Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair
Encyclopedia
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (newer spelling: Ruaidhrí Ua Conchobhair), often anglicised Rory O'Connor, reigned as King of Connacht
from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King
before the Norman invasion of Ireland
(Brian Ua Néill
and Edubard a Briuis both claimed the title with opposition in later years).
Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his third wife, Cailech Dé Ní hEidin of Aidhne
. He and his sister, Mór, were the only children of the union.
been Tairrdelbach's tánaiste
and designated heir. In 1136, he and his brother Aedh
(died 1195) took advantage of low in Tairrdelbach's fortune's to stage a rebellion. Aedh was blinded by Conchobar on Tairrdelbach's orders but Ruaidrí was proteched by Archbishop
of Connacht
, Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh
. In 1143, he staged another rebellion. He was arrested by Conchobar and Tighearnán Ua Ruairc
After a year's imprisonment, Archbishop of Armagh
Gilla Meic Liac mac Diarmata sought his release by April 1144, along with his confederates Domnall Ua Flaithbertaig and Cathal Ua Conchobair. However, Tairrdelbach only acquiesed upon the assassination of Conchobar in Mide, later that year.
, as tánaiste
, but Ruaidrí improved his status with raids against Tighearnán Ua Ruairc in 1146 and capturing and killing Tairrdelbach's nephew and opponent, Domnall Ua Conchobar, in 1150. Donnell Mór Mideach began to lose favour in 1147 and his fate was sealed when he was arrested in 1151, making solid his claim as his father's heir. In that year he successfully raided Thomond
, where Tairrdelbach won a great victory at the Battle of Móin Mór.
"They divided Meath into two parts on this occasion; ... On this occasion Dearbhforgaill, daughter of Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn, and wife of Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, was brought away by the King of Leinster" (Dermot MacMurrough
).
, burning Croome, dividing Munster in half (Thomond
to Tadhg Ua Briain, Desmond
to Diarmaid MacCartaigh), expelling Toirrdelbach mac Diarmata into Ailech
. This gave reason for Mac Lochlainn to travel south with an army in 1153. Tairrdelbach was beaten off by Mac Lochlainn, leaving Ruaidhri and his men exposed at Fordruim, (now in County Westmeath
):
The Ua Conchobair's brought "the fleets of Dun-Gaillmhe
, of Conmhaicne-mara
, of the men of Umhall, of Ui-Amhalghadha, and Ui-Fiachrach" north and defeated Mac Lochlainn at Inis Eoghain
, but the latter was strong on land, forcing them to respond to incursions in east Connacht and Breifne
, along with attempted settlements in Mide in 1155. The latter led to "The castle of Cuileanntrach [been] burned and demolished by Ruaidhri."
On learning of Tairrdelbach's death, Mac Lochlainn assumed the High-Kingship and began a war of attrition in Leinster
and Osraige
, using their regional allies against one another.
Over the winter of 1156–57 he positioned a fleet
on the River Shannon
in anticipation of an attack from Aileach. Yet Mac Lochlinn successfully imposed his own clint king in Mide, took hostages from Dermot MacMurrough
, evicted the kings of Loígis
, Uí Failghe
and Osraige
, all of whom fled to Connacht. He then subdued all Munster
and captured Luimneach
. Forced to attack or lose face, Ruaidrí responded by plundering and burning areas around Strabane
and Derry
. Then, while Mac Lochlinn was returning home to counter him, Ruaidrí entered Munster and overturned Mac Lochlinn's political settlement.
, died in 1233. The Annals of Connacht
give the following reason for this:
The annals and genealogies list thirteen children fathered by Ruaidrí. There may have been more.
All of Ruaidrí's progeny, apart from the descendants of Rose Ní Conchobair
, faded into obscurity before 1250. The result is that there are no demonstratable male-line descendants recorded after the 13th century.
Kings of Connacht
The Kings of Connacht were rulers of the cóiced of Connacht, which lies west of the River Shannon, Ireland. However, the name only became applied to it in the early medieval era, being named after The Connachta.The old name for the province was Cóiced Ol nEchmacht . Ptolemy's map of c. 150 AD...
from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
before the Norman invasion of Ireland
Norman Invasion of Ireland
The Norman invasion of Ireland was a two-stage process, which began on 1 May 1169 when a force of loosely associated Norman knights landed near Bannow, County Wexford...
(Brian Ua Néill
Brian Ua Neill
Brian Ua Néill, also known as Brian O'Neill, was the High King of Ireland from 1258 to 1260. He died in the Battle of Druim Dearg in 1260.- Revolt in Ireland :...
and Edubard a Briuis both claimed the title with opposition in later years).
Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his third wife, Cailech Dé Ní hEidin of Aidhne
Aidhne
Aidhne also known as, Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne, Maigh Aidhne / Maigh nAidhne was the territory of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a tuath located in the south of what is now County Galway in the south of Connacht, Ireland. Aidhne is coextensive with the present diocese of Kilmacduagh...
. He and his sister, Mór, were the only children of the union.
Rig Damna Connachta
Ruaidrí was not a favourite of his father, his brother Conchobair Ua ConchobairConchobair Ua Conchobair
Conchobair Ua Conchobair , served as Tánaiste of Connacht, fl. 1126–1144.-Background:Conchobair was one of over twenty sons sired by Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, and his first chosen heir.-King of Dublin:1126...
been Tairrdelbach's tánaiste
Tanistry
Tanistry was a Gaelic system for passing on titles and lands. In this system the Tanist was the office of heir-apparent, or second-in-command, among the Gaelic patrilineal dynasties of Ireland, Scotland and Man, to succeed to the chieftainship or to the kingship.-Origins:The Tanist was chosen from...
and designated heir. In 1136, he and his brother Aedh
Aedh Dall Ua Conchobair
Aedh Dall Ua Conchobair, Prince of Connacht, died 1194.Aedh was the eldest child of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair . His mother's identity is uncertain - Tairrdelbach had six wives - but his full brothers were Tadhg Alainn and Abbot Máel Ísa of Roscommon .Despite his seniority, Aedh's...
(died 1195) took advantage of low in Tairrdelbach's fortune's to stage a rebellion. Aedh was blinded by Conchobar on Tairrdelbach's orders but Ruaidrí was proteched by Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
of Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
, Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh
Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh
-Background:A member of a Connacht ecclesiastical family, Ua Dubhthaigh was born during the reign of King Áed Ua Ruairc . His family were natives of Lissonuffy in what is now north-east County Roscommon, and produced a number of abbots and bishops....
. In 1143, he staged another rebellion. He was arrested by Conchobar and Tighearnán Ua Ruairc
Ruaidhri, was taken by Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair, in violation of laity and clergy, relics and protection. These were the sureties: Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh, with the clergy and laity of Connaught; Tadhg Ua Briain, lord of Thomond; Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, lord of Breifne; and Murchadh, son of Gilla-na-naemh Ua Fearghail, lord of Muintir-Anghaile. The clergy of Connaught, with Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh, fasted at Rath-Brenainn, to get their guarantee, but it was not observed for them.
After a year's imprisonment, Archbishop of Armagh
Archbishop of Armagh
The Archbishop of Armagh is the title of the presiding ecclesiastical figure of each of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the region around Armagh in Northern Ireland...
Gilla Meic Liac mac Diarmata sought his release by April 1144, along with his confederates Domnall Ua Flaithbertaig and Cathal Ua Conchobair. However, Tairrdelbach only acquiesed upon the assassination of Conchobar in Mide, later that year.
Tánaiste
Tairrdelbach now chose another son, Donnell Mor Mideach Ua ConchobairDonnell Mor Mideach Ua Conchobair
Donnell Mor Mideach Ua Conchobair, Prince of Connacht, fl. 1144 to 1176.Donnell was a son of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht Donnell Mor Mideach Ua Conchobair, Prince of Connacht, fl. 1144 to 1176.Donnell was a son of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht Donnell Mor Mideach Ua...
, as tánaiste
Tanistry
Tanistry was a Gaelic system for passing on titles and lands. In this system the Tanist was the office of heir-apparent, or second-in-command, among the Gaelic patrilineal dynasties of Ireland, Scotland and Man, to succeed to the chieftainship or to the kingship.-Origins:The Tanist was chosen from...
, but Ruaidrí improved his status with raids against Tighearnán Ua Ruairc in 1146 and capturing and killing Tairrdelbach's nephew and opponent, Domnall Ua Conchobar, in 1150. Donnell Mór Mideach began to lose favour in 1147 and his fate was sealed when he was arrested in 1151, making solid his claim as his father's heir. In that year he successfully raided Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
, where Tairrdelbach won a great victory at the Battle of Móin Mór.
Dearbhforgaill's abduction
In 1152, Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn travelled into Mide, compelling hostages of Tairrdelbach."They divided Meath into two parts on this occasion; ... On this occasion Dearbhforgaill, daughter of Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn, and wife of Tighearnan Ua Ruairc, was brought away by the King of Leinster" (Dermot MacMurrough
Dermot MacMurrough
Diarmait Mac Murchada , anglicized as Dermot MacMurrough or Dermod MacMurrough , was a King of Leinster in Ireland. In 1167, he was deprived of his kingdom by the High King of Ireland - Turlough Mór O'Connor...
).
Activity to 1156
Ruaidrí remained active in suppressing the Ua Briain's of MunsterMunster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
, burning Croome, dividing Munster in half (Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
to Tadhg Ua Briain, Desmond
Desmond
Desmond may refer to:*Desmond , a common given name and surname* Kingdom of Desmond, medieval Irish kingdom* Earl of Desmond, Irish aristocratic title* Desmond Rebellions, Irish rebellions during the 16th century led by the Earl of Desmond...
to Diarmaid MacCartaigh), expelling Toirrdelbach mac Diarmata into Ailech
Ailech
Ailech was a medieval kingdom in Ireland, roughly centred on modern-day County Tyrone and the Inishowen peninsula in Ulster....
. This gave reason for Mac Lochlainn to travel south with an army in 1153. Tairrdelbach was beaten off by Mac Lochlainn, leaving Ruaidhri and his men exposed at Fordruim, (now in County Westmeath
County Westmeath
-Economy:Westmeath has a strong agricultural economy. Initially, development occurred around the major market centres of Mullingar, Moate, and Kinnegad. Athlone developed due to its military significance, and its strategic location on the main Dublin–Galway route across the River Shannon. Mullingar...
):
Ruaidhri, son of Toirdhealbhach, and the battalion of West Connaught, and the recruits of Sil-Muireadhaigh, came to Fordruim; but as they were pitching their camp there, the heroes of the North poured upon them withoutprevious notice, and numbers of the Connaughtmen were slain by them, and among the rest Gillacheallaigh Ua hEidhin, lord of Aidhne, and his son, Aedh; Brian Ua Dubhda, lord of Ui-Fiachrach of the North; Muircheartach, son of Conchobhar (who was son of Toirdhealbhach) Ua Conchobhair; Domhnall Ua Birn; Domhnall, son of Cathal Ua Conchobhair; and Sitric Mac Dubhghaill.
The Ua Conchobair's brought "the fleets of Dun-Gaillmhe
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
, of Conmhaicne-mara
Connemara
Connemara is a district in the west of Ireland consisting of a broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway.-Overview:...
, of the men of Umhall, of Ui-Amhalghadha, and Ui-Fiachrach" north and defeated Mac Lochlainn at Inis Eoghain
Inishowen
Inishowen is a peninsula in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. It is also the largest peninsula in all of Ireland. Inishowen is a picturesque location with a rich history...
, but the latter was strong on land, forcing them to respond to incursions in east Connacht and Breifne
Kingdom of Breifne
The Kingdom of Breifne or Bréifne was the traditional territory for an early Irish tribal group known as the Uí Briúin Bréifne...
, along with attempted settlements in Mide in 1155. The latter led to "The castle of Cuileanntrach [been] burned and demolished by Ruaidhri."
King of Connacht
Tairrdelbach died at his capital of Dunmore, County Galway. Ruaidri became king of Connacht "without any opposition" As a precaution, he arrested three of his twenty-two brothers, "Brian Breifneach, Brian Luighneach, and Muircheartach Muimhneach" to prevent them from usurping him; Brian Breifneach was blinded.On learning of Tairrdelbach's death, Mac Lochlainn assumed the High-Kingship and began a war of attrition in Leinster
Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
and Osraige
Kingdom of Osraige
The Kingdom of Osraighe , anglicized as Ossory, was an ancient kingdom of Ireland. It formed the easternmost part of the kingdom and province of Munster until the middle of the 9th century, after which it attached itself to Leinster...
, using their regional allies against one another.
Over the winter of 1156–57 he positioned a fleet
Naval fleet
A fleet, or naval fleet, is a large formation of warships, and the largest formation in any navy. A fleet at sea is the direct equivalent of an army on land....
on the River Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
in anticipation of an attack from Aileach. Yet Mac Lochlinn successfully imposed his own clint king in Mide, took hostages from Dermot MacMurrough
Dermot MacMurrough
Diarmait Mac Murchada , anglicized as Dermot MacMurrough or Dermod MacMurrough , was a King of Leinster in Ireland. In 1167, he was deprived of his kingdom by the High King of Ireland - Turlough Mór O'Connor...
, evicted the kings of Loígis
County Laois
County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
, Uí Failghe
Kingdom of Uí Failghe
Uí Failghe was a Gaelic-Irish kingdom, which is preserved in the name of County Offaly, Ireland.-Background:Uí Failghe may have existed as a kingdom since the early historic era, and successfully fought off encroachments by the Uí Néill, the Eóganachta, and the Normans.From the mid eleventh century...
and Osraige
Kingdom of Osraige
The Kingdom of Osraighe , anglicized as Ossory, was an ancient kingdom of Ireland. It formed the easternmost part of the kingdom and province of Munster until the middle of the 9th century, after which it attached itself to Leinster...
, all of whom fled to Connacht. He then subdued all Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
and captured Luimneach
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
. Forced to attack or lose face, Ruaidrí responded by plundering and burning areas around Strabane
Strabane
Strabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
and Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. Then, while Mac Lochlinn was returning home to counter him, Ruaidrí entered Munster and overturned Mac Lochlinn's political settlement.
Children and descendants
The last of Ruaidrí's descendants to hold the kingship of Connacht, Aedh mac Ruaidri Ua ConchobairAedh mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair
Aedh mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair was King of Connacht from 1228 to 1233.Extracts from the Annals of Connact concerning Aedh:"Vast war arose between Aed and Toirrdelbach, the two sons of Ruaidri O Conchobair, after the death of Aed mac Cathail Chrodbeirg, for the younger did not yield respect to the...
, died in 1233. The Annals of Connacht
Annals of Connacht
The Annals of Connacht, covering the years 1224 to 1544, are drawn from a manuscript compiled in the 15th and 16th centuries by at least three scribes, all believed to be members of the Clan Ó Duibhgeannáin....
give the following reason for this:
Aed mac Ruaidri had been five years King of Connacht, as the poet said: ‘Aed mac Ruaidri of the swift onslaught, five years his rule over the province, till he fell— a loss on every frontier— by the hand of Fedlimid.’ Here ends the rule of the children of Ruaidri O Conchobair, King of Ireland. For the Pope offered him the title to [the kingship of] Ireland for himself and his seed for ever, and likewise six wives, if he would renounce the sin of adultery henceforth; and since he would not accept these terms God took the rule and sovranty from his seed for ever, in punishment for his sin.
The annals and genealogies list thirteen children fathered by Ruaidrí. There may have been more.
- – Conchobar Ua Conchobair
- – Muirchertach Ua Conchobair
- – Aedh Muimhnech Ua Conchobair. Had a son, Conchobar, alive in 1236.
- - Domnall Mór Ua Conchobair. Had a son, Niall, killed 1242.
- - Aed mac Ruaidrí Ua ConchobairAed mac Ruaidrí Ua ConchobairAed mac Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Crown Prince of Connaught, killed 1159.Aed was one of at least two sons of King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair by different women. The Annals of Tigernach contain references to Aed's death, sub anno 1159:...
, died 1159. - - The daughter of Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair, wife of [F]laithbertach Ua Maeldoraidh, was killed by the sons of Ua Cairella[i]n in 1176.
- - Rose Ní ConchobairRose Ní ConchobairRose Ní Conchobair, Princess of Connaught and Ireland, Lady of Meath, fl. 1180.Rose was one of some thirteen children of King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. About 1180 she married Hugh de Lacy, 1st Earl of Ulster . De Lacy had five daughters and two sons by his first wife Rose de Monmouth...
, married Hugh de Lacy, Lord of MeathHugh de Lacy, Lord of MeathHugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath was an Anglo-Norman magnate granted the lands of the Kingdom of Meath by Henry II in 1172, during the Norman Invasion of Ireland.-Early life:Hugh de Lacy was born before 1135...
about 1180, and had descendants. - – Conchobar Máenmaige Ua ConchobhairConchobar Maenmaige Ua ConchobhairConchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobair, son of High King of Ireland Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, was King of Connacht from 1183 to 1189. He was a military commander and opponent of the Norman invasion of Ireland.-Early life:...
, died 1189. - – Diarmait mac Ruaidrí Ó ConchobairDiarmait mac Ruaidrí Ó ConchobairDiarmait mac Ruaidrí Ó Conchobair, Prince of Connacht, died 1221.Diarmait was one of the younger sons of King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair .The Annals of the Four Masters, sub anno 1203, say of him:...
, died 1221. Had sons Diarmait (fl. 1237), Donnchad (fl. 1237), Muirchertach (k. 1237) and Cormac. - – Muirghis Cananach Ua ConchobhairMuirghis Cananach Ua ConchobhairMuirghis Cananach Ua Conchobhair, Prince of Connacht, died 1224.Muirghis was one of the children of the last Gaelic King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair...
, died 1224. - - Nuala Ní ConchobairNuala Ní ConchobairNuala Ní Conchobair was Queen of Ulaid.Ní Conchobair was a daughter of King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair and a wife of King Ruaidrí Mac Duinn Sléibe of Ulaidh ....
, died 1226. - - Aedh mac Ruaidri Ó Conchobair, died 1233.
- – Toirdelbach mac Ruaidhi Ó ConchobairToirdelbach mac Ruaidhi Ó ConchobairToirdelbach mac Ruaidhi Ó Conchobair, Prince of Connaught, died 1239.Toirdelbach was the last surviving son of King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair . He is recorded as having had two sons,...
, died 1239. Had sons Conchobar Buide and Brian. - - M1211.8. Raghnailt and Caillech De, two daughters of Roderic O'Conor, died.
All of Ruaidrí's progeny, apart from the descendants of Rose Ní Conchobair
Rose Ní Conchobair
Rose Ní Conchobair, Princess of Connaught and Ireland, Lady of Meath, fl. 1180.Rose was one of some thirteen children of King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. About 1180 she married Hugh de Lacy, 1st Earl of Ulster . De Lacy had five daughters and two sons by his first wife Rose de Monmouth...
, faded into obscurity before 1250. The result is that there are no demonstratable male-line descendants recorded after the 13th century.