O’Donnell’s Wicker Bridge
Archived: 19 October 2026
In 1483, Conn O’Neill was released from captivity, inaugurated lord of Tír Eógain, and entered a major conflict with Aodh Ruadh O’Donnell. O’Donnell’s coalition, including Clandeboye forces, raided the Dundalk district, burned Traghbhaile and Baile-Lugh-mhaigh, defeated Kildare’s pursuing army, and exacted protection payments. Returning through Tír Eógain, it cleared woodland and built a wicker bridge across the Abhann Mór, escaping pursuit. Other conflicts occurred across Ireland, while bishops and learned hereditary officials died or succeeded. English dynastic change brought Richard III’s accession, but Kildare remained deputy. The annals depict interconnected lordships, warfare, landscape, church institutions, learning, and local livelihoods alike.