Related Archive: Cenél nÉogain

The Red Earl’s Hostages

Archived: 24 October 2026

Abstract

In 1295, Ireland remained divided among Anglo-Irish lordships, Gaelic kingdoms and church lands, where authority depended on negotiation, hostages and armed force. At Kilkenny, Richard de Burgh, the Red Earl, was released after hostages guaranteed a settlement with John fitz Thomas FitzGerald. Thomas fitz Maurice, acting as royal keeper, secured temporary submissions from Wicklow groups through fines and hostages. John Wogan became justiciar, tasked with preparing Irish resources for Edward I’s Scottish war. Annals also record dynastic killings, contested successions, plunder and expulsions in northern and southern regions, revealing persistent regional conflict despite royal efforts to restore order and stability.

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707 CE

Indrechtach of Muirisc

Archived: 13 October 2026

Abstract

Annals for 707 record political, ecclesiastical and environmental developments in a divided, rural Ireland. Indrechtach mac Dúnchado, overking of Connacht, was killed by northern Uí Néill leaders and allies, demonstrating continuing rivalry without proving conquest. Congal Cennmagair, king of Tara, led a host against Leinster, though no outcome is known. Dúnchad became superior of Iona, reinforcing the monastery’s Irish Sea importance, while Bishop Coibdenach of Ardstraw died and Béc of Bairche undertook religious pilgrimage. Two northern tremors occurred in December. These sparse notices illuminate interconnected kingship, church networks, mobility and agrarian society, while leaving everyday conditions largely unrecorded to historians.

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