CAVEAT: The contents of this page is a work in progress and seeks to shed light on the early history of the Nolans in Ireland and adjoining lands. It is largely based upon information collected by Robert Dale Nolan of Arizona and is intended to reflect the most recent historical findings relating to early Nolan history. You are welcome to comment on and provide feedback to Rob. His Email is: robert.nolan(at sign)azirish.org

Book 1 – The original Nuall/Nial/Neil/Naill (famous person)

Themes – Adventure, Heroism, origin story, tragedy
According to the Annals the royal line of the O’Neills are descended from Ugaine Mor, a maritime trader and adventurer, a contemporary of Alexander the Great, whose power and influence, some say, spanned much of northern Europe in the 4th century BC. In Roman writings he is identified as “Hugonius Magnus”. In modern English, his name would be Hugh or Eugene the Great.

340 BC? [545 BC] – Ugaine Mor sieges Sardinia

Ugaine Mor, fostered by Queen Macha, sieges Sardinia (sicily), lands forces in Africa in the punic conflicts, marries a princess of Gaul.

Amongst Úgaine Mor’s sons, the best known were Lóegaire Lorc and Cobhthach ???.

300 BC? [570 BC] – Ugaine Mor was buried at Cruachan about 570 BC.

303 BC? [431 BC] – Labraid Loingsech (donkey ears) kills his brother Cobthach

Labraid’s killing of Cobthach at 307 bc??; in the Annals of the Four Masters the date is 431 bc. In stories subsequent to the action of Orgain Denna Ríg, Labraid extends his dominion over much of Europe, to Italy, and in another text as far as Armenia. From these adventures he brought back 2,200 foreigners with broad spears [laignib], thus the Lagin or Leinstermen
https://www.kinsella.org/history/ugaine.htm

100 BC – Echu Fedelich creates the first Kingdoms, elevating tribes

According to the Annals, 6 generations later would give arise to Tuathal Techtmhar.

Book 2 – The Origins of Feidlimidh Rechtmhar, the lawgiver

Themes – Isolation, Survival, politics, reality of power, war, banding together, brotherhood, the dream unfulfilled

55 AD – rising of the rent-paying peoples, or aithech thuatha

There is a tradition from about 55 a.d. Of a rising of the rent-paying peoples, or aithech thuatha. The only recorded revolt against the domination of the Celtic lords ; they raised one of their own race, Cairbre of the Cat’s Head, chief of the Luaigni, to be ruler and king for twenty years. History of the irish state

Cairbre Cinn Chait obtained the sovereignty through the rustic tribes slaying the free tribes by treachery at a feast lasting nine days.

-Medb inspects the army and dislikes the Galeóin of Leinster because they are better than all others. She wants to kill them, but Ailill forbids it

Feradach Finnfechtnach (the righteous), and his son Fiacha ‘the fair-haired’ Finnolach are attacked by Éllim mac Conrach of the Dál nAraide in the uprising. Feradach’s wife, Eithne of Alba flees to Alba bearing the unborn Tuathal.

Fiacha is maimed but survives, and wanders the wilds alone. In time he learns to survive from the plants and animals of Ireland, and develops strength, speed, and the hunting senses of the wild.

Eventually Fiacha learns that his mother and younger brother are alive in Alba and swears to save them. So Fiacha journeys to Alba.

60 AD – Fiacha wanders Alba in search for his mother and brother

Fiacha wanders Alba in search for his mother and brother, meeting and befriending the young warriors Conall Cernach, Setanta “Cu Chullain”, Cruscraid mend macha, as they journey to undergo military and martial arts training under the tutelage of Scathach / Sgàthacha and her father Árd-Greimne of Lethra. Fiacha joins them.

Fiacha reunites with his Mother and his younger brother, and relays the dire situation in Ireland. Famines and war ravage the land.

62-77 AD – Ethine tasks Fiacha with finding support for their rightful claim to the throne.

Fiacha, with Conall ( and Cu Chullain) in tow, crosses the sea to return to Ireland and aims to put together a force capable of supporting the king in his time of need, to patrol the wilds of Ireland and to protect its people. Fiacha builds a force of 7 caithmhileadh , battalion leaders;

Trenmor ua Bascine (Laigin, Connaght rival to Morn Fidga)
Morn Fidga MacCaibre (Galieon, Rival to Trenmor Ua Bascine)
Cuscraid Mend Macha (Red Branch, cousin of Concobar Mac Nessa, stammers, king to be)
Conall Cernach (broken/bent neck
Cu Chullain (Conall’s cousin, also called, Setanta)
Lóegaire Búadach (goober) / Laegaire Mac Crimthann (fairied away)

78-84 AD Tacitus, Agricola entertains an exiled Irish prince

Tacitus, Agricola entertained an exiled Irish prince between AD 78 – 84, who went on to conquer Ireland. It is believed that this prince was Tuathal Techtmar, and speculated that he may have been supported by Agricola. So certainly Tacitus believed that Ireland had a high king by 84AD
Hiberno-Roman relations – Wikipedia

84 AD – Tuathal Techmar with the help of Fiaca Cassan and Findmal and their 600 mercenaries sails across the sea.

The 20-year-old Tuathal arrived at Inber Domnann [Malahide Bay] and quickly conquered the nearby Fir Bolg, Domnainn, and Galióin, eventually marching on Tara, where he slew Éllim and defeated Cairbre of the Cat’s Head, chief of the Luaigni to become High King of Ireland.

Bórama Laigen | cattle tribute of the Laigen

In Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, the History of Ireland‟ (FF), a work by Geoffrey Keating from the early seventeenth century, it is spelled out in more detail: Ag so suim na cána do díoltaoi lé Laighnibh do ríoghaibh Éireann gacha dara bliadhain i ndíol bháis chloinne Tuathail, mar atá trí fichid céad bó; trí fichid céad uinge d‟airgead; trí fichid céad brat; trí fichid céad torc; trí fichid céad molt; is trí fichid céad coire umha. Agus is í roinn do bhíodh ar an gcáin sin, a trian d’ḟearaibh Connacht, a trian d’Oirghiallaibh, agus a trian do Uíbh Néill.

The barony of Lune in Meath still bears the name of the famous native
warrior fighters of the north Laigin, the Luaigni, who
confronted Conchobor mac Nessa at Rosnaree, (The Battle of Ross na Ríg – Wikisource, the free online library)

Defeated his heroes one after another in the fight, almost routed
his army, and only when their own king fell in single
combat consented to abandon the field
(44) – Matheson Collection > History of the Irish state to 1014 – Early Gaelic Book Collections – National Library of Scotland

The following is the amount of the tribute that was paid every second year by the Leinstermen to the kings of Ireland as a penalty for the death of the children (daughters) of Tuathal, namely, three score hundred cows, three score hundred ounces of silver, three score hundred mantles, three score hundred hogs, three score hundred wethers, three score hundred bronze caldrons. And this tribute was thus divided: – a third part of it to the men of Connaught, a third to the Oirghialla, and a third to the Ui Neill.

87 AD – Fedlimid is born

106-110 Battle of Mag Line – Tuathal is killed by Mal mac Rochride. Mal was king of the Ulaid and later a High King of Ireland. He took the High Kingship after he killed Tuathal Techtmar at Mag Line (Moylinny near Larne, County Antrim), and ruled for four years, at the end of which he was killed by Tuathal’s son Fedlimid Rechtmar and his uncle Fiacha who avenged Tuathal.

“So Tuathal fell in Dál Araide in the Bog of Battle, through treachery, in the place where Ollar and Ollarba broke forth, at the hands of Mai s. Rochraide king of the province, after completing a hundred and ten years in the kingship. But thirty years was he in the kingship of Ireland.” “

Book 3 – Divisions within the Family, Conn and Eochaidh

Themes: Sharing, “Echtra” or youth fantasy/ Epic Fantasy, reconciliation, justice, magic, curses, ghosts and goblins

Prelude

Eochaid Find, the 2nd son of High King Tuathal is sent away to live with his great uncle in the northern wilds of the high kingdom of Meath on hill of Tara, there he was sent to “educate” the gaulish laigin in Gaelic language and customs.

The Night Eochaid arrives, a vision of the warrior hero, Setanta also known as Cu Chullain appears. Cu Chullain explains that his oath to free the ulaidh and the other servant peoples (aithech thuatha) haunts him, and so he cannot rest or continue on to mag mell or participate in erdathe, the final judgement of the gods until the his people are free. Cu Cullen announces that Eochaid Find, or at least his body, is his reincarnation; the body of Cu Chullain, but heart of a man. Cu Chullain commands Fiacha, and Lughaid Cenn-mor to fufill his final oath, raise and nurture Eochaid Find, and free the servant people of Ireland.

In time Eochaid became ingratiated toward the Laigin and Laiosech for their tutelage and education in the martial arts and ways of war. While living among them, Eochaid Find sees the full pain and suffering the Boroma tribute, inflicted by Eochaid’s father affects the Laigin subject peoples, and vows to free them. Eochaid becomes a Fia leader after Conall, Lughaid Cennmor, and Fiacha pass away, eventually engaging in a campaign with his brother Conn, leader of the forces of the high kingdom. Mug Niet, and his son Mug Nuada (Eogan Mor), kings of the south and west rise in resistance to Eochaid’s father Fedlimid, Eochaid’s fia student Cumhale Based on the true story of Eochaid Find, first King of the Fotharta and Nuallain

110 AD -Fedlimidh Rectmar, K. I., A. D. 111-129 the law giver

Fedlimidh Rectmar (the law giver), K. I., A. D. 111-129
Builds the Roads to Tara
https://www.kinsella.org/history/cathair.htm

105-15 AD – Conn, Eochaid Find, and Fiacha are born (Big Tree, Roads to Tara, Prophecy from Druid) and enjoy a childhood of luxury.

A curious Legend, giving an account of the fifty wonders which occurred in Ireland on the night when Conn of the hundred Battles, King of Ireland in the third century, was born.f It begins, bai pmgen mac lucca ait)Ci pumna in t)piiim pinsm, “On Samhain’s night (i. e. All Hallow Eve), Fingen Mac Luchta was at Drum-Fingin ;” a space being left for an ornamented initial t), which was never inserted. The fifty wonders were related to Fingen Mac Luchta, King of Munster, by a lady named Bacht, who sometimes visited him from the fairy mound called Sith-Cliath, Avhich Mr. O’Curry thought was originally a Tuatha De Danaan mound, now Cnoc Aine in the county of Limerick. This is a very rare tract, if indeed another copy exists ; it contains various topographical, historical, and legendary notices, which throw much light on several superstitious practices not yet entirely forgotten ; it records the origin of several roads ; explains the ancient names of some rivers, and describes a few of the formerly existing monuments of Tara. – book for fermoy

120 AD Eochaid Find is sent to live with his uncle Fiacha Finnolach in the northern wilds

Around 120 AD Eochaid Find is sent to live with his uncle Fiacha Finnolach in the northern wilds. He began training under Conall Cernach alongside his son Lughaid Cenn Mor. Eochaid is instructed to train them in manners (as they are newly conquered servants) in exchange for learning martial arts from them.

*based on the legend of cu chullains ghost and Eochaid find
The night Eochaid arrives at the Laigin Fia camp, Conall and Fiacha are visited by the ghost of their long slain friend and Fian brother, “Cu Chullain” who imparts, that his and their mission to free the ulaidh (Ulster) bring the gael to a righteous king of all was still not yet fulfilled, and moreover that the youngman, the child of tuathal, grandson of their betrayer and enemy was the embodiment of him,

124 AD – Eochaid Find becomes a member of the Fia, and a blood brother to Lughaid Ceann-mor.

Eochaid Find becomes a member of the Fia, and a blood brother to Lughaid Ceann-mor. Eochaid’s great uncle Fiacha Finnolacha passes away.

Eochaid attends the graduation ceremony of the Fia and meets the lady Uchdamhuil at the Uisnech Carmen festival. She attends to seek the aid of the Fia on the growing tension from the west.

125 AD Eochaid / becomes a leader of Fia and takes Cumhail as one of his students

126 AD – Battle of Mag Leana – Conn of the hundred battles + his 50 foster brothers

Conn of the hundred battles +his 50 foster brothers

battle Mug Neit, Mug Nuada, while Conaire Coem, Mac Niad mac Lugdach become friends of Conns with plans to intermarry.

Mug Niet expelled the kings of Munster, Conaire Coem and Mac Niad mac Lugdach.

Mug Neit made war on Conn, but was defeated and killed after two battles in County Offaly. Mug Nuadat (Eogan Mor) led his father’s forces in retreat through Munster, fighting Conn to a standstill before escaping by sea to Beare Island (in Irish, Oiléan Béarra, now called Bere Island), and thence to Spain.

His wife was Béare, the Castilian princess, for whom the Beare peninsula is named; his fairy mistress was Étaín of Inis Grecraige. Eógan Mór contended often with Conn Cétchathach [of the Hundred Battles], with whom he divided Ireland along the Eiscir Riada, running from Galway Bay to Dublin.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095754538#:~:text=His wife was Béare%2C the,from Galway Bay to Dublin.

● Conn restored Conaire and Mac Niad to their kingdoms and withdrew.

● Cumhail absconds with Mureen of the fair throat (scottland)

● Cu Corb comes to Fedlimid and begs for assistance from the forces of Munster

● Eochaid Find, Fedlimid, Cu Corb, Cathair Mor, and Lughaid Laiosech meet at the “meeting place” of the Laigin atop mt leinster.

The batttle of mag lena “Erinn remained thus divided between them during the term of fifteen yean, as it is told ; and that was the sixth division that had been made of Erinn, viz, the division of the sons of Cearmna, and the division of the sons of Mileadh ; and the division of Cearmna Finn and Sobhairce ; and the division of the children of lugoine Mor; and the quinquepartite division, and the division by Eoghan Mor and Conn of the hundred battles. Eoghan thought within himself then that it was the hopes of the foreigners leaving him that induced Conn to yield him the co-division ; and he pledged his word that if he were for ever in the co-sovereignty with Conn he would not let his foreigners depart. And they spent part of their time in the co-sovereignty, or as the poet has said:

Fifteen years I do say. Were Eoghan and Conn in co-reign. Until Eoghan fell, who refused no man. The lion of sharp valour.

As regards the foreigners who came over with Eoghan, they were seized with great impatience, and were desirous to return to Spain, and Eoghan sought a cause for breaking his truce with Conn. It was at this time that Mogh Nuadhad went upon the great circuit of his own half of Erinn, until he reached Ath Cliath Duibhlinne ;^ and having gone there to see the port of the ships ; he found that more vessels came to Conn’s part of the harbour than to his. Eoghan was consequently stung with great envy ; and he said that he would not abide by the co-division that had been already made, unless he got an equal division of the horses and arms, and armour; and of the profits of the sea and great tides ; and he sent a message demanding this co-division from Conn. Conn answered that he never would place arms nor clothes^ nor armour under the same rule of division as territory ; and Eoghau on hearing this threw up his truce”^ without delay, turned back to Mumhain again, and told his foreigners how he had received cause of quarrel from Conn…“

128 AD THE BATTLES OF FOTHAIRIT VS MUNSTER

Great trouble befell Leinster in the time of Cu Corb viz., the Munstermen seized Leinster, from Leinster Ford ( west of Roscrea on the Munster border.) to Maistiu(Mullaghmast in Co.Kildare.).
When the king, Cu Corb, perceived that, he left his country for nine months. After that his druids were telling him that at Tara he would find support and that he himself was not destined to drive out that tyranny. He went therefore to Tara and was asking aid from the king, Feidlimid Reachtaig (or Art son of Conn as some say). He was King of Tara then. He gave up the independence of that territory to him in return for it’s defense from Munster.

1. Battle of Tristiu Ford
   They routed them to the Barrow and slaughtered them all that distance.

2. battle was at Athy. It was so called from Eo son of Dergabal, guardian of Eochaid Art’s Abhorrence, who was slain there.

3. battle was at Reta Plain
   from Coirtene Ford to Dalb’s Road (This ancient road ran south-west from Tara to Munster. It passed Aghaboe and Roscrea in Co.Leix.) and to Leinster Ford.

4. battle of Maig, Was probably on river Maigue in Co.Limerick

5. battles of Gabar, Probably in Conelloe barony Co.Limerick.

6. battle of Comar, Probably at Waterford Harbor.

7. battle of Ard Scol, Probably in Thomond.

8. battle of Fea. Probably in Magh Fea, Co.Carlow.

Notes regarding sites of battles mentioned above

• 1 Now Morett near Maryborough.
• 2 Possibly a ford on the Nore.
• 3 This ancient road ran south-west from Tara to Munster. It passed Aghaboe and Roscrea in Co.Leix.
• 4 Was probably on river Maigue in Co.Limerick
• 5 Probably in Conelloe barony Co.Limerick.
• 6 Probably at Waterford Harbor.
• 7 Probably in Thomond.

129 AD – Battle of Cnucha

Cumhail returns from Alba upset that the lands promised to him were awarded to another Fia, his mentor Eochaid Find in his absence.
The Luaigni Temrach complete the list of the 46 ignoble tribes whom Conn’s grandfather, Tuathal Techtmar, is said to have enslaved. Yet the Luaigni were still the recognised fian-force of Erinn (munster?) when their swords destroyed the Leinster dynasty at Tara, and raised Conn to the vacant throne. Uirgriu, son of Lugaid Corr, was Chief of the Luaigni, or, in other words, was general in-command oi Tara’s praetorian guard, when the aspiring Cumhall sought to wrest from him at Cnucha his hereditary office of GrandMarshal of Ireland. Cumhall fell in the battle, struck down by Goll, son of Morna, who had come from Connacht, at Conn’s behest, to uphold the Luaigni, ”

between these two rival forces of the Feena, or Irish Militia. Among the thousands slain in this battle were both Uirgrenn and Cumhall ; the latter was first wounded by Liath Luachrathe keeper of his own “Corrbholg of seeds,” or Bag of enchanted Treasures, and then finally slain by Aedh MacMorna, who himself lost an eye in the conflict and was henceforth known as Goll (i.e., the one-eyed) MacMorna. As the Clan Morna legion gained the victory, Goll was chosen the Commander-in-chief of the Feena.

RE: GOLL Accordingly, soon after the death of his father, we find him called to the
chief command of the Imperial army by the monarch Con, sur-.
named OF THE HUNDRED BATTLES, to suppress a most powerful
and dangerous confederacy formed against him. In the engagement that ensued, called the battle of Cnucha (fought A.D. 155)
A Rorg-Caṫa, or Martial Ode, Sung at the Battle of Cnucha by Fergus, Son of Finn, and Addressed to Goll, the Son of Morna; with a Literal Translation and Notes Author(s): Silvester O’Halloran

Eochaid vs (Cumhall)Coole re: coole’s death over land claim in leinster that was awarded to Eochaid. Coole references Eochaid not by name but as his ‘Mentor’ which seems to indicate Eochaid himself was a leader of one of the battalions of the fiann, possibly the one that Fin Mccoole commands intime.
“It is said that Cumhall, Captain of the Fianna had married, against his father’s wishes a beautiful girl, Muireann of the Fair Throat. Muireanns father was so angry at the marriage that Cumhall had to leave the country and go away with his bride to Scotland. Shortly after that, the high King was attacked and slain by Conn of the Hundred Battles, Muireann’s father had been and adherent of the High King so Cumhall thought he could now return to Ireland. He did so, and he was very vexed to find that the new king had given the kingdom of Leinster, to which Cumhall thought he had a claim, to his own tutor.
Cumhall gathered all his friends in Leinster and Munster to fight for the kingdom of Leinster. Conn supported his tutor and he also got the help of Goll Mac Morna. There was a big battle fought in which Cumhall was defeated and slain. Goll Mac Morna in (the) return for the aid he gave in that battle, was made Captain of the Fianna of Tara. “
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922087/4851131 School collection, Clochar na Trocaire Cappamore, Volume 0521, Page 022
National Folklore Collection

already pregnant and, fearing for herself and her child, Muirne tries to plea with her father. When Murien arrives back at the court of the Laigin Tadg tells his druid followers to burn her to death. Eochaid and Conn reject this and decide to help Muirne, taking her to Fiacal mac Conchinn for safety.

There she gave birth to Deimne (which means “young male deer”) but, fearing what will happen should he stay with her when Clan Morna are still hunting him, Muirne gives him to Bodhmall, the warrior-woman, and Liath Luachra, the druidess, and together the two women raise him in the forest of Sliab Bladma. Murien never forgot Eochaid, and oneday about a year later while in the care of Fichal mac Conchinn, Murien and

Eochaid meet again and have a brief love, and one year later their own secret child, Cian Cul Dubh, his birth causing Murien to leave Fichal’s keeping, to be married to King Gelor.

After his birth, Cian is secreted to Eochaid who has his attendants of Clann Morna foster Cian to Goll Mac Morna, the killer of Cumhail.

130 AD – Eochaid Find marries Uchdamhuil at the great fire at oinech carmen (carmen festival)

133 AD – Battle of Mag Atha – Cathair ruled for three years, at the end of which he was killed by the Luaigne of Tara, led by Conn Cétchathach

Cathair ruled for three years, at the end of which he was killed by the Luaigne of Tara, led by Conn Cétchathach
“Immediately after the death of Feidlimidh, monarch of Ireland, son of the great Tuathal, the kings of Ireland assembled at Tara, and Cathair Mor, king of Leinster, was elected as the new Monarch of Ireland. To support his election, short as his reign was, we find him engaged in many bloody wars. In the 3rd year of his reign, before he led his troops to the fatal battle of Moigh Acha, in Meath, he made his will, believing he would not survive the days encounter. He divided his possessions amongst his 30 sons, in a Will called “The Will of Cathair More” (153 AD)”
Con ‘betrays’ Cathair Mór and kills him. Cathair is buried atop Ballon Hill. Lending credibility to this local belief is the fact that when Ballon Hill was excavated in the mid-1800s many prehistoric funerary urns were found there.

The second key event that takes place during the Kingship of Caithear Mór is the Battle of Mag Atha (AFM 122). This is mentioned in many sources but there isn’t a tale describing events (maybe it existed once & hasn’t survived). What we do know is that Conn rose up against Caithear Mór & defeated his army & killed him.
“The Luaigni Temrach complete the list of the 46 ignoble tribes whom Conn’s grandfather, Tuathal Techtmar, is said to have enslaved. Yet the Luaigni were still the recognised fian-force of Erinn (munster?) when their swords destroyed the Leinster dynasty at Tara, and raised Conn to the vacant throne. Uirgriu, son of Lugaid Corr, was Chief of the Luaigni, or, in other words, was general in-command oi Tara’s praetorian guard, when the aspiring Cumhall sought to wrest from him at Cnucha his hereditary office of GrandMarshal of Ireland. Cumhall fell in the battle, struck down by Goll, son of Morna, who had come from Connacht, at Conn’s behest, to uphold the Luaigni, ”

Breifny-Antiquarian-Society-Journal-1927-Vol-III-No-I-1

135 AD – Return of Mug Nuadat

Nine years later, Mug Nuadat, who had married the daughter of the king of Spain, landed with an army near Bantry Bay and forced Conaire Coem and Mac Niad to submit to his overlordship. With the kings of Ulster and Leinster, he marched north to Mag nAi and forced Conn to make a treaty with him, dividing Ireland between them: Conn controlling the north, or Leth Cuinn (“Conn’s half”), and Mug Nuadat the south, or Leth Moga (“Mug’s half”), with the border running from Galway in the west to Dublin in the east.

Baile in Scáil: The Phantom’s Frenzy

The Ecstasy of Conn of the Hundred Battles

140 AD – 2nd battle of Mag Leana, After fifteen years of peace Mug Nuadat broke the treaty

After fifteen years of peace Mug Nuadat broke the treaty and declared war, along with the kings of Ulster and Leinster. He led his army to Mag Leana, near Tullamore, County Offaly. Conn retreated to Connacht, gathered his forces, and retook Meath from the king of Ulster. He then marched south to Mag Leana and destroyed Mug Nuadat’s army in a surprise night attack on his camp. Mug Nuadat was killed in the fighting, and Conn became king of all of Ireland.[9]

141 AD Haley’s Comet

153 AD Conn of the hundred battles dies at Tara, reportedly by 50-150 warriors disguised as attendant women.

Conn of the hundred battles dies at Tara, reportedly by 50-150 warriors disguised as attendant women. In truth, Conn’s endless wars had depleted the trust of his servant forces, The pretorian Laigin fia migrated to leinster with Eochaid Find leaving a large vacuum of power to be filled by a weary and vengeful Luagini for harms done to them and their servitude and for the harms done to Conn’s Ulster former allies Particularly the friends and Kin of Eochaid Buide of Ulster whos death angered the distant kin of Conall Cernach. Dubdrenn son of Urgriu, of the subservient warrior folk the luagini of north tara, who was killed by Conn’s endless greed.

156 AD Fionn Mac Cumhail’s battle with the fire giant ends 23 years of hostility toward Tara. Fionn Mac Cumail takes the leadership of the Fia.

160 AD The Battle of Cen Abrad

Lugaid Mac Con (AKA Mac Con), Neimed mac Sraibgind; king of the Eraind, Lugchorb mac Temais, king of the Mairtine, Find mac Cumaill, Fuinche ingen Dáiri
An Account of a parley between Mac Con and Ailell Olum at Cend Abrad and the ensuing battle between them at Ath mBeannchuir. Beg. Rigda rolaad in comdalsa do denam ag Mac Con i Cind Abrad.

1. In kingly fashion this muster had been summoned by Mac Con at Cend Abrad and Ailill Ólomm in Mag Locha.

2. There came with Mac Con; Neimed mac Sraibgind, king of the Eraind, and Lugchorb mac Temais, king of the Mairtine, and Find mac Cumaill, his (Mac Con’s) mother’s sister’s son (that is, son of Fuinche ingen Dáiri), chief warrior of the war-bands of Ireland, and Óengus mac Lámgáe, king of the southern Laigin, and Eocho mac Buidi maic Buidir, king of the northern Laigin and his own fosterbrother, Lugaid Lága mac Moga Núadat, brother of Ailill Ólomm, and Cathmáel mac Cirb maic Lugair from Ráth Lugair in Connacht, his fosterfather, and Núada Eiges, and Mairbgein mac Moga Ruith, the chief druid and warrior, and Airmrige, the ancestor of the Orbraige, and Enbas from whom are [named] the Creca Enbais in Sliab Cain, and Da Déra mac Dairbrech the chief jester, and a multitude besides.

3. After that Mac Con took up position with his army on Tulach na Tennál (it was called Tulach na Tennál from the beacon-fires that had been made on it). Then Ailill took up position with his forces in Mag Locha and a mound of sods was dug for his tent there on the height so that from it comes [the name] Ard Ferta today.

4. This was Ailill’s army: Eogan Mór mac Ailella and Eocho Find Füath n-Airt to the number of fifty hundred warriors and Corpre Músc to the number of twenty hundred warriors and a champion’s helmet as a warrior’s token on each man’s head and a gold or silver or bronze horn on each helmet according to [the status of] the man, and Corpre Baschain had twenty hundred mercenaries and Corpre Rigfota had twenty hundred youths and there were a great many more besides.

5. Ailill and Eogan went secretly into consultation to see how they might bring about strife between Corpre Muse and Mac Con so that Mac Con might fall by Corpre. This was the decision they came to together, namely, to make peace with Mac Con without the knowledge of Corpre and that would arouse Corpre’s anger and he would give battle to Mac Con; and thus the treacherous plot was laid.

6. Then messengers went from Ailill to Mac Con to give him his own terms as regards chattels and treasures. Mac Con said he would accept and would not go to battle against his fosterfather It was then his druid told Mac Con not to go with few followers to confer with Ailill for it was Ailill’s intention to kill Mac Con by treachery. Mac Con said he would trust Corpre Muse if he should be at the parley.

7. After that then Mac Con came with his host onto the summit of Cend Abrad so that all might see his army deployed along the mountain. Then came Eogan and Ailill and Eochaid Find Fáath nAirt mac Feidlimid Rechtada [ ]. Afterwards Mac Con came to the parley against the wishes of his people and he came – with seven hundred warriors with a coupling fetter between ench two of them, and the whole host was like that for they had determined not to flee.

8. Ailill said to Mac Con: ‘Pronounce your judgement’. ‘No’, said Mac Con, ‘the mouth that pronounced the unjust judgement let the same mouth give the true one’. ‘You cannot have it [so]’, said Ailill, ‘according to law the giving of judgement is yours and do you pronounce the verdict’. ‘No’, said Mac Con, ‘but if it is your wish to grant my terms treat me with honour this time [even] though you have dishonoured me before’. ‘No’, said Ailill, ‘I will grant Mac Con no award except an award pronounced by himself’. It was then that Mac Con came to understand from AiIill’s false and treacherous words that he had a wolfish heart.

9. Now the Corpres are informed that Ailill is making peace with Mac Con in disregard of them, and to the number of sixty hundred they rose up at one and the same time, angrily and fiercely, violently and wrathfully, with the vehement fury of their impetuous anger, and all the warriors put on their helmets and thus they go towards the ford at which the parley was being held.

10. When it was heard throughout the whole camp that the Corpres had gone out to give battle all the host rose up and Corpre Músc ran towards the ford before the hosts and all the warriors threw the horns from the helmets on their heads into the ford so that since that time its name is Ath mBennchuir because of the horns that the warriors cast from them there.

11. When Mac Con saw the treacherous move and saw the battalions approaching him he went to meet his [own] troops so that together they might come to the battle. Mac Con’s entire army was defeated there and Mac Con himself was defeated.

12. Then his jester, Da Déra mac Dairbrech, came to Mac Con and said to him: ‘Put my crown on your head and take off your royal diadem’. All this was done and the jester puts on Mac Con’s diadem and goes eastward along the mountain. And Corpre Másc follows him thinking him to be Mac Con and strikes off his head and hence is named Cam Maic Dairbrech on Cend Abrad.

13. Corpre Músc realized that it was not Mac Con. ‘This was an unworthy deed’, said Corpre, ‘this is a king’s diadem on a jester’s head’. Then Corpre turned westwards in pursuit of Mac Con as far as Leiter Cind Abrad. And he did not overtake the host and he gazes southward over Mag Femin and sees the troop in which Mac Con was, and he saw also the calf of his leg in the midst of them. ‘II should think it very likely’, said Corpre, ‘[that] yonder is the back of a king’s knee amid the hosts’. He makes a cast of the spear at him so that it struck home in the hollow of his knee and thrust its point between his knee and his calf and he was lamed in his leg. And Corpre returned to his people.

14. After that Mac Con went to Rosach Rúad for treatment and from then on Mac Con did not dwell in Ireland until at a later time he seized the kingship of Ireland.
    

163 AD Battle of Gruitine

Conaire Cóem, is killed by Nemed, son of Sroibcenn, in the battle of Gruitine. Art mac Cuinn succeeded to the High Kingship

165 AD Setting of Eochaid Find At the Cursed Talteanne Games

At the end of King Eochaid Find of Fotharta’s life, he takes a final gamble to relieve the pain caused by the curse evoked on all his kinfolk and descendants and embarks on a journey drought with danger, monsters, magic, and the fate of all the gaels at stake.

Book 4 – Ongoing Battles for Kingship of Ireland

Themes: Loyalty, Family, Revenge, fall from grace, split / conflicting loyalties, allegory for the consequences of weapons of mass destruction

175 AD Battle of Cennfebrat

in Munster Conaire’s sons took revenge against Nemed and his allies, the sons of Ailill Aulom. Ailill’s foster son Lughaid Mac Con

183 AD Battle of Maigh Mucruimhe

Ailill’s foster-son Lugaid mac Con was wounded in the thigh in the battle, and was exiled from Ireland. He made an alliance with Benne Brit, son of the king of Britain, raised an army of foreigners, and returned to Ireland. He defeated and killed Art in Connacht. Lugaid mac Con reigns as high king.

185-212 AD

Lugaid mac Con ruled for thirty years until he gave a false judgement on Bennaid, a female hospitaller, whose sheep had illegally grazed on the queen’s woad. He fled to Munster to seek help from his relatives. He attempted to make his peace with his foster-father, Ailill Aulom, but Ailill had not forgiven him for the death of his son Éogan Mór, and bit him with a poisoned tooth when they embraced. He then sent the poet Ferches mac Commáin after Lugaid to take revenge for Éogan. Ferchis found Lugaid standing with his back to a standing stone, and killed him with a spear

213 AD – Battle of Crinna

Cormac mac Airit was unable to take the throne directly, being forced to flee to Connacht by the king of Ulster, Fergus Dubdétach, who held the High Kingship for a year after Lugaid’s death. Fergus Dubdétach (“black-tooth”) was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a king of the Ulaid who was briefly High King of Ireland. He took the High Kingship after his predecessor, Lugaid mac Con, was expelled from Tara by Cormac mac Airt and killed in Munster by Cormac’s poet Ferches mac Commáin. Fergus and his two brothers, Fergus Caisfhiachlach (“rough-tooth”) and Fergus Foltlebair (“long-hair”), then expelled Cormac to Connacht and Fergus took the throne. He ruled for a year, before he was defeated by Cormac, with the assistance of Tadg mac Céin and Lugaid Láma, in the Battle of Crinna.

214 AD Cormac Mac Airt became high king of Ireland.

215 AD – THE JUDGEMENT CONCERNING CORMAC’S SWORD

216 AD Eochaid Find Passes away.

218 AD – Haley’s Comet

255 AD – Cóecad Cormaic i Temraig (Blinding of Cormac at Tara);

Cairbre takes the throne when his father Cormac is blinded by Óengus Gaíbúaibthech of the Déisi, it being against the law for the king to have any physical blemish. The chronicles indicate that Eochaid Gonnat succeeded Cormac, but was soon succeeded by Cairbre following his death in battle.

Flight of the Desi pt 1 The desi flee to Fotharta

the Déisi are led by the four sons of Artchorp: Brecc, Óengus Gaíbúaibthech (Óengus of the Dread Spear), Eochaid Allmuir (Eochaid the Foreigner), and Forad. Forad’s daughter Forach is raped and kidnapped by Cellach, the “wanton son” of the Déisi are led by the four sons of Artchorp: Brecc, Óengus Gaíbúaibthech (Óengus of the Dread Spear), Eochaid Allmuir (Eochaid the Foreigner), and Forad. Forad’s daughter Forach is raped and kidnapped by Conn (elsewhere Cellach), the “wanton son” of Cormac maic Airt. Óengus, who leads a band of fifty men, goes to Tara to rescue her. When Conn refuses to release the girl, Óengus runs him through with his “dread spear”, which blinds Cormac in one eye in the process. Because the law forbids a high king to have a physical blemish, Cormac must retire to a ráth outside Tara, and defer the kingship to his son Cairbre Lifechair. Undeterred, Cormac raises his forces against the Déisi and expels them from Tara. Óengus, together with his brother Brecc’s sons Russ and Eogan, engages the king in seven battles. After forty days Óengus succeeds Brecc as king of the Déisi, but steps down due to “murmurs” about his consolidation of the power of both champion and king. Cormac will not give the Déisi a fair fight, and pushes them into Leinster, where the local ruler Fiachu Bacceda drives the Uí Bairrche from their land and gives it to the Déisi. They remain there for three decadest. Óengus, who leads a band of fifty men, goes to Tara to rescue her. When Conn refuses to release the girl, Óengus runs him through with his “dread spear”, which blinds Cormac in one eye in the process. Because the law forbids a high king to have a physical blemish, Cormac must retire to a ráth outside Tara, and defer the kingship to his son Cairbre Lifechair. Undeterred, Cormac raises his forces against the Déisi and expels them from Tara. Óengus, together with his brother Brecc’s sons Russ and Eogan, engages the king in seven battles. After forty days Óengus succeeds Brecc as king of the Déisi, but steps down due to “murmurs” about his consolidation of the power of both champion and king. Cormac will not give the Déisi a fair fight, and pushes them into Leinster, where the local ruler Fiachu Bacceda drives the Uí Bairrche from their land and gives it to the Déisi. They remain there for three decades

284 AD – Cath Gabhra (The Battle of Gabhair or Gowran)

Cath Gabhra (The Battle of Gabhair or Gowran) the arrogance and demands of this force, which had been steadily increasing, and which had caused great oppression throughout the country, reached a crisis, when they evenopposed the marriage of the Ard Ree’s daughter, until their exorbitant dues had been paid. This so incensed the Ard Ree, who was Cairbre ” Liffeachair ” (so-called because he had been fostered near the Liffey), that he, to suppress any in-. subordination in the force, disbanded Finn’s Iyeinster legion—the Clan Baskin.Their old rivals, the Clan Morna of Connaught, exulted at this degradation, and so added fuel to the fiery rage of the Leinster men, who repaired to Munster and tookservice under their chief’s relative Moghcorb, king of that province. Mogh corb was the son of King Cormac Cas, who had married Samhair, daughter of Finn MacCoole. and thus he was Ossian ‘s nephew.

When Oscar saw the royal axmies arrayed, and the nobla martial bearing of Gairbre at their head, he was stmck with admiration, and vowed that he would meet him in single combat At this juncture an unhappy contest arose among the chiefii for the honor of precedency in leading the van. Oscar claimed the honor for himself, Beine, the son of Breasal, insisted that he had an equal claim. Lughaidh said that he and Guiroll would lead. The latter, by a spitefiil east of his javelin, stmck Beine dead, for which he is justiy reprimanded by Oscar. A battie ensues between the rival chiefs, and two hundred of the Fenians are slain. They then prepare to meet the common enemy —^the standard is raised—Fergus sings the battie song. The Fenians siiffer a severe loss, by a body of the enemy’s reserve, led by Geraidb, who, after a gallant fight, is with difficulty rescued by his men. Gairbra rushes to oppose Oscar, whom he wounds with a poisoned spear. Oscar, before he falls, inflicts a mortal wound on Gairbre, who is then slain by Simon, chief of the Fotharta. Seven princes of blood royal fell —the field covered with slain—the precious spoils collected. The bard laments the disastrous results of the battie, by which the Fenians were completely destroyed. The body of Oscar is conveyed on the shields of the survivors, from the spot where he fell to the side of the great Gavra, and there interred with the other slain chiefs.

When Oscar saw, not distant far, The foemen’s shining ranks of war Advancing close in serried might, In arms with flashing splendour bright ;

THE LAY OF THE BATTLE OF GAYRA. 93

Their polished hehns and hossy shields Shot loDg reflections o’er the fields, And dense as stalks of ripening com, Their spear-points, radiant in the mom,

Like constellations shone. And many a banner floating gay Waved proudly o’er the long array ; Like comets, when their sparkling hair Streams through the azure depths of air

And forms night’s crimson zone : Or boreal streamers, when they glance Along the gold-paved heaven’s expanse, And fiery steeds, and flaming cars. To battle rush among the stars.

As Cairbre towered his guards before,

Right kingly was his look ; The monarch’s royal crown he wore.

And a seven-barbed spear he shook. As on he strode with a warrior’s stride,

Might all, admiring, own His was the right those hosts to guide.

And sit on Erin’s throne.

Him, Oscar, now advancing nigh, Beheld with admiration high. And said, ‘twould be a glorious thing To meet in conflict such a king. Nobler to die by hero’s sword, Than live the conqueror of a horde

Of men of no renown. And then he vowed that day to test What spirit ruled the monarch’s breast,

If worthy of a crown ; To lay him prostrate on the heath. Or fall himself — ^his sword beneath

The Age of Christ, 284. After Cairbre Liffeachair had been seventeen years in the sovereignty of Ireland, he fell in the battle of Gabhra-Aichleb , by the hand of Semeon, son of Cearb, [one] of the Fotharta ; Fearcorb, the son of Cormac Casc , having brought the Fiana with him, against the king, to defend Leath-Mhogha against him. The Age of Christ, 285. Fothadh was one year over Ireland, when Fothadh Cairptheach was slain by Fothadh Airgtheach. Fothadh Airgtheach was afterwards slain in the battle of Ollarba, in Magh-Line”, by Caeilte6 .

After the death of Finn, Cairbre disbanded and outlawed the forces of the Clanna-Baisgne, and retained in his service the Clanna-Morna only. The Clanna-Baisgne then repaired to Munster, to their relative Moghcorb, who retained them in his service contrary to the orders of the monarch. This led to the bloody battle of Gabhra, in which the two rival military tribes slaughtered each other almost to extermination. In this battle Osgar, the son of Oisin, met the monarch in single combat, but he fell ; and Cuirbre, retiring from the combat, was met by his own relative, Semeon, one of the Fotharta (who had been expelled into Leinster), who fell upon him severely wounded after the dreadful combat with Osgar, and despatched him at a blow. d Ottarbha, in Hugh-Line. Now the Eiver Larne, in the county of Antrim See note under A. D. 106, supra. For a very curious account of the identification of the tomb of Fothadh Airgtheach, near this river, see Petrie’s Inquiry into the Origin and Uses of the Hound Towers of Ireland, pp. 105, 106. Tighernach does not mention either of these Fothadhs as monarchs of Ireland, evidently because he regarded them as usurpers, but makes Fiacha Roibtine [Sraibhtine] succeed Cairbre Liffeachair, at Tara. They are, however, mentioned as joint monarchs in the Annals of Clonmacnoise, but it is added that ” these Fothies were none of the Blood Royal.” They were the sons of Maccon, who defeated Art, the son of Conn of the Hundred Battles, at Magh-Mucruimhe, and from their brother, Aenghus Gaifuileach, or Aenghus of the Bloody Dart, O’Driscoll is descended.

ANNALS OF THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND, O’Donovan, John, 1856 https://archive.org/details/annalsofkingdomo01ocleuoft

Cairbre’s daughter Sgiam Sholais is betrothed to Maolsheachlainn, prince of the Déisi, whose father Oengus has been killed by Cairbre’s sons Fíacha Sroiptine and Eochaid Doimlen

285 AD – Flight of the Desi pt 2

Flight of the Desi pt 2 The Desi leave Ireland and begin a campaign in Wales. Brecc, Óengus Gaíbúaibthech (Óengus of the Dread Spear), Eochaid Allmuir (Eochaid the Foreigner), and Forad Perhaps invited in the power vacuum of the romans.

Book 5 – Christianity establishes itself

Themes: Mystery/Quest

The transformation of power and wealth into piety, faith, and the revisitation of old evils

387 AD – Patrick is born

405 AD – Niall of the Nine hostages is born

Niall of the Nine hostages is born, raids the kingdom of dyfed, and abducts Patrick as a youth.

433 AD – St Patrick Arrives in Slane Ireland.

Drichú, K. of Laigin ( Ui Garrchon ), rejected St. Patrick at Ráith Inbir

465 AD – St. Brigid of Kildare is born.

475 AD – Fintan was born the son of Christians Gabhren and Findlath

477 AD – Brigid and the Sword of Leinster

480 AD – St. Brigid founds the Abbey of Kildare

Finnian of Clonard was born, the Twelve Apostles of Ireland studied under him. St. Brigid founds the Abbey of Kildare

485 AD – Briga is born (St Brigid??)

490 AD – Finnian, Brigid, and the gold ring of fotharta.

500 AD – Partial setting of Brigid and the 7 rings

520 AD – Finnian finishes his training under St. Brigid

522 AD – Main setting of – Brigid and the 7 rings

523 AD – St. Brigid of Kildare dies

545 AD – Mo-bhí Berchan AKA ‘Clárainech dies

548 AD – The monastery at Clonenagh was founded

The monastery at Clonenagh was founded in the 6th century by Fintan of Clonenagh who entrusted it to his disciple Columba when Fintan moved on to Terryglass

549 AD – Finnian of Clonard dies.

603 AD – Fintan of Clonenagh dies

Fintan of Clonenagh dies and is regarded as one of three patron saints of county Laois. His feast day is 17 February.

625 AD – ‘ Mo-erin-og’ AKA St. Erin dies

‘ Mo-erin-og’ AKA St. Erin dies, whose festival Is on August 18th: “Ernin, I. e., Mernog, of Fotharta of Leinster, a celebrated artificer. It was he who made 150 bells, 100 crozlers, and cumdachs (shrines) for 60 gospels.” disciple of Saint Columba.[4]

664 AD – Mo-Ecca, AKA St. Féchín fore dies

Book 6 – The Nuallains of Fotharta

700 AD – Nuallain of Fotharta sails across the Irish sea to visit the distant Kingdom of Dyfed [in Wales], and his distant kinfolk, Arthur King of Dyfed.

Book 7 – The Vikings and New Alliances

Themes: Viking raids, rediscovered honor, new alliances
Viking raids, rediscovered honor, new alliances, sacrifice, duty, sacrifice,

Domnal Prince of Fotharta’s last ride

835-998 AD – Viking raid, sack, and destroy the Abbey of Kildare at least 6 times.

890 AD – The Danish Vikings Hrolf aka Rollo, and Tancred raid the saxon kingdoms and Frankia, laying siege to Paris.

1014 AD – The battle of Clontarf

Domnal, the son of Ferghal (Farrell, O’Farrell), King of the Fotharta comes to hopeless aid of the people of Dublin and his ancient kin the King of Leinster, thus reclaiming some or add to the once lost honor of the Fotharta and the Nolan’s. Domnal and the horse riders of Fotharta
Fall and die in battle, sacrificing themselves for the people of Dublin.

Book 8 – New Alliances and Religious Rivalries

Themes: Internecine rivalries evolve into rival religious factions ,

Seamus Ui Nuallain, journeys to Normandy

1061 AD Norman invasion of Sicily,

It was the successes of the Conqueror and Guiscard which had first shown the western European aristocracy what could be achieved by risky ventures in foreign lands. And often a direct connection can be drawn between these early Norman conquests and the First Crusade

1066 AD – the battle of hastings

1096 AD – The first crusade

1132 AD – The Rape of the Abbess of Kildare

The Rape of the Abbess of Kildare a truly horrid and disgusting event occurred which one does not care to have to relate, but it must be confronted, and that is the rape of the Abbess of Kildare by a soldier – allegedly ordered by Dermot MacMurrough of Leinster for the purpose of destroying the sanctity of that abbess, and thus rendering her unfit for her office. This is said to have been done so that MacMurrough might enhance his power by imposing in her place a kinswoman of his own. The travesty was amplified by depredations on the monastery of Kildare. an especially disturbing instance of that aspect of Irish politics (perhaps endemic to most politics) which Joyce naturally despised – the ugly face of internal betrayals evoked by the image of an old sow eating her children. (It has a savage resonance with the issue which awoke in childhood Joyce’s passionate disdain for the banality of evil, and that was the verbal assault on Katharine O’Shea by the clergy through which the political power of Charles Stewart Parnell was broken). Meant as an opening move in MacMurrough’s checkered rise to power, the rape of the Abbess of Kildare threw open the gate on a hellish path which led to the Norman occupation of Ireland. Saint Brighid’s house had been purposefully shattered because it bred harmony. We are still fitting together the broken shards – or trying, at least.

1145 AD – 2nd crusade

Pope Eugene III called the Second Crusade in response to the fall of an occupied territory in Palestine. This was also the first crusade to be led by European kings and history tells us that Scottish crusaders were involved most notably winning a battle against the Moors in Lisbon. Given that, in Europe at the time, the Irish were still being referred to as “Scots” we may assume that Irish crusaders were also involved.

1154 AD – Learning how to be a Marshall in Normandy

At the time, the best place in Normandy to learn such skills would have been at the household of Guillaume de Tancarville, Chamberlain of Normandy. Around 1154, even John FitzGilbert, Marshall of England, sent there his youngest son there for training.

1157 AD – Richard the Lionheart is born

The Tancarvilles were related by marriage to several other influential and esteemed families of Normandy including the Crespin (Crispin) and Harcourt families. In particular, in 1147, Robert de Harcourt, a relative, had built a chapel (St. Étienne-de-Renneville) in Eure and donated it and its surrounding lands to the Knights Templar. Lying in the middle of a fertile agricultural plain, this Templar site soon became one of the wealthiest in Europe and also served as a commandery.

1169 AD -The Anglo Norman Invasion of Ireland begins

May 1st, 1169 AD – The Anglo Norman Invasion begins, the deposed King of Leinster Dermot MacMurrough (Diarmait Mac Murchada) landed at Bannow Bay in Co Wexford with a group of mercenary soldiers to reclaim his throne. It was the start of what has become known as the “800 years of oppression” and counting. It’s now 850 years.

1170 AD – A knight by the name of Guillaume de Nollent dies in Normandy

In Normandy, a knight by the name of Guillaume de Nollent wrote his last will and testament, leaving behind a wife, Isabel de Tancarville, and a son named Roger.

His wife, Isabel, was the daughter of Guillaume de Tancarville. From land records, it is also possible to establish that Guillaume de Nollent’s land lay close to the wealthy Templar site of St. Étienne-de-Renneville founded in 1147 by the Tancarville relative, Robert de Harcourt.
Modern genealogies further add that Guillaume had a grandson named Isambart, a somewhat unusual first name of Gaelic origin meaning “bard of Jesus”, suggesting a celtic origin for the family.

The Final remaining Nolan Home land from Fotharta inchairn to Fotharta Mag Fea are attacked, invaded, and semi conquered by the Normans at the request of the MacMurrough. The Ancient Hill forts are destroyed, the first castles built at streams and rivers diverted, and the Nolans are driven into the Fortests of Wicklow.

1189 AD – 3rd Crusade

1199 AD – Richard the Lion heart dies

Book 9 – Dissolution of the Templar Order and Early Irish Resistance

The Nolans, many allied with the Templars, retreat to the forests and become the noble outlaw kerns, ‘The Wolves of Wicklow’

1291 AD, the fall of Acre in Palestine, an end to Christian rule in the Holy Land

The fall of Acre in Palestine put an end to Christian rule in the Holy Land and the need for the protection of pilgrims traveling there. Initially there were talks of merging the two military orders of the Templars and the Hospitallers, however such talks were soon overtaken by events in France.

1307 AD – Campaign by the French king to discredit the Templars

By the early 1300s, many lords and sovereigns owed exorbitant amounts to the Templars and were eager to find a way out. Such an avenue presented itself in 1307.
That year, King Philip IV of France, heavily indebted to the Templars, mounted a campaign to discredit the Templar Order. On Friday October 13th, 1307, on charges of immoral behaviour and heresy, thousands of French Templars were swiftly rounded up, imprisoned and often tortured. Multiple trials followed culminating in hundreds of Templars being burnt at the stake.

1312 AD – Order of Knights Templar dissolved

By 1312 all trials had ended and the Pope had agreed to dissolve the Order. The Pope, however, no longer believed that the accused had been heretics. Although they may have committed grave sins, they were not heretics and were absolved of this charge. The damage, however, had been done and the Order’s temporal holdings were reassigned to the Knights Hospitallers.

In England, motivated by similar interests to those in France, Edward II of England publicly ordained in 1307 that all Templars in his dominions be seized and that the Order be suppressed. In Ireland, however, perhaps because of recent military assistance provided by the Knights Templar or a not so flagrant conduct, action against them was delayed. Arrests only began in earnest in 1309 after a reminder had been received from the king.

In 1312 a trial for those arrested was held in Dublin. With great solemnity and before an assembly of high-placed church and state officials, feebly-supported accusations were brought forward and, as if pre-ordained, the final verdict was that the Order of the Knights Templar should be totally abolished in Ireland. With the death knoll having been struck, Irish Templars still at large in Ireland were left to fend for themselves, finding refuge wherever they could

1329 AD – Richard O Nolan offers resistance to English incursion

Richard O’Nolan, son of Philip (O’Nolan chief killed in 1327?), and a few trusted knights made a daring attempt to rescue the king of Leinster, Donald Art MacMurrough (Kavanagh), who was being kept by the English. The king having been moved, the attempt failed but Richard took along a few high-ranking hostages and retreated to the security of Forth O’Nolan.

In an attempt to disconcert the O’Nolans, the English now raided Nolan territory intent on burning and laying to waste whatever they could not carry off. However, encountering stiff resistance and incurring heavy losses, they retreated to Gowran (Kilkenny) to regroup and refit. In the meantime, Richard with his hostages, by a circuitous route, withdrew to the Cistercian Abbey at Graiguenamanagh where the O’Nolans had “loyal friends” who, in light of events leading up to this point, we suspect that that these were former Templar knights from Ballymoon castle (“suppressed” in 1308) taking refuge in the Cistercian Abbey. In November 1329, the English finally caught up with Richard who, at length, despite valiant efforts by his small band of knights, was compelled to surrender, offering up his son as a hostage.

Subsequent to this incident, the Abbot was charged with harbouring felons and, as for Richard, without any apparent provocation, in January 1330, he was attacked by an unknown party and killed.

1349 AD – Poem in “Book of Fermoy” regarding “The Desires of Cormac Mac Airt”

Fol. 76. i. line 11. A poem headed [“…gaelic text…”] , “The Desires of Cormac Mac Airt.” It begins
[“…gaelic text…”], “The desire of Cormac of the house of Tara, a soldier mild towards
his Lord.”

The poem consists of twelve stanzas, and is here anonymous ; but O’Reilly attributes it to Flaithri, son of Cormac’s brehon Fithil, which is ridiculous. Copies of it are common, but this is an old and valuable one.
Ibid, line 12 from bottom.

A poem of eleven stanzas, headed, [“…gaelic text…”], ” Earl Gerald that composed the little hateful things down here.” This was Gerald, fourth Earl of Desmond, who succeeded his half-brother in 1349. He died, or was murdered, 1397.

Reference: “Book of Fermoy”, p. 33 (see https://ia601605.us.archive.org/6/items/3762905/3762905.pdf )

POSTSCRIPT: Text Reference from millenium Nolan book

Eochaidh Fionn and the “Seven Fothartas”

• According to Keating’s History of Ireland, Eochaidh Fionn, son of Feidlimidh Reachtmhar, High King of Ireland, 111-129 AD, and descendant of the 4th century BC High King, Ugaine Mór, was called upon by his father to help Cú Chorb, the then King of Leinster, to halt the advance of invading Munstermen who, by then, had encroached far into Leinster territory. Organizing and mobilizing a large army with the help of his foster son, Laoighseach Cean More, Eochaidh, after very many battles, successfully chased the Munstermen out of Leinster.

• In recognition, the King of Leinster rewarded Eochaidh and his foster son with extensive lands in Leinster. Eochaidh received “in perpetuity” what later became known as the “seven Fothartas”, two of which survive in name as the modern baronies of Forth in Co. Carlow and Forth in Co. Wexford. For his part, Laoighseach (the ancestor of the O’Mores) received what later became known as the “seven Laoighises”, lands in modern-day Co. Laois.

Cathair Mór, Conn of the Hundred Battles and Eochaidh Fionn

• After the death of Feidlimidh around 129 AD, the kings of Ireland assembled at Tara, and elected Cathair Mór, King of Leinster, as the new Monarch of Ireland. This decision, however, does not seem to have pleased Conn of the Hundred Battles, who as eldest son of Feidlimidh, must have coveted the high kingship left vacant by his father’s death. Within three years, through battle, Conn had wrested the high kingship away from Cathair Mór who died in battle defending it.
  According to historians, Cathair Mór was buried on Ballon Hill. Supporting this belief is the fact that when Ballon Hill was excavated in the mid-1800s many prehistoric funerary urns were found. Most of the artifacts unearthed now reside in Dublin, but modern-day visitors to Ballon Hill can still observe a large triangular-shaped stone, standing eight feet above ground and known locally as the “Stone of the Dead” or Cloghan-na-Marbhan. Because of its shape local children also know it as the “sliding stone”.

• So many years later, it is difficult to know exactly what role Eochaidh played in deposing Catháir Mor as high king. However, previous and succeeding events suggest that he sided with Catháir Mor or, at least, was not involved. As we saw earlier, Eochaidh led the high king’s armies against the Munstermen who had invaded Leinster, indicating that he was the leader of the Fianna, a warrior band charged with protecting the high king and the kingdom. Thus, around 130 AD, when the Irish chiefs elected Cathair Mór as the new high king, Eochaidh would have been duty bound to protect the new high king. Furthermore, some historians believe that Eochaidh was the firstborn son of Feidlimidh and, as such, had his own designs on becoming, one day, high king. Lending credence to this belief is the fact that, in 157 AD, after the Battle of Moylena, Eochaidh, aided by a third brother named Fiachaidh, killed two of Conn’s sons, Conla and Crionna, and arranged Conn’s murder.

• Upon Conn’s death, Conaire, one of Conn’s son-in-laws, became high king, and upon his death, some 8 years later, around 165 AD, Conn’s remaining son, Art Aoinfhear, assumed the high kingship. As High King, Art Aoinfhear (i.e. Art the Melancholy) could now exact revenge for the killing of his two brothers. Banning from Tara his two uncles, Eochaidh and Fiachaidh, he initiated a period of conflict which pitted, for many years, the forces of the high king against those of his uncles and the Leinstermen.

• Over time, Eochaidh resettled in Leinster where he had earlier been granted extensive lands and became known to history as Eochaidh Fionn Fuathairt ( i.e. Eochaidh the fair, hateful towards Art).