' station,ontheLimerickRailroad,amagnificentviewofthe River Shannon, flowing through its valley from Killaloe on towards Castle Connell,maybeobtained. ThelowerwatersofLoughDeargappearbeyond the old Cathedral Church and town. The site of Brian Boroimha's former fortalice at Kincora is seen beneath a sublimely varied prospect of over- -topping mountain scenery, spreading along and behind the Clare side of the Shannon, while no prospect can be finer or more picturesque, than the rich cultivated and extensive pastoral lands, that swell on every side. Vales, plains, hills and mountain ranges, are seen in most charming combination.
As the royal habitation of Tara had been deserted, after the sixth century,3'
the monarch of Ireland fixed his residence, wherever he pleased ; but, it was
generally, if not invariably, within his immediate provincial territory. How- ever, it would appear, that if Tara had ceased to be a city of importance, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, Maelseachlainn lived on or near that historic hill, while he ruled as chief monarch, or as subordinate to Bryan Boromha, who, in turn, arrived at supreme dominion.
The bards of Ireland received entertainment and
hospitality,
in the court
'5 By William F. Wakeman, these are This was avenged, in 1 loi, by Murtough considered as referable to the thirteenth O'Brien. See ibU. , pp. 966 to 969. A century. Poem on this subject, by Malmuriy Magrath,
" This name is still retained, in Kincora has been composed. In 1107, Ceann
Lodge, near the site of Bryan's palace.
Coradh and Cashel were burned by light-
the first week after Easter, when
vats of Metheglin and Brogaid, or Beer, were
destroyed.
'» See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of
theFourMasters,"vol. ii. , pp. 984,985, " In 1061, Aedh an Gha-bearnaigh Ua and pp. 1006, 1007.
'' See "Letters
lative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839," vol. ii. Letter ofJohnO'Donovan,p. 356.
containing
Information re-
ning,
sixty
Conchobhair, or Hugh O'Conor of the broken spear, demolished the Dun or fortress of
Ceann Coradh, destroying the enclosing wall of its well, while he burned Cill-Dalua.
"
See Dr. O'Donovan's
Masters," vol. ii. , p. 8S0, 881. Again, in 1088, Donald Mac Loughlin and Roderick O'Conor demolished and destroyed the walls
of Ceann Coradh. See ibid. , pp. 934, 935.
3° Like many a local denomination, this does not appear on the Irish Ordnance Sur-
vey Maps.
^' In the parish of Kilcomenty, barony of
Owney and Arra, County of 'i'ijjperary,
^ " Shortly after the death of Dermot, the
son of Fergus, in the year 563, the place was deserted, in consequence, as it is said, of a curse pronounced by St. Ruadan, oi
Annals of the Four
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of Bryan, at Kincora. One of these, named Mac Liag, was the most celebrated of that day; and, even yet, some compositions attributed to him survive. It seems a doubtful matter to know, when this poet left the court of Tadhg O'Keliy,andattachedhimselftothatofBryanBoroimha. Oneopinionhas it, that this may have occurred in 974, when at the age of forty-eight, the latter came to the throne of Munster, and lived at Ceann Coradh ; which place has been associated with so many of the bard's admired compositions. Another supposition is, that when Bryan was elevated to the throne of all Erinn, in 1002, Mac Liag became the monarch's Ollamh or Chief Poet. 33 Whether the monarch of Ireland performed on the national instrument is not known ; yet, a curious and an interesting relic has come down to our times, dignifiedwiththetitleofBryanBoroimha'sHarp. 3« Itistrulyanobjectof exquisite design and workrnanship,35 the like of which could hardly be ex- celled by the products of our modern machinery, and musical manufacturing establishments. It was an instrument 3* fit to grace a monarch's court, in the highest state of refinement ; and, no doubt, its chords often resounded to Irish song, in the festi—ve hall.
In th—
in retaliation for the
e
of Bryan Mealseachlainn levied the forces of
conducted an expedition, against the people of Thomond. Then was fought the battle of Carn-Fordroma,37 in which he was victorious. Here perished Domhnall, son of Lorcan, and uncle to Bryan Boromha. He vi^as lord of Muscraighe-Thire,3^ and of Ui-Forggo, while —six hundred men fell
— palace. " William
sounding-board
red the sally,
is extremity
year 990 probably
previous expedition
his
along with him,39 in that action. During the year 990''°
principality,
according of oak, the
of the
and he
to some
Rodanus, of Lorha, against that king and his
arms of uppermost arm in part is capped with silver, extremely well wrought and chiselled. It contains a large crystal set in silver, and under it was anotlier stone, now lost. The buttons or ornamented knobs, at the side of this arm, are of silver. On the front arm, are the arms chased in silver of the O'Brien family, theblooiiyhandsupportedbylions. Onthe sides of the front arm, within two circles, are two Irish wolf dogs, cut in the wood. The holes of the sounding board, where the strings entered, are neatly ornamented with an escutcheon of brass, carved and gilt ; the larger sounding holes have been orna- mented, probably with silver. The harp has twenty-eight keys and as many string holes, consequently there were as many strings. The foot piece, or rest, isbroken off, and the parts, round which it was joined, are very rotten. The—whole bears evidence of an ex-
pert artist. " Ibid.
'
ologia Hibernica : a II and- Book of Irish Antiquities, Pagan and Christian," part i. ,
chap, iv. , p. 40. " 33 See Professor Eugene O'Curry's
F. Wakeman's
Archse-
Man- ners and Customs of the Ancient Irish,"
vol. ii. , Lect. vi. , p. 115.
3* The following history of this object is
taken from the "Dublin Penny Journal," vol. i. , No. 6, p. 48. There we are told, that Brian Boroimha left his harp to his son Uonough, who retired to Rome, having been deposed by his nephew. He carried with him, the crown, the harp, and other regalia of his celebrated father, and these he pre- sented to the Pope, then reigning. Tliey were kept in the Vatican. The crown was of massive gold, and it is said to have been preserved in Rome, to the present day, while the harp was sent as a gift to King Henry VIII. , of England. This monarch gave the liarp subsequently to the first Earl of Clanricanle, in whose family it remained till the beginning of the eighteenth century. Then, it came tlirough a lady of the De Burgh family, into lliat of MacMahon of Clenagh, in tlie County of Clare. After her death, it passed into the po-session of Com- missioner MacNamara of Limerick. In 1782, it was presented to the Kiglit Hon. William Connyngham, who deposited it in Trinity College Museum, where it is now pre- served.
35 The following particulars furnish a
3' A diagram, rejiresenting the present ap- pearance of this harp, accompanies the descriinive particulars. See ibid.
3' It means "the Cairn," or "sepul-
chral heap of the long ridge," but the place has not been identified.
38 'lliis territory was reputed as a depen- dency on Thomond. See John O'Donoghue's "Historical Memoirs of the O'Briens,"
chap, ii. , and n. 10, pp. 18, 456.
3' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," pp. 724 to 727.
" <°"
: It is thirty-two inches See Chronicon Scotorum," edited by
minute description
high, and of good workmanship, the William M. Hennessy, pp. 232, 233.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
accounts in 992—Maelseachlainn led an army into Connaught, from which he
brought a great prey of cattle. •' That very same year of the expedition, and
probably taking advantage of his absence from Meath, Bryan conducted a
hosting, against that territory, but with a result sufficiently inglorious. He
proceededsofarasLochAinninn,*^nowLoughEnnellj't' however,hedidnot
take a single prisoner, nor even a cow. Furthermore, he was obliged to re- turn, by a secret flight ;•• and, probably, because Maelseachlainn got notice
of this movement, and had prepared to intercept his retreat. According to
other statements,''^ the forces of Munster wasted and destroyed all places in
Meath, not leaving cow, beast, or man that they could meet untaken. '** In
the year following, as we read in the Annals, Maelseachlainn slew Egnech Ua
Leochain, lord of Tuath-Luighne, in the abbot of Dovnach-Patrick's house.
At this time, likewise, Donnchadh, son of Domhnall, King of Leinster, was
ransomed from Maelseachlainn. <? During the year 992, according to the
Annals of Ulster, Murecan, Archbishop of Armagh, made his visitation of
northern Ireland. *' The King of Munster equipped a fleet, in the year 993.
With it, he sailed on Loch Ree, proceeding to its navigable extremity,''' and he plundered the men of Breifne. 5° In this respect, he had a decided
superiority over the monarch of Ireland, who does not appear to have built
vessels, able to cope with Bryan's fleet, which gave him mastery on the Shannon. It is stated, that the King of Munster burned the royal rath of Dun
Sciath, about this period. 5' In the year 993, we find an open war declared, between the monarch of Ireland and the King of Munster. Maelseachlainn. trusting to an overland march, drew out his forces, and leading them south- wards, directed his course against Aenach-Thete, now Nenagh, in the county of Tipperary. s' He then plundered the country around it. 53 Brian appears to haveattemptedopposition;S^ but,hewasunabletorepeltheinvader,asthe forces of Munster, which he commanded, were completely routed. 55
The existent state of Ireland, and thedivergenceof policy, which disturbed their relations, between such ambitious monarchs as Malachy and Bryan, indi- cated an inevitable struggle for pre-eminence, now apprehended on either side.
These two prominent warrior kings must be supposed, providently to have calculated, that a final and decisive contest could not long be deferred, iu theactualstateshownbythebalanceofpower. Bothheroesmusthavelooked upon the social and political condition of the Irish monarchy, as involving the prospects of interest, of fame, and of ambition, in which they were chiefly concerned. This year, likewise, Maelseachlainn resolved to be avenged on the foreigners in Dublin. They had taken advantage of his absence in the south, to ravage the territory of Meath. Next, he marched towards Ath-
<' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four . Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 728, 729.
^ See "Chroiiicon Scotorum," edited by
WiliiamM. Hennessy, pp. 232, 233.
« Here, it is said, the King of Ireland had
his house.
**See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 728, 729.
*5 Annal-01
Inthe Clonmaciioise,
''See John O'Donoghue's "Historical
Memoir of the O Brien? ," Mediaeval Part,
chap, ii. , pp. 18, 19.
' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four . Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 730, 731.
** See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibemica- rum Scriptores," vol. iv. Annales Ultoni-
enses," p. 288, Bodleian copy.
« See John O'Donoghue's "Historical Memoir of the O'Briens," chap, ii. , p. 19.
^ See Dr. O'Donuvan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 730, 731.
S' See Martin " of Ire- Haverty's History
land, Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. , p. 138.
''See John O'Donoghue's "Historical '
MemoiroftheO'Briens, chap,ii. , p. 20.
s' . Some of our annalists refer this invasion
to A. D. 994.
5« See the "Chronicum Scotorum," at
A. D. 992, edited by William M. Hennessy,
pp. 234, 235.
55 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 732, 733.
5° See Martin " of Ire- Haverty's History
3S6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Cliath, where he prevailed against its defenders. '* He then carried away, by
force, the ring of Tomar,57 and the sword of Carlus. 5* Raghnall was slain, by the Leinstermen,59 while Imhar fled again from Ath-Cliath, and Sitric took his place. *° However, the foreigners were strongly established in their Leinster settlements; while they were supported, by chiefs of the Irish race, whose family alliances and interests were sustained, by bonds entered upon for mutual protection. This consideration and obstacle formed a strong barrier to their complete subjugation and permanent restraint, against all the hastily equipped forces and incomplete resources of the Irish monarch.
Ardently bent on resistance to the Danish power, yet, it was not to be
expected, that those active and successful campaigns, which had confirmed the
Munster usurpation, regarding the prerogatives of his crown, could be brooked
with complacency, by the proud and warlike spirit of Malachy. At last, how- ever, it was arranged by himself and Bryan, to confederate against their un-
trustworthy and powerful common enemy. This resolve was dictated by a senseofprecautionandofself-preservation. Bothrulershadmeritedthead- mirationoftheirfellow-countrymen. Intheyear998,theKingofMunstercon- ducted a great naval expedition to Plein Pattoici, where the monarch of Ire- landcametomeethim. Amutualpeacewasconcludedbetweenthem. For a season, and with fidelity to the national cause, the forces of both these
kings acted in conjunction. *' The hostages of Leth Mogha, held by Mael- seachlainn, namely, those of the foreigners and of the Leinstermen, of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne and of the Ui Maine, were ceded to Bryan. It was arranged, that the prisoners taken on either side should be mutually restored. *^ A
treaty was based, on the mutual recognition of their respective rights. Bryan
agreed not to trespass nor to make war on the monarch of Ireland, nor to en-
croach on his territory. The sovereignty of the two great divisions of Ire-
land, they agree to divide. Thus, Leath Cuinn, or the Northern half of Ire-
land was assigned to Malachy, as admittedly the supreme monarch; while, Leath Mogha, or tlie southern half of the Island, was left under the sway of
Bryan. This treaty was followed by a military expedition, and having effected a junction of their forces, both sovereigns marched against the Ostmen, who
resided in Dublin, their greatest stronghold, at the time, in Ireland. They met with very little resistance ; and, the Irish forces returned, with the acqui- sition of spoils, *3 having enforced a contribution from their vanquished foes, and carried off their hostages.
That stipulated bond, which formed the basis for a dual govern-
ment of Ireland, could have only lasted, notwithstanding, for an uncertain term. Whether by a joint sovereignty, or by an ascertained division of terri- tory, matters not, especially when neither of the rulers could acknowledge a real suzerainty. It was only a temporary expedient, to reconcile conflicting
land, AncientandModern,"cliap. xiv. ,p. i39. 5? " Tomar or Tomrair was evidently the ancestor of the Danish Kings of Dublin. He flourished, in the beginning of the ninth century. He was Earl and tanist to the King of Lochlann, who was killed at the battle of Sciath Neachtain, near Castleder- mot, in the year 847. " See "Leabhar-na-g Ceart, or the Book of Rights," Edited by John ODonovan, Introduction, pp. xxxvi. to
xli.
5^ To this event allusion is made, in the
When Malachi wore the collar of
gold,
Which he won from the proud inva-
der. "
S9 Namely, by the son of Murchadh, son of Finn.
'"See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," pp. , vol. ii. , 734, 735.
" Irish Melodies," by Thomas Moore :
" Let Erin remember the days of old, Ere her faithless sons betray 'd her
;
p. 139.
''"
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's" "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 244.
'^ They took the best part of their jewels,
'' '• See Martin Haverty's
History of Ire- land, Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
interests. Thepretensionsandexaltedcharacterofeithermonarchhadserved to excite curiosity and to arouse expectation of rival ambitions, which the future turn of events should solve ; and, it was easy to foresee, that the existing state of affairs began to grow uncertain of duration and uneasy for both nionarchs, whom policy rather than cordiality had allied, but hardly had united. No one can doubt, that the results soon became perfectly conforma- ble to the situation. Those two illustrious men were charged with the destinies of the chiefs and people subject to them. Under the most favourable con- ditions, it is an exceedingly difiScult art to govern well and wisely, in relation to public interests ; and, the difficulty is greatly increased, wherever authority is questioned and unsettled, when aiming to establish order and right on a basis, which should secure the happiness and prosperityofawholenation. Thewarriorkingswereledtoindulgechanges of opinion, as well by the shifting course of events, as by those suspicions, which must have naturally influenced them. The leading objects of Malachy and Bryan were not unworthy the sympathy and support of their respective subjects. Their lives were devoted to the welfare of a common country, but eachshowedanxietytodefendhispersonalaspirationsandprivileges. Most of our historians have considered them, as fulfilling all the duties of patriot chiefs ; but, reflection, on the less generous and more selfish policy of rulers in their position, must cause us to modify this view, especially as judged by the after-current of their lives. The common enemy, the Dane, was an inde- pendent element of disturbance and of annoyance to the people of their country; and, never could these be assured of impunity, so long as their vigilance and activity ceased. That Maelseachlainn and Bryan were mutually jealous of each other's encroachment and power is obvious. The most fixed object of either monarcii was the maintenance or extension of his power. Patriotism, in the wider range, was hardly realized, in Ireland, at this period ; for, it must be assumed, only as understood, by the social exigencies of the time, and in a limited sense. Statesmanship, occupied with the social welfare and harmony of all classes, was not then a profession and a practice, in any country of the knownworld. Modifiedbymanyprivatemotives,andowingtoanimmediate necessity to provide for every pressing contingency, considerations, which might have found a true remedy for the welfare of an entire people, were be- yond the conception or accomplishment of even the wisest and ablest men
then living.
In Leinster, Maelmordha, or Malraorra, the son of Murchadh, had
usurped the crown,** during the year 998,^5 or 999,'* through assistance ren- dered to hira, by the Danes of Dublin, under the leadership of Sitric, son of
Amhlaeibh. '? Onthisoccasion,theytooktheKingofLeinster,Donnchadh, son of Domhnall,'^ as a prisoner, and his position was afterwards assumed, by Maelmordha. This circumstance jjrobably influenced that important movement, which next engages the historian's attention. The monarch of Ireland and the King of Munster united their forces, and directed their march upon Leinster, in order to engage the Northmen and their Irish allies. ^9
as stated in Dr. O'Donovan's" Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 736, 737.
'< His predecessor Donald Mac-Lorcan
''The "Chronicum Scotorutn," has this event, at A. L>. 997.
"He is styled "the crooked," in Rev.
and Antiquities of the City of Dublin.
"
p. 208.
<^ According to the translator of the Book
of Munster. See Dr. Sylvester O'llalloran's
"
General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 245.
7° According to the Annals of Tigetnach.
ix. , p. 192.
'5 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 738, 739.
""
The Annals of Tighernach place this event, in the year 999.
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum ""
was obliged to abdicate, having been taken
prisoner, as Harris states, in his History Scriptores, tomus ii. Tigernachi Annales,
chap.
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
A decisive victory was obtained, in' the year 998,'° not far from Dunlavan, and in the valley of Glenmama, among the Wicklow mountains, where the Irish forcesencamped. TheNorthmenofDublinhadreceivedtimelynotice,re-
garding their position and objects. Thinking to gain a victory, by stealing on their enemies, and thus hopingforadvantage, by surprising them unawares, the Danes came on their army, and seemingly with a superior force. How- ever, their manoeuvre was rendered useless, by the state of readiness, in which Malachy and Bryan were found ; while, the skill and valour of the Irish lea- ders were exerted, and to some purpose. ^' The attack and defence were obsti- nately contested on both sides. After much bloodshed, the Ostmen were
utterly routed, and they fied in great confusion, having lost numbers of their men, and many chiefs. '" Among these latter were Harolf, or Harold, the son
to Aulaf, who was King of Dublin, and Cuilen, son to Eitigen. Carohis, called Cloidheamh, or of the Sword, a prince of Denmark, is said, also, to have fallen, in this encounter. " It proved to have been a most important advantage for the Irish. The power of the Danes was there broken, at least, for a time ;'< while the issue of that battle now dispelled all reasonable expec- tations of their being able to cope, with two such renowned and experienced
commanders, as the monarch of Ireland, and his ally, Bryan King of Munster.
Thesepowerfulrivalswerebrought,atlast,intocollision. Theybeganto
feel, that the time for a divergency of their previous political courses was now
clearing, to engage in that contest, which sooner or latter impended. They must
soon meet the test, and of necessity join issue, on this matter of pronounced
movements, in which both were engaged. Probably, each bent his mind to
obtain a personal advantage, the sole consideration for rivals in their situation.
Feeling the oppressiveness of the Leinster tribute, the Lagenians invited the
foreigners to confederate with them against Bryan," to whom they bid defi-
ance. The conduct of Malachy was governed by caution ; and, it was
perhapsthebestcalculated,tocoverhisdesigns. Hismovements,nodoubt,
admitted an inference, which Bryan might deem unfavourable to his rights,
and of doubtful construction, under any view of the case. Malachy marched
his troops with great parade into Leinster, where a predatory excursion was
brought to bear against those, who by ancient right had been his own subjects,
butwhocouldnotservetwomasters,atoneandthesametime. Bytheterms
of a treaty, the invaded province owed both tribute and allegiance to Bryan.
To recover his sovereignty there must have been Malachy's principal object ; andtoretainitmusthavebeenthedesireofBryan. Themostseriousloss
of dominion over Leinster, which the monarchy had sustained, was the most
splendid acquisition of the Munster kings. '* There can be little doubt, even at this distance of time, as to the several discordant impulses, that brought about great divergence of action, and which moved these rivals to declare hostilities. Without a jealous eye, Bryan could not overlook such equivocal demonstrations ; and, to secure his actual position, a bolder and more deci- sive step must be taken.
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Renim Hiberni- caram Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 268.
T The Leabhar-Oiris declares this victory to have been acliieved by Mumonians only.
'5 See Alexander G. " Lectures Richey's,
on the History of Ireland, down to A. D.
1534," Lect. iii. , p. 66.
'" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 244.
' A beautiful Aquatinta view of thisplace was published, by Jonathan Fisher, at Dub- lin, in 1792, oblong folio,
'* See Plates 7 and 15 of "The TraveUers'
Ireland," p. 245.
" Now
chap, vi. ,
and
Lanesborough,
barony of Kathcline, county of Longford, at the head of Lough Ree, and on the left bank of the River Shannon. Formerly, it was a
parliamentary borough, and a very excellent description and history of the place will be
"
found, in the
Ireland," vol. ii. , pp. 589, 590.
Parliamentary Gazetteer of
'3 TheAnnalsof Tigernach havelhisevent, at A. D. 988. See Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum
parish
those which were to forces,
353 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 33.
the Bridge of Killaloe's—now consisting of nineteen arches'"—stood Bryan Boroimha's palace of Kincora; and, it has been supposed, that this was erected, by the monarch himself. '^" AH traces of that celebrated fortress have now vanished ; but, according to one conjecture,^^ it must have extended from the verge of an eminence, over the River Shannon, and on to where the Catholic Cliurch now stands. =3 Not far from that site arises the cruciform Cathedral building, surmounted in the centre by a low and
Cathedral and Bridge at Killaloe, on the River Shannon.
massive square tower. '* Portions of this structure within the nave are said to have been erected, by the monarch, Brian Boromha, who is thought to have re-edified or repaired the first built Cathedral. It was reconstructed, once more, by Donald O'Brian, King of Thomond, in 1160. The portions of this building, which are Romanesque in character,
"
Map of the River Shannon, arranged as a Masters
Guide to its Lakes," &c. , from the survey tresses were erected by Biyan, and among made by John Grantham, Esq. , C. E. On the rest, the Caher of Ceann Coradh, of Inis Plate 15 is shown a wooded I^noU, with Gaill dubh, and of Inis Loch Saighleann, some ornamental grounds, and it is called &c. See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. ii. , the Fort of Bel Boru.
'9 See the " Ordnance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Clare," sheet 45.
'" Formerly this bridge had a still greater number ; and, while some of the arches are ancient, three or four in the centre and of ample span, were built in 1825, when the canal works, to connect Limerick with
pp. 768 10771.
" That of the celebrated Irish scholar,
were constructed. See "Par- liamentary Gazetteer of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
p. 449.
" At A,D. 1012, the " Annals of the Four
-'' The
Millard, is after a drawing, taken on the spot,
by William F. Wakeman, and by him trans- ferred to the wood.
Lough Derg,
accompanying engraving, by
Mrs.
state, that many Dangans or for-
John O'Donovan.
°3 See" Letters containing Information re-
lative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839," vol. ii. Letter of John O'Donovan, pp. 346, 347.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
furnish evidence of greater antiquity, than the mediaeval Gothic, predomina- ting in its chief features and style. ^5 Long lancet windows, splayed inwards, lightthechancelandnave. Thewholelengthofthiscathedralisabout200 feet. The name Ceann-Coradh signifies, the Head of the Weir, and, it was Anglicised to Kincora. '* It is identical with the site of the present town of Killaloe. Even, at this time, several eel weirs are there, on the River Shan- non. We find it called Cathair-Cinn-coradh, or the Stone Fort of Kincora, which gives us a correct idea, regarding the chief building material of which ithadbeencomposed. Itmaybeassumed,thatthefortificationhadbeena stronghold, and that quarters had been provided for the monarch and its
guards, about the grounds adjoining. In the southern part of Craglea, in the parish of Killaloe, is Park-na-neagh, a field in which Bryan Boroimha is said to have kept his horses. ^7 Throughout his whole lifetime, the monarch loved to dwell in this seat of his power. Yet, notwithstanding the renown of the monarch, who had so long dwelt in it, Ceann-Coradh was destroyed after his death; nordoesitseemtohavebeenoccupied,byhissuccessors,formore than a century afterwards. '* In 11 18, Turlough O'Conorand the Connacians marched to the palace of Ceann Coradh. He then hurled the stones and timber, of which it was composed, into the River Shannon. '? From Corrigen,3° aboveBirdhill3' station,ontheLimerickRailroad,amagnificentviewofthe River Shannon, flowing through its valley from Killaloe on towards Castle Connell,maybeobtained. ThelowerwatersofLoughDeargappearbeyond the old Cathedral Church and town. The site of Brian Boroimha's former fortalice at Kincora is seen beneath a sublimely varied prospect of over- -topping mountain scenery, spreading along and behind the Clare side of the Shannon, while no prospect can be finer or more picturesque, than the rich cultivated and extensive pastoral lands, that swell on every side. Vales, plains, hills and mountain ranges, are seen in most charming combination.
As the royal habitation of Tara had been deserted, after the sixth century,3'
the monarch of Ireland fixed his residence, wherever he pleased ; but, it was
generally, if not invariably, within his immediate provincial territory. How- ever, it would appear, that if Tara had ceased to be a city of importance, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, Maelseachlainn lived on or near that historic hill, while he ruled as chief monarch, or as subordinate to Bryan Boromha, who, in turn, arrived at supreme dominion.
The bards of Ireland received entertainment and
hospitality,
in the court
'5 By William F. Wakeman, these are This was avenged, in 1 loi, by Murtough considered as referable to the thirteenth O'Brien. See ibU. , pp. 966 to 969. A century. Poem on this subject, by Malmuriy Magrath,
" This name is still retained, in Kincora has been composed. In 1107, Ceann
Lodge, near the site of Bryan's palace.
Coradh and Cashel were burned by light-
the first week after Easter, when
vats of Metheglin and Brogaid, or Beer, were
destroyed.
'» See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of
theFourMasters,"vol. ii. , pp. 984,985, " In 1061, Aedh an Gha-bearnaigh Ua and pp. 1006, 1007.
'' See "Letters
lative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839," vol. ii. Letter ofJohnO'Donovan,p. 356.
containing
Information re-
ning,
sixty
Conchobhair, or Hugh O'Conor of the broken spear, demolished the Dun or fortress of
Ceann Coradh, destroying the enclosing wall of its well, while he burned Cill-Dalua.
"
See Dr. O'Donovan's
Masters," vol. ii. , p. 8S0, 881. Again, in 1088, Donald Mac Loughlin and Roderick O'Conor demolished and destroyed the walls
of Ceann Coradh. See ibid. , pp. 934, 935.
3° Like many a local denomination, this does not appear on the Irish Ordnance Sur-
vey Maps.
^' In the parish of Kilcomenty, barony of
Owney and Arra, County of 'i'ijjperary,
^ " Shortly after the death of Dermot, the
son of Fergus, in the year 563, the place was deserted, in consequence, as it is said, of a curse pronounced by St. Ruadan, oi
Annals of the Four
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of Bryan, at Kincora. One of these, named Mac Liag, was the most celebrated of that day; and, even yet, some compositions attributed to him survive. It seems a doubtful matter to know, when this poet left the court of Tadhg O'Keliy,andattachedhimselftothatofBryanBoroimha. Oneopinionhas it, that this may have occurred in 974, when at the age of forty-eight, the latter came to the throne of Munster, and lived at Ceann Coradh ; which place has been associated with so many of the bard's admired compositions. Another supposition is, that when Bryan was elevated to the throne of all Erinn, in 1002, Mac Liag became the monarch's Ollamh or Chief Poet. 33 Whether the monarch of Ireland performed on the national instrument is not known ; yet, a curious and an interesting relic has come down to our times, dignifiedwiththetitleofBryanBoroimha'sHarp. 3« Itistrulyanobjectof exquisite design and workrnanship,35 the like of which could hardly be ex- celled by the products of our modern machinery, and musical manufacturing establishments. It was an instrument 3* fit to grace a monarch's court, in the highest state of refinement ; and, no doubt, its chords often resounded to Irish song, in the festi—ve hall.
In th—
in retaliation for the
e
of Bryan Mealseachlainn levied the forces of
conducted an expedition, against the people of Thomond. Then was fought the battle of Carn-Fordroma,37 in which he was victorious. Here perished Domhnall, son of Lorcan, and uncle to Bryan Boromha. He vi^as lord of Muscraighe-Thire,3^ and of Ui-Forggo, while —six hundred men fell
— palace. " William
sounding-board
red the sally,
is extremity
year 990 probably
previous expedition
his
along with him,39 in that action. During the year 990''°
principality,
according of oak, the
of the
and he
to some
Rodanus, of Lorha, against that king and his
arms of uppermost arm in part is capped with silver, extremely well wrought and chiselled. It contains a large crystal set in silver, and under it was anotlier stone, now lost. The buttons or ornamented knobs, at the side of this arm, are of silver. On the front arm, are the arms chased in silver of the O'Brien family, theblooiiyhandsupportedbylions. Onthe sides of the front arm, within two circles, are two Irish wolf dogs, cut in the wood. The holes of the sounding board, where the strings entered, are neatly ornamented with an escutcheon of brass, carved and gilt ; the larger sounding holes have been orna- mented, probably with silver. The harp has twenty-eight keys and as many string holes, consequently there were as many strings. The foot piece, or rest, isbroken off, and the parts, round which it was joined, are very rotten. The—whole bears evidence of an ex-
pert artist. " Ibid.
'
ologia Hibernica : a II and- Book of Irish Antiquities, Pagan and Christian," part i. ,
chap, iv. , p. 40. " 33 See Professor Eugene O'Curry's
F. Wakeman's
Archse-
Man- ners and Customs of the Ancient Irish,"
vol. ii. , Lect. vi. , p. 115.
3* The following history of this object is
taken from the "Dublin Penny Journal," vol. i. , No. 6, p. 48. There we are told, that Brian Boroimha left his harp to his son Uonough, who retired to Rome, having been deposed by his nephew. He carried with him, the crown, the harp, and other regalia of his celebrated father, and these he pre- sented to the Pope, then reigning. Tliey were kept in the Vatican. The crown was of massive gold, and it is said to have been preserved in Rome, to the present day, while the harp was sent as a gift to King Henry VIII. , of England. This monarch gave the liarp subsequently to the first Earl of Clanricanle, in whose family it remained till the beginning of the eighteenth century. Then, it came tlirough a lady of the De Burgh family, into lliat of MacMahon of Clenagh, in tlie County of Clare. After her death, it passed into the po-session of Com- missioner MacNamara of Limerick. In 1782, it was presented to the Kiglit Hon. William Connyngham, who deposited it in Trinity College Museum, where it is now pre- served.
35 The following particulars furnish a
3' A diagram, rejiresenting the present ap- pearance of this harp, accompanies the descriinive particulars. See ibid.
3' It means "the Cairn," or "sepul-
chral heap of the long ridge," but the place has not been identified.
38 'lliis territory was reputed as a depen- dency on Thomond. See John O'Donoghue's "Historical Memoirs of the O'Briens,"
chap, ii. , and n. 10, pp. 18, 456.
3' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," pp. 724 to 727.
" <°"
: It is thirty-two inches See Chronicon Scotorum," edited by
minute description
high, and of good workmanship, the William M. Hennessy, pp. 232, 233.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
accounts in 992—Maelseachlainn led an army into Connaught, from which he
brought a great prey of cattle. •' That very same year of the expedition, and
probably taking advantage of his absence from Meath, Bryan conducted a
hosting, against that territory, but with a result sufficiently inglorious. He
proceededsofarasLochAinninn,*^nowLoughEnnellj't' however,hedidnot
take a single prisoner, nor even a cow. Furthermore, he was obliged to re- turn, by a secret flight ;•• and, probably, because Maelseachlainn got notice
of this movement, and had prepared to intercept his retreat. According to
other statements,''^ the forces of Munster wasted and destroyed all places in
Meath, not leaving cow, beast, or man that they could meet untaken. '** In
the year following, as we read in the Annals, Maelseachlainn slew Egnech Ua
Leochain, lord of Tuath-Luighne, in the abbot of Dovnach-Patrick's house.
At this time, likewise, Donnchadh, son of Domhnall, King of Leinster, was
ransomed from Maelseachlainn. <? During the year 992, according to the
Annals of Ulster, Murecan, Archbishop of Armagh, made his visitation of
northern Ireland. *' The King of Munster equipped a fleet, in the year 993.
With it, he sailed on Loch Ree, proceeding to its navigable extremity,''' and he plundered the men of Breifne. 5° In this respect, he had a decided
superiority over the monarch of Ireland, who does not appear to have built
vessels, able to cope with Bryan's fleet, which gave him mastery on the Shannon. It is stated, that the King of Munster burned the royal rath of Dun
Sciath, about this period. 5' In the year 993, we find an open war declared, between the monarch of Ireland and the King of Munster. Maelseachlainn. trusting to an overland march, drew out his forces, and leading them south- wards, directed his course against Aenach-Thete, now Nenagh, in the county of Tipperary. s' He then plundered the country around it. 53 Brian appears to haveattemptedopposition;S^ but,hewasunabletorepeltheinvader,asthe forces of Munster, which he commanded, were completely routed. 55
The existent state of Ireland, and thedivergenceof policy, which disturbed their relations, between such ambitious monarchs as Malachy and Bryan, indi- cated an inevitable struggle for pre-eminence, now apprehended on either side.
These two prominent warrior kings must be supposed, providently to have calculated, that a final and decisive contest could not long be deferred, iu theactualstateshownbythebalanceofpower. Bothheroesmusthavelooked upon the social and political condition of the Irish monarchy, as involving the prospects of interest, of fame, and of ambition, in which they were chiefly concerned. This year, likewise, Maelseachlainn resolved to be avenged on the foreigners in Dublin. They had taken advantage of his absence in the south, to ravage the territory of Meath. Next, he marched towards Ath-
<' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four . Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 728, 729.
^ See "Chroiiicon Scotorum," edited by
WiliiamM. Hennessy, pp. 232, 233.
« Here, it is said, the King of Ireland had
his house.
**See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 728, 729.
*5 Annal-01
Inthe Clonmaciioise,
''See John O'Donoghue's "Historical
Memoir of the O Brien? ," Mediaeval Part,
chap, ii. , pp. 18, 19.
' See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four . Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 730, 731.
** See Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum Hibemica- rum Scriptores," vol. iv. Annales Ultoni-
enses," p. 288, Bodleian copy.
« See John O'Donoghue's "Historical Memoir of the O'Briens," chap, ii. , p. 19.
^ See Dr. O'Donuvan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 730, 731.
S' See Martin " of Ire- Haverty's History
land, Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. , p. 138.
''See John O'Donoghue's "Historical '
MemoiroftheO'Briens, chap,ii. , p. 20.
s' . Some of our annalists refer this invasion
to A. D. 994.
5« See the "Chronicum Scotorum," at
A. D. 992, edited by William M. Hennessy,
pp. 234, 235.
55 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 732, 733.
5° See Martin " of Ire- Haverty's History
3S6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Cliath, where he prevailed against its defenders. '* He then carried away, by
force, the ring of Tomar,57 and the sword of Carlus. 5* Raghnall was slain, by the Leinstermen,59 while Imhar fled again from Ath-Cliath, and Sitric took his place. *° However, the foreigners were strongly established in their Leinster settlements; while they were supported, by chiefs of the Irish race, whose family alliances and interests were sustained, by bonds entered upon for mutual protection. This consideration and obstacle formed a strong barrier to their complete subjugation and permanent restraint, against all the hastily equipped forces and incomplete resources of the Irish monarch.
Ardently bent on resistance to the Danish power, yet, it was not to be
expected, that those active and successful campaigns, which had confirmed the
Munster usurpation, regarding the prerogatives of his crown, could be brooked
with complacency, by the proud and warlike spirit of Malachy. At last, how- ever, it was arranged by himself and Bryan, to confederate against their un-
trustworthy and powerful common enemy. This resolve was dictated by a senseofprecautionandofself-preservation. Bothrulershadmeritedthead- mirationoftheirfellow-countrymen. Intheyear998,theKingofMunstercon- ducted a great naval expedition to Plein Pattoici, where the monarch of Ire- landcametomeethim. Amutualpeacewasconcludedbetweenthem. For a season, and with fidelity to the national cause, the forces of both these
kings acted in conjunction. *' The hostages of Leth Mogha, held by Mael- seachlainn, namely, those of the foreigners and of the Leinstermen, of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne and of the Ui Maine, were ceded to Bryan. It was arranged, that the prisoners taken on either side should be mutually restored. *^ A
treaty was based, on the mutual recognition of their respective rights. Bryan
agreed not to trespass nor to make war on the monarch of Ireland, nor to en-
croach on his territory. The sovereignty of the two great divisions of Ire-
land, they agree to divide. Thus, Leath Cuinn, or the Northern half of Ire-
land was assigned to Malachy, as admittedly the supreme monarch; while, Leath Mogha, or tlie southern half of the Island, was left under the sway of
Bryan. This treaty was followed by a military expedition, and having effected a junction of their forces, both sovereigns marched against the Ostmen, who
resided in Dublin, their greatest stronghold, at the time, in Ireland. They met with very little resistance ; and, the Irish forces returned, with the acqui- sition of spoils, *3 having enforced a contribution from their vanquished foes, and carried off their hostages.
That stipulated bond, which formed the basis for a dual govern-
ment of Ireland, could have only lasted, notwithstanding, for an uncertain term. Whether by a joint sovereignty, or by an ascertained division of terri- tory, matters not, especially when neither of the rulers could acknowledge a real suzerainty. It was only a temporary expedient, to reconcile conflicting
land, AncientandModern,"cliap. xiv. ,p. i39. 5? " Tomar or Tomrair was evidently the ancestor of the Danish Kings of Dublin. He flourished, in the beginning of the ninth century. He was Earl and tanist to the King of Lochlann, who was killed at the battle of Sciath Neachtain, near Castleder- mot, in the year 847. " See "Leabhar-na-g Ceart, or the Book of Rights," Edited by John ODonovan, Introduction, pp. xxxvi. to
xli.
5^ To this event allusion is made, in the
When Malachi wore the collar of
gold,
Which he won from the proud inva-
der. "
S9 Namely, by the son of Murchadh, son of Finn.
'"See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," pp. , vol. ii. , 734, 735.
" Irish Melodies," by Thomas Moore :
" Let Erin remember the days of old, Ere her faithless sons betray 'd her
;
p. 139.
''"
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's" "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 244.
'^ They took the best part of their jewels,
'' '• See Martin Haverty's
History of Ire- land, Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
interests. Thepretensionsandexaltedcharacterofeithermonarchhadserved to excite curiosity and to arouse expectation of rival ambitions, which the future turn of events should solve ; and, it was easy to foresee, that the existing state of affairs began to grow uncertain of duration and uneasy for both nionarchs, whom policy rather than cordiality had allied, but hardly had united. No one can doubt, that the results soon became perfectly conforma- ble to the situation. Those two illustrious men were charged with the destinies of the chiefs and people subject to them. Under the most favourable con- ditions, it is an exceedingly difiScult art to govern well and wisely, in relation to public interests ; and, the difficulty is greatly increased, wherever authority is questioned and unsettled, when aiming to establish order and right on a basis, which should secure the happiness and prosperityofawholenation. Thewarriorkingswereledtoindulgechanges of opinion, as well by the shifting course of events, as by those suspicions, which must have naturally influenced them. The leading objects of Malachy and Bryan were not unworthy the sympathy and support of their respective subjects. Their lives were devoted to the welfare of a common country, but eachshowedanxietytodefendhispersonalaspirationsandprivileges. Most of our historians have considered them, as fulfilling all the duties of patriot chiefs ; but, reflection, on the less generous and more selfish policy of rulers in their position, must cause us to modify this view, especially as judged by the after-current of their lives. The common enemy, the Dane, was an inde- pendent element of disturbance and of annoyance to the people of their country; and, never could these be assured of impunity, so long as their vigilance and activity ceased. That Maelseachlainn and Bryan were mutually jealous of each other's encroachment and power is obvious. The most fixed object of either monarcii was the maintenance or extension of his power. Patriotism, in the wider range, was hardly realized, in Ireland, at this period ; for, it must be assumed, only as understood, by the social exigencies of the time, and in a limited sense. Statesmanship, occupied with the social welfare and harmony of all classes, was not then a profession and a practice, in any country of the knownworld. Modifiedbymanyprivatemotives,andowingtoanimmediate necessity to provide for every pressing contingency, considerations, which might have found a true remedy for the welfare of an entire people, were be- yond the conception or accomplishment of even the wisest and ablest men
then living.
In Leinster, Maelmordha, or Malraorra, the son of Murchadh, had
usurped the crown,** during the year 998,^5 or 999,'* through assistance ren- dered to hira, by the Danes of Dublin, under the leadership of Sitric, son of
Amhlaeibh. '? Onthisoccasion,theytooktheKingofLeinster,Donnchadh, son of Domhnall,'^ as a prisoner, and his position was afterwards assumed, by Maelmordha. This circumstance jjrobably influenced that important movement, which next engages the historian's attention. The monarch of Ireland and the King of Munster united their forces, and directed their march upon Leinster, in order to engage the Northmen and their Irish allies. ^9
as stated in Dr. O'Donovan's" Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 736, 737.
'< His predecessor Donald Mac-Lorcan
''The "Chronicum Scotorutn," has this event, at A. L>. 997.
"He is styled "the crooked," in Rev.
and Antiquities of the City of Dublin.
"
p. 208.
<^ According to the translator of the Book
of Munster. See Dr. Sylvester O'llalloran's
"
General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 245.
7° According to the Annals of Tigetnach.
ix. , p. 192.
'5 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 738, 739.
""
The Annals of Tighernach place this event, in the year 999.
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum ""
was obliged to abdicate, having been taken
prisoner, as Harris states, in his History Scriptores, tomus ii. Tigernachi Annales,
chap.
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
A decisive victory was obtained, in' the year 998,'° not far from Dunlavan, and in the valley of Glenmama, among the Wicklow mountains, where the Irish forcesencamped. TheNorthmenofDublinhadreceivedtimelynotice,re-
garding their position and objects. Thinking to gain a victory, by stealing on their enemies, and thus hopingforadvantage, by surprising them unawares, the Danes came on their army, and seemingly with a superior force. How- ever, their manoeuvre was rendered useless, by the state of readiness, in which Malachy and Bryan were found ; while, the skill and valour of the Irish lea- ders were exerted, and to some purpose. ^' The attack and defence were obsti- nately contested on both sides. After much bloodshed, the Ostmen were
utterly routed, and they fied in great confusion, having lost numbers of their men, and many chiefs. '" Among these latter were Harolf, or Harold, the son
to Aulaf, who was King of Dublin, and Cuilen, son to Eitigen. Carohis, called Cloidheamh, or of the Sword, a prince of Denmark, is said, also, to have fallen, in this encounter. " It proved to have been a most important advantage for the Irish. The power of the Danes was there broken, at least, for a time ;'< while the issue of that battle now dispelled all reasonable expec- tations of their being able to cope, with two such renowned and experienced
commanders, as the monarch of Ireland, and his ally, Bryan King of Munster.
Thesepowerfulrivalswerebrought,atlast,intocollision. Theybeganto
feel, that the time for a divergency of their previous political courses was now
clearing, to engage in that contest, which sooner or latter impended. They must
soon meet the test, and of necessity join issue, on this matter of pronounced
movements, in which both were engaged. Probably, each bent his mind to
obtain a personal advantage, the sole consideration for rivals in their situation.
Feeling the oppressiveness of the Leinster tribute, the Lagenians invited the
foreigners to confederate with them against Bryan," to whom they bid defi-
ance. The conduct of Malachy was governed by caution ; and, it was
perhapsthebestcalculated,tocoverhisdesigns. Hismovements,nodoubt,
admitted an inference, which Bryan might deem unfavourable to his rights,
and of doubtful construction, under any view of the case. Malachy marched
his troops with great parade into Leinster, where a predatory excursion was
brought to bear against those, who by ancient right had been his own subjects,
butwhocouldnotservetwomasters,atoneandthesametime. Bytheterms
of a treaty, the invaded province owed both tribute and allegiance to Bryan.
To recover his sovereignty there must have been Malachy's principal object ; andtoretainitmusthavebeenthedesireofBryan. Themostseriousloss
of dominion over Leinster, which the monarchy had sustained, was the most
splendid acquisition of the Munster kings. '* There can be little doubt, even at this distance of time, as to the several discordant impulses, that brought about great divergence of action, and which moved these rivals to declare hostilities. Without a jealous eye, Bryan could not overlook such equivocal demonstrations ; and, to secure his actual position, a bolder and more deci- sive step must be taken.
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Renim Hiberni- caram Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 268.
T The Leabhar-Oiris declares this victory to have been acliieved by Mumonians only.
