Imlech Pich’s New Order
Archived: 2 November 2026
Abstract
In 688 CE, a battle remembered as Imlech Pich exposed the fragility of power in Brega, the politically important plain north of the River Liffey. The early Irish annals agree on the core result: Niall son of Cernach Sotal defeated Congalach son of Conaing; Dub dá Inber, king of Ard Cianachta, and Uarchride, king of Conaille Muirthemne, were killed; Congalach escaped. They also record the death of Ségéne, bishop of Armagh, and state that the high-king Fínnechta Fledach entered clerical life. These are unusually consequential notices for one year, but they require careful handling. No annal supplies a day, a