Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1249, conflict swept across Ireland’s fragmented political landscape. Justiciar John FitzGeoffrey punished resistant Leinster rulers and, with Maurice FitzGerald, invaded Connacht, devastated Ó Conchobair lands and installed Toirrdelbach Ó Conchobair in place of King Fedlimid. Fighting also afflicted Desmond and Ossory, while dynastic raids and counter-raids unsettled north-west Connacht. Fedlimid safeguarded his movable wealth beyond the Shannon as royal forces plundered territories and Loch Cé. On 15 August, Connacht princes attacked Anglo-Norman Athenry but were routed by Jordan de Exeter’s armoured sortie; Áed Ó Conchobair and many allies died. Annals also record notable ecclesiastical deaths, hospitality, learning, and chronology.
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Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1246, newly built Sligo Castle became a focus of conflict between Maurice FitzGerald's expanding Anglo-Irish power and Máel Sechlainn Ó Domhnaill of Tír Chonaill. After attackers burned Sligo's enclosure but failed to seize the castle on 1 November, its garrison hanged two hostages, Ó Domhnaill's foster-father and foster-brother. FitzGerald also sought to reshape northern politics through Cormac Ó Conchobair and hostage-taking. Elsewhere during that turbulent year, John Fitz Geoffrey became justiciar; Connacht dynastic prisoners escaped, were recaptured, or were killed; bishops changed at Elphin and Armagh; Drumlane burned; Oriel suffered violence; and a stranded whale enriched coastal Sligo communities.
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Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1245, Maurice fitz Gerald, justiciar of Ireland, built Sligo Castle with Síl Muiredaig, compelling King Fedlimid Ó Conchobair of Connacht to meet much of the cost and appropriating ecclesiastical materials. The fortress strengthened lordship over strategic north-western routes. Other castles at Áth an Chip and Caisleán Suicín reflected intensified frontier militarisation. Fedlimid joined Henry III’s Welsh campaign, gaining royal recognition despite continuing Anglo-Irish pressure. Maurice was replaced by John fitz Geoffrey. Church disputes, killings, raids and successions revealed regional instability, while Elphin’s episcopal dispute reached Pope Innocent IV at Lyons. Severe snow before Christmas disrupted travel, livelihoods and supplies.
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Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1244, Connacht experienced intertwined political, ecclesiastical and social crises. Cú Chonnacht Ó Raghallaigh blinded and emasculated the captive dynast Tadc Ó Conchobair, prompting King Fedlimid’s large retaliatory hosting into Breifne. At Fenagh, troops accidentally caused a foster-child’s death; compensation disputes ended when Magnus son of Muirchertach died during a flooded retreat, followed by payments in horses and silver measured by the Bell of the Kings. Tadc’s brothers died, while lords, clerics and poet Donnchad Mór Ó Dálaigh also perished. Tuam burned, Elphin’s episcopal election divided, and Dublin officials audited treasury accounts, illustrating Ireland’s overlapping Gaelic, ecclesiastical and Anglo-Irish authorities.
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Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1240, one journey gave Irish politics an unusually direct connection with the court of King Henry III of England. Feidlim Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht, crossed the sea to present his case before the English king. The Annals of Connacht state plainly that he went to complain of the Galls and Gaels of Ireland: that is, of both the Anglo-Norman settlers and lords commonly called ‘Foreigners’ in Irish chronicles, and Irish opponents. The annalists say that Henry received him with great honour and that Feidlim returned safely, cheerful and satisfied. The brief notice does not preserve the arguments, concessions
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