Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1447, Ireland’s divided political worlds were linked by conflict, administration, religion and epidemic disease. Domnall Ballach Maguire was killed amid Fermanagh succession rivalry, while Hugh Maguire and Breifne constable Cormac Mac Cába also died. At Trim, Lord Lieutenant John Talbot imprisoned Feidhlimidh Ua Raghallaigh, who later died of plague and was buried in the Franciscan friary. Talbot’s parliament regulated trade, officials, coinage and English dress. Plague caused heavy mortality across several provinces, affecting clergy, lords, lawyers and scholars. Meanwhile, Thomas Óg Maguire rebuilt Aghalurcher church, and an Ó Mórdha lord founded a Franciscan burial house in Laoighis for descendants.
Read Article
Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1415 Irish annals recorded fragmented connected conflicts across lordship Ireland. John Talbot, Lord Furnival, the king’s lieutenant, campaigned through Leix, Oriel and other districts, seizing a castle, killing or taking livestock, and executing Gerald of Geraldine descent. Chroniclers condemned his plundering of poets and alleged disregard for churches and sanctuaries. In Umhall, rivalry within the O’Malley kindred culminated in Aed O’Malley’s defeat and death, enabling Diarmait to assume the lordship. A January night attack at Cloonshee killed Tomaltach O’Birn and devastated a household. Annals noted clerical deaths, burial, capture, ransom, and cultural commemoration, depicting authority as mobile and coercive.
Read Article
Archived: 21 October 2026
Abstract
In 1414 Ireland experienced overlapping warfare, political manoeuvre, disaster and disease. Murchad Ó Conchobair and Fergal Ruad Mac Eochagáin defeated English forces from Meath at Cill Echi, killing prominent clergy and nobles and securing ransoms. In Tír Eógain, hostage exchanges restored Domhnall Ó Néill, while Mac Diarmata lordship changed hands. Fighting between Mac Murchadha rulers and Wexford forces brought capture, burning, plunder and further hostages. Sir John Stanley died, John Talbot became lieutenant and arrived late in the year. A candle fire destroyed Sligo’s Dominican monastery; a dean died; plague was reported in Meath and Leinster. Annalistic discrepancies require caution.
Read Article
