Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
The best-documented Irish event of 1429 was a major defeat at Achadh Cille Móire, now generally identified with Aghakilmore in County Cavan. It was not a battle between two neatly bounded nations. Rather, it grew from the shifting alliances, rival branches and armed followings that shaped lordship in the Breifne borderlands. The annals place it firmly in this year, while their differing emphases also reveal why a single encounter could matter far beyond the field on which it was fought. War in Breifne The Annals of Ulster report a “great war” between Tadhg Ua Ruairc (O’Rourke) and Eóghan Ua Raighillaigh
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1426, Ireland comprised overlapping English, Gaelic and Gaelicised jurisdictions rather than a unified state. Naghtan O'Donnell was ransomed from English captivity by his brother Niall, who provided extensive property and hostages; Turlough O'Donnell subsequently escaped with four fellow hostages. Annals record successions, deaths and kin violence, including O'Brien inauguration, Mac Mahon’s killing, and O'Conor losses. Reconciliation between Owen O'Neill and O'Neill aimed to recover alienated lands. Learned historians, hospitality, penance and plague also feature. Dublin received royal compensation for earlier military service, while an Ormond deed leased Kilkenny mills, demonstrating administrative, economic and seigneurial institutions alongside regional personal power.
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1425, Edmund Mortimer, the king’s lieutenant and earl of March and Ulster, died suddenly at Trim while pursuing agreements with northern Gaelic lords. His death undermined a fragile settlement, followed by arrests of visitors and worsening Ulster conflict. James Butler, earl of Ormond, became lieutenant and negotiated written alliances with the Meic Mathghamhna and Éoghan Ó Néill. In Connacht, Toirrdelbach Ruad Ó Conchobair died and Cathal, son of Ruaidrí, succeeded amid violence. Brian Ballach Mac Uí Néill Buidhe was killed at Carrickfergus. Severe winter weather devastated cattle, crops and people, while records showed religious and learned life across Ireland.
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1424, Ireland’s political map was defined less by a single national struggle than by a series of overlapping lordships, rival dynasties and negotiated allegiances. The English crown governed most directly from Dublin and its surrounding lordship, but royal office depended upon the cooperation of magnates whose power reached well beyond the formal limits of crown administration. Gaelic rulers, Hiberno-Irish dynasties and English settlers all made and remade local political worlds through warfare, tribute, marriage, submission and the possession of castles. The year is especially notable for the arrival in Ireland of Edmund Mortimer, earl of March and Ulster, as
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Archived: 20 October 2026
Abstract
In 1423, Ireland was shaped by competing Gaelic lordships and a weakened English administration. Domnall and Eóghan Ó Néill, with Niall Garbh Ó Domhnaill, led an Ulster coalition through Louth into Meath, defeating forces associated with the king’s deputy and securing tribute and agreements. Niall Garbh also built Ath Seanaigh castle at Ballyshannon, reinforcing his new rule in Tír Chonaill after his father’s death. Dublin government was divided by disputes among Mortimer’s deputies and Richard Talbot. In Connacht, Uilleag de Burgh died, while Uí Maine underwent a violent succession. Clerical and scholarly obituaries reveal intertwined religious, hereditary and political authority.
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