Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1324, Connacht experienced a decisive dynastic reversal when Toirrdelbach Ó Conchobair killed Cathal Ó Conchobair in Tír Briúin na Sinna in autumn and was recognised as king. Cathal, ruler since 1318, had long contested power with his rival amid Gaelic and Anglo-Irish pressures. Annála Connacht also recorded the continuing Mael Domnaig cattle murrain throughout Ireland, a severe but undiagnosed epizootic threatening food, farming, transport, wealth and lordship. John Darcy, newly appointed justiciar, administered English-controlled jurisdictions under Edward II, where common law, Dublin ordinances and local usages coexisted. Sparse annalistic evidence portrays political succession and rural vulnerability as closely intertwined.
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Archived: 24 October 2026
Abstract
In 1321, Irish annals recorded an unprecedented cattle murrain across Ireland, corroborated in Connacht, Ulster and Munster, where famine was also noted. The disease, of unknown cause, destroyed vital sources of food, labour, wealth and political obligation, exposing fragile recovery after earlier war and subsistence crises. Conflict nevertheless continued: Cathal Ó Conchobair destroyed the Rock of Loch Key and rivals were killed; Oriel endured dynastic mutilation and assassination involving Dundalk; Meath forces defeated Offaly chiefs; and a Munster hosting sought castles and hostages. These events reveal local, interwoven Gaelic and settler politics, but cattle mortality remained the year’s island-wide calamity.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1133, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair’s disputed high-kingship faced a Munster invasion of Connacht, which killed an heir but secured no submission. He later agreed a year’s truce with Conchobar Ua Briain, while Mide and Bréifne destroyed his Athlone bridge and fort. Feuds in Mide, Leinster and Fine Gall brought assassinations, reprisals, raids and the burning of Lusk church. Regional conflicts, deaths and accidents continued. Armagh’s succession remained divided between reformer Malachy and Muirchertach mac Domnaill. Clerical visits, learned figures and burnings featured in the annals. A devastating cattle and pig murrain damaged Ireland’s economy; an August solar eclipse was recorded.
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