*' The Denmarkins are described, in the Irish account, as
piratical
foreigners, bold and hard-hearted.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
Dr.
Drummond
"
Clontarf. "* Under the signature of Des- mond, in " Tlie Nation,"5 appeared a Poem, on the " Batde of Clontarf," by DenisFlorenceMacCarthy;*and,beyondthe Atlantic,anothermoreenlarged, rhythmicalcompositionhasbeenpublished,byJohnAugustusShea. ' Later still, an anonymous poem has been issued, on this subject. * In the Irish lan- guage, also, the Rev. John James O'Carroll, S. J. , has composed certain dramatic scenes,' which open with an address from Bryan Boroimhe, before his last battle; and, this dialogue is continued, by other speakers. '" Tiie Saga accounts we find to be very inexact or unreliable, and these appear, for the most part, to have been founded on mistaken reports. Other annalistic narratives, less minute, are so brief as . to leave unintelligible some special allusions, for want of historic lighttoclearawaytheirshadows. Althoughdifferencesofstatementareto be found, with some apocryphal accounts, in various authorities ; yet, those are generally the result of mistake and misapprehension, on the part of
different writers, without intention to deceive their readers. Even in such divergencies, we do not meet with insurmountable difficulties, which cannot reasonably be reconciled or explained. From the varied and occasional con- flicting accounts, we have endeavoured to class many particulars into their proba- ble order, and to blend the sliifting colours into those hues we deem the most harmonious. Where we cannot wholly succeed, opposing statements are accurately presented, either in the text or notes. Inferences from recorded acts, with those probabilities drawn from the situation and actors, are sometimes set down ; but always, with an appearance of evidence, at least, to sustain the matters which follow, while describing such a memorable event, in the history of Ireland.
The northern accounts have strangely mistaken the season for this occur- rence. Thus, Christmas Day is falsely assumed to have been a date for the battle of Clontarf," in the Nials-Saga. " However, that mighty encounter took
also wrote an elegant poem, intituled,
It comprises two Books, with Preface and Notes, appe. irin! j anonymously, in 1822. It was published, by Hodges and M'Arthur, Dublin, in 24mo.
5 see vol. i. , No. 2.
*
See the late edition of his Poems, edited in 1882, by his son, John MacCarthy. Pre- face, p. vi.
'See "Clontarf; or the Field of the Green Banner : an Historical Romance. And other Poems. " By J. Augustus . Sliea, New York, 1S43, i2mo. This work is de- dicated to Willi. . m Cullen Bryant. After a
poetic Introduction,—it opens at page II with
the following lines
"Clontarf ofmemorieseverdear
To heart and spirit, which thy
story,
Illumines with its rays of glory, Pride of the ancient days, to thee I wake my humble ministrel>y. "
'Thus, "Brian Boru," a Tragedy, by J. T. B. , was publi:. hed, in 1879, Dublin, 8vo.
» The English translation, in blank verse,
appropriately accompanies them, for the lenefit of the non-Irish scholar. These
di. ilogues are headed, <Xthai>CA CleA]-A6d. '"See "The Gaelic Journal," vol. i. ,
No. i. , et srq. Dublin, 1882, </ seq. 4to.
" . See William M. Hennessey's edition of
<)innaba loch* "
Ce, or The Annals of
Lough Ce,"vol. i. , pp. 2, 3.
" This :iuth(jrity has been followed, like-
wise, in the introductory notices of Thomas
:
the dim of a
Through lapse many year, Gray, Poet, ode,
the to his celebrated " The
413 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
place on Good Friday, and it fell on the 23rd of April, a. d. 1014. It has
been supposed, that the opposing leaders and armies were mutually ignorant of their foemeri's plans and intentions. The Danes recalled the force sent
into Magh-n-Ealta, and drew out that which remained in Dublin, leaving there a sufficient garrison in the fortress. Their land and sea forces were at
once united, and they appear to have taken their position on Thursday night. '3 When the morning dawned, the Scanian and Leinster forces were along the sea-shore, while the army of the Irish monarch faced them towards the west. The line of that memorable engagement extended from the salmon- weir, at the present Ballybough bridge over the River Tolka,'* onward to Clontarf, and towards Howlh—not less than two miles—so that it was impos- sible to take in, at a glance, the probabilities of a defeat or a victory. 's There can hardly be a doubt, that the brunt of the shock during the day was most centralized about Clontarfvillage and Dollymount, where the death-mounds "*
*S*f^^^'
Mound near Conquer Hill, beside the Dolljrmount Road, near Clontarf.
remaining appear to have been more numerous and larger, than in other localities, along the north shores of the bay. Near the latter locality, there is aslightelevationoverthestrand,locallyknownasConquerHill. Closetothis spot, and within the lawn of a handsome old residence, is a low circular /lltnulus,^^ which, at present, only faintly exhibits its former great elevation ;
Fatal Sisters," translated from the Norse lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. ,
tongue.
'3 See "Journal of the Royal and Arch«e-
ological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the site of the Battle of Clontarf. By Thomas O'Gorman, pp. 174, 175-
'* Here there seemed to be a structure,
known as Dubhgalls' Bridge, on the day of the battle at Clontarf
chap, vi. , p. loi.
'* One of these formerly arose a to a con-
siderable height, near the suburban villa of Mr. Allingham. Within the memory of many per. sons yet living, it has been levelled almost to the ground.
•' Its traces areshown, in the foreground of
the accompanyingillustration. froma drawing taken on the spot, by William ¥. Wake-
"3 See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's "Popu- man, in January, 1 883 : afterwards, it was
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413
but, tradition has it, that several human bones were found, at the time of its
being partially levelled, and, moreover, many others have been disturbed, from under the mould of the neighbouring fields.
It is thought, the chief object of the Leinster and Danish forces had been
to hurry on a battle, before the return of that division, which was absent from
Bryan's army, and under the leadership of his son Donnchad. Meantime, the
Irish Monarch had drawn his troops from west to north-east, by Drumcondra,
and on towards the district around Howth. '^ This was a line of march, nearly
parallel with that of their enemies' land forces, moving along the Liffey's de-
scending course, to where a junction had been formed with the sea-faring
vi-kings and their pirates. The Irish Monarch hemmed in their battalions
landwards, and thus he secured a fairly good position for retreat, in case of
disaster. As a measure of precaution, and probably of reinforcement, the
Scaniah ships were drawn towards the shore, in the rere of their marshalled
battalions. The sea must have been exceedingly rough, during that day of
the battle, and it was hardly possible for their vessels to venture closely near
the land, even at high tide. Still, their proximity gave additional courage and
confidence to the Leinstermen and to the Northmen. '^ Their line of battle
has been described as of crescent shape, the horns extending from Bally-
''°
bough Bridge
towards the promontory of Howth, and the inner curve com-
municating with their ships. " A. not unlikely interpretation, describing the marching order from Dublin o the Leinster and Northmen forces, is given,
thatBrodarledthefirstdivisionoftheforeignDanars,asthevanguard; next
moved the second or main body, comprising the foreigners of Ath-Cliath, under the command of Dubhgall, son of Aulaf; and lastly, as their rere-
guard, Maelmordha, King of Leinster, directed the men of his province. On the Irish side, the Dalcassian tribes, forming the front of Brian's battalion, were under the leadership of his son Murchad ; behind them, in the centre, marched the other columnsof Munster, led by the King of the Decies ; while the troops of Connaught, under their leaders O'Kelly and O'Heyne, brought up the rear. When their respective divisions halted for the night, they pro- bably faced round and took their opposite stations, as the troops happened to beplaced; besides,thisorderseemstoaccordbest,withthenaturaldisposition of their several lines, and to a certain extent, it serves to explain some appa- rent contrarieties of narrative. ^^ An opinion has been advanced, that the locality, where the armies were ranged and engaged for action, extended chiefly
transferred by him to the wood, and it wasengravedbyMrs. Millard. Themiddle distance represents the branch of Dublin Bay, near the North Bull breakwater, while the background takes in the Hill of Howth, which also has a recorded connexion
with this great battle-field.
Their ships were near them in the
bay,
For succour prompt, with ready
sail,
To bear them safely from the
•'
See "Journal of the Royal Historical
and Archxological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the Site of the Battle of Clontarf, by Thomas O'Gor- man, p. 175.
' " At length each plan maturely weighed,
"Twas ruled to draw the tattle blade
And try their banners on the plain; Where, should they wield the war
in vain,
And victory forsake their fray,
°° Where the ancient salmon-weir was
placed.
» See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's "Popti-
— •hn J
Gael. " Augustus
Shea's
"Clontarf," p. 62.
lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. , chap, vi. , p. 100.
" See " The Journal of the Royal His- torical and ArchiEological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the Site of the Battle of Clontarf, by Thomas O'Gorman, pp. 176, 177.
'^ Its exact position has not been defined,
by any known authority ; but, Mr. O'Gor- man conjectures, that during the Danish
414 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
from Dubligall's Bridge, '3 which it is supposed had been erected, either at the end of the present Bridge-street, or of Bridgefoot-street, and leading from the fortress of Dublin over the River Liffey. Then, it is thought, towards the east, the River " I'ulcain," or Tolka, with the " Weir of Clontarf,"^* must have been the limit for the armies, in that direction ; while Tomar's Wood =5 extended,
possibly, from the Plain of Clontarf, along the present North Strand, and on to where Lower Gardiner-street now stands, within the city of Dublin. One authority has it, that the battle raged from the Tulcadh to Ath-Cliath -^^ and thiswouldseemtofavourtheopinionalreadyadvanced. Somestatements^^ to be met with, in acritical and detailed narrativeof the engagement wepossess, record the finding of human bones in large quantities, with ancient weapons and pieces of iron resembling broad rivets, at the New Gardens of Cavendish-row and Granby-row •f' as also, a tradition at Clonliffe, about a well,'' said to have refreshed the Irish chiefs during the battle ; these are circumstances ad- vanced, as evidence of the views presented to us, by a modern writer. 3°
However, nearly all our ancient and recent chroniclers have named Clontarf, as the chief site for this battle, and popular tradition has most consistently maintained this conclusion, from time immemorial to the present day ; while we are willing enough to admit, tliat some phases and junctures of the great contest may have extended to the places immediately described, yet, it seems to us, the still remaining monuments, and circumstances of the event as de- tailed, rather indicate a more eastward position, at least, for its opening scenes.
The commander-in-chief over the united battalions of Leinster and of
Scandinavia, on this day, was Maolmordha ;3' while, from his action in and
the circumstances of the campaign, such a prominent position may well be
accorded to him. Those troops spent the night, in preparing for a general en-
gagement, and presented themselves at the first appearance of day-light, on the
plain of Clontarf, with their colours displayed and in position. 3^ At a—n early hour, Bryan's opponents had formed their forces into three divisions other
accounts have it, into seven 33 great. and strong battalious. s* The first division,
occupation of Dublin, it eems to have re- tliat other accounts give Sitrick a share in the placed the primitive one, known as the battle as fought on the field.
"FordofHurdles. "
'* Hence this battle is commonly called
Cath Coradh Cluanatarbh, or " The Battle
oftheWeirof Clontarf," acconling to Rev. Dr. Todd, who also tell us, that this ancient salmon-weir is supposed to have been at the present Ballybough Bridge, on the road from Dublin to Clontarf. See Introduction to CogAoh 5Aet>hel, He JdilAibh, p. clxxxiv. , n. 3.
'5 Its exact position cannot be defined but probably, itgrew on one side or other of the River Tolka, and perhaps, it extended on both sides of this stream.
=' See William M. Hennessey's edition of "Chronicum Scotorum," pp. 252, 253.
'' Such as those of the battle havi;ig been witnessed, from an early period of the day tosunset,fiomthewallsofDublm,bytlie men and women of the foreigners, so that friends could be distinguished from foes, while among the spectators were the Danish king and his wife holding conversation on its pro- gress. This, however, may have been a
purely imaginative episode, introduced upon mere rumour ; while, it must be observed,
^'According to a Paper, in Wilson's "Dublin Magazine" for June, 1763.
•' This is pointed out within the ground* of the Diocesan Catholic College of Holy Cross, at Clonliffe.
^ See "Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. Thomas
"
O'Gorman'spaper OntheSiteoftheBat-
;
Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
tie of Chmtarf," pp. 179 to 181.
3' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
chap, viii. , p. 262.
3' See General Vallancey's Collectanea
de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i. Rev. Paul O'Brien's "Dissertations on the National Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish,'' part ii. , chap, i. , p. 526.
^ajhe . dnnAla tochi Ce have it, five battalionsoftheforeignersinthefield, and one within the fortress of Dublin. See pp. 6, 7.
3* gee "Annales Inisfalenses," Dublin copy. Rev. Dr. Conor's"RerumHiberni- carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 61. The army of Danes is there said to have been
"
"
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
it is said, consisted of a thousand Northmen. ss and under Carl Canuteson fought ten hundred in armour, as they are called in the Irish Annals, or four- teen hundred, as they are enumerated in northern chronicles. 3* We are told, moreover, that the foreigners in Ireland and the Leinstermen placed Brodar,37 Earl of Caer Ebroc,3' his Danars and Norwegians, with his mother's son Con- mael, in the front line of battle. With these were Siucaid, or Sigurd,^? son of Lothar, Earl of the Ore or Orkney Islands,*" and Plait, the bravest knight of all the foreigners. According to other accounts, the one thousand mailed Northmen »' were commanded by Carolus and Anrud,<" two White Danes,«3 or rather Norwegian princes. " Torbenn the Black, Sunin or Suimhni, and Suanin or Suainni, were with the foremost battalions, besides the foreign no- bles of Europe from Lochland westwards. <5 This choice band of warriors was covered with coats of mail,*' from head to foot. It is stated, moreover, in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen, that the advanced army of the Danes was led, by two sons of the White Pirates of the Loughs;*' while another account places Sitricius, King of Dublin, as commander of the first division, comprising the Danes of Dublin, with the auxiliaries sent from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. *' The Northmen were armed, as we are told, with spears and javelins ; they were, likewise, expert bowmen ; and they used shields for their defence.
*' The Denmarkins are described, in the Irish account, as piratical foreigners, bold and hard-hearted. They wore heavy and stout corslets 5° of double-refined iron, and of cool, uncorroding
cowred with mail and well armed. wards, as their colonists spread in this direc- 35 According to Dr. Sylve-. ter O'Hallo- tion.
ran, Broder and Aisgiodal, two Danisti
landed as the leaders of two thou- fand choice troops, armed from head to foot. See "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 260. 261.
steel. "—Denis Florence " Fer- MacCarthy's
princes,
* See Thomas McGee's " D'. \rcy
diah. " See "Poems," p. 41, Dublin, 1882, 8vo.
*' See Rer. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
62.
*' See General Vallancey's "Collectanea de Rehus Hibemicis," vol. i. Rev. Dr. Paul O'Britn's " Dissertations on the Na- tional Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap i. , p. 526.
"> A curious description and illustration of one of these ancient wooden sliields, covered with painted leather, and having iron hold- fasts for the arm, may be seen, in " Museum Wormianum seu Historia Rt rum Raiiorum, tam Naturalium, quam Artificialium, tam Domesticarum, quain lixoticanim, quo; Ha- friac Danoriim in sedilms Authoris servan- tur," Adornata ab Olas Worm, Med. Doct. et in Regia Ilafniensi Academia, ohin Pro- fessore Publico, lib. iv. cap. ix. , pp. 370, 371. Lugduni Batavorum, da. , be, Lv. , fol.
5° The vJrinAta tocViA C4 relate, that a thousand bold and powerful black Danar heroes took jiart in this war, h. iving shields and targets, with many corslets from Tha- finn. The editor, William M. Hennessey, deems the latter word to be an error, proba- bly, as it is nearly obliterated in tlie MS. This is Professor O'Curry's reading of it ; but Mr. Hennessey rather thinks o CA
IMnntoCl . , . from Finn Lochl \_ainn\, or Norway, to be more correct. See pp. 4,
Popu- lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. ,
chap, vi. , p. 100.
" He is called, also, the son of Osli, in the
Co5<iT)h jAeoheL ne SAtLaibh, chap, cxvi. , pp. 206, 207.
* Or Caer-Eabhrog, Annals of Loui;h Ce.
as rendered,
in the
* The Latin version of the
"
calls him ". Sigurdo dynastae Hlddveris
filio. " See cap. civiii. , p. 601.
*° In the <VnnAU4 tocha Ci, edited by
William M. Hennessey, it is said Siograd Finn, interpreted . Sigurd the Fair, and
Siognd Donn, or Sigurd the Brown, two sons of Lothar, were on tliis expedition. See pp. 4, s, and nn. 6, 7.
*' There were one thousand men of the in- vaders, covere 1 with co. its of mail, accord- ing to tlie Annals of Boyle, of Ulster, and of ihe Four Masters.
*' Called also the son of Elbric, son to the King of Lochlann.
*' Such is tlie expression found, in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibemi- carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 6l.
** See John O' Donovan's account of the Battle of Clontarf.
*5 This expression in the CogAtjh 5<ieD- heL ne SallAibh, should rather be south-
"NialsSaga
** "A skin protecting suit of flashing
4i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
brass, polished, pliable, and triple-plated. These were intended to protect their skulls, skins and bodies, from all sorts of heavy and sharp weapons. They bore stout, rough, broad, green and dark spears,? ' as also, heavy, strong and powerful swords. They drew polished and yellow-shining bows ; and, they carried quivers of a barbarous fashion, to contain their poisoned arrows ;
these were barbed and keen, sharp, bounding, penetrating, dealing terrible "
" to the green pagans;S=owingprobably
and murderous wounds. The Uanars are described, moreover, as blue-
fact,
suchanappearance. Inaddition,itmaybeobserved,thattheScandians,
as well as the, Irish, wore their hair in long and flowing locks. The foreigners of Dublin were marshalled, in one very strong battalion, under two brave soldiers, Dolat and Conmael. ss Luad was there, and fought with them. 54 This powerful corps was composed of most valiant fighting men ; and these are said to have been ranked' behind the Denmarkians already mentioned. At their head were Dubhgall,55 Gilla Ciarain,56 Donchad,? ? and Amlaf Lag- mund,5^ four crown princes of the foreigners. Besides these, Ottir, or Oitir the Black,55 Grisin ^ or Grifin, or Greisiam,^' Lummin or Luimnin, and Snad- gair,*^ four petty kings of the foreigners, and four chieftains of ships, with the foreign nobles of Erinn, joined their division. It seems probable, that here, too, were ranged the "great armies and famous young bands of Fine-Gall. "'3 Another battalion or division consisted of Lagenians. These were about nine thousand strong, and they were commanded by their King Maelmordha
MacMorough. ^'t Underhim,severalminorprincesbroughttheirclansmen
to battle. The Ui Cennselaigh were joined with the Laighin, and both con- tingents are stated to have been ranked, behind the Irish-Scanian forces.
Boetan, son to Dunlang, King of Western Laighin, and Domhnall,*5 King over
theForthuaghaofLaighin,werejoinedwiththem. TheMacTuathal,or
O'Toole, named Dunlang,*^ King of the Liffey territory, was there, as also,
Brogorban,*? prince of Hy-Falgy, or Ophaly. Besides these, the nobles of
Leinster, and a large body of the Danes, fought under Maelmordah's com-
mand. '^ Dunlang,*9 Kin- of the Liffey, kept the flank of the pirates, with ten hundred men armed for battle ; and, his position was on the north side of
the great centre body, or nearest to Howth, thus forming the extreme right wing of the Leinster and Scandian army. 7° The third division was formed of
e and n. 10.
5> In the museums of Scandinavia, as in
those of Ireland, we have yet numerous spc- cimens of spear-heads, answering to this description, admittedly belonging to the Northmen, and probably of that period.
5' See CojA'oh jAeoheb lie S-illAibh,
chap, xci. , pp. 158 to 161.
5^ See the Dublin copy of the Annals of
Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p.
,
gj
54 ggg nid_
55 Son of Amlaf.
5' Son of Glun-iaraind, son of Amlaf.
57 Grandson of Erulf.
5* Son of Goffvaidh.
5' He is also called Uithir the Black, i. e.
the warrior of Caer-Eighist, not identified by by the editor of OiTinAt,A tochA C6. See pp.
. eandn. 2.
1^' Called Grisine, a Knight of the Flem-
'' A oftheNormans. Seeibid. Knight
'*
Besides these, in the Codex B, are named Suainin and Sigraidh.
'^ gee AnriAld tochA C<J, or the Annals
of Lough Ce, edited by William M. Hen-
nessey, pp. 4, J.
'• See " Annales Inisfalenses," Dublin
"
copy, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's Rerura
_
ings.
See ibid.
that their armour them gave
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomusii. , p. 61. '5 Son of Fergal.
"
^' Son of Conchobhar.
Son of Tuathal.
'•
Another account has it, that thL^ second division consisted of the insular Danish auxi- liaries, under the command of Sitricus, son
"
to Lodar. See General Vallancey's lectanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
Paul O'Brien's "Dissertations on the Na- tional Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap, i. , p. 526.
^ ^'^ °"s instance, he seems, by over- sight, to have been Ciilled Dunnall, King of
L'phe.
Col- Dr.
1
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
Northmen, collected from the Isles,? ' and from their various dependencies in Scotland. Accounts somewhat differing are given, regarding those who cora- manded. 7' Loder," or Loader,? * Earl of the Orkneys, is said by some to have borne the chieftaincy of that valiant,and adventurous division. Yet, this statement is not so historically exact ; for, we read, in nearly all accounts, that Sigard, his son, was the celebrated Jarl there ruling, at this period, and theircommander. AccordingtotheScandinavianaccounts,? ^Brodirwason one wing of the battle, and King Sigtrygg on the other, while Earl Sigurd was in the middle. ? ^ However, it does not seem to be established, that King Sigtrygg was engaged with the hosts,? ? in the field, at least during the after part of the battle ; forj he is described as being a spectator of the conflict
from the walls of Dublin,? ' where it would seem he had charge of the garri- son. In the third division, we are told,? 9 Bruader the Danish leader fought; and, here were placed, likewise, the men of Cornwall, with those Scanians fromtheregionofsnow,andfromMediterraneanGothland. '" BothBlack Lochlonnachs and Fair Lochlonnachs were ranged on the field of battle. '" With the expeditionary army came merchants from the lands of the Saxons, fromtheBritons,andevenfromtheRomans. '^ Francealsosentitscontin- gent of invaders. '^ The fleet, which had brought the auxiliary Northmen to Ireland, was commanded by Broder, who now fought on land, in this third division. Under him were ranged the Danes from Anglesy and Wales, as also the Manxmen. '• From Innsi-Gall and from Renna,'5 as also from Flan- ders, came warriors to join in this struggle. **
However, Bryan was not dismayed by this mighty force ; but, depending on Divine Providence, and on the bravery and skill of his troops, the Irish Mon-
archpreparedforbattle. Inthefront,herangedthevaliant,active,intelligent and intrepid Dalcassians,'? and with them were the Clann Laighdeach," These
? " See Co5<s-oli J-ieoViel lie JiUaibh, chap, xciv. , ci , pp. 162 to 165, and 176, 177.
' from Cead, eru hurt- Namely (literally
" In the Dublin copy of the Innisfallen Annals.
Hibemicarum dreJ), or the Hebrides, from Man, from 62, with notes.
Scriptores,
" tomus ii.
,
pp. 61,
Shetland, from Lewis, fromCantyre, as also *' See -dmiALA LochA Ci, or Annals of the eastern Irish. See the Dublin copy of Lough Ce, edited by WUliam M. Hennessy, the Annals of Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. pp. 4, 5.
O Conor's " Rerum Hibemicarum res," tomus ii. , pp. 61, 62.
Scripts-
'' . See ibiii.
'* At this period, it was greatly disturbed, by the disorders and feuds of the petty kings
"
Histoire de France," tome iii. Deuxiime—Partie, liv. xvii.
"
Clontarf. "* Under the signature of Des- mond, in " Tlie Nation,"5 appeared a Poem, on the " Batde of Clontarf," by DenisFlorenceMacCarthy;*and,beyondthe Atlantic,anothermoreenlarged, rhythmicalcompositionhasbeenpublished,byJohnAugustusShea. ' Later still, an anonymous poem has been issued, on this subject. * In the Irish lan- guage, also, the Rev. John James O'Carroll, S. J. , has composed certain dramatic scenes,' which open with an address from Bryan Boroimhe, before his last battle; and, this dialogue is continued, by other speakers. '" Tiie Saga accounts we find to be very inexact or unreliable, and these appear, for the most part, to have been founded on mistaken reports. Other annalistic narratives, less minute, are so brief as . to leave unintelligible some special allusions, for want of historic lighttoclearawaytheirshadows. Althoughdifferencesofstatementareto be found, with some apocryphal accounts, in various authorities ; yet, those are generally the result of mistake and misapprehension, on the part of
different writers, without intention to deceive their readers. Even in such divergencies, we do not meet with insurmountable difficulties, which cannot reasonably be reconciled or explained. From the varied and occasional con- flicting accounts, we have endeavoured to class many particulars into their proba- ble order, and to blend the sliifting colours into those hues we deem the most harmonious. Where we cannot wholly succeed, opposing statements are accurately presented, either in the text or notes. Inferences from recorded acts, with those probabilities drawn from the situation and actors, are sometimes set down ; but always, with an appearance of evidence, at least, to sustain the matters which follow, while describing such a memorable event, in the history of Ireland.
The northern accounts have strangely mistaken the season for this occur- rence. Thus, Christmas Day is falsely assumed to have been a date for the battle of Clontarf," in the Nials-Saga. " However, that mighty encounter took
also wrote an elegant poem, intituled,
It comprises two Books, with Preface and Notes, appe. irin! j anonymously, in 1822. It was published, by Hodges and M'Arthur, Dublin, in 24mo.
5 see vol. i. , No. 2.
*
See the late edition of his Poems, edited in 1882, by his son, John MacCarthy. Pre- face, p. vi.
'See "Clontarf; or the Field of the Green Banner : an Historical Romance. And other Poems. " By J. Augustus . Sliea, New York, 1S43, i2mo. This work is de- dicated to Willi. . m Cullen Bryant. After a
poetic Introduction,—it opens at page II with
the following lines
"Clontarf ofmemorieseverdear
To heart and spirit, which thy
story,
Illumines with its rays of glory, Pride of the ancient days, to thee I wake my humble ministrel>y. "
'Thus, "Brian Boru," a Tragedy, by J. T. B. , was publi:. hed, in 1879, Dublin, 8vo.
» The English translation, in blank verse,
appropriately accompanies them, for the lenefit of the non-Irish scholar. These
di. ilogues are headed, <Xthai>CA CleA]-A6d. '"See "The Gaelic Journal," vol. i. ,
No. i. , et srq. Dublin, 1882, </ seq. 4to.
" . See William M. Hennessey's edition of
<)innaba loch* "
Ce, or The Annals of
Lough Ce,"vol. i. , pp. 2, 3.
" This :iuth(jrity has been followed, like-
wise, in the introductory notices of Thomas
:
the dim of a
Through lapse many year, Gray, Poet, ode,
the to his celebrated " The
413 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
place on Good Friday, and it fell on the 23rd of April, a. d. 1014. It has
been supposed, that the opposing leaders and armies were mutually ignorant of their foemeri's plans and intentions. The Danes recalled the force sent
into Magh-n-Ealta, and drew out that which remained in Dublin, leaving there a sufficient garrison in the fortress. Their land and sea forces were at
once united, and they appear to have taken their position on Thursday night. '3 When the morning dawned, the Scanian and Leinster forces were along the sea-shore, while the army of the Irish monarch faced them towards the west. The line of that memorable engagement extended from the salmon- weir, at the present Ballybough bridge over the River Tolka,'* onward to Clontarf, and towards Howlh—not less than two miles—so that it was impos- sible to take in, at a glance, the probabilities of a defeat or a victory. 's There can hardly be a doubt, that the brunt of the shock during the day was most centralized about Clontarfvillage and Dollymount, where the death-mounds "*
*S*f^^^'
Mound near Conquer Hill, beside the Dolljrmount Road, near Clontarf.
remaining appear to have been more numerous and larger, than in other localities, along the north shores of the bay. Near the latter locality, there is aslightelevationoverthestrand,locallyknownasConquerHill. Closetothis spot, and within the lawn of a handsome old residence, is a low circular /lltnulus,^^ which, at present, only faintly exhibits its former great elevation ;
Fatal Sisters," translated from the Norse lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. ,
tongue.
'3 See "Journal of the Royal and Arch«e-
ological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the site of the Battle of Clontarf. By Thomas O'Gorman, pp. 174, 175-
'* Here there seemed to be a structure,
known as Dubhgalls' Bridge, on the day of the battle at Clontarf
chap, vi. , p. loi.
'* One of these formerly arose a to a con-
siderable height, near the suburban villa of Mr. Allingham. Within the memory of many per. sons yet living, it has been levelled almost to the ground.
•' Its traces areshown, in the foreground of
the accompanyingillustration. froma drawing taken on the spot, by William ¥. Wake-
"3 See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's "Popu- man, in January, 1 883 : afterwards, it was
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413
but, tradition has it, that several human bones were found, at the time of its
being partially levelled, and, moreover, many others have been disturbed, from under the mould of the neighbouring fields.
It is thought, the chief object of the Leinster and Danish forces had been
to hurry on a battle, before the return of that division, which was absent from
Bryan's army, and under the leadership of his son Donnchad. Meantime, the
Irish Monarch had drawn his troops from west to north-east, by Drumcondra,
and on towards the district around Howth. '^ This was a line of march, nearly
parallel with that of their enemies' land forces, moving along the Liffey's de-
scending course, to where a junction had been formed with the sea-faring
vi-kings and their pirates. The Irish Monarch hemmed in their battalions
landwards, and thus he secured a fairly good position for retreat, in case of
disaster. As a measure of precaution, and probably of reinforcement, the
Scaniah ships were drawn towards the shore, in the rere of their marshalled
battalions. The sea must have been exceedingly rough, during that day of
the battle, and it was hardly possible for their vessels to venture closely near
the land, even at high tide. Still, their proximity gave additional courage and
confidence to the Leinstermen and to the Northmen. '^ Their line of battle
has been described as of crescent shape, the horns extending from Bally-
''°
bough Bridge
towards the promontory of Howth, and the inner curve com-
municating with their ships. " A. not unlikely interpretation, describing the marching order from Dublin o the Leinster and Northmen forces, is given,
thatBrodarledthefirstdivisionoftheforeignDanars,asthevanguard; next
moved the second or main body, comprising the foreigners of Ath-Cliath, under the command of Dubhgall, son of Aulaf; and lastly, as their rere-
guard, Maelmordha, King of Leinster, directed the men of his province. On the Irish side, the Dalcassian tribes, forming the front of Brian's battalion, were under the leadership of his son Murchad ; behind them, in the centre, marched the other columnsof Munster, led by the King of the Decies ; while the troops of Connaught, under their leaders O'Kelly and O'Heyne, brought up the rear. When their respective divisions halted for the night, they pro- bably faced round and took their opposite stations, as the troops happened to beplaced; besides,thisorderseemstoaccordbest,withthenaturaldisposition of their several lines, and to a certain extent, it serves to explain some appa- rent contrarieties of narrative. ^^ An opinion has been advanced, that the locality, where the armies were ranged and engaged for action, extended chiefly
transferred by him to the wood, and it wasengravedbyMrs. Millard. Themiddle distance represents the branch of Dublin Bay, near the North Bull breakwater, while the background takes in the Hill of Howth, which also has a recorded connexion
with this great battle-field.
Their ships were near them in the
bay,
For succour prompt, with ready
sail,
To bear them safely from the
•'
See "Journal of the Royal Historical
and Archxological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the Site of the Battle of Clontarf, by Thomas O'Gor- man, p. 175.
' " At length each plan maturely weighed,
"Twas ruled to draw the tattle blade
And try their banners on the plain; Where, should they wield the war
in vain,
And victory forsake their fray,
°° Where the ancient salmon-weir was
placed.
» See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's "Popti-
— •hn J
Gael. " Augustus
Shea's
"Clontarf," p. 62.
lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. , chap, vi. , p. 100.
" See " The Journal of the Royal His- torical and ArchiEological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. On the Site of the Battle of Clontarf, by Thomas O'Gorman, pp. 176, 177.
'^ Its exact position has not been defined,
by any known authority ; but, Mr. O'Gor- man conjectures, that during the Danish
414 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
from Dubligall's Bridge, '3 which it is supposed had been erected, either at the end of the present Bridge-street, or of Bridgefoot-street, and leading from the fortress of Dublin over the River Liffey. Then, it is thought, towards the east, the River " I'ulcain," or Tolka, with the " Weir of Clontarf,"^* must have been the limit for the armies, in that direction ; while Tomar's Wood =5 extended,
possibly, from the Plain of Clontarf, along the present North Strand, and on to where Lower Gardiner-street now stands, within the city of Dublin. One authority has it, that the battle raged from the Tulcadh to Ath-Cliath -^^ and thiswouldseemtofavourtheopinionalreadyadvanced. Somestatements^^ to be met with, in acritical and detailed narrativeof the engagement wepossess, record the finding of human bones in large quantities, with ancient weapons and pieces of iron resembling broad rivets, at the New Gardens of Cavendish-row and Granby-row •f' as also, a tradition at Clonliffe, about a well,'' said to have refreshed the Irish chiefs during the battle ; these are circumstances ad- vanced, as evidence of the views presented to us, by a modern writer. 3°
However, nearly all our ancient and recent chroniclers have named Clontarf, as the chief site for this battle, and popular tradition has most consistently maintained this conclusion, from time immemorial to the present day ; while we are willing enough to admit, tliat some phases and junctures of the great contest may have extended to the places immediately described, yet, it seems to us, the still remaining monuments, and circumstances of the event as de- tailed, rather indicate a more eastward position, at least, for its opening scenes.
The commander-in-chief over the united battalions of Leinster and of
Scandinavia, on this day, was Maolmordha ;3' while, from his action in and
the circumstances of the campaign, such a prominent position may well be
accorded to him. Those troops spent the night, in preparing for a general en-
gagement, and presented themselves at the first appearance of day-light, on the
plain of Clontarf, with their colours displayed and in position. 3^ At a—n early hour, Bryan's opponents had formed their forces into three divisions other
accounts have it, into seven 33 great. and strong battalious. s* The first division,
occupation of Dublin, it eems to have re- tliat other accounts give Sitrick a share in the placed the primitive one, known as the battle as fought on the field.
"FordofHurdles. "
'* Hence this battle is commonly called
Cath Coradh Cluanatarbh, or " The Battle
oftheWeirof Clontarf," acconling to Rev. Dr. Todd, who also tell us, that this ancient salmon-weir is supposed to have been at the present Ballybough Bridge, on the road from Dublin to Clontarf. See Introduction to CogAoh 5Aet>hel, He JdilAibh, p. clxxxiv. , n. 3.
'5 Its exact position cannot be defined but probably, itgrew on one side or other of the River Tolka, and perhaps, it extended on both sides of this stream.
=' See William M. Hennessey's edition of "Chronicum Scotorum," pp. 252, 253.
'' Such as those of the battle havi;ig been witnessed, from an early period of the day tosunset,fiomthewallsofDublm,bytlie men and women of the foreigners, so that friends could be distinguished from foes, while among the spectators were the Danish king and his wife holding conversation on its pro- gress. This, however, may have been a
purely imaginative episode, introduced upon mere rumour ; while, it must be observed,
^'According to a Paper, in Wilson's "Dublin Magazine" for June, 1763.
•' This is pointed out within the ground* of the Diocesan Catholic College of Holy Cross, at Clonliffe.
^ See "Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland," vol. v. , Fourth Series, No. 40. Thomas
"
O'Gorman'spaper OntheSiteoftheBat-
;
Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
tie of Chmtarf," pp. 179 to 181.
3' See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
chap, viii. , p. 262.
3' See General Vallancey's Collectanea
de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i. Rev. Paul O'Brien's "Dissertations on the National Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish,'' part ii. , chap, i. , p. 526.
^ajhe . dnnAla tochi Ce have it, five battalionsoftheforeignersinthefield, and one within the fortress of Dublin. See pp. 6, 7.
3* gee "Annales Inisfalenses," Dublin copy. Rev. Dr. Conor's"RerumHiberni- carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 61. The army of Danes is there said to have been
"
"
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
it is said, consisted of a thousand Northmen. ss and under Carl Canuteson fought ten hundred in armour, as they are called in the Irish Annals, or four- teen hundred, as they are enumerated in northern chronicles. 3* We are told, moreover, that the foreigners in Ireland and the Leinstermen placed Brodar,37 Earl of Caer Ebroc,3' his Danars and Norwegians, with his mother's son Con- mael, in the front line of battle. With these were Siucaid, or Sigurd,^? son of Lothar, Earl of the Ore or Orkney Islands,*" and Plait, the bravest knight of all the foreigners. According to other accounts, the one thousand mailed Northmen »' were commanded by Carolus and Anrud,<" two White Danes,«3 or rather Norwegian princes. " Torbenn the Black, Sunin or Suimhni, and Suanin or Suainni, were with the foremost battalions, besides the foreign no- bles of Europe from Lochland westwards. <5 This choice band of warriors was covered with coats of mail,*' from head to foot. It is stated, moreover, in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen, that the advanced army of the Danes was led, by two sons of the White Pirates of the Loughs;*' while another account places Sitricius, King of Dublin, as commander of the first division, comprising the Danes of Dublin, with the auxiliaries sent from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. *' The Northmen were armed, as we are told, with spears and javelins ; they were, likewise, expert bowmen ; and they used shields for their defence.
*' The Denmarkins are described, in the Irish account, as piratical foreigners, bold and hard-hearted. They wore heavy and stout corslets 5° of double-refined iron, and of cool, uncorroding
cowred with mail and well armed. wards, as their colonists spread in this direc- 35 According to Dr. Sylve-. ter O'Hallo- tion.
ran, Broder and Aisgiodal, two Danisti
landed as the leaders of two thou- fand choice troops, armed from head to foot. See "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 260. 261.
steel. "—Denis Florence " Fer- MacCarthy's
princes,
* See Thomas McGee's " D'. \rcy
diah. " See "Poems," p. 41, Dublin, 1882, 8vo.
*' See Rer. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
62.
*' See General Vallancey's "Collectanea de Rehus Hibemicis," vol. i. Rev. Dr. Paul O'Britn's " Dissertations on the Na- tional Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap i. , p. 526.
"> A curious description and illustration of one of these ancient wooden sliields, covered with painted leather, and having iron hold- fasts for the arm, may be seen, in " Museum Wormianum seu Historia Rt rum Raiiorum, tam Naturalium, quam Artificialium, tam Domesticarum, quain lixoticanim, quo; Ha- friac Danoriim in sedilms Authoris servan- tur," Adornata ab Olas Worm, Med. Doct. et in Regia Ilafniensi Academia, ohin Pro- fessore Publico, lib. iv. cap. ix. , pp. 370, 371. Lugduni Batavorum, da. , be, Lv. , fol.
5° The vJrinAta tocViA C4 relate, that a thousand bold and powerful black Danar heroes took jiart in this war, h. iving shields and targets, with many corslets from Tha- finn. The editor, William M. Hennessey, deems the latter word to be an error, proba- bly, as it is nearly obliterated in tlie MS. This is Professor O'Curry's reading of it ; but Mr. Hennessey rather thinks o CA
IMnntoCl . , . from Finn Lochl \_ainn\, or Norway, to be more correct. See pp. 4,
Popu- lar History of Ireland," vol. i. , Book ii. ,
chap, vi. , p. 100.
" He is called, also, the son of Osli, in the
Co5<iT)h jAeoheL ne SAtLaibh, chap, cxvi. , pp. 206, 207.
* Or Caer-Eabhrog, Annals of Loui;h Ce.
as rendered,
in the
* The Latin version of the
"
calls him ". Sigurdo dynastae Hlddveris
filio. " See cap. civiii. , p. 601.
*° In the <VnnAU4 tocha Ci, edited by
William M. Hennessey, it is said Siograd Finn, interpreted . Sigurd the Fair, and
Siognd Donn, or Sigurd the Brown, two sons of Lothar, were on tliis expedition. See pp. 4, s, and nn. 6, 7.
*' There were one thousand men of the in- vaders, covere 1 with co. its of mail, accord- ing to tlie Annals of Boyle, of Ulster, and of ihe Four Masters.
*' Called also the son of Elbric, son to the King of Lochlann.
*' Such is tlie expression found, in the Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibemi- carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 6l.
** See John O' Donovan's account of the Battle of Clontarf.
*5 This expression in the CogAtjh 5<ieD- heL ne SallAibh, should rather be south-
"NialsSaga
** "A skin protecting suit of flashing
4i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
brass, polished, pliable, and triple-plated. These were intended to protect their skulls, skins and bodies, from all sorts of heavy and sharp weapons. They bore stout, rough, broad, green and dark spears,? ' as also, heavy, strong and powerful swords. They drew polished and yellow-shining bows ; and, they carried quivers of a barbarous fashion, to contain their poisoned arrows ;
these were barbed and keen, sharp, bounding, penetrating, dealing terrible "
" to the green pagans;S=owingprobably
and murderous wounds. The Uanars are described, moreover, as blue-
fact,
suchanappearance. Inaddition,itmaybeobserved,thattheScandians,
as well as the, Irish, wore their hair in long and flowing locks. The foreigners of Dublin were marshalled, in one very strong battalion, under two brave soldiers, Dolat and Conmael. ss Luad was there, and fought with them. 54 This powerful corps was composed of most valiant fighting men ; and these are said to have been ranked' behind the Denmarkians already mentioned. At their head were Dubhgall,55 Gilla Ciarain,56 Donchad,? ? and Amlaf Lag- mund,5^ four crown princes of the foreigners. Besides these, Ottir, or Oitir the Black,55 Grisin ^ or Grifin, or Greisiam,^' Lummin or Luimnin, and Snad- gair,*^ four petty kings of the foreigners, and four chieftains of ships, with the foreign nobles of Erinn, joined their division. It seems probable, that here, too, were ranged the "great armies and famous young bands of Fine-Gall. "'3 Another battalion or division consisted of Lagenians. These were about nine thousand strong, and they were commanded by their King Maelmordha
MacMorough. ^'t Underhim,severalminorprincesbroughttheirclansmen
to battle. The Ui Cennselaigh were joined with the Laighin, and both con- tingents are stated to have been ranked, behind the Irish-Scanian forces.
Boetan, son to Dunlang, King of Western Laighin, and Domhnall,*5 King over
theForthuaghaofLaighin,werejoinedwiththem. TheMacTuathal,or
O'Toole, named Dunlang,*^ King of the Liffey territory, was there, as also,
Brogorban,*? prince of Hy-Falgy, or Ophaly. Besides these, the nobles of
Leinster, and a large body of the Danes, fought under Maelmordah's com-
mand. '^ Dunlang,*9 Kin- of the Liffey, kept the flank of the pirates, with ten hundred men armed for battle ; and, his position was on the north side of
the great centre body, or nearest to Howth, thus forming the extreme right wing of the Leinster and Scandian army. 7° The third division was formed of
e and n. 10.
5> In the museums of Scandinavia, as in
those of Ireland, we have yet numerous spc- cimens of spear-heads, answering to this description, admittedly belonging to the Northmen, and probably of that period.
5' See CojA'oh jAeoheb lie S-illAibh,
chap, xci. , pp. 158 to 161.
5^ See the Dublin copy of the Annals of
Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p.
,
gj
54 ggg nid_
55 Son of Amlaf.
5' Son of Glun-iaraind, son of Amlaf.
57 Grandson of Erulf.
5* Son of Goffvaidh.
5' He is also called Uithir the Black, i. e.
the warrior of Caer-Eighist, not identified by by the editor of OiTinAt,A tochA C6. See pp.
. eandn. 2.
1^' Called Grisine, a Knight of the Flem-
'' A oftheNormans. Seeibid. Knight
'*
Besides these, in the Codex B, are named Suainin and Sigraidh.
'^ gee AnriAld tochA C<J, or the Annals
of Lough Ce, edited by William M. Hen-
nessey, pp. 4, J.
'• See " Annales Inisfalenses," Dublin
"
copy, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's Rerura
_
ings.
See ibid.
that their armour them gave
Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomusii. , p. 61. '5 Son of Fergal.
"
^' Son of Conchobhar.
Son of Tuathal.
'•
Another account has it, that thL^ second division consisted of the insular Danish auxi- liaries, under the command of Sitricus, son
"
to Lodar. See General Vallancey's lectanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
Paul O'Brien's "Dissertations on the Na- tional Customs and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap, i. , p. 526.
^ ^'^ °"s instance, he seems, by over- sight, to have been Ciilled Dunnall, King of
L'phe.
Col- Dr.
1
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
Northmen, collected from the Isles,? ' and from their various dependencies in Scotland. Accounts somewhat differing are given, regarding those who cora- manded. 7' Loder," or Loader,? * Earl of the Orkneys, is said by some to have borne the chieftaincy of that valiant,and adventurous division. Yet, this statement is not so historically exact ; for, we read, in nearly all accounts, that Sigard, his son, was the celebrated Jarl there ruling, at this period, and theircommander. AccordingtotheScandinavianaccounts,? ^Brodirwason one wing of the battle, and King Sigtrygg on the other, while Earl Sigurd was in the middle. ? ^ However, it does not seem to be established, that King Sigtrygg was engaged with the hosts,? ? in the field, at least during the after part of the battle ; forj he is described as being a spectator of the conflict
from the walls of Dublin,? ' where it would seem he had charge of the garri- son. In the third division, we are told,? 9 Bruader the Danish leader fought; and, here were placed, likewise, the men of Cornwall, with those Scanians fromtheregionofsnow,andfromMediterraneanGothland. '" BothBlack Lochlonnachs and Fair Lochlonnachs were ranged on the field of battle. '" With the expeditionary army came merchants from the lands of the Saxons, fromtheBritons,andevenfromtheRomans. '^ Francealsosentitscontin- gent of invaders. '^ The fleet, which had brought the auxiliary Northmen to Ireland, was commanded by Broder, who now fought on land, in this third division. Under him were ranged the Danes from Anglesy and Wales, as also the Manxmen. '• From Innsi-Gall and from Renna,'5 as also from Flan- ders, came warriors to join in this struggle. **
However, Bryan was not dismayed by this mighty force ; but, depending on Divine Providence, and on the bravery and skill of his troops, the Irish Mon-
archpreparedforbattle. Inthefront,herangedthevaliant,active,intelligent and intrepid Dalcassians,'? and with them were the Clann Laighdeach," These
? " See Co5<s-oli J-ieoViel lie JiUaibh, chap, xciv. , ci , pp. 162 to 165, and 176, 177.
' from Cead, eru hurt- Namely (literally
" In the Dublin copy of the Innisfallen Annals.
Hibemicarum dreJ), or the Hebrides, from Man, from 62, with notes.
Scriptores,
" tomus ii.
,
pp. 61,
Shetland, from Lewis, fromCantyre, as also *' See -dmiALA LochA Ci, or Annals of the eastern Irish. See the Dublin copy of Lough Ce, edited by WUliam M. Hennessy, the Annals of Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. pp. 4, 5.
O Conor's " Rerum Hibemicarum res," tomus ii. , pp. 61, 62.
Scripts-
'' . See ibiii.
'* At this period, it was greatly disturbed, by the disorders and feuds of the petty kings
"
Histoire de France," tome iii. Deuxiime—Partie, liv. xvii.
