Affrica and Seredmag
Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
An annalistic dossier assigned to 742 by the Annals of Ulster, but often dated 743, records intense political, ecclesiastical and social change in Ireland. At Seredmag near Kells, Domnall Midi defeated and killed Áed Allán, gaining wider kingship and strengthening Clann Cholmáin against Cenél nÉogain. Other regional battles and killings reveal widespread instability. Deaths of Affrica of Kildare and abbots of Rechru and Mag Bile marked ecclesiastical successions. Suanach’s law was enacted, and relics of Trian of Cell Delge travelled on circuit. The annals also report widespread bolgach, probably a smallpox-like disease, showing warfare, religious authority and illness shaped communities.