Cernach mac Congalaig
Encyclopedia
Cernach mac Congalaig was a King of Brega
from the Uí Chonaing sept of Cnogba (Knowth
) of the Síl nÁedo Sláine
branch of the southern Ui Neill
. He was the son of Congalach mac Conaing
(died 778) and brother of Flann mac Congalaig
(died 812), previous kings. He ruled from 812-818.
In the early decades of the 8th century an intense rivalry had existed between the northern branch of the Síl nÁedo Sláine represented by the Uí Chonaing and the southern branch represented by the Uí Chernaig of Lagore. This rivalry had been interrupted by the common threat of the rise of the rival branch of Clann Cholmáin
of Uisnech
. In Cernach's reign this old rivalry appears to have flared up again, the annals record a skirmish in 817 between the Ciannachta
and the men of southern Brega, in which many Ciannachta fell. At this time the Uí Chonaing were called kings of Ciannachta
in the annals, a population-group they had subjugated in the early 8th century.
Cernach's death obit in the annals is significant in that it is the first time a member of the sept was called King of Cnogba (rex Cnodhbai) in the Annals of Ulster.
Kings of Brega
-Overview:Brega took its name from Mag Breg, the plain of Brega, in modern County Meath, County Louth and County Dublin, Ireland. They formed part of the Uí Néill kindred, belonging to the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. The kingdom of Brega included the Hill of Tara, the site...
from the Uí Chonaing sept of Cnogba (Knowth
Knowth
Knowth is a Neolithic passage grave and an ancient monument of Brú na Bóinne in the valley of the River Boyne in Ireland.Knowth is the largest of all passage graves situated within the Brú na Bóinne complex. The site consists of one large mound and 17 smaller satellite tombs...
) of the Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine
Síl nÁedo Sláine is the name of the descendants of Áed Sláine , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill—they were the kings of Brega—they claimed descent from Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne....
branch of the southern Ui Neill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
. He was the son of Congalach mac Conaing
Congalach mac Conaing
Congalach mac Conaing was a King of Brega from the Uí Chonaing sept of Cnogba of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Ui Neill...
(died 778) and brother of Flann mac Congalaig
Flann mac Congalaig
Flann mac Congalaig was a King of Brega from the Uí Chonaing sept of Cnogba of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Ui Neill. He was the son of Congalach mac Conaing , a previous king...
(died 812), previous kings. He ruled from 812-818.
In the early decades of the 8th century an intense rivalry had existed between the northern branch of the Síl nÁedo Sláine represented by the Uí Chonaing and the southern branch represented by the Uí Chernaig of Lagore. This rivalry had been interrupted by the common threat of the rise of the rival branch of Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin is the name of the dynasty descended from Colmán Mór , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill — they were the kings of Mide — they traced their descent to Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.Related dynasties descended through Conall...
of Uisnech
Uisnech
The Hill of Uisneach, or Ushnagh, also Uisnech , formerly regarded as the centre of Ireland, is a historical site in County Westmeath . The 182 metre hill lies on the north side of the R390 road, 8 km east of the village of Ballymore, beside the village of Loughanavally...
. In Cernach's reign this old rivalry appears to have flared up again, the annals record a skirmish in 817 between the Ciannachta
Ciannachta
The Ciannachta were a population group of early historic Ireland. They claimed descent from the legendary figure Tadc mac Cein. They first appear in historical sources in the 6th century, and were found in several parts of the island, including in Brega and Tír Eoghain...
and the men of southern Brega, in which many Ciannachta fell. At this time the Uí Chonaing were called kings of Ciannachta
Ciannachta
The Ciannachta were a population group of early historic Ireland. They claimed descent from the legendary figure Tadc mac Cein. They first appear in historical sources in the 6th century, and were found in several parts of the island, including in Brega and Tír Eoghain...
in the annals, a population-group they had subjugated in the early 8th century.
Cernach's death obit in the annals is significant in that it is the first time a member of the sept was called King of Cnogba (rex Cnodhbai) in the Annals of Ulster.