"^3
The royal progresses of Bryan Boroimha for some years were conspicuous
features of his reign, while they greatly served to uphold his policy and his able management of affairs.
The royal progresses of Bryan Boroimha for some years were conspicuous
features of his reign, while they greatly served to uphold his policy and his able management of affairs.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
O'Donovan's " Annals of
Memoirs of the O'Briens, chap, iii. , pp. 24
to 37.
=" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 250.
of Ire-
3" gee Thomas Moore's "
the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744, 745, land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p, lOO.
tores," tomus iv. , p. 293.
"^ In a work of very considerable merit,
curious and interesting matter has been col-
History
'
the future recognised King of Ireland ; although, to the close of his reign,
Maelseachlainn is said to have nourished a secret resentment against the vic-
tor. 3^ This event of Malachy's deposition has been referred to a. d. 996, in
Mageoghan's translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise ;33 but, the more
exact chronology of Tighemach places it, at a. d. 1002. 34 The vast numeri-
cal superiority of Bryan's army made it evident, that nothing but defeat was
to be expected from resistance. The monarch therefore submitted, while
hostages35 weregivenbyhimselfandbytheConnaughtmen. Makingthose
appeals to the justice and generosity of his rival, and which suited the occa-
sion, he secured present safety by submission, and by giving security for his
future allegiance. It is unfair to assert, that in usurping the supreme power,
Bryan was clearly impelled by motives of selfish ambition •ff' for, we can well
conceive a political necessity, in urging this course, which should largely be taken into account.
—The year of Christ 1002, is held by some writers—such as the Four Mas-
ters to have been the first year of Bryan, as supreme monarch over Ireland. 37
At that period, he is thought tohaveattained the ripe age of seventy-six years. 3' He is said 39 to have been solemnly anointed and crowned by the Archbishop of Cashel,4° at Tara, in the presence of the princes and chief nobles of the land. '*' However,thestatementaboutBryan'sageisverymuchtobedoubted; and,it is thought, he had then only attained about the sixty-first year, when his de- posedrivalMaelseachlainnwasaboutfifty-three. <' Bryan'ssupremacywasnot readily acknowledged, however, especially in the northern division of Ireland. For this reason, an expedition had been planned, and his direction of it towards the quarter, where his authority was likely to be most questioned, was prudently conceived. Attempts have been made, according to the illus- trious bard and historian, Thomas Moore, to lend an appearance of popular
sanction to Bryan's usurpation, by the plausible pretence, that it was owing to the solicitation of the states and princes of Connaught, that he was induced
to adopt measures for the deposition of Malachy. *3 But, whatever may have been the originating causes for this action, we are informed, and on apparently goodauthority, that Bryanwas the best and most famous king of his time, during the twelve years of his reign, and that he was well worthy of the government ; nor had he a peer among the previous or subsequent monarchs of the Irish
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 365
nation,
" for and Manhood, Fortune, Manners, Laws, Liberality, Religion,
^ See Walter Harris' "History and Anti- quities of the City of Dublin, from the earliest Accounts," chap, ix. , p. 195.
dix, pp. 544, 545.
^^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 746, 747.
" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
35 The writer of this chronicle adds, that
was " in such man- ral of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
Moyleseaghlyn deposed,
ner as I do not intend to relate in this place. "
History xi. , chap, vii. , pp. 253, 254.
Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
3* See Dr.
Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, p. 390.
*"
at this
the
George
Strictly speaking,
period,
pre-
's These were at first conveyed to Ath-
lone, and afterwards conducted to Bryan's
house. See Co5<M3h 5<jer)het Re JaV Cineidi, the son of Lorcan, witli his genea-
l^ibti, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132, 133.
logy traced back to Milesius, was monarch of Ireland, the multitude confirmed the choice, by giving what was called the Royal Shout.
<" . Such is the opinion of Dr. John O'Dono-
van, in "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
* See Thomas Moore's " land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
of Ire-
5' There is a Genealogical Table of the several branches of the O'Briens, beginning with Brian Boroimhe, Monarch of Ireland, A. D. 1002, and his six
History
sons, Morrogh, Conor,
ii. , p. 747, n. (o).
<' . See " of History
xxi. , p, 120.
Ireland,"
vol.
ii. , chap.
Flan, Tcige, Donald, and Donogh, taken
from the Irish Annals, in John O'Donoghue's "
HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"Appen-
^ According to Mageoghegan's translation ofthe "Annals of Clonmacnoise," at A. D. 996.
late of that see was not invested with metro-
politan jurisdiction.
" It is related, when proclamation was made to the people, that Brien, the son of
366 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
many other good parts. "^* Nor is it easy, at this distance of time, to estimate
as it deserves, a revohition, which transferred the sceptre of Ireland from the
descendant of Heremon, the elder of Milead's sons, to a prince sprung from
the younger brother, Heber, and to find that object, for which Mogha Nuad-
hat contended in the second century, accomplished by Bryan Boroimha, in thebeginningoftheeleventh. ^ TheNorthernandtheSouthernHy-Nialls
had long previous to his reign divided the sovereignty between them. ** At the first entry of Bryan to supreme power in his kingdom, the whole realm was over-
run and overspread everywliere by the Northmen : the churches, abbeys, and other religious places, were by them quite razed and debased, or otherwise turned to vile, base, and abominable uses. Almost all the noblemen and gentlemen, with those that were distinguished, had been turned out oftheir lands and livings, without any hope of recovery or future redress. Some of the best persons were compelled to serve, and were held in bondage, while both human law and God's fear were set aside. *'
It has been supposed, notwithstanding, that Bryan could hardly have entailed any more ruinous evil upon the country, than to set an ex-
ample of contempt for established rights, thereby weakening, in the minds of the people, that habitual reverence for ancient laws and usages,
which was the only security afforded by the national character, for the preser- vation of public order and pe—ace. *' This consideration, however, takes only a partial view of the situation one greatly complicated by personal right or prerogative and by general interests, on both sides, or by public policy and uncertainty, at a very unsetded period of our history. The principles, which should guide national as individual morality, are well understood, in the ab- stract ; it is only when they are to be applied in practice, that difficulties arise to confuse the faculties, not alone of rulers and of their subjects, but even of conscientious moralists, having the most acute intellect and profound know- ledge of the rules for action. No opinion is historically well formed, which does not include a full and fair consideration of all the important circum-
"
*s See John O'Donoghue's Historical discipline, munificent to his friends, and
Memoir of the O'Briens," Mediasval Part, merciful to his enemies. He had a great
chap, ii. , pp. 22, 23.
^'In the work already quoteil, we find a
clear and intelligible list of the Irish mon-
archs, descendants of Niall of the Nine Hos-
tages, according to the chronology of the Four Masters. See ibid. , Preface xvii. to
share in the affections of the people, upon account of his many heroic victories and ac-
complishments, nor was it unjust or inglori- ous in him to make an attempt upon the
crown of Ireland, for it appears in this his-
tory, that the course of succession was often — interrupted, and hereditary rights laid aside ;
the was in some measure monarchy
elective, and generally fell into the hands of the most valiant and beloved by the people ; so that the aspersions that are fixed by some authors upon the characier of this Momonian prince, for thrusting himself by violence into the throne of Munsier are ill supported ; nor did he banished the Danes, made up the he violate any of the established l. iws, or act contrary to the constitution of the kingdom, The greatest part of the island he subdued by his arms, for he forced under his obedience all who refused to confess his authority; but thejustice and natural clemency of his tem- per soon procure<l him the affections of the people of all ranks and conditions, so that he was proclaimed by universal consent, and Maolseachluin was to the
xix.
" The Annals of Clonmacnoise add
:
" In sume it was strange how men of any fashion cou'd use other men as the Danes did use the Irish-men at that time. But King Bryan Borowe was a meet salve to cure such festered soares, all the phissick in the world cou'd not help it else where, in a small time
Churches and Religious houses, restored the nobility to their . -^ntient patrimony and pos- sessions, and iu fine, brought all to a notable reformation. "
** See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
« A viudicatiim of Bryan is thus furnished
in Dermot O'Connor's Keating's "General
:
History of Ireland," as lollows —" And
obliged resign sceptre, and retire peaceajjly to the state of a
subject," Bookii. , pp. 482, 483.
worthy he was to command a kingdom of much larger extent, for he was a prince invin- cible in arms, of great experience in military
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
stances, bearing on passing or remote transactions ; yet, the kings and the people of that period were obliged to face dictates or obscurities of policy, and theurgentnecessitiesofcasesthatarose. NorweretherespectivestatesofIre- land of one accord, in reference to the past and existing condition of affairs. The superiority of Bryan's religious as also energetic character, and his re- markable abilities, caused him to be. idolized by the people; while his ascendant military genius pointed him out, as the leader best qualified to defend their national prosperity and liberty, against the machinations and forces of those powerful foreign colonists and invaders, who so frequently disturbed their domestic peace. '"
During the first year of Brian's reign, the Irish Annals record disturbances and outrages occurring, in various parts of the kingdom. A conference is said to have been held at Dun Delga, or Dundalk, between Bryan, and Aedh, with Eochaidh, from the northern parts of Ireland. A truce, which was to last for a year, obliged the latter, to observe peace with Maelseachlainn and the peo- ple of Connaught. s" Notwithstanding his signal victory over the supreme monarch, it required all the forecast, resolution, combination and vigilance, withademonstrationofmilitaryforce,onthepartofBrian; for,thedifferent branches of Hy-Nialls could hardly brook the fancied wrongs and humilia- tion sustained, by the head of their family. s' Timid yet sufficiently intelligi- ble attempts at disturbance followed. These were terminated, by a bolder effort, which gave occasion for Bryan to crush their disaffection. In the year 1003, an army was led by the monarch into North Connaught; and, he was accompanied by Maelseachlainn, so far as Traigh-Eothaile,5"a large strand, near Ballysadare,'^ in the present county of Sligo. His object was to proceed around Ireland, while accompanied by the deposed monarch, now acting as hisally. However,theadvanceofBryanfurtherwasinterrujjtedbythepeople of Tyrone,5< and their hostile attitude caused him to retreat. ss In his pro- gress, Bryan desired to manifest his power, with a fine military following. His state was maintained, by the chiefs of Leath Mogha, with their officers, attendants and forces. What added most to his political and moral influence, accompanied by that contingent due from his own province, Maelseachlainn followed, in the retinue of his victorious rival. The monarch Bryan encoim- tered some feeble demonstrations, on the part of Aodh, grandson to the renowned Murkertach, and the northern Hy-Niell, who severally exhibited a disposition to resist. The force, which accompanied Bryan and Maelseach- lainn was not sufficiently numerous, to penetrate beyond North Connaught, especially as a serious opposition to their further progress was now threatened. There, they were obliged to remain, for the Ui-Neill of the North prevented their further advance ;5<s but, while they resolved on returning, it was intended to prepare a more effective army, and to prosecute again their progress towards the North, to curb the rebellious spirit of its chiefs and people. Perhaps, it
8vo.
M See the " Annales Ultoniensis," at A. D.
1003, in Dr. OConor's " Rerum Hiberiiica-
rum Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 294.
5= See for the-e particulars Juhii O'Dono- ghue's•HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"
chap iii. , p. 24.
S' See Dr. Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 748, 749, and n. (u).
" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , Second Period, pp. 204, 205.
5° See Coja'dIi Jaetiliel He SAlUaibh, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132 to 135.
s' See Elias Kegnaults " Histoire de I'Irlande," liv. i. , chap, vi. , p. 77.
5» The Annals of Ulsier call it tracht n EothaiU, which Dr. O'Conortranslates. " litus Eothal. "—" Reruin Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 294.
51 The accounts of this place are very fully
given,inVeryRev. ArchdeaconT. O'Rorke's
" History, Antiquities, and present State of the Parishes of Ballysadare and Kilvamet, in the County of Sligo," &c. Dublin, no date.
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
might carry too far the license of historical scepticism, sliould we refuse to Malachy that praise, wliich his subsequent course of conduct, so far as known, will fairly support. If his motives were not of the highest order, his actions will yet bear the noblest interpretation ; and, although he could not, with safety or prudent policy, have acted otherwise, than in alliance with Bryan, which, while it preserved his substantial power, kept open the succession, yet, we must admit, that the most heroic patriotism could not have selected higher
ground,thanthecourseactuallypursued,bythedeposedmonarch. Ahigh standard of conduct, in whatever motives it may begin, seldom fails to call into action those ennobling characteristics, from which it should have arisen. Such is generally the mixed character of human virtue. Setting aside the philosophy of motives, Malachy's acquiescence in his rival's supremacy was followed by a sincere and a manly, as well as by a judicious, adoption of the best means and measures, to give firmness and security, as well as a beneficial direction, to Bryan's government. Aware that a struggle for the monarchy must prove the certain sacrifice of the Irish nation to the common enemy, he wisely and nobly exerted his influence, as it appears, to preserve the peace of the country. 57
It was agreed, by both, that a great convention 5' of the men of all Ireland
shouldassembleatUun-Dealgan,nowDundalk,inConaille-Muirtheimhne. Not alone the Meathmen, the Connaughtmen, the Leinstermen, and the Munster- men, but, likewise, the foreigners, the UUdians, the Cinel-Conaill,59 the Cinel- Eoghain,*° and the Airghiaila,^' there assembled. With these were Aedh, son of Domhnall Ua Neill, heir apparent to the sovereignty of Ireland, and Eochaidh, son to Ardghar, King of Ulidia. This was a very important and imposing convocation of kings, princes, and chiefs, who were ready to deli- berate,ontliechangedconditionofaffairs,intheircommoncountry. Their dehberations appear to have been harmoniously conducted, and their deci- sion was unanimous, to accept Bryan Borumha as the supreme monarch of
for the future. '^ We are told, that all in " without Ireland, separated peace,
hostages or booty, spoils or pledges.
"^3
The royal progresses of Bryan Boroimha for some years were conspicuous
features of his reign, while they greatly served to uphold his policy and his able management of affairs. They must have combined many important advantages. Admirablyadaptedtocaptivateandtoexciteadmiration,inthe multitude ; they produced deep impressions and moral effects, which were
not intended to be invidious, nor insulting. They procured, likewise, sub- mission from, and a necessary surveillance over, the subordinate chiefs. *'* These most exalted in rank had gifts and honours bestowed on them, with no
5' It is strange, this great national assem- bly is not even noticed, in " The History of Dundalk, and its Environs," &c. , by John D'Alton, and by J. R. O'Flanagan.
5' The race of Conall, inhabiting Done-
gal.
'"= The race of Eoghan, inhabiting Ty-
rone.
" These were a people, inhabiting that
district reaching from Louth to Fermanagh, and taking in some of the adjoining counties of Ulster.
" In order to give Bryan's usurpation some semblance of concert and deliberation, we are told, according to Thomas Moore, that a convention of the princes of the kingdom, held at Dundalk, was preUminary to the as-
sumption of the monarchy, and that it was convoked, i—n contemplation of that step. He
of
tion is there the slightest authority in any of our records ; and the convention held at Dundealga, or Dundalk, so far from being a preliminary measure, did not take place till after the " first rebellion," as it is styled by our annalists, o—f the King of Munster against
of vol. the monarch. " "History Ireland,"
ii. , chap, xxi. , pp. 120, 121.
'^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744 to 747.
"
then adds
for none
"But, the truth is,
these supposed preparatives of his usurpa-
;
** See Rev. James Wills' Second Period, p. 205.
Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 369
sparing hand ; and, such favours were judiciously distributed. The deepest and most lasting friendships were created, by these ceremonious and magni-
ficent displays of power, courtesy, and m^nanimity combined. Personal ambition, it would seem, was subordinate to the sense ofduty, which actuated thenewmonarch; and,hisactionssufficientlyevincealoveofgoodness,pre- dominating over his aims to live great and glorious.
CHAPTER VI.
THE NORTHERN EXPEDITION OF BRYAN BOROIMHA—HIS VISIT TO ARMAGH—RETURN TO THE SOUTH, AND DISBANDING OF HIS ARMY—HIS NAVAL EXPEDITION TO ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND—CONVENTION AT TARA—HIS REGULATIONS CONCERNING FAMILY SURNAMES AND THE INHERITANCE OF PROPERTT—EMBASSIES TO EUROPEAN KINGS—HIS PATRONAGE OF RELIGIOUS AND OF LEARNED MEN— PIOUS FOUNDATIONS—HIS STATE AND MANNER OF LIVING—HIS PUBLIC AND PRI- VATE CHARACTER AS A MONARCH—DEATH OF HIS WIFE, DUVCHOVLAIGH, AND OF HIS BROTHER MARCAN.
Soon after the great convention at Dundalk, the newly-acknowledged Sovereign of Ireland found it necessary to make a levy of his lieges, both Gaels and Galls, who were stationed from Silabh Fuaid," to the southern parts of the kingdom. His march was now directed, against the men of Hy-Niall andofUlaidh. ' Theforeigners,whowerehissubjects,furnishedaverycon- siderable contingent of Brian Borumha's allies, during his northern progress. They had assisted him, likewise, in deposing Maelseachlainn II. , as also in weakening the power of the Northern Ui Neill, on this occasion. The hosting of Bryan was now led against the young and heroic Aedh O'Neill,' who aspired to the throne of Ireland, and who watched with great jealousy
the usurped jurisdiction of the new monarch. Again, we are informed, that a hosting was led by Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, with the men of the south of
Ireland, into Cinel-Eoghain and Ulidia, to demand hostages, about the year 1004,*or1005. Theaccountofthisexpedition,asfurnishedfromtheBook
of Ciuain-mic-nois,s and froin the Book *,of the^Island,' relates, that the forces
Chapter vi. — The present FewsMoun-
tains, in the county of Armagh. They seem to have been so called, from the chieftain Fuad, who fell there in a victory obtained overtheTuatha-De-Dananns, A. M. 3500. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 26, 27.
' See Cogatjh 5AeT)hel Ue SalUvibh, edited by the Rev. James Henthorn Todd, chap. Ixxvii. , pp. 134,135.
3 ile gained a victory, in the year 1004, against Uladh, but in that battle fought at Craove Tulcha, he lost hislife, in the twenty-
ninthyearofhisage. andin thefifteenth ofhis government over Tyrone. "There are hardly any instances in Irish history, of a prince being vested so early in life with the dignity of government ; and tliis circumstance alone must raise our idea of the talents of this young hero. "—Charles O'Conor's "Disser- tations on the History of Ireland," sect. xviii. , p. 248, and note.
« The Annals of Ulster, as may be seen in
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibemicarum Scrip- tores," tomus ir. , place the arrival of Bryan's army at Armagh, in the year 1004. See pp. 295, 296.
5 According to Dr. O'Donovan, this is probably the chronicle, translated into English, by Connell Mageoghegan, in 1627 ; but, this passage is not 10 Ik found, in that translation,
'
This was a book of Annals, continued by Augustin Magraidin, to his own time, A. D. 1405. Ware had a part of these Annals, with some additions made, after Magraidin's death. See Harris's edition of Ware's "Writers of Ireland," p. 87; also Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," p. 5, and
'•
Monasticon Hibemicura," p.
Archdall's
442. TheseAnnalshavenotbeenyetiden-
tified ; and, it is not known, if they are ex- tant.
' The I-iland of AH Saints, in Loch Ribh, or Ree, Upper Shannon.
' See the CogAch jAcohel He jAllAibh, AI
370 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of Bryan proceeded tlirough Meath, where they remained anight, at Tailltin. * Afterwards, they marched northwards ; but, they appear to have failed in the great object had in view ; for, they did not obtain the hostages of the races of Conall, under the rule of Maelruany O'Maldory, or of Eoglian, under the sway of Aodh O'Neill. It seems to us, that our historians have somewhat confused the order of narrative, in reference to Bryan Boromha's northern expeditions, soon after he had attained the sovereij^nty. He took a route, however, through the middle of Connaught,' and into Magh-n-Ai,'° over the Coirr Shliabh," into TirAilella. '^ HewentthenceintothecountryofCairpre,'3andbeyondSligech;'* he kept his left hand to the sea, and his right to the land, on towards Ben Gul- ban,'5 he crossed over Dubh,'*and over Drobhaois,'7and into Magh-n-Kine. '^ He then passed over Ath-Seanaigh, at Eas-Ruaidh,'9 into Tir-Aedha,'° and on through Bearnas M6r. =' He next marched overFearsad,^" and went into Tir Eoghan. '3 Itseemsprobable,however,thatthechieftainsandclansmenof Tyrconnell and of Tirowen were able to baffle the movements of Bryan's in- vadingarmy; for,intheirnativewildsandfastnesses,theyrefusedtogivehim pledges of submission. =•»
While in those northern parts, we can hardly doubt, that the mon-
arch should desire to visit the great metropolitan city, and to become the
welcome guest of its primate, Maelmury. 's His stay was somewhat prolonged there, since, by our chroniclers we are told, that Bryan remained a week at Ard-Macha. He was accompanied, by a considerable retinue of Irish kings. There, he left twenty ounces of gold,''* as an offering, upon the altar of St. Patrick,atArd-Macha. '' Whileinthatcity,themonarchlikewiseexpresseda desire, his body should repose there after death, although the holy sancturary of Ireland's patron saint was far removed from Killaloe, the place of entomb- mentforBryan'sancestors. ThisreligiouskinghadforhisAnmchara,orCoun- sellor, Maelsuthain 0'Cearbhaill,°^ to whom allusion has been already made ; and, while Bryan was in Armagh, we find, Maelsuthain accompanied the monarch
chap, Ixxvii. , pp. 134, 135.
' Such is the account, as found in the
CojA-oli 5&eT)lieL 1\e jAllAibh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn Todd, chap. Ixxviii. , pp. 134 to 137. These events are placed by the editor, at A. D. 1005.
tween the present towns of Donegal and of Stranorlar.
" Also called Fearsat-Suilighe, or " the crossing of the Swilly," now Farsetmore, about two miles east of Letterkenny, in the
county of Donegal.
'"^ The territory of the Northern
Hy-
Nialls.
'* Two years, afterwards, Aedh and Eoc'>
haidh, the great chiefs of the North, fought the battle of Craebh Tulcha, in which both
were killed, and where, also, the principal nobles of Ulaidh were slain.
°5 Also called Mnrian, the son of Eocha, who succeeded in this see, A. D. 1001, and who sat for nineteen years. He died A. D. 1021. See Harris' Ware, vol. i. , "Arch- bishops of Armagh," p. 49.
'° Also called
a plain in the county of Roscommon.
Magh n-Aoi-mhic-Allguba,
" Also called Coirrshliabh-na-Seaghsa, or the Curlieu Hills.
'' A
territory, present county of Sligo,
of the
in the eastern
part
'3 Now the barony of Caibury, in the
northern part of Sligo County.
Sligo.
"5 Now known as Benbulban, a towering
range of steep mountains, rising over the deep valley of Glenlough, in the county of
'•• Now
Sligo.
t "> Still known as the Duff or Bunduff of that weight. See "Limerick; its His-
River.
' This river rises in Lough Melvin, and it
fallsintothesea,notfarfromBundoran.
'" Now the Moy, a (lain lying between the Rivers Erne and Drowes, near Bally-
shannon.
»» Now Assaroe waterfall, on the Erne
River.
=" Now Tirhugh Barony, in the county of
Donegal.
" The romantic pass of Barnesmore, be-
tory and Antiquities," chap, ii. , p. 13.
''' See Dr. Charles O'Conor's " Rerum HibernicarumScriptores,"tomusiv. Anua-
les Ullonienses, pp. 295, 296.
°* A curious old legend regarding him is
"
to be found in the
runi," part i. , fol. I lir. This Manuscript is on vellum, and contained in two 4to vols. ,
written in the year 1434. It belonged to James Marianus Kennedy, Esq. , of 47 Glou- cester-street, Dublin. A catalogue of its
"MauriceI. eiiilsancallsit "a collar" gold
Liber Flavus Fcrguso-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 371
thither, from a curious entry, in his own handwriting, and traced in the pre- sence of Bryan. This autograph is yet extant, and, it may be seen, in the
celebrated Book of Armagh. ^' Bryan Boroimhe has been called Imperator Scotorum,3° and this seems to have been his title, even before that time, when hehadvisitedtheholycityofArmagh. Acuriousnotice,incorroborationof such fact, is to be found in the ancient Book of Armagh, which is thought to be asoldastheeighthcentury. 3' Duringthistimeofhisstay,themonarchappears to have acknowledged that Primatial Seat, as having supreme jurisdiction over all the other Irish Sees. Having left Armagh, he traversed the territories of Dal Riada, and of Dal Araidhe, and he went into Ulaidh. 3" From these places, he carried off their hostages. 33 The expeditionary army of Bryan next moved into Conaille-Muirthumhne, and they arrived about Lammas, at Bealach-duin. 34 TheLeinstermenthenproceededsouthwards,acrossBreagha, or Bregia, to their territory, and the foreigners 35 by sea went round to their respectivefortresses. 3* TheMunstermenalso,andtheOsraighiwentthrough Meath,37 to their several countries.
Subsequently, we find it stated, that the monarch Bryan planned a great
contents has been furnished, by Professor
O'Curry.
"s See Eugene O'Curry's
3' We are told, that while Bi-yan was at Craebh Tulcha, the Ulaiiih supplied him with twelve hundred beeves, twelve hundred hogs, and twelve hundred wethers. In re- turn, the monarch bestowed twelve hundred horses to them, besides gold, silver and
"
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory," Lect. iv. , p. 76. And Appendix xl. , xli. , pp. 529 to 533.
—
township purveyor—departed from Bryan,
*" A Latin entry, but in Irish characters, remains in the Book of Armagh, at fol. xvi.
clothing. No Biatach
the Irish title for a
: b. b. , of which the following is the text —
or some
The duty of
those Biatachs in Eimn was to supply pro-
visions to all chieftains and persons of rank,
travelling withattendants through the country. '3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
"Sdncrurpac^M[ct] urlenj*,aocoelum lYiAntxiuic cocum i^pucciim l^bopif fui circiim b<ipci4m [? ] CAm CAUfApum <]U0T3 eletnoipniiAum'oef&penoum effe ^pofrro lioae Scocice
Lectures on the
upbi que
macha. Sic |\epeiM in bibtiochicij- Sco-
coputn. ego j-cpipp 10 e^x Caluuf pepen-
tiif in conppeccu DpiAni impepxicoiMj" Sco-
copum ec que fcpipp pniguit ppoBmni-
buf pegibuf macepiae. "
" Sanctus Patri [ci] us iens ad caelum man-
davit totum fructum laboris sui tarn baptis-
tiam [? ] tarn causarum quod elemoisinarum
deferendum esse apostolicae urbi que Scotice
nominatur Ardd Macha. Sic reperi in biblio-
thicis Scotorum. Ego scripsi id est Calvus
Perennis in conspectu Bnani imperatoris O'Donovan.
Scotorum et que scripsi finiguil pro omnibus 3! These belonged chiefly to Ath Cliath, regibus Macerix. " ["St. P. -itrick, going up to Port Lairge, and to Luimnech. The old
writer in the Annals is not very accurate here, in describing the points of the com- pass ; for, he states, that the foreigners went eastwards, although their course in reality
nominAcup <\]\ut)
to heaven, commanded that all the fruit of
his labour as well of baptisms as of causes
and ofalms, should be carried to the Apostolic
City, which is called Scotice \i. e. the Gaed-
helic] Ardd Macha. So I have found it in was southwards.
the book-collections of the Scots
\i. e.
the
3' Most this refers not to Dublin. likely,
3' Tlie old annalist remarks, that went they
westwards ; but south-westwanily probably describes much better, their line of march. Westwards will apply to the men of Con- naught, who belonged to the host, but not to those of Ossory, who dwelt southwards of the point, where their dispersion took place. In the Co5«T)h jAeoheL He SatLAibli, their course, when disbanded, is correctly given.
3^ Those living in England.
Gaedhii].
Memoirs of the O'Briens, chap, iii. , pp. 24
to 37.
=" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 250.
of Ire-
3" gee Thomas Moore's "
the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744, 745, land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p, lOO.
tores," tomus iv. , p. 293.
"^ In a work of very considerable merit,
curious and interesting matter has been col-
History
'
the future recognised King of Ireland ; although, to the close of his reign,
Maelseachlainn is said to have nourished a secret resentment against the vic-
tor. 3^ This event of Malachy's deposition has been referred to a. d. 996, in
Mageoghan's translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise ;33 but, the more
exact chronology of Tighemach places it, at a. d. 1002. 34 The vast numeri-
cal superiority of Bryan's army made it evident, that nothing but defeat was
to be expected from resistance. The monarch therefore submitted, while
hostages35 weregivenbyhimselfandbytheConnaughtmen. Makingthose
appeals to the justice and generosity of his rival, and which suited the occa-
sion, he secured present safety by submission, and by giving security for his
future allegiance. It is unfair to assert, that in usurping the supreme power,
Bryan was clearly impelled by motives of selfish ambition •ff' for, we can well
conceive a political necessity, in urging this course, which should largely be taken into account.
—The year of Christ 1002, is held by some writers—such as the Four Mas-
ters to have been the first year of Bryan, as supreme monarch over Ireland. 37
At that period, he is thought tohaveattained the ripe age of seventy-six years. 3' He is said 39 to have been solemnly anointed and crowned by the Archbishop of Cashel,4° at Tara, in the presence of the princes and chief nobles of the land. '*' However,thestatementaboutBryan'sageisverymuchtobedoubted; and,it is thought, he had then only attained about the sixty-first year, when his de- posedrivalMaelseachlainnwasaboutfifty-three. <' Bryan'ssupremacywasnot readily acknowledged, however, especially in the northern division of Ireland. For this reason, an expedition had been planned, and his direction of it towards the quarter, where his authority was likely to be most questioned, was prudently conceived. Attempts have been made, according to the illus- trious bard and historian, Thomas Moore, to lend an appearance of popular
sanction to Bryan's usurpation, by the plausible pretence, that it was owing to the solicitation of the states and princes of Connaught, that he was induced
to adopt measures for the deposition of Malachy. *3 But, whatever may have been the originating causes for this action, we are informed, and on apparently goodauthority, that Bryanwas the best and most famous king of his time, during the twelve years of his reign, and that he was well worthy of the government ; nor had he a peer among the previous or subsequent monarchs of the Irish
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 365
nation,
" for and Manhood, Fortune, Manners, Laws, Liberality, Religion,
^ See Walter Harris' "History and Anti- quities of the City of Dublin, from the earliest Accounts," chap, ix. , p. 195.
dix, pp. 544, 545.
^^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 746, 747.
" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
35 The writer of this chronicle adds, that
was " in such man- ral of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
Moyleseaghlyn deposed,
ner as I do not intend to relate in this place. "
History xi. , chap, vii. , pp. 253, 254.
Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
3* See Dr.
Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, p. 390.
*"
at this
the
George
Strictly speaking,
period,
pre-
's These were at first conveyed to Ath-
lone, and afterwards conducted to Bryan's
house. See Co5<M3h 5<jer)het Re JaV Cineidi, the son of Lorcan, witli his genea-
l^ibti, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132, 133.
logy traced back to Milesius, was monarch of Ireland, the multitude confirmed the choice, by giving what was called the Royal Shout.
<" . Such is the opinion of Dr. John O'Dono-
van, in "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
* See Thomas Moore's " land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
of Ire-
5' There is a Genealogical Table of the several branches of the O'Briens, beginning with Brian Boroimhe, Monarch of Ireland, A. D. 1002, and his six
History
sons, Morrogh, Conor,
ii. , p. 747, n. (o).
<' . See " of History
xxi. , p, 120.
Ireland,"
vol.
ii. , chap.
Flan, Tcige, Donald, and Donogh, taken
from the Irish Annals, in John O'Donoghue's "
HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"Appen-
^ According to Mageoghegan's translation ofthe "Annals of Clonmacnoise," at A. D. 996.
late of that see was not invested with metro-
politan jurisdiction.
" It is related, when proclamation was made to the people, that Brien, the son of
366 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
many other good parts. "^* Nor is it easy, at this distance of time, to estimate
as it deserves, a revohition, which transferred the sceptre of Ireland from the
descendant of Heremon, the elder of Milead's sons, to a prince sprung from
the younger brother, Heber, and to find that object, for which Mogha Nuad-
hat contended in the second century, accomplished by Bryan Boroimha, in thebeginningoftheeleventh. ^ TheNorthernandtheSouthernHy-Nialls
had long previous to his reign divided the sovereignty between them. ** At the first entry of Bryan to supreme power in his kingdom, the whole realm was over-
run and overspread everywliere by the Northmen : the churches, abbeys, and other religious places, were by them quite razed and debased, or otherwise turned to vile, base, and abominable uses. Almost all the noblemen and gentlemen, with those that were distinguished, had been turned out oftheir lands and livings, without any hope of recovery or future redress. Some of the best persons were compelled to serve, and were held in bondage, while both human law and God's fear were set aside. *'
It has been supposed, notwithstanding, that Bryan could hardly have entailed any more ruinous evil upon the country, than to set an ex-
ample of contempt for established rights, thereby weakening, in the minds of the people, that habitual reverence for ancient laws and usages,
which was the only security afforded by the national character, for the preser- vation of public order and pe—ace. *' This consideration, however, takes only a partial view of the situation one greatly complicated by personal right or prerogative and by general interests, on both sides, or by public policy and uncertainty, at a very unsetded period of our history. The principles, which should guide national as individual morality, are well understood, in the ab- stract ; it is only when they are to be applied in practice, that difficulties arise to confuse the faculties, not alone of rulers and of their subjects, but even of conscientious moralists, having the most acute intellect and profound know- ledge of the rules for action. No opinion is historically well formed, which does not include a full and fair consideration of all the important circum-
"
*s See John O'Donoghue's Historical discipline, munificent to his friends, and
Memoir of the O'Briens," Mediasval Part, merciful to his enemies. He had a great
chap, ii. , pp. 22, 23.
^'In the work already quoteil, we find a
clear and intelligible list of the Irish mon-
archs, descendants of Niall of the Nine Hos-
tages, according to the chronology of the Four Masters. See ibid. , Preface xvii. to
share in the affections of the people, upon account of his many heroic victories and ac-
complishments, nor was it unjust or inglori- ous in him to make an attempt upon the
crown of Ireland, for it appears in this his-
tory, that the course of succession was often — interrupted, and hereditary rights laid aside ;
the was in some measure monarchy
elective, and generally fell into the hands of the most valiant and beloved by the people ; so that the aspersions that are fixed by some authors upon the characier of this Momonian prince, for thrusting himself by violence into the throne of Munsier are ill supported ; nor did he banished the Danes, made up the he violate any of the established l. iws, or act contrary to the constitution of the kingdom, The greatest part of the island he subdued by his arms, for he forced under his obedience all who refused to confess his authority; but thejustice and natural clemency of his tem- per soon procure<l him the affections of the people of all ranks and conditions, so that he was proclaimed by universal consent, and Maolseachluin was to the
xix.
" The Annals of Clonmacnoise add
:
" In sume it was strange how men of any fashion cou'd use other men as the Danes did use the Irish-men at that time. But King Bryan Borowe was a meet salve to cure such festered soares, all the phissick in the world cou'd not help it else where, in a small time
Churches and Religious houses, restored the nobility to their . -^ntient patrimony and pos- sessions, and iu fine, brought all to a notable reformation. "
** See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
« A viudicatiim of Bryan is thus furnished
in Dermot O'Connor's Keating's "General
:
History of Ireland," as lollows —" And
obliged resign sceptre, and retire peaceajjly to the state of a
subject," Bookii. , pp. 482, 483.
worthy he was to command a kingdom of much larger extent, for he was a prince invin- cible in arms, of great experience in military
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
stances, bearing on passing or remote transactions ; yet, the kings and the people of that period were obliged to face dictates or obscurities of policy, and theurgentnecessitiesofcasesthatarose. NorweretherespectivestatesofIre- land of one accord, in reference to the past and existing condition of affairs. The superiority of Bryan's religious as also energetic character, and his re- markable abilities, caused him to be. idolized by the people; while his ascendant military genius pointed him out, as the leader best qualified to defend their national prosperity and liberty, against the machinations and forces of those powerful foreign colonists and invaders, who so frequently disturbed their domestic peace. '"
During the first year of Brian's reign, the Irish Annals record disturbances and outrages occurring, in various parts of the kingdom. A conference is said to have been held at Dun Delga, or Dundalk, between Bryan, and Aedh, with Eochaidh, from the northern parts of Ireland. A truce, which was to last for a year, obliged the latter, to observe peace with Maelseachlainn and the peo- ple of Connaught. s" Notwithstanding his signal victory over the supreme monarch, it required all the forecast, resolution, combination and vigilance, withademonstrationofmilitaryforce,onthepartofBrian; for,thedifferent branches of Hy-Nialls could hardly brook the fancied wrongs and humilia- tion sustained, by the head of their family. s' Timid yet sufficiently intelligi- ble attempts at disturbance followed. These were terminated, by a bolder effort, which gave occasion for Bryan to crush their disaffection. In the year 1003, an army was led by the monarch into North Connaught; and, he was accompanied by Maelseachlainn, so far as Traigh-Eothaile,5"a large strand, near Ballysadare,'^ in the present county of Sligo. His object was to proceed around Ireland, while accompanied by the deposed monarch, now acting as hisally. However,theadvanceofBryanfurtherwasinterrujjtedbythepeople of Tyrone,5< and their hostile attitude caused him to retreat. ss In his pro- gress, Bryan desired to manifest his power, with a fine military following. His state was maintained, by the chiefs of Leath Mogha, with their officers, attendants and forces. What added most to his political and moral influence, accompanied by that contingent due from his own province, Maelseachlainn followed, in the retinue of his victorious rival. The monarch Bryan encoim- tered some feeble demonstrations, on the part of Aodh, grandson to the renowned Murkertach, and the northern Hy-Niell, who severally exhibited a disposition to resist. The force, which accompanied Bryan and Maelseach- lainn was not sufficiently numerous, to penetrate beyond North Connaught, especially as a serious opposition to their further progress was now threatened. There, they were obliged to remain, for the Ui-Neill of the North prevented their further advance ;5<s but, while they resolved on returning, it was intended to prepare a more effective army, and to prosecute again their progress towards the North, to curb the rebellious spirit of its chiefs and people. Perhaps, it
8vo.
M See the " Annales Ultoniensis," at A. D.
1003, in Dr. OConor's " Rerum Hiberiiica-
rum Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 294.
5= See for the-e particulars Juhii O'Dono- ghue's•HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"
chap iii. , p. 24.
S' See Dr. Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 748, 749, and n. (u).
" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , Second Period, pp. 204, 205.
5° See Coja'dIi Jaetiliel He SAlUaibh, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132 to 135.
s' See Elias Kegnaults " Histoire de I'Irlande," liv. i. , chap, vi. , p. 77.
5» The Annals of Ulsier call it tracht n EothaiU, which Dr. O'Conortranslates. " litus Eothal. "—" Reruin Hibernicarum
Scriptores," tomus iv. , p. 294.
51 The accounts of this place are very fully
given,inVeryRev. ArchdeaconT. O'Rorke's
" History, Antiquities, and present State of the Parishes of Ballysadare and Kilvamet, in the County of Sligo," &c. Dublin, no date.
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
might carry too far the license of historical scepticism, sliould we refuse to Malachy that praise, wliich his subsequent course of conduct, so far as known, will fairly support. If his motives were not of the highest order, his actions will yet bear the noblest interpretation ; and, although he could not, with safety or prudent policy, have acted otherwise, than in alliance with Bryan, which, while it preserved his substantial power, kept open the succession, yet, we must admit, that the most heroic patriotism could not have selected higher
ground,thanthecourseactuallypursued,bythedeposedmonarch. Ahigh standard of conduct, in whatever motives it may begin, seldom fails to call into action those ennobling characteristics, from which it should have arisen. Such is generally the mixed character of human virtue. Setting aside the philosophy of motives, Malachy's acquiescence in his rival's supremacy was followed by a sincere and a manly, as well as by a judicious, adoption of the best means and measures, to give firmness and security, as well as a beneficial direction, to Bryan's government. Aware that a struggle for the monarchy must prove the certain sacrifice of the Irish nation to the common enemy, he wisely and nobly exerted his influence, as it appears, to preserve the peace of the country. 57
It was agreed, by both, that a great convention 5' of the men of all Ireland
shouldassembleatUun-Dealgan,nowDundalk,inConaille-Muirtheimhne. Not alone the Meathmen, the Connaughtmen, the Leinstermen, and the Munster- men, but, likewise, the foreigners, the UUdians, the Cinel-Conaill,59 the Cinel- Eoghain,*° and the Airghiaila,^' there assembled. With these were Aedh, son of Domhnall Ua Neill, heir apparent to the sovereignty of Ireland, and Eochaidh, son to Ardghar, King of Ulidia. This was a very important and imposing convocation of kings, princes, and chiefs, who were ready to deli- berate,ontliechangedconditionofaffairs,intheircommoncountry. Their dehberations appear to have been harmoniously conducted, and their deci- sion was unanimous, to accept Bryan Borumha as the supreme monarch of
for the future. '^ We are told, that all in " without Ireland, separated peace,
hostages or booty, spoils or pledges.
"^3
The royal progresses of Bryan Boroimha for some years were conspicuous
features of his reign, while they greatly served to uphold his policy and his able management of affairs. They must have combined many important advantages. Admirablyadaptedtocaptivateandtoexciteadmiration,inthe multitude ; they produced deep impressions and moral effects, which were
not intended to be invidious, nor insulting. They procured, likewise, sub- mission from, and a necessary surveillance over, the subordinate chiefs. *'* These most exalted in rank had gifts and honours bestowed on them, with no
5' It is strange, this great national assem- bly is not even noticed, in " The History of Dundalk, and its Environs," &c. , by John D'Alton, and by J. R. O'Flanagan.
5' The race of Conall, inhabiting Done-
gal.
'"= The race of Eoghan, inhabiting Ty-
rone.
" These were a people, inhabiting that
district reaching from Louth to Fermanagh, and taking in some of the adjoining counties of Ulster.
" In order to give Bryan's usurpation some semblance of concert and deliberation, we are told, according to Thomas Moore, that a convention of the princes of the kingdom, held at Dundalk, was preUminary to the as-
sumption of the monarchy, and that it was convoked, i—n contemplation of that step. He
of
tion is there the slightest authority in any of our records ; and the convention held at Dundealga, or Dundalk, so far from being a preliminary measure, did not take place till after the " first rebellion," as it is styled by our annalists, o—f the King of Munster against
of vol. the monarch. " "History Ireland,"
ii. , chap, xxi. , pp. 120, 121.
'^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744 to 747.
"
then adds
for none
"But, the truth is,
these supposed preparatives of his usurpa-
;
** See Rev. James Wills' Second Period, p. 205.
Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 369
sparing hand ; and, such favours were judiciously distributed. The deepest and most lasting friendships were created, by these ceremonious and magni-
ficent displays of power, courtesy, and m^nanimity combined. Personal ambition, it would seem, was subordinate to the sense ofduty, which actuated thenewmonarch; and,hisactionssufficientlyevincealoveofgoodness,pre- dominating over his aims to live great and glorious.
CHAPTER VI.
THE NORTHERN EXPEDITION OF BRYAN BOROIMHA—HIS VISIT TO ARMAGH—RETURN TO THE SOUTH, AND DISBANDING OF HIS ARMY—HIS NAVAL EXPEDITION TO ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND—CONVENTION AT TARA—HIS REGULATIONS CONCERNING FAMILY SURNAMES AND THE INHERITANCE OF PROPERTT—EMBASSIES TO EUROPEAN KINGS—HIS PATRONAGE OF RELIGIOUS AND OF LEARNED MEN— PIOUS FOUNDATIONS—HIS STATE AND MANNER OF LIVING—HIS PUBLIC AND PRI- VATE CHARACTER AS A MONARCH—DEATH OF HIS WIFE, DUVCHOVLAIGH, AND OF HIS BROTHER MARCAN.
Soon after the great convention at Dundalk, the newly-acknowledged Sovereign of Ireland found it necessary to make a levy of his lieges, both Gaels and Galls, who were stationed from Silabh Fuaid," to the southern parts of the kingdom. His march was now directed, against the men of Hy-Niall andofUlaidh. ' Theforeigners,whowerehissubjects,furnishedaverycon- siderable contingent of Brian Borumha's allies, during his northern progress. They had assisted him, likewise, in deposing Maelseachlainn II. , as also in weakening the power of the Northern Ui Neill, on this occasion. The hosting of Bryan was now led against the young and heroic Aedh O'Neill,' who aspired to the throne of Ireland, and who watched with great jealousy
the usurped jurisdiction of the new monarch. Again, we are informed, that a hosting was led by Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, with the men of the south of
Ireland, into Cinel-Eoghain and Ulidia, to demand hostages, about the year 1004,*or1005. Theaccountofthisexpedition,asfurnishedfromtheBook
of Ciuain-mic-nois,s and froin the Book *,of the^Island,' relates, that the forces
Chapter vi. — The present FewsMoun-
tains, in the county of Armagh. They seem to have been so called, from the chieftain Fuad, who fell there in a victory obtained overtheTuatha-De-Dananns, A. M. 3500. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 26, 27.
' See Cogatjh 5AeT)hel Ue SalUvibh, edited by the Rev. James Henthorn Todd, chap. Ixxvii. , pp. 134,135.
3 ile gained a victory, in the year 1004, against Uladh, but in that battle fought at Craove Tulcha, he lost hislife, in the twenty-
ninthyearofhisage. andin thefifteenth ofhis government over Tyrone. "There are hardly any instances in Irish history, of a prince being vested so early in life with the dignity of government ; and tliis circumstance alone must raise our idea of the talents of this young hero. "—Charles O'Conor's "Disser- tations on the History of Ireland," sect. xviii. , p. 248, and note.
« The Annals of Ulster, as may be seen in
Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibemicarum Scrip- tores," tomus ir. , place the arrival of Bryan's army at Armagh, in the year 1004. See pp. 295, 296.
5 According to Dr. O'Donovan, this is probably the chronicle, translated into English, by Connell Mageoghegan, in 1627 ; but, this passage is not 10 Ik found, in that translation,
'
This was a book of Annals, continued by Augustin Magraidin, to his own time, A. D. 1405. Ware had a part of these Annals, with some additions made, after Magraidin's death. See Harris's edition of Ware's "Writers of Ireland," p. 87; also Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," p. 5, and
'•
Monasticon Hibemicura," p.
Archdall's
442. TheseAnnalshavenotbeenyetiden-
tified ; and, it is not known, if they are ex- tant.
' The I-iland of AH Saints, in Loch Ribh, or Ree, Upper Shannon.
' See the CogAch jAcohel He jAllAibh, AI
370 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of Bryan proceeded tlirough Meath, where they remained anight, at Tailltin. * Afterwards, they marched northwards ; but, they appear to have failed in the great object had in view ; for, they did not obtain the hostages of the races of Conall, under the rule of Maelruany O'Maldory, or of Eoglian, under the sway of Aodh O'Neill. It seems to us, that our historians have somewhat confused the order of narrative, in reference to Bryan Boromha's northern expeditions, soon after he had attained the sovereij^nty. He took a route, however, through the middle of Connaught,' and into Magh-n-Ai,'° over the Coirr Shliabh," into TirAilella. '^ HewentthenceintothecountryofCairpre,'3andbeyondSligech;'* he kept his left hand to the sea, and his right to the land, on towards Ben Gul- ban,'5 he crossed over Dubh,'*and over Drobhaois,'7and into Magh-n-Kine. '^ He then passed over Ath-Seanaigh, at Eas-Ruaidh,'9 into Tir-Aedha,'° and on through Bearnas M6r. =' He next marched overFearsad,^" and went into Tir Eoghan. '3 Itseemsprobable,however,thatthechieftainsandclansmenof Tyrconnell and of Tirowen were able to baffle the movements of Bryan's in- vadingarmy; for,intheirnativewildsandfastnesses,theyrefusedtogivehim pledges of submission. =•»
While in those northern parts, we can hardly doubt, that the mon-
arch should desire to visit the great metropolitan city, and to become the
welcome guest of its primate, Maelmury. 's His stay was somewhat prolonged there, since, by our chroniclers we are told, that Bryan remained a week at Ard-Macha. He was accompanied, by a considerable retinue of Irish kings. There, he left twenty ounces of gold,''* as an offering, upon the altar of St. Patrick,atArd-Macha. '' Whileinthatcity,themonarchlikewiseexpresseda desire, his body should repose there after death, although the holy sancturary of Ireland's patron saint was far removed from Killaloe, the place of entomb- mentforBryan'sancestors. ThisreligiouskinghadforhisAnmchara,orCoun- sellor, Maelsuthain 0'Cearbhaill,°^ to whom allusion has been already made ; and, while Bryan was in Armagh, we find, Maelsuthain accompanied the monarch
chap, Ixxvii. , pp. 134, 135.
' Such is the account, as found in the
CojA-oli 5&eT)lieL 1\e jAllAibh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn Todd, chap. Ixxviii. , pp. 134 to 137. These events are placed by the editor, at A. D. 1005.
tween the present towns of Donegal and of Stranorlar.
" Also called Fearsat-Suilighe, or " the crossing of the Swilly," now Farsetmore, about two miles east of Letterkenny, in the
county of Donegal.
'"^ The territory of the Northern
Hy-
Nialls.
'* Two years, afterwards, Aedh and Eoc'>
haidh, the great chiefs of the North, fought the battle of Craebh Tulcha, in which both
were killed, and where, also, the principal nobles of Ulaidh were slain.
°5 Also called Mnrian, the son of Eocha, who succeeded in this see, A. D. 1001, and who sat for nineteen years. He died A. D. 1021. See Harris' Ware, vol. i. , "Arch- bishops of Armagh," p. 49.
'° Also called
a plain in the county of Roscommon.
Magh n-Aoi-mhic-Allguba,
" Also called Coirrshliabh-na-Seaghsa, or the Curlieu Hills.
'' A
territory, present county of Sligo,
of the
in the eastern
part
'3 Now the barony of Caibury, in the
northern part of Sligo County.
Sligo.
"5 Now known as Benbulban, a towering
range of steep mountains, rising over the deep valley of Glenlough, in the county of
'•• Now
Sligo.
t "> Still known as the Duff or Bunduff of that weight. See "Limerick; its His-
River.
' This river rises in Lough Melvin, and it
fallsintothesea,notfarfromBundoran.
'" Now the Moy, a (lain lying between the Rivers Erne and Drowes, near Bally-
shannon.
»» Now Assaroe waterfall, on the Erne
River.
=" Now Tirhugh Barony, in the county of
Donegal.
" The romantic pass of Barnesmore, be-
tory and Antiquities," chap, ii. , p. 13.
''' See Dr. Charles O'Conor's " Rerum HibernicarumScriptores,"tomusiv. Anua-
les Ullonienses, pp. 295, 296.
°* A curious old legend regarding him is
"
to be found in the
runi," part i. , fol. I lir. This Manuscript is on vellum, and contained in two 4to vols. ,
written in the year 1434. It belonged to James Marianus Kennedy, Esq. , of 47 Glou- cester-street, Dublin. A catalogue of its
"MauriceI. eiiilsancallsit "a collar" gold
Liber Flavus Fcrguso-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 371
thither, from a curious entry, in his own handwriting, and traced in the pre- sence of Bryan. This autograph is yet extant, and, it may be seen, in the
celebrated Book of Armagh. ^' Bryan Boroimhe has been called Imperator Scotorum,3° and this seems to have been his title, even before that time, when hehadvisitedtheholycityofArmagh. Acuriousnotice,incorroborationof such fact, is to be found in the ancient Book of Armagh, which is thought to be asoldastheeighthcentury. 3' Duringthistimeofhisstay,themonarchappears to have acknowledged that Primatial Seat, as having supreme jurisdiction over all the other Irish Sees. Having left Armagh, he traversed the territories of Dal Riada, and of Dal Araidhe, and he went into Ulaidh. 3" From these places, he carried off their hostages. 33 The expeditionary army of Bryan next moved into Conaille-Muirthumhne, and they arrived about Lammas, at Bealach-duin. 34 TheLeinstermenthenproceededsouthwards,acrossBreagha, or Bregia, to their territory, and the foreigners 35 by sea went round to their respectivefortresses. 3* TheMunstermenalso,andtheOsraighiwentthrough Meath,37 to their several countries.
Subsequently, we find it stated, that the monarch Bryan planned a great
contents has been furnished, by Professor
O'Curry.
"s See Eugene O'Curry's
3' We are told, that while Bi-yan was at Craebh Tulcha, the Ulaiiih supplied him with twelve hundred beeves, twelve hundred hogs, and twelve hundred wethers. In re- turn, the monarch bestowed twelve hundred horses to them, besides gold, silver and
"
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory," Lect. iv. , p. 76. And Appendix xl. , xli. , pp. 529 to 533.
—
township purveyor—departed from Bryan,
*" A Latin entry, but in Irish characters, remains in the Book of Armagh, at fol. xvi.
clothing. No Biatach
the Irish title for a
: b. b. , of which the following is the text —
or some
The duty of
those Biatachs in Eimn was to supply pro-
visions to all chieftains and persons of rank,
travelling withattendants through the country. '3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
"Sdncrurpac^M[ct] urlenj*,aocoelum lYiAntxiuic cocum i^pucciim l^bopif fui circiim b<ipci4m [? ] CAm CAUfApum <]U0T3 eletnoipniiAum'oef&penoum effe ^pofrro lioae Scocice
Lectures on the
upbi que
macha. Sic |\epeiM in bibtiochicij- Sco-
coputn. ego j-cpipp 10 e^x Caluuf pepen-
tiif in conppeccu DpiAni impepxicoiMj" Sco-
copum ec que fcpipp pniguit ppoBmni-
buf pegibuf macepiae. "
" Sanctus Patri [ci] us iens ad caelum man-
davit totum fructum laboris sui tarn baptis-
tiam [? ] tarn causarum quod elemoisinarum
deferendum esse apostolicae urbi que Scotice
nominatur Ardd Macha. Sic reperi in biblio-
thicis Scotorum. Ego scripsi id est Calvus
Perennis in conspectu Bnani imperatoris O'Donovan.
Scotorum et que scripsi finiguil pro omnibus 3! These belonged chiefly to Ath Cliath, regibus Macerix. " ["St. P. -itrick, going up to Port Lairge, and to Luimnech. The old
writer in the Annals is not very accurate here, in describing the points of the com- pass ; for, he states, that the foreigners went eastwards, although their course in reality
nominAcup <\]\ut)
to heaven, commanded that all the fruit of
his labour as well of baptisms as of causes
and ofalms, should be carried to the Apostolic
City, which is called Scotice \i. e. the Gaed-
helic] Ardd Macha. So I have found it in was southwards.
the book-collections of the Scots
\i. e.
the
3' Most this refers not to Dublin. likely,
3' Tlie old annalist remarks, that went they
westwards ; but south-westwanily probably describes much better, their line of march. Westwards will apply to the men of Con- naught, who belonged to the host, but not to those of Ossory, who dwelt southwards of the point, where their dispersion took place. In the Co5«T)h jAeoheL He SatLAibli, their course, when disbanded, is correctly given.
3^ Those living in England.
Gaedhii].
