Cormac’s Eighty Ferryings
Archived: 28 October 2026
Abstract
In 907, Cormac mac Cuilennáin, king-bishop of Cashel, and Flaithbertach mac Inmainén led Munster forces through the midlands, challenging Flann Sinna and Uí Néill influence. Annals record fighting at Mag Léna, the death of Máel Craíbe of Cenél Fiachrach, Connacht hostages, and fleet-borne plundering around Lough Ree. Their Christmas campaign reached Uí Néill territories, Mag Aí and Clonmacnoise, requiring eighty ferryings, an uncertain phrase indicating arduous transport. These expeditions demonstrated Munster’s mobile, alliance-based power without creating unified rule. Cét became king of Corcu Modruad locally. Mortality is noted cautiously in Ulster’s annals; Cormac’s defeat came the following year in 908.